The FCC is exploring whether devices operating in spectrum used by Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and other unlicensed technologies could communicate directly with satellites. The proposal could expand IoT coverage without conventional cellular or satellite radios—but regulatory permission alone will not make ordinary devices satellite-ready. Satellite IoT has generally required purpose-built hardware, access to licensed spectrum and a service agreement with a specialised network operator. A new US regulatory proceeding could begin to loosen that model. On August 6, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking examining whether devices operating under its Part 15 unlicensed rules should be allowed to communicate with authorised satellites. The proposal covers Earth-to-space transmissions in the 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz bands—more specifically, 2400–2483.5 MHz and 5725–5850 MHz. Together, they represent 208.5 MHz of spectrum already used extensively by Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and numerous proprietary IoT technologies. The FCC is also seeking input on possible satellite-to-device transmissions, particularly in the 5.8 GHz band. This is the start of a rulemaking process, not an authorisation for commercial services. The technical conditions, licensing model and interference protections remain unresolved. From Specialised Radio to Familiar IoT Hardware The attraction is straightforward. Billions of consumer and industrial devices already contain radios designed to operate in unlicensed spectrum. If some could connect directly to satellites, manufacturers might extend coverage without adding a separate cellular or satellite modem. That could be relevant to environmental sensors, agricultural equipment, remote infrastructure and asset-tracking devices that need to transmit small amounts of data from locations beyond terrestrial network coverage. There is already evidence that the concept can work under restricted conditions. The FCC recently authorised Hubble Network satellites to receive signals from terrestrial devices operating with parameters consistent with Bluetooth Low Energy in a narrow portion of the 2.4 GHz band. The authorised