FCC to Consider Initial Spectrum Rules for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel shared with her colleagues proposed rules to enable wireless communications for uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) use in the 5 GHz band. This initial action will, if adopted by a vote of the full FCC, establish service rules that allow operators to obtain direct frequency assignments in a portion of the 5030-5091 MHz band for non-networked operations. The Report and Order circulated on April 5, 2024, would rely on dynamic frequency management systems (DFMSs) to manage and coordinate access to the spectrum and enable its safe and efficient use.  To enable operations in the band during the interim period before the DFMS is in operation, the rules would, on an interim basis, require operators seeking to transmit in the band to first submit a request to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for deconfliction and approval, and, upon FAA authorization, complete an online registration form with the FCC.