FCC Approves Rules to Expand 900 MHz Band to 10 MHz
Rhea-AI Summary
Anterix (NASDAQ: ATEX) said the FCC on Feb 18, 2026 unanimously adopted a Report and Order to expand the 900 MHz broadband segment from 6 MHz to 10 MHz in a 5x5 configuration. The decision follows a joint petition by Anterix and a coalition of utilities and technology partners.
The company says the expansion unlocks higher-capacity, low-band private broadband for mission-critical uses across utilities, critical infrastructure, and other sectors, and positions 900 MHz as a foundational layer for private operational connectivity.
Positive
- FCC R&O adopted unanimously on Feb 18, 2026 expanding 900 MHz to 10 MHz
- 5x5 configuration enabled, increasing broadband capacity from 6 MHz to 10 MHz
- Coalition support from major utilities and industry groups backed the petition
Negative
- None.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
ATEX is up 6.05% on the FCC ruling, while peers are mixed: CABO +11.1%, SHEN +2.73%, ATUS +1.7%, SIFY -1.26%, and WOW flat, suggesting a company-specific catalyst rather than a broad telecom move.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 11 | Earnings release | Positive | +3.0% | Q3 FY2026 results with contracted proceeds, liquidity, and pipeline detail. |
| Feb 03 | Earnings call setup | Neutral | +2.3% | Scheduling of Q3 FY2026 earnings conference call and webcast details. |
| Feb 03 | Brand refresh | Positive | -3.3% | New brand unveiled at DISTRIBUTECH 2026 highlighting 900 MHz spectrum role. |
| Feb 02 | Customer deal | Positive | +4.5% | CPS Energy 900 MHz spectrum sale for private wireless grid connectivity. |
| Jan 27 | FCC vote plan | Positive | +10.3% | FCC Chairman announcement of upcoming vote to expand 900 MHz to 10 MHz. |
Positive regulatory and commercial news has often coincided with favorable price reactions, while branding news drew at least one negative reaction.
Over recent months, Anterix has reported earnings strength and regulatory momentum. On Feb 11, Q3 FY2026 results highlighted contracted proceeds and liquidity, with shares up 3.05%. Earlier in February, a CPS Energy spectrum deal and new branding at DISTRIBUTECH showed commercial and strategic progress, with mixed price reactions (+4.51% and -3.28%). The Jan 27 announcement that the FCC would vote to expand 900 MHz to 10 MHz drove a 10.34% move, directly foreshadowing today’s approval-focused news.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement confirms the FCC’s unanimous approval to expand the 900 MHz broadband segment to 10 MHz in a 5x5 configuration, a key regulatory milestone for Anterix’s private wireless strategy. It builds on January’s vote announcement and recent utility spectrum deals, reinforcing the role of 900 MHz in critical infrastructure connectivity. Investors may monitor future contract wins, license exchanges, and follow-on regulatory developments to gauge how effectively this expanded spectrum position translates into revenue and long-term growth.
Key Terms
federal communications commission (fcc) regulatory
report and order (r&o) regulatory
private wireless broadband technical
mission-critical communications technical
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
Transition to 10 MHz Broadband in 900 MHz Band Builds on Proven Success of Anterix-Enabled Private Wireless Broadband Deployments
WOODLAND PARK, N.J., Feb. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Anterix (NASDAQ: ATEX), the market leader in mission-critical private wireless broadband spectrum, is pleased to report that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has unanimously adopted a groundbreaking Report and Order (R&O), “Maximizing the Potential of the 900 MHz Band,” enabling broadband deployment across the full 10 megahertz of the 900 MHz band, unlocking opportunities for Anterix and its ecosystem of innovators.
The decision by the Commission is the culmination of a joint petition filed by Anterix, alongside a coalition of leading energy and technology organizations including Ameren, Enterprise Wireless Alliance, Evergy, Lower Colorado River Authority, Portland General Electric, San Diego Gas & Electric, Southern Company’s Southern Linc, Utility Broadband Alliance, and Xcel Energy, seeking authority to expand the 900 MHz broadband segment from 6 MHz to a robust 10 MHz 5x5 configuration.
