FCC proposes unlicensed spectrum for direct-to-device satellite communications

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed a rule to expand direct-to-device (D2D) communications by permitting certain unlicensed devices to communicate with satellites on a non-interference basis. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), published in the Federal Register of September 8, 2026 (Vol. 91, No. 172, Proposed Rules, p. 57110), was adopted on August 6, 2026, and released on August 7, 2026, under ET Docket No. 26–169, FCC 26–51, and FR ID 364887, amending 47 CFR Part 2.

What the proposal covers

The NPRM explores adding satellite allocations in specific unlicensed bands, clarifying that equipment may operate within spacecraft, and establishing a flexible regulatory framework that preserves incumbent operations while enabling continued innovation. The Commission seeks comment on technical, licensing, and policy considerations to support expanded D2D connectivity and ensure coexistence with existing services.

The proposal would allow devices operating in more than 200 megahertz of spectrum available for unlicensed devices to communicate with satellites authorized to provide service in the United States. The Commission examines reforms to enable devices operating in some of the Part 15 bands to communicate with FCC-authorized satellites, whether on an uplink or downlink basis, and proposes to clarify that equipment authorized under the Part 15 rules is permitted within FCC-authorized spacecraft.

Bands and technical parameters

The Commission proposes and seeks comment on rule modifications to enable devices operating under the Part 15 technical rules to communicate with satellites in the Earth-to-space and space-to-Earth directions. Key technical elements include:

• The 2400–2483.5 MHz and 5725–5850 MHz bands, which allow unlicensed devices to operate at higher power without airborne restrictions or satellite allocations (except the 5830–5850 MHz amateur satellite downlink).
• Unlicensed devices may generally transmit with up to 4 watts (36 dBm) EIRP in these bands, enabling high-data-rate connectivity over longer ranges.
• Devices operating under Part 15 include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth transmitters, medical imaging devices, wireless microphones, automobile and garage-door opener remotes, and IoT sensors.

The Commission intends to preserve the operational status quo for incumbent and authorized services, as well as for terrestrial Part 15 devices, and to let industry experiment within a regulatory sandbox under flexible, non-interference-based rules rather than rigid licensing.

Market context

The NPRM notes a transformative wave of investment and innovation in D2D technology, with American companies leading the way. Key figures cited in the document include:

• More than $100 billion in projected revenues across all D2D and IoT segments by 2034.
• More than $40 billion invested in the American space economy for D2D over the last 18 months.
• In 2025, SpaceX acquired 65 megahertz of D2D spectrum from EchoStar for $19.6 billion.
• AST announced a $550 million agreement to use L-band spectrum licensed to Ligado.
• Amazon and RocketLab struck separate deals collectively totaling nearly $20 billion to acquire Globalstar and Iridium, respectively, including their D2D spectrum portfolios.

The Commission says it intends to allow the current wave of D2D experimentation and dynamism to unfold, consistent with the principles of technological neutrality and regulatory humility, to secure America’s leadership in D2D.

Comment deadlines

Comments are due on or before November 9, 2026, and reply comments are due on or before December 7, 2026. Comments may be filed using the Commission’s Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS), identified by ET Docket No. 26–169. The full text of the NPRM is available for public inspection and can be downloaded at https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-26-51A1.pdf. The contact for further information is Hugh L. Van Tuyl of the Office of Engineering and Technology.

The proposal could reshape how consumers and businesses connect, allowing everyday unlicensed devices to reach satellites directly and complementing existing cellular coverage in areas with inadequate service. By eliminating the burden and cost of obtaining a spectrum license, the rule would spur innovation in new devices and applications that coexist with licensed and unlicensed services, giving readers another option for connectivity.

Source: Federal Register, Vol. 91, No. 172, September 8, 2026, Proposed Rules, p. 57110 (official reference: ET Docket No. 26–169; FCC 26–51; FR Doc. 2026–18282).