The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted new rules allowing initial drone operations in the 5 GHz spectrum band, a move that supports the rapidly growing use of UAS in the United States.
These new regulations are aimed at enhancing the safety and reliability of wireless communications that control drone flights, which are expected to triple in number this decade and expand into a market worth tens of billions of dollars. UAS are increasingly used in a wide range of applications, including search and rescue, agriculture, infrastructure inspection, medicine delivery and news gathering.
“We are already starting to live in the future we’ve long imagined: uncrewed aircraft systems are fighting wildfires, supporting news gathering, delivering packages and supporting national security,” said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “The FCC is working hard to meet the spectrum needs of remote-piloted aircraft activity. We will continue to work with our public and private partners to support the best outcomes for public safety, wireless services, consumers and our economy.”
How will it work?
The new rules establish initial service guidelines that allow drone operators to obtain direct frequency assignments in the 5030-5091 MHz band for non-networked operations. These assignments will be managed by dynamic frequency management systems, which will coordinate access to the spectrum and ensure its safe and efficient use.
These systems provide temporary frequency assignments for UAS control link communications, which are critical for operations in controlled airspace and other safety-sensitive situations.
To facilitate operations before these dynamic frequency management systems are fully operational, the FCC has introduced an interim access mechanism. Under this temporary system, operators must first submit a request to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for deconfliction and approval.
Once authorised by the FAA, operators can complete an online registration form with the FCC. This interim mechanism will be available once the rules take effect and the FCC begins accepting registrations, as announced via public notice.
This action by the FCC marks a significant step in the National Spectrum Strategy, unveiled in November 2023. The strategy outlined the FCC’s commitment to facilitating the initial deployment of UAS in the 5 GHz band, ahead of future studies and coordination with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the FAA.
The Commission will continue to explore additional measures to meet the evolving needs of UAS operations as they become an increasingly integral part of various sectors across the country.
Crédit photographique : Orbital 101 Studio via Pexels
