Plan
FCC Proposes Unlicensed Spectrum Access for Satellite Direct-to-Device Communications
The FCC has launched a rulemaking to allow certain unlicensed devices to communicate with satellites on a non-interference basis, building on recent market growth in direct-to-device technologies.
What the NPRM Proposes
The Federal Communications Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on August 6, 2026, and released it on August 7, 2026, in ET Docket No. 26-169 (FCC 26-51), proposing to expand opportunities for direct-to-device (D2D) communications. The NPRM proposes to permit certain unlicensed devices to communicate with satellites on a non-interference basis, building on what the Commission describes as recent market growth and new industry investment in D2D technologies.
Key Proposals and Regulatory Mechanism
The NPRM explores three principal regulatory changes: 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 states that the framework is designed to ensure coexistence with existing services. The affected regulation is 47 CFR Part 2. The Commission seeks comment on technical, licensing, and policy considerations to support expanded D2D connectivity.
Procedural Structure
The proceeding is designated as a "permit-but-disclose" proceeding under the Commission's ex parte rules. The Commission has prepared an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) concerning the potential impact on small entities, which is set forth in Appendix B of the NPRM. The Commission specifically invites the general public, and particularly small businesses, to comment on the IRFA, with comments due by the same deadlines as those for the NPRM. The document does not contain proposed information collections subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
What to Watch
- Comments due: November 9, 2026 — Initial public comments on the NPRM must be filed on or before this date.
- Reply comments due: December 7, 2026 — Reply comments must be filed on or before this date.
- The full text of the NPRM is available at https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-26-51A1.pdf, and a summary will be posted at https://www.fcc.gov/proposed-rulemakings consistent with the Providing Accountability Through Transparency Act.
Related
Sources
14 citedEvery hard fact above is grounded in and cited to a primary source record.
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The FCC adopted the NPRM on August 6, 2026, and released it on August 7, 2026.
federalregister.gov -
The NPRM is designated ET Docket No. 26-169, FCC 26-51.
federalregister.gov -
The NPRM proposes to permit certain unlicensed devices to communicate with satellites on a non-interference basis.
federalregister.gov -
The Commission cites recent market growth and new industry investment in D2D technologies as background for the proposal.
federalregister.gov -
The NPRM explores adding satellite allocations in specific unlicensed bands.
federalregister.gov -
The NPRM explores clarifying that equipment may operate within spacecraft.
federalregister.gov -
The NPRM proposes establishing a flexible regulatory framework that preserves incumbent operations while enabling continued innovation.
federalregister.gov -
The affected regulation is 47 CFR Part 2.
federalregister.gov -
The proceeding is designated as a 'permit-but-disclose' proceeding under the Commission's ex parte rules.
federalregister.gov -
The Commission prepared an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) set forth in Appendix B of the NPRM.
federalregister.gov -
The document does not contain proposed information collections subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
federalregister.gov -
Comments are due on or before November 9, 2026.
federalregister.gov -
Reply comments are due on or before December 7, 2026.
federalregister.gov -
The full text of the NPRM is available at https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-26-51A1.pdf.
federalregister.gov