On July 16, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) released a draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”) seeking comment on proposals to permit direct-to-device (“D2D”) operations from satellites to unlicensed equipment. Currently, D2D devices that communicate with satellites would need to be licensed in one form or another. The NPRM sets out the following bands
Continue Reading FCC to Vote on Unlocking Spectrum for Direct-to-Device Operation for Unlicensed EquipmentFCC Poised to Adopt Proposal Modernizing Spectrum Sharing to Promote Satellite Broadband
On April 9, 2026, the FCC released a draft Report and Order on “Modernizing Spectrum Sharing for Satellite Broadband.” The draft has been circulated for consideration by the FCC at its April 30, 2026 open meeting, and remains subject to change.
If adopted as expected by the Commission at its next monthly meeting, the Order
Continue Reading FCC Poised to Adopt Proposal Modernizing Spectrum Sharing to Promote Satellite BroadbandFCC Seeks Comment on Petition to Update Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Part 15 Rules
As consumers have embraced “smart home” technology and specifically advanced locks and entryway security systems, some door lock companies have asked permission from the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) to use ultra-wideband technology (“UWB”) in their devices. UWB technology has unique characteristics that can be used to enhance entryway security systems by working with low-power Bluetooth
Continue Reading FCC Seeks Comment on Petition to Update Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Part 15 RulesFCC Proposes Overhaul of Upper Microwave Spectrum Rules
In a recently published Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), the FCC has proposed a major overhaul of the rules governing use of the Upper Microwave Spectrum. The notice proposes rules designed to encourage more intensive use in the bands collectively known as the Upper Microwave Flexible Use Service (UMFUS) bands, which are jointly shared by
Continue Reading FCC Proposes Overhaul of Upper Microwave Spectrum RulesFCC Launches ‘Space Month’ Agenda
Chairman Brendan Carr of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently declared October 2025 as ‘Space Month’ at the FCC. As part of the FCC’s Build America Agenda, the FCC is scheduled to vote on two proposals aimed at modernizing the agency’s regulatory framework for space innovation in the country. These proposals represent another step
Continue Reading FCC Launches ‘Space Month’ AgendaFCC Seeks Comment on “Supplemental Coverage from Space” Rules, Responding to Growing Trend towards Partnerships between Satellite Operators and Wireless Network Providers
Updated April 12, 2023. Originally posted March 23, 2023.
In March, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that seeks public comment on a proposed licensing framework that would enable multiple satellite operators to supplement the network coverage of terrestrial wireless service providers. Termed “Supplemental Coverage from Space” (SCS), this service would authorize certain satellite systems to use spectrum licensed to a terrestrial network provider partner to provide expanded coverage to the provider’s wireless customers, even in remote areas. Comments on the NPRM, which appeared in today’s Federal Register, are due Friday, May 12, with reply comments due the following month, on Monday, June 12.
Continue Reading FCC Seeks Comment on “Supplemental Coverage from Space” Rules, Responding to Growing Trend towards Partnerships between Satellite Operators and Wireless Network ProvidersNTIA Seeks Public Comment on the Development of a National Spectrum Strategy and Spectrum-Sharing “Pipeline”
Yesterday, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) issued a Request for Comment that seeks input on a “National Spectrum Strategy,” which would include a plan to study federal spectrum usage to identify spectrum that could be reallocated or repurposed to commercial or shared federal/commercial use. This National Spectrum Strategy also would include a process for identifying the spectrum bands best suited for repurposing (a “Spectrum Pipeline”). NTIA seeks input in creating a Spectrum Pipeline for the next decade, with the goal of identifying at least 1,500 megahertz of spectrum to study for potential repurposing to meet the future requirements of both commercial and federal users.
Continue Reading NTIA Seeks Public Comment on the Development of a National Spectrum Strategy and Spectrum-Sharing “Pipeline”FCC Positions Itself for Expanding Space Industry
Last week, Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced plans to reorganize the agency’s International Bureau by creating a new Space Bureau and a standalone Office of International Affairs. The announcement, which marks the latest in a string of space-focused actions over the last several months, is a further indication of the FCC’s commitment to leadership in the growing space economy.
Continue Reading FCC Positions Itself for Expanding Space IndustryIoT Update: The Road Ahead for Connected and Automated Vehicle Developments in Washington
Connected and automated vehicle (“CAV”) developments in Washington are likely to pick up speed as 2021 rolls in. Indeed, a new presidential administration, new agency leadership, and a new Congress may drive new CAV regulation while also spurring innovation in an industry that many believe can enhance road safety, mobility, and accessibility. For instance, John Porcari, a Biden-Harris campaign advisor and former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation under President Barack Obama, recently indicated that transportation agencies under President Biden would prioritize innovation and technological change and adopt a federal framework for autonomous vehicles.
Lawmakers and regulators, furthermore, will have the opportunity to build on some of the initiatives that picked up speed during the fall of 2020, such as the Safely Ensuring Lives Future Deployment and Research in Vehicle Evolution Act (H.R. 8350) (“SELF DRIVE Act”), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (“NHTSA”) AV TEST tool, and NHTSA’s request for comment on its proposed framework for Automated Driving Systems (“ADS”) safety. Additionally, the Federal Communications Commission’s (“FCC”) adoption of rules to modernize the 5.9 GHz Band could spur the deployment of CAV technology, and the new administration may reinvigorate inter-agency efforts to examine consumer data privacy and security issues posed by CAVs, as well as CAV-related developments in infrastructure. This post looks down the road ahead for CAV developments in Washington.
Continue Reading IoT Update: The Road Ahead for Connected and Automated Vehicle Developments in Washington
FCC Proposes Spectrum Leasing to Promote Use of Broadcast Spectrum for Internet Services
Yesterday, with vocal support from fellow Commissioner Brendan Carr, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai released a draft Declaratory Ruling and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“DR” and “NPRM”) to promote the use of broadcast spectrum for internet services (referred to by the FCC as “Broadcast Internet”). The full, five-member Commission will vote on adoption of the DR and NPRM at the agency’s next monthly public meeting on Tuesday, June 9.
Continue Reading FCC Proposes Spectrum Leasing to Promote Use of Broadcast Spectrum for Internet Services