Aura Gets Waiver Allowing Use of Network for Drones

The FCC Wireless Bureau OK'd a waiver for Aura Network Systems and A2G Communications to provide additional, non-general aviation air-ground service, including to drones, in the 450 MHz band. “We are very pleased with the FCC’s quick action and this decision will enable AURA to proceed full speed to provide critical command and control information for Beyond Visual Line of Sight drone operation at all altitudes and everywhere in America,” emailed Peter Pitsch, executive vice president-regulatory and government affairs. “We find that it would serve the public interest, convenience, and necessity to grant limited waiver relief,” said the order in Friday's Daily Digest: “AURA currently is operating a nationwide general aviation air-ground service, and its nationwide network effectively gives Petitioners exclusive use of the band. As Petitioners point out, in the last ten years, other parties have not shown interest in operating in the band and have overwhelmingly supported Petitioners’ steps to grow and modernize their existing network.”