Drones Get New FCC Rules for Better Management

The Federal Communications Commission has adopted new rules for drone operations to ensure safe control of their flights.

The rules apply to operations in the 5 GHz spectrum band and are a necessary move due to the increased use of drones in the U.S., which is expected to triple in the number of devices used for everything from search and rescue missions to helping farmers and the delivery of medicine, according to the agency.

Most drone operations currently rely on unlicensed airwaves for communication and control, making them more vulnerable to interference. 

That is why the FCC is, for the first time, letting drone operators access “dedicated spectrum for control operations in circumstances where safety is essential,” said FCC chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. 

“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,” Rosenworcel said. “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.”

The new rules allow operators to secure dedicated frequencies within the 5030-5091 MHz range for standalone use. Frequency management systems would be used to manage and coordinate spectrum access, as well as safety. 

Related:FAA Authorizes First Beyond Line of Sight Drone Delivery Flights in Dallas

“These management systems provide requesting operators with temporary frequency assignments to support UAS control link communications with a level of reliability suitable for operations in controlled airspace and other safety-critical circumstances,” according to an FCC statement. 

Once available, drone operators need to request frequency coordination and approval from the FA and once authorized, would need to complete an online registration form with the FCC. The FCC will not begin accepting registrations until the rules become effective. 

The FCC’s adoption of these rules is the first step in the agency’s November 2023 National Spectrum Strategy for the initial deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles in the 5 GHz band ahead of a future coordinated study with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the FAA.