FCC Proposes Modernization of Ultra-Wideband Technology Rules

The Federal Communications Commission adopted a proposal that seeks comment on ways to modernize the FCC’s rules for ultra-wideband technology (UWB)—unlicensed offerings that power a range of IoT, consumer, and other cutting-edge devices. Today’s proposal represents the start of the next chapter in a great American success story. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) addresses the technology advancements and explosion in innovative use cases since the FCC’s 2002 decision to authorize the first unlicensed UWB operations. The NPRM undertakes a comprehensive look at the FCC’s UWB rules and proposes forward-looking changes that will support the next wave of UWB innovation. The proposal includes a new UWB device category aimed at enabling emerging applications—from AI-enabled sensing, to advanced ranging systems, and modern access-control systems. The NPRM also addresses long-standing matters that have been raised through repeated waiver petitions and seeks comment on requests from the UWB manufacturing community to update specific elements of the existing UWB rules. The proposed updates to the UWB rules will reduce compliance burdens and provide new opportunities for innovation while preserving the strong protection of incumbent radio services that has been the hallmark of nearly a quarter century of innovation. In moving away from a waiverbased framework, this proposal updates our UWB definition and overhaul legacy technical and operational restrictions, in the spirit of Delete, Delete, Delete.