Reply Comments Seek FCC Action on Spectrum for Drones

Commenters again stressed the importance of commercial spectrum to safe operation of unmanned aerial systems, in replies this week in docket 19-356. The replies, due Monday, follow initial comments in December (see 1912270039). The FCC sought comment on the use of the 960-1164 MHz and 5030-5091 MHz bands by drones. “New use cases and deployment scenarios for UAS are developing every day, and safe and secure UAS activities will require ample spectrum” and the two bands won’t be available for years, CTIA said. “The record demonstrates that licensed commercial wireless spectrum is an ideal alternative that is readily available today,” CTIA said: “Stakeholders deploying this reliable and secure communications platform are now exploring ways to minimize interference to other users and developing technological solutions that will enable even more advanced drone operations, including for safety-of-life services and higher-altitude flights.” Verizon said the record shows overwhelming support for “continued application of the Commission’s flexible use policies to encourage using commercial mobile spectrum for UAS.” Commenters agree “on the importance of ensuring the safe operation of UAS, and mobile network operators have proven that they are best positioned to ensure that commercial mobile spectrum can be leveraged safely and without interference,” the carrier said. Spectrum Financial Partners said 5G and other cellular networks “with modern dynamic tilt control, low latency,” support for massive IoT and machine-to-machine communications and shared spectrum approaches are well suited to providing spectrum for drones. “The UAS industry is still very much in its infancy and its needs and applications are rapidly evolving and commercial cellular networks are best equipped, deployed and competitively managed to ensure that UAS communications needs are immediately and responsively addressed in a spectrally efficient and cost-effective way,” the company said. The National Public Safety Telecommunications Council said it joins initial commenters “in noting the need for the Commission to move forward to define spectrum allocations and related regulations for UAS.” NPSTC supports “commenters’ recommendations for the Commission, the FAA and NTIA to work cooperatively and expeditiously together to provide regulatory certainty for UAS operations,” the group said: “The needs of public safety, in addition to those of other critical functions, as well as those of commercial wireless providers, should be part of this discussion.”