FCC Wants to Unleash Ultra-Wideband—Whatever That Means
Published Date: 11/2/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FCC wants to update rules for Ultra-Wideband (UWB) devices, which are used in things like tracking, health monitoring, and public safety. These updates will make it easier for new UWB tech to grow while protecting current users of the airwaves. Companies and innovators should share their thoughts by December 2, 2026, to help shape the future of UWB devices.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Remove 'any point in time' 500 MHz rule
The FCC proposes to update the UWB transmitter definition by removing the current “at any point in time” requirement that effectively requires an instantaneous bandwidth of 500 MHz. This change would formally allow frequency-hopping, stepped-frequency, and swept-frequency UWB devices to be treated as UWB devices without repeated waiver requests.
Update measurement procedures for modern UWB
The FCC proposes exempting UWB devices from Sec. 15.31(c) and modifying Sec. 15.521(d) so that pulse-gated or swept-frequency UWB devices can be measured in their normal operating mode instead of stopping sweeps for testing. This aims to reduce the need for waivers and allow certification of modern waveforms.
New UWB category for location-sensing (and AI)
The FCC proposes creating a new UWB device category to enable certification of emerging location-sensing devices (and is exploring a new class for AI-enabled UWB sensing). This is intended to reduce repetitive waiver proceedings that have delayed these products.
Remove advance written coordination (Sec. 15.525)
The FCC proposes eliminating the Sec. 15.525 advance written coordination requirement for UWB imaging systems (notice to OET prior to operation), because the Commission is not aware of cases where the requirement was used to resolve interference and considers it administratively burdensome.
Codify common Ground-Penetrating Radar limits
The FCC seeks comment on incorporating recurring technical conditions from prior GPR waivers into the rules—examples include limiting emissions in protected bands (e.g., 328.6–335.4 MHz and 960–1103.51 MHz), dwell-time limits (for example, 58 microseconds or 2 microseconds used in prior waivers), downward-directed/ground-contact operation, and notching in restricted bands.
Potentially allow UWB in toys, aircraft, ships, satellites
The FCC seeks comment on removing the long-standing prohibitions in Sec. 15.521(a) that bar UWB operation in toys and aboard aircraft, ships, and satellites. The Commission asks whether such uses could be permitted with technical safeguards (for example, limiting operation to certain channels such as Channels 8 and 9 with center frequencies 7488 MHz and 7987.2 MHz).
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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