FCC delays NCE Translator filing window until November, 2026
Originally requested by academic, Tribal and community media interests, REC supports this delay as it is consistent with past NCE filing windows.
The Media Bureau at the Federal Communications Commission released a Public Notice to advise of new timeline dates for the upcoming 2026 NCE Reserved Band FM Translator Filing Window (FX2026).
The new timeline is as follows:
August 3, 2026: Form 2100, Schedule 345, the form for new FM Translator Construction Permits is expected to be active in LMS for application staging. The functionality to submit an application will be disabled until the designated filing window.
October 2, 2026 at 11:59PM EDT: Filing freeze will go into effect for reserved and non-reserved band LPFM, FM translator and FM translator booster minor modification applications. You will still be able to file other applications such as license to cover, silent, STA, assignments, transfers and administrative updates.
November 4, 2026 at 12:01AM EST: FX2026 filing window opens.
November 17, 2026 at 6:00PM EST: FX2026 filing window closes and filing freeze on secondary service minor modifications will be lifted.
As such, the new snapshot date on applications will be November 17, 2026.
Why the window was delayed
This extension was first requested by College Broadcasters, Inc. who stated that the extension was necessary because it is not possible to do effective outreach and for applicants to get approvals during the summer months due to staff availability during vacation periods on the academic calendar. Additional letters of support were received by Tribal advocacies including Native Public Media who stated that a delay would better align with Tribal governmental processes and by the Community Media Access Project (C-MAP) who stated that nonprofit and volunteer organizations may require more time to green light projects through their internal governance. REC also made letters of support to Commission staff on this issue.
REC supports a delay until November. A November window date is consistent with the filing window dates for the past 2021 NCE (Full-service) Reserved Band Filing Window and was the original timeframe for the 2023 LPFM Filing Window before it was delayed until December, 2023. The Bureau noted that they do not anticipate delaying the window any further in the future. REC has already stated on record that we will not support a delay that would put the window in the 2027 calendar year.
This delay will also provide additional time for the agency to make available the Schedule 345 form in LMS, which was originally scheduled to be available for staging applications on July 1 but was delayed due to technical difficulties. It will also allow the agency more time to consider REC’s inquiry in regards to the Diversity of Ownership preference points criteria stated in the previous public notice. On the diversity point issue, the Bureau stated that they “may issue a future Public Notice” to provide additional guidance and clarification, as appropriate.
Risks of delaying the window
Delaying the filing window will further the risk that more new construction permit applications for Low Power TV and TV Translator stations specifying operation on channel 6 (82~88 MHz) could be granted which may make it difficult for those located inside or very close to the 47 dBu F(50, 50) contour of such granted facilities. As of July 7, 2026, new construction permits for secondary TV channel 6 facilities have already been granted in two locations (Boise, ID and Townsend, MT). There are approximately 102 pending applications for new construction permits for secondary channel 6 TV stations.
Delaying the filing window will also provide full-service NCE and commercial stations to make modifications that may foreclose on a translator opportunity. For FM translator proposals on 91.5, 91.7 and 91.9, full-service modifications could have impacts from commercial band applications filed for 92.1, 92.3 and 92.5. Modifications specifying operation on 98.7 to 102.7 may impact the ability for a translator to operate more than 99 watts ERP. There are no filing freezes that will take place for modifications of primary full-service FM facilities.
Impact on REC operations
This delay does not change our service offerings including limits on paid applications filed in the window. This change does give REC more breathing room to conduct studies and reach out to potential applicants who have previously reached out to REC with a show of interest.
REC is still accepting shows of interest by both full-service and LPFM entities. Those requests may be made via email to lpfm@recnet.com. Show of interest requests will not be accepted by phone call nor by Facebook Messenger. In order for a request to be considered and placed in the queue, it must identify one or more sites and include the following information:
Call sign (or facility ID) of station being rebroadcast by the translator.
Location of proposed translator site (geographic coordinates, street address or antenna structure registration number).
Overall height of the tower from ground level (if on a rooftop, also add in the height from the ground to the roof).
How the tower will be mounted (free standing tower, rooftop, water tank, etc.)
What heights are available on the tower for the placement of the antenna (if you are using a major tower company such as American Tower, SBA or Crown Castle, contact their agent to determine which “levels” are available on the tower).
Maximum number of bays you will be able to use (both based on tower limitations and budgets).
If you are willing to use a directional antenna.
Which communities are you looking to serve with the translator.
Please note that on the LPFM side, it may take a month or more for a response from us due to the time that it takes to conduct the searches necessary to determine available spectrum. Please be patient as we have received many inquiries.
Full service FM station inquiries will have priority until further notice.
As of June 29, 2026, REC is no longer offering a “docs only” option for applications. For more information on rates, risks and conditions of this offer, please see the REC Rate Card for 2026 NCE FM Translator Filing Window.
If you have any questions in regards to FM translators and the filing window, please email to lpfm@recnet.com. Make sure you include a phone number in case I need to reach you in connection with the question.
REC is only accepting serious requests. We will not be able to accommodate questions such as “are there translator channels available in my area” or “where can I put a translator”.