FBI Installs New Antennas at Trump-Branded Properties
The agency is upgrading infrastructure to fix signal interference issues dating back to a 2015 spectrum auction.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Telecommunications
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On September 1, 2026, the Department of Justice awarded a $72,525 contract to NAMSI LLC for the installation of surveillance antennas. The FBI is currently installing these systems at Trump Plaza in New Rochelle and Trump World Tower in New York City to address ongoing transmission issues.
Why it matters
These installations mitigate signal interference caused by the 2015 FCC AWS-3 spectrum auction. The agency is now addressing connectivity gaps at 35 to 45 sites to ensure reliable operation of its surveillance infrastructure.
The ACRx system uses 1755-1780 MHz spectrum to maintain video surveillance links. The agency plans to roll out 6 to 10 new antenna installations annually to complete repairs across 35 to 45 total sites.
The players
FBI
The primary domestic intelligence and security service of the United States which operates the ACRx surveillance system.
NAMSI LLC
A private contractor that manages site access and equipment installation for federal agencies.
Trump Organization
The conglomerate that manages Trump World Tower and formerly managed Trump Plaza.
The details
The FBI utilizes a no-bid contracting process to secure roof access through private property managers for its ACRx equipment. This specialized hardware is necessary to restore communication clarity disrupted by the repurposing of the 1755-1780 MHz band following the 2015 AWS-3 airwaves auction. The process involves physical installation of antenna arrays on high-rise structures, which the agency identifies as optimal vantage points for its monitoring operations.
Timeline
2015: FCC auctioned AWS-3 airwaves.
2020: DEA began contracting with NAMSI for Trump World Tower.
2021: The Trump Organization stopped managing Trump Plaza.
2022: FBI ACRx antenna installed atop Trump World Tower.
September 1, 2026: DOJ awarded $72,525 contract to NAMSI.
The Tech Race
The agency is working to resolve long-term transmission degradation that followed the 2015 FCC AWS-3 airwaves auction. These installations represent a broader effort to reclaim signal performance in crowded urban spectrum environments.
There is no direct impact on public wireless services or local resident connectivity. The agency plans to complete infrastructure fixes at 35 to 45 sites in the coming years.
The takeaway
The agency is prioritizing consistent surveillance uptime as it addresses decade-old interference issues. Observers should track the annual completion rate of 6 to 10 sites as the FBI attempts to reach its target of 45 total installations.
Further reading
For broader trends in federal spectrum management, see our coverage in Telecommunications.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Washington Sun.
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