The FCC adopted new rules to enable initial drone operations in the 5 GHz spectrum band for wireless communications necessary to safely control the flights of uncrewed aircraft systems or drones. Drone use is growing quickly in the United States. Used for tower inspections, they’re also helping search and rescue missions, delivering medicine and other goods and helping farmers.
This action establishes initial service rules that allow operators to obtain direct frequency assignments in a portion of the 5030-5091 MHz band for non-networked operations. The new rules rely on dynamic frequency management systems to manage and coordinate access to the spectrum.
To enable operations in the band before the dynamic frequency management systems are in place, the rules establish an interim access mechanism in which operators seeking to transmit in the band first submit a request to the FAA for approval. Once that’s received, drone operators complete an online registration form with the FCC. The interim mechanism will be made available to operators after the rules become effective and the Commission has announced it will begin accepting registrations.
“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.”
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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