On October 1, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to modernize the Part 15, Subpart F rules governing ultra-wideband (UWB) devices. The NPRM explains that the technological landscape has rapidly evolved since the FCC first adopted UWB rules in 2002, making it timely to revisit these rules. Over the past two decades, the FCC has engaged in “regulation by waiver” but now believes a different framework may be required to promote innovation. The NPRM has broad implications for commercial drone operators.
UWB is a low-power, unlicensed technology that typically uses channel bandwidths of 500 MHz or more to determine distance and direction over short ranges with high precision. It is used to tag and track property, provide keyless entries, and facilitate smart home controls. Like all unlicensed Part 15 devices, UWB operates on a non-interference basis: it must not cause harmful interference, and must accept interference.
The FCC’s current rules are organized around device categories such as ground-penetrating radar, imaging, surveillance, medical, indoor, and handheld systems. They prohibit UWB operation aboard aircraft, ships, or satellites, and prohibit its use in toys. In the NPRM, the FCC grants two petitions filed in 2019 and 2025 and opens a comprehensive rulemaking.
The NPRM proposes a broad modernization of the FCC’s UWB rules. Several aspects of the proposal are relevant to drone operations:
The NPRM has significant implications for commercial drone operators, largely providing opportunities for expanded use.
The FCC acknowledges that commercial systems that provide Global Navigation Satellite System-independent positioning for autonomous drone landing may not be permissible under the current rules. If the FCC creates a workable path, UWB could support more reliable navigation and precision landing without dependence on satellite-based positioning, such as indoors, in confined outdoor areas, or at controlled industrial facilities.
Airborne flexibility for drones will depend on the record developed in this proceeding. The FCC seeks comment on whether drone-based UWB operations could alter coexistence in shared spectrum and what safeguards, such as geofencing and altitude-based restrictions, would be required for UWB use aboard aircraft. The FCC has stated that it does not intend “drastic or wholesale changes” to the air environment but rather seeks to make UWB devices accessible aboard aircraft. This provides an opportunity for broader drone usage. Commenters supporting expanded airborne use should be prepared to provide detailed technical analyses and coexistence studies.
Elevated, fixed infrastructure is where the new device category could matter most for drone operators. If adopted, the category could provide a certification path, without individual waivers, for beacons, docking systems, and landing stations at delivery or logistics hubs, warehouses, industrial sites, and other controlled facilities. Elevated beacons could expand coverage and improve approach and landing accuracy. Commenters may wish to address whether requirements to direct emissions downward and away from airborne receivers are compatible with drone use cases.
Any new flexibility would likely come with conditions. UWB devices would likely remain subject to Part 15’s non-interference framework, and the FCC is considering safeguards that would shape both equipment design and operations, including geofencing, restricting operation to specific UWB channels, and tailored emission limits for aeronautical bands.
Moving forward, drone operators should look at their existing equipment. Many UWB certifications include a grant note stating that operation aboard an aircraft is prohibited, and the FCC asks how such devices should be treated if the rules change. Separately, because the FCC has said UWB equipment will continue to be examined for national security risks, operators should confirm the Covered List status of their drone platforms and components.
Taken together, the NPRM presents a meaningful opportunity for the commercial drone sector. A potential relaxation of the aircraft restriction, clearer certification pathways that do not depend on repeated waivers, and precise UWB-based positioning could enable more dependable delivery, inspection, inventory, and warehouse operations.
Opening comments are due 30 days after the NPRM is published in the Federal Register, and reply comments are due 60 days after publication. This will likely be an active proceeding, and drone operators have an opportunity to help shape whether and how the FCC expands UWB to airborne and ground-based drone operations.
We are following these developments closely and remain ready to assist with questions about the NPRM or participation in the FCC’s rulemaking.