FCC ultra-wideband and AI-sensing rulemaking (2026)
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FCC ultra-wideband and AI-sensing rulemaking
United States — federal
Notice of proposed rulemaking
FCC 26-66; ET Docket 26-245; 47 CFR Part 15; 91 FR 68912
NPRM adopted September 30, released October 1, 2026; proposed rules, not final adoption
No final-rule effective date; comments December 2, 2026, replies January 4, 2027
November 2, 2026 — full NPRM and Federal Register timetable
Overview
The Federal Communications Commission’s FCC 26-66 proposes modernization of the ultra-wideband (UWB) radio-device framework in 47 CFR Part 15. The Commission adopted the notice of proposed rulemaking on September 30, 2026 and released it October 1. Publication in the Federal Register on November 2 fixed the public comment timetable. Adoption of the NPRM opens the proceeding; it does not adopt the proposed operating rules.[1][2]
AI-sensing questions
Paragraphs 45–46 ask whether AI-based sensing systems need a separate UWB device category, including applications involving agentic AI, robots, drones and other systems interacting with their surroundings. The FCC asks how to define such devices and whether their technical and operating needs differ from existing categories.[1]
Questions cover power and emission limits, interference-avoidance methods, antenna characteristics, duty cycles, indoor and outdoor use, and distinctions between controlled industrial environments and general-public use. The notice also asks whether eligibility restrictions are appropriate. These are issues for comment, rather than an adopted AI-device class or general authorization for autonomous systems.[1]
Broader proposed framework
The NPRM separately proposes a category accommodating compact mobile or fixed UWB devices operating indoors or outdoors, with technical and operational safeguards. It also considers changes to transmitter definitions, measurement procedures, use restrictions, coordination, eligibility, marketing and labeling. Protecting existing spectrum users remains part of the proposed framework.[1]
Appendix A supplies draft amendments removing the instantaneous-bandwidth wording from the UWB definition, changing measurement and use provisions, and removing the imaging-system coordination requirement and related references. Its draft text retains medical-imaging supervision by a licensed healthcare practitioner. It does not itself set out a separate codified AI-sensing category. The broader questions in the notice should be distinguished from the particular draft amendments.[1]
Comments and status
Comments are due December 2, 2026 and replies January 4, 2027 in ET Docket 26-245. The Federal Register notice separately requests Paperwork Reduction Act comments by January 4. Filings may be submitted through the FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System. The NPRM designates the proceeding permit-but-disclose under its ex parte rules.[2][1]
The reviewed record establishes the proposal and timetable. Any later amendments, final rules, authorizations or commencement dates require separate verification.
Related coverage
- United States Federal Authorities — Federal instruments and proceedings.
- Connected devices and sensing.
- November 2 news coverage — Original wiki publication of the timetable development.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 FCC, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking FCC 26-66, ET Docket 26-245, adopted September 30 and released October 1, 2026; complete 40-page document, including appendices and separate statements, reviewed November 2, 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Federal Register, 91 FR 68912–68925, document 2026-22337, November 2, 2026, DATES and SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION; December 2, 2026 comments and January 4, 2027 replies.