According to the FCC’s press release, “The spectrum resources made available through today’s Commission action will stimulate the American economy by driving innovation by utilities, critical infrastructure, and other sectors.”
“Anterix applauds Chairman Carr, Commissioner Gomez, Commissioner Trusty, and the Commission staff for recognizing the value of modern private broadband communications and that high-quality, low-band spectrum is a finite resource,” said Anterix Chief Regulatory and Corporate Communications Officer Christopher Guttman-McCabe.
“By expanding this band to 10 MHz, the FCC has unlocked a super pipe for mission-critical communications across a range of sectors,” Guttman-McCabe continued. “As our ecosystem of innovators continues to grow, we believe this spectrum is rapidly becoming a gold standard for any entity that cannot afford to share its connectivity with the public or risk its operations on congested bands. Together with the products that Anterix has launched and will launch, as well as the innovation occurring across our ecosystem, the future of this band and the enterprises that adopt it is incredibly bright. The Commission’s vote is a sterling example of sound spectrum policy that is a win-win both for America, as well as for the innovators that will drive value through the evolution and deployment of this spectrum.”
“Enabling broadband across the full 10 MHz of this band expands our opportunity to bring modern connectivity for any device that requires reliable, private, and secure communications,” said Anterix President & CEO Scott Lang. “While this spectrum historically has been the bedrock for utilities, the expansion to 10 MHz signals a new era where 900 MHz is a foundational layer for all critical connectivity. The window of opportunity to secure this unique, high-penetration spectrum is narrowing as more industries recognize that it is the only viable path to true operational sovereignty at scale. I am grateful to the FCC for their efforts to maximize the 900 MHz band.”
More information is available in the FCC’s press release announcing the R&O.
Shareholder Contact
Natasha Vecchiarelli
Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
Anterix
973-531-4397
nvecchiarelli@anterix.com
Media Contact
Paul Gaige
Senior Vice President
Burson
504-957-1434
Paul.Gaige@burson.com
About Anterix
Anterix is transforming how critical infrastructure stays connected. As the market leader in mission-critical private wireless broadband spectrum, Anterix delivers more secure, private 900 MHz licensed spectrum and advanced intelligent infrastructure solutions that enhance efficiency, strengthen resilience, and accelerate digital transformation. Backed by a growing ecosystem of industry-leading partners, Anterix provides the connectivity foundation that powers a more resourceful and resilient future. Learn more at www.anterix.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include statements that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future events or achievements such as statements in this press release related to Anterix’s business, plans and opportunities. Any such forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations of Anterix's management and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause Anterix's actual future results to differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: (i) Anterix may not be successful in commercializing its spectrum assets to its targeted utility and critical infrastructure customers on a timely basis and on favorable terms; (ii) Anterix may be unable to secure broadband licenses from the FCC on a timely and cost-effective basis; and (iii) the value of Anterix's spectrum assets may fluctuate significantly based on supply and demand, as well as technical and regulatory changes. These, and other risks and uncertainties are identified and described in more detail in Anterix's most recent filings on Forms 10-K and 10-Q and in other filings that it makes with the SEC from time to time. These documents are available on Anterix's website at www.anterix.com under the Investor Relations section and on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Accordingly, you should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Except as required by applicable law, Anterix undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein.
FAQ
What did the FCC decide about the 900 MHz band on Feb 18, 2026 for ATEX?
How does the 10 MHz 5x5 change affect Anterix (ATEX) private broadband offerings?
Which organizations joined Anterix in the petition to expand 900 MHz noted by ATEX?
Will the FCC action on 900 MHz change timing or rollout for ATEX products?
What strategic benefit does the 10 MHz expansion provide to ATEX shareholders?
Where can investors find more information about the FCC ruling referenced by ATEX (ATEX)?
