On September 8, 2026, the Federal Register published FCC 26-51, a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in ET Docket No. 26-169 that seeks to enable certain devices operating under the FCC Part 15 unlicensed rules to communicate with FCC-authorized satellites or foreign-licensed satellites granted U.S. market access.

The FCC proposes satellite uplink allocations for the 2400-2483.5 MHz and 5725-5850 MHz bands through a new footnote to the Table of Frequency Allocations, examines space-to-Earth operations and other candidate bands, and proposes to clarify that Part 15-authorized equipment may operate aboard authorized spacecraft.

The consultation asks about technical limits, licensing models, coordination and coexistence controls needed to protect incumbent services and terrestrial Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and other Part 15 operations. No final rule or current equipment-authorization change has been adopted.

Initial comments are due November 9, 2026 and reply comments are due December 7, 2026.

Impact

Impact assessment: Medium.

Key reasons: the proceeding could create a new regulatory pathway for satellite links using more than 200 MHz of widely used unlicensed spectrum and clarify how Part 15-authorized equipment may be used in spacecraft, but all requirements remain proposals.

Who is affected?

Satellite operators, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and IoT manufacturers, device and module suppliers, testing laboratories, Telecommunication Certification Bodies and incumbent spectrum users.

Conclusion:

stakeholders should assess interference, authorization, power, allocation and licensing implications and consider comments by November 9, 2026.