Supreme Court Upholds FCC's Authority to Impose Fines on Wireless Carriers

On June 4, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered an 8-1 decision affirming the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) authority to impose fines on wireless carriers AT&T and Verizon for unauthorized sale of customer location data. The ruling confirms that the FCC's in-house proceedings for levying penalties do not violate the carriers' constitutional right to a jury trial.

Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, stated that the FCC's forfeiture orders do not definitively resolve the parties' legal obligations and that the commission's factual findings are not conclusive. Therefore, the process does not offend the Constitution by issuing fines without a jury's involvement.

This decision reinforces the FCC's regulatory power and sets a precedent for how administrative agencies can enforce compliance through internal proceedings. Wireless carriers and other regulated entities are advised to review their data handling practices to ensure adherence to FCC regulations and avoid substantial penalties.