# Unleashing Unlicensed Spectrum for Direct-to-Device

**Action Urgency Score:** 35/100

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Federal Communications Commission |
| Type | Proposed rule |
| Action | Proposed rule. |
| Published | 2026-09-08 |
| Effective | 2026-11-09 |
| Comments close | 2026-12-07 |
| Significant | No |
| CFR parts | 47 CFR 2 |
| Summary | The Federal Communications Commission (Commission or FCC) issues a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposes to expand opportunities for direct-to-device (D2D) communications by permitting certain unlicensed devices to communicate with satellites on a non-interference basis. Building on recent market growth and new industry investment in D2D technologies, the NPRM explores adding satellite allocations in specific unlicensed bands, clarifying that equipment may operate within spacecraft, and establishing a flexible regulatory framework that preserves incumbent operations while enabling continued i |
| Document number | 2026-18282 |

## Why this score
- Upcoming deadline.

Source: Federal Register API (Office of the Federal Register) (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/08/2026-18282/unleashing-unlicensed-spectrum-for-direct-to-device). Last refreshed: 2026-11-04T09:17:43.641Z.
Data from the Federal Register API; the published Federal Register document is authoritative. Informational only, not legal advice.