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United States of America Public Consultation Document In Force

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Unleashing the Power of Unlicensed Ultra-Wideband Devices

Affects: Certification Process Labelling Spectrum Management Testing

Executive Summary

The FCC proposes to modernize its Part 15, Subpart F rules for unlicensed Ultra-Wideband (UWB) devices to reflect technological advancements, including AI and autonomous navigation, while reducing reliance on case-by-case waivers. The NPRM seeks comment on updating technical definitions, measurement procedures, and expanding permitted use cases for UWB devices while ensuring incumbent services remain protected.

Last Updated

14-OCT-26

FCC Proposes Updates to UWB Regulations – FCC 26-66

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), FCC 26-66, to review and update the rules for Ultra-Wideband (UWB) devices under 47 CFR Part 15, Subpart F.

The current rules have remained largely unchanged since 2002. The FCC is looking to update them to support newer UWB applications, including drone navigation, AI-based sensing and keyless entry systems, while continuing to protect existing radio services from interference.

Key Proposed Changes

UWB Definition: Remove the requirement for UWB transmitters to meet the minimum bandwidth definition "at any point in time" to accommodate newer transmission methods.
Testing Requirements: Allow UWB devices to be tested in their normal operating mode, including frequency hopping and pulse gating, without modifying or disabling these functions.
Usage Restrictions: Review existing restrictions on UWB use in toys, aircraft, ships and satellites, with possible safeguards to prevent interference.
Imaging Systems: Remove the advance coordination requirement for UWB imaging systems under 47 CFR § 15.525.
New UWB Category: Introduce a device category for newer location-sensing applications, with possible restrictions such as duty cycle limits of 1% or less, antenna positioning requirements and event-triggered operation.
Emission Limits: Review existing emission limits to determine whether changes are needed to support newer UWB technologies.

The FCC is also looking to simplify outdated requirements and reduce the need for manufacturers to request individual waivers for newer UWB technologies.

Current Status: These changes are proposals only. The existing FCC UWB requirements remain applicable until any new rules are formally adopted.

Attached Documents & Source Files

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Unleashing the Power of Unlicensed Ultra-Wideband Devices

Author / Agency: Federal Communications Commission

Published: 2026-10-01

Language: English

Key Regulatory Timeline & Dates

Oct 01, 2026

Date Published Released Date

Sep 30, 2026

Date Published Adopted Date

Dec 01, 2026

Commenting Deadline Approximately 60 days after Federal Register publication for reply comments

Nov 01, 2026

Commenting Opens Approximately 30 days after Federal Register publication

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