FCC Refreshing Record on Use of 5030-5091 MHz Band for Drones

The FCC Wireless Bureau is seeking to refresh the record on use of the 5030-5091 MHz band by drones, after taking comment in 2019 (see 1912270039). Last month, Commissioner Geoffrey Starks urged the FCC to focus on the band (see 2108050056). The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) asked the FCC to develop rules for using the spectrum for unmanned aircraft system controls (see 1909120073). The bureau seeks to “update the record to reflect operational, technical, and regulatory developments that have occurred over the last three years in the rapidly growing and evolving area of UAS operations and that are relevant to this proceeding,” said a notice in Monday’s Daily Digest: “We also seek to explore certain aspects of the AIA proposal in greater detail than is reflected in the current record.” The focus has been on direct radio-line-of-sight communications between controller and drones, but “we seek comment on whether the Commission should consider licensing alternatives in this band to support the growing interest in beyond radio-line-of-sight … operations,” the bureau said. Comment deadlines are to come in a Federal Register notice. “While the issues are complex and will require careful work with our federal partners at the FAA and NTIA, I’m hopeful that the new round of comments will allow the Commission to address the full spectrum needs of UAS and enable this important industry to fulfill its full potential,” Starks said.