Data / Federal rules / 2026-18282
Unleashing Unlicensed Spectrum for Direct-to-Device
The Federal Communications Commission published this proposed rule in the Federal Register on September 8, 2026. It takes effect on November 9, 2026. Comments are due by December 7, 2026.
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What the agency says
The Federal Communications Commission (Commission or FCC) issues a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposes to expand opportunities for direct-to-device (D2D) communications by permitting certain unlicensed devices to communicate with satellites on a non-interference basis. Building on recent market growth and new industry investment in D2D technologies, 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.
Key facts
- Document number
- 2026-18282
- Type
- Proposed rule
- Action
- Proposed rule
- Agency
- Federal Communications Commission
- Published
- September 8, 2026
- Takes effect
- November 9, 2026
- Comments due
- December 7, 2026
- Dates
- Comments are due on or before November 9, 2026 and reply comments are due on or before December 7, 2026.
- Docket
- ET Docket No. 26-169; FCC 26-51; FR ID 364887
- Code of Federal Regulations
- 47 CFR 2
- Topics
- Communications; Communications equipment; Satellites; Telecommunications
- Pages
- 15
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Everything from the Federal Communications Commission · Rules on communications · Rules on communications equipment · Rules on satellites · Published in September 2026
Read from the Federal Register API, last updated 2026-10-23. The document on federalregister.gov is the official record; dates and dockets can change through later corrections. Free to reuse with credit to SpecStream under CC BY 4.0.