FCC Proposes 225 MHz for Satellite Links on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Devices
Updated
Updated · PCMag · Jul 16
FCC Proposes 225 MHz for Satellite Links on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Devices
3 articles · Updated · PCMag · Jul 16
Summary
The FCC wants unlicensed devices — including smartphones, laptops, smartwatches and IoT gear — to connect directly to satellites using existing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth spectrum.
The 39-page plan targets the 902-928 MHz, 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz bands to extend connectivity in rural, underserved and unserved areas where cellular coverage often fails.
Interference is the main hurdle, so the agency envisions concentrating satellite uplinks and downlinks in select remote areas to limit disruption to existing terrestrial users.
An August vote would only launch a rulemaking process: the FCC would then seek industry feedback and consider a licensing framework before any concrete rule changes.