US FCC Proposes Allowing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Devices for Satellite D2D Services

en.Wedoany.com Reported - The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) may explore allowing unlicensed wireless devices such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to communicate directly with satellites for direct-to-device (D2D) services.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr proposed a new procedure on Wednesday to consider using more than 225 MHz of unlicensed spectrum "to potentially support capacity needs for D2D services and supplement other frequency bands."

According to the announcement, the proposal would also clarify that unlicensed wireless devices authorized under FCC Part 15 rules, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth transmitters, medical imaging equipment, wireless microphones, IoT sensors, and others, are permitted for use within FCC-authorized spacecraft. The FCC stated that allowing such connectivity could give rise to new services integrating unlicensed devices into terrestrial and satellite platforms.

In a statement, Carr said that direct-to-device means providing fast, ubiquitous connectivity directly to your smartphone or device via next-generation satellite constellations, and combining this unlicensed spectrum resource with the innovation hotbed of the unlicensed wireless device ecosystem could be a game-changer.

The FCC will vote at its August meeting to adopt a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, which will initiate this process and seek industry input.