FCC Proposes New Rules for Drone Communications and Counter-Drone Radar
November vote would expand low-altitude aviation data links, support drone-detection radar, and update satellite connectivity rules.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will consider new rules to support drone communications and counter-drone detection at its November 19 open meeting. The proposals would expand access to radio spectrum for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), advanced air mobility, and ground-based radar systems.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced the planned vote on October 28. The proposals are part of a broader effort to modernize aviation communications and support domestic drone technology.
The announcement follows a separate FCC initiative to allow drone communications in the 800 MHz Cellular band, scheduled for a vote on October 29.
New Rules for Low-Altitude Drone Communications
One proposal would modernize the 450 MHz aviation air-ground service to support safety-related data links between ground stations and aircraft, including drones.
Current rules largely limit this service to voice communications with general aviation aircraft at high altitudes. They also require licenses for individual sites, limiting their use for wide-area, low-altitude operations.
The proposed changes would allow data communications and replace site-by-site licensing with a more flexible nationwide system.
The FCC says the changes would support drone operations and emerging advanced air mobility aircraft, including electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) systems.
Expanded Spectrum Access for Counter-Drone Radar
A second proposal would allow ground-based radar systems to operate in the 24.45–24.65 GHz band to detect and track drones.
The change could support drone detection near airports, borders, prisons, stadiums, and critical infrastructure.
The FCC has previously examined restrictions affecting ground-based radar in this band. Existing rules have allowed certain airborne radar applications while limiting similar ground-based systems used for surveillance.
Under the proposed rules, ground-based systems would need to protect users with priority access to the spectrum from harmful interference.
The changes would address drone detection and tracking, not the authority to disable or intercept drones.
Satellite and Aviation Connectivity
The November agenda also includes changes to satellite and commercial aviation communications.
One proposal would expand access to the 28.35–28.6 GHz band for non-geostationary satellite systems serving moving platforms. These include drones, aircraft, ships, and ground vehicles.
Another would modernize the separate 800 MHz Air-Ground band to support improved broadband connectivity aboard commercial aircraft while protecting nearby spectrum users.
Carr described the proposals as part of the FCC’s efforts to support American aviation technology.
“At the FCC, we are doing our part to promote U.S. drone and aviation leadership by cutting red tape and modernizing obsolete regulations,” Carr said.
The Commission is scheduled to vote on the proposed final rules on November 19. If adopted, the changes would create additional regulatory pathways for drone communications, detection systems, and aviation connectivity.
The FCC said draft orders would be available on its November meeting webpage.