Technology

The FCC is proposing new rules allowing Wi-Fi and unlicensed IoT devices to communicate directly with satellites and operate on spacecraft.

Edited by Brad Randall, Broadband Communities

Federal regulators are taking steps to expand how everyday wireless gadgets interact with satellite networks, aiming to merge space technology with everyday consumer tech.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted last week to initiate a formal rulemaking process to examine opening 200 megahertz of unlicensed spectrum for direct-to-device (D2D) links.

Under the proposed changes, devices regulated under the FCC’s Part 15 rules—including household Wi-Fi systems and Internet of Things (IoT) hardware—could communicate on uplink and downlink pathways with authorized satellites, an August 6 release from the FCC said.

The proposal also extends into orbit. The agency seeks to clarify that Part 15 equipment may be legally operated inside and between authorized spacecraft, providing regulatory certainty as space-based commercial operations continue to expand.

The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 26-51) was adopted with unanimous support from Chairman Carr and Commissioners Gomez and Trusty, all of whom submitted individual statements alongside the decision.

Some AI tools also assisted in the crafting of this report.

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