FCC Opens 50 MHz of Cellular Spectrum for Drone Operations

New rules remove a decades-old restriction on airborne use of the 800 MHz Cellular band.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted on October 29 to remove a longstanding restriction on drone use of the 800 MHz Cellular band. The decision opens 50 megahertz of licensed spectrum for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

The new rules allow drones to use the spectrum for command, control, communications, and payload operations.

The FCC adopted the original airborne restriction in 1991 to prevent interference from cellular phones aboard aircraft. However, the restriction also prevented drones from using the spectrum.

In its latest decision, the FCC determined that the restriction is no longer necessary for UAS. According to the agency, modern wireless networks use advanced technologies that can prevent drones from interfering with ground-based cellular services.

The change removes a regulatory barrier to drone communications in an existing licensed cellular band. It does not create a new dedicated spectrum allocation for drones or change FAA flight authorization requirements.

Part of Broader FCC Spectrum Modernization

The decision follows the FCC’s October 28 announcement of plans to modernize several aviation-related spectrum rules. Those proposals address drone communications, advanced air mobility, and counter-UAS technologies.

Unlike those proposed actions, the October 29 decision represents a final vote to adopt new rules.

The FCC has also launched a broader proceeding examining ways to expand spectrum access for UAS and support domestic drone technology.

The Commission adopted the new rules through Report and Order FCC 26-72, with Chairman Brendan Carr and Commissioners Anna Gomez and Olivia Trusty voting in favor.