2026-22337·FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

Unleashing the Power of Unlicensed Ultra-Wideband Devices; Petition of Robert Bosch LLC for Amendment of the Part 15 Subpart F Ultra-Wideband Rules; and Petition of Alliance for Automative Innovation et al. To Amend Part 15 of the FCC's Rules To Permit the Operation of Certain Ultra-Wideband Devices

Proposed RuleComment Period OpenComments open

Published: Nov 2, 2026
Comments close: Dec 2, 2026
Citation: 91 FR 68912
Docket: ET Docket No. 26-245, RM-11844, RM-12014

Proposed rule.

Summary

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is proposing to rewrite the rules that govern Ultra‑Wideband (UWB) devices—tiny, low‑power radios used for things like indoor positioning, asset tracking, health monitors, and safety systems. The current regulations, written in 2002, no longer match the capabilities of today’s UWB technology, leading manufacturers to request special waivers for newer products. Updating the rules would give manufacturers more flexibility to launch innovative UWB applications while still protecting existing users of nearby radio frequencies. The proposal comes from the FCC, the agency that manages the nation’s radio spectrum. It would affect anyone who makes, sells, or uses UWB equipment, including consumer‑electronics companies, automotive manufacturers, health‑tech firms, and public‑safety agencies that rely on precise location data. It also addresses concerns of other spectrum users—both federal and non‑federal—by ensuring that the expanded UWB operations do not cause harmful interference. The notice was published on November 2 2026 and the FCC is accepting public comments until December 2 2026. After the comment period, the Commission will review the feedback, possibly revise the proposal, and then issue a final rule that could become the new standard for UWB devices. Stakeholders are encouraged to submit their views during the comment window to shape the final regulations.

AI-generated summary — verify against the Federal Register text.

Official abstract

The Federal Communications Commission (Commission or FCC) proposes to update its rules for Ultra-Wideband (UWB) devices to reflect significant technological developments since the rules were first adopted in 2002. UWB technology has matured into a widely used, low-power enabler that supports applications in tracking, automation, precision location, health monitoring, athletic performance, and public safety. As capabilities of UWB have expanded, the existing rules have not kept pace with the technological change, resulting in an increasing number of waiver requests received by the Commission to authorize modern devices. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeks comment on revisions intended to modernize the UWB framework, provide greater flexibility for future applications, promote continued innovation, and ensure the protection of incumbent federal and non-federal spectrum users.