FCC Seeks Comment on Rule Changes for Drone Spectrum
FCC commissioners unanimously adopted an NPRM seeking comment on rules designed to provide more spectrum for uncrewed aircraft systems. Commissioner Anna Gomez recused herself from voting on the 450 GHz portion of the notice. The NPRM proposes changes in service rules for 650 kHz in the 450 MHz band. “In their current form, these site-based rules confine air-ground communications in the band to voice communications with aircraft traveling at high altitudes,” the NPRM said: “We propose to replace the current rigid framework with rules that embrace more flexible use of the band while minimizing the possibility for harmful interference by creating a single nationwide license.”
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The NPRM also proposes to permit radiolocation operations in the 24.45–24.65 GHz band and seeks comment on “modernizing” the rules governing commercial aviation air-ground systems. “This is the right time to do this” in light of the “heartbreaking fires across Los Angeles,” said Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “The new drone and air mobility technologies that our actions today enable can also help in crisis,” she said. They will “mean the ability to deliver personnel and supplies to hard-to-reach areas, inspect and maintain critical infrastructure before and after disaster strikes, and assist first responders with search-and-rescue operations.” Commissioner Geoffrey Starks sounded a note of caution in light of the drone sightings over New York and New Jersey late last year.
The drones “caused significant confusion, threatened public safety, and even forced the closure of a major airport,” Starks said. “As this episode demonstrates, while we continue to advance UAS technology, it’s imperative that we also support the growth of UAS detection and countersurveillance systems.” The NPRM was released on Friday. Comment deadlines will come in a Federal Register notice. At the same time, the Wireless Bureau Friday froze the acceptance and processing of applications to conduct part 22 general aviation air-ground service operations in the 450 MHz band.
Aura Network Systems CEO Kevin Steen praised the NPRM for addressing control non-payload communications (CNPC) services in the 450 MHz band. While AURA already has the authority to provide CNPC services, “the FCC’s action is a crucial step toward achieving the regulatory clarity needed to accelerate transformative UAS technologies, supporting a wide range of applications from air-cargo logistics for both commercial and government markets to enhancing communications capabilities more broadly for the aviation community,” Steen said in an emailed statement: “We are pleased to see the FCC acknowledge the importance of the Aeronautical Mobile Route Service designation for the spectrum as well as the importance of moving away from cumbersome site-by-site licensing requirements.”