Starks Seeks Drone Spectrum as FCC OKs Innovation Zones

Commissioners 4-0 OK'd a public notice Thursday designating innovation zones for experimental licenses in Raleigh and Boston, while expanding New York City's, as expected (see 2108030052). Commissioner Geoffrey Starks urged the FCC to provide licensed spectrum for drones. The Raleigh zone is focused on unmanned aircraft systems.

“For years, we’ve heard how the lack of access to licensed spectrum for UAS may be stifling innovation in this potentially explosive sector,” Starks said: “It’s time we address this issue, which necessitates moving forward in a coordinated manner with our federal partners at the FAA and NTIA. We will need licensed spectrum for a truly integrated airspace, free of harmful interference.”

The FCC has faced pressure to act on rules providing spectrum for drones in the 5030-5091 MHz band. In 2019, the FCC sought comment (see 1912270039), as required by FAA Reauthorization Act Section 374. An FCC report to Congress last year said the band is likely suitable for UAS (see 2008280060).

Most such systems use unlicensed spectrum, acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel told reporters. The next step is service rules for 5030-5091 MHz, she said. “We are already working with the FAA to develop these kinds of rules.” Carriers “are also talking to us about it.” The process is “already underway and we hope we can all reach agreement and complete it in short order,” she said.

Commissioner Brendan Carr has concerns about dedicated spectrum for drones. “We have made a lot of progress in moving away from use-specific allocations of spectrum,” he told reporters. “Flexible-use licenses have proven their value and benefit in terms of being available for the highest use, most innovative use. My starting point is going to be skeptical of use-specific allocations whether it’s going to be for drones or otherwise.”

Office of Engineering and Technology acting Chief Ron Repasi told reporters the final notice didn’t change substantially from the draft. Rosenworcel declined comment on why she didn’t also propose an innovation zone for the Platforms for Advanced Wireless Research site at Iowa State University.

Experimental licensing “allows researchers to develop and test wireless systems without the cost of getting a commercial license” and is “a terrific way to foster innovation,” Rosenworcel said during the commissioners' meeting. She highlighted the geographic expansion of the cloud enhanced open software defined mobile wireless test bed for city-scale deployment in New York. “This will create more opportunities to explore edge computing and how it can be leveraged for the emerging” IoT, she said.

The zones should also encourage development of open radio access network technology, Starks said. “Doing this now will help ensure that this technology develops here,” he said: “This, in turn, could mean more competition and security in network equipment for 5G.”