Qualcomm Seeks FCC Action on Spectrum for Drones

Qualcomm urged the FCC to finish a proceeding on the use of the 5030-5091 MHz band by drones, in a call with staff from the Wireless Bureau and Office of Engineering and Technology. “Qualcomm expects the vast majority of [unmanned aircraft vehicle] missions will be carried out largely autonomously, taking advantage of UAV-to-UAV direct communications links and other on-board sensors once a pre-mission flight plan is approved and securely communicated to the unmanned aircraft,” said a filing posted Wednesday in docket RM-11798: “Qualcomm explained that it is important that a dedicated and protected spectrum band, such as the 5030-5091 MHz band, be used to support these important … communications functions, instead of unlicensed spectrum that is subject to high levels of unwanted and uncontrollable noise, particularly in metropolitan areas where most drones are expected to be operating.” Qualcomm urged the FCC to allocate 20 MHz “for a direct UAV to UAV communications mode, which drones will use to communicate directly with one another to coordinate safe and efficient flights and also for drones to broadcast Remote ID information in compliance with FAA regulations," with two 20.5 MHz blocks “licensed exclusively to support network communications through which drones will communicate via cellular networks for Control and Non-Payload Communications.”