FCC Clears 800 MHz Cellular Spectrum for Drone Operations

The Federal Communications Commission voted 3-0 on October 29 to remove a 1991 restriction on drone use of the 800 MHz cellular band. This decision opens 50 megahertz of licensed spectrum for unmanned aircraft systems to use for command, control, communications, and payload operations.

The airborne ban was originally adopted to prevent interference from cellular phones aboard aircraft. The FCC determined the restriction is no longer necessary for drones due to advanced wireless technologies that can prevent interference. The order, designated FCC 26-72, was approved by Chairman Brendan Carr and Commissioners Anna Gomez and Olivia Trusty. This is a final vote, not a proposed action.

Regulatory Context and Timeline

The decision follows the FCC's October 28 announcement of plans to modernize aviation-related spectrum rules. It launches a broader proceeding to expand spectrum access for UAS and support domestic drone technology.

The FCC's next drone spectrum votes are scheduled for November 19. On that date, the commission will take up matters concerning 450 MHz control links and 24 GHz drone-detection radar.

Industry and Technical Implications

Industry reaction was supportive. Ashleigh de la Torre, Amazon's vice president of public policy, said reliable wireless communications are essential. Drone manufacturer Red Cat noted that maturing drones need carrier networks as a backup link.

Drones already operate on carrier networks at 700 MHz and in the PCS band. The 800 MHz access primarily gives carriers like AT&T and Verizon more capacity to sell to drone customers. The change does not create a new dedicated spectrum allocation for drones.

FAA's Role and Pending Rules

While the FCC cleared spectrum access, the FAA maintains separate flight authorization requirements. Routine flight beyond visual line of sight still depends on the FAA's pending Part 108 rule.

Federal law requires the Part 108 rule by December 7. The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 gave the agency 16 months from its August 7, 2025 proposal to finish the rule, putting the current deadline just 39 days out. Until that rule is final, an operator with a carrier plan can fly BVLOS under a waiver or exemption.

The FCC had not posted the adopted text of the order by late Thursday morning, so any changes from the October 8 draft are not public. The draft set the effective date at 30 days after Federal Register publication. Two days before the vote, the FCC published statements from 11 organizations supporting the change, including AT&T, Verizon, CTIA, Amazon, Red Cat, Ondas and AUVSI.

The FCC will vote on additional drone spectrum bands on November 19.