FCC Proposes Expansion of Direct-to-Device (D2D) Connectivity for Unlicensed Devices
Regulatory Body
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the United States, under a proposal by Chairman Brendan Carr.
Overview of Proposed Changes
The FCC has announced a new proceeding aimed at expanding Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite broadband connectivity. The primary objectives of this proposal include:
- Unlicensed D2D Communication: Allowing unlicensed wireless devices to communicate directly with FCC-authorized satellites on both uplink and downlink bases.
- Satellite Integration: Utilizing more than 225 MHz of unlicensed spectrum to support capacity requirements for D2D services.
- Operation on Spacecraft: Clarifying and permitting the use of equipment authorized under FCC Part 15 rules for operation on-board and between spacecraft.
- Regulatory Framework: Building upon the existing "Supplemental Coverage from Space" framework to integrate the unlicensed wireless ecosystem with satellite constellations.
Potential Impact on Manufacturers
These proposed changes are expected to significantly influence the development and certification of radio devices:
- Market Opportunities: Manufacturers of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, IoT sensors, and medical imaging devices may have new avenues to offer "dead zone" connectivity without the need for a Commission spectrum license.
- Device Integration: Requirements may shift toward supporting seamless integration between terrestrial and satellite platforms within a single device.
- Certification Costs: By leveraging Part 15 rules, the FCC intends to reduce the burden and cost associated with obtaining spectrum licenses for satellite-connected devices.
- Space-Qualified Hardware: Manufacturers of spacecraft components will have clearer guidelines for integrating standard Part 15 authorized equipment into space-based systems.
Changes to Permitted Bands and Technical Parameters
The proceeding will examine specific technical shifts, including:
- Frequency Allocations: Identifying which specific Part 15 bands (out of the 225 MHz identified) are most suitable for satellite communication.
- Testing and Interference: Exploring technical parameters to ensure that unlicensed D2D communication does not create harmful interference for existing licensed or unlicensed services.
- Labeling and Authorization: Clarifying that existing Part 15 equipment authorizations extend to use cases within FCC-authorized spacecraft.
Deadlines and Feedback
The FCC is seeking to build a record to inform these regulatory updates:
- Open Meeting: The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) is scheduled to be considered by the Commission at the August 2026 Open Meeting.
- Public Draft: A draft of the proposal was made available for review on the FCC’s Open Meeting webpage starting July 16, 2026.
- Comments: Stakeholders, including manufacturers and industry associations, will be invited to provide formal feedback once the NPRM is officially adopted and published in the Federal Register.
