The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has voted to remove a restriction that barred drones from using 50 MHz of licensed spectrum in the 800 MHz cellular band. The decision, adopted in Washington on 29 October as Report and Order FCC 26-72, permits the spectrum to support unmanned aircraft system command, control, communications and payload operations. Chairman Brendan Carr and Commissioners Anna Gomez and Olivia Trusty approved the order.
The restriction dates to 1991, when the FCC sought to limit interference to terrestrial cellular networks from phones used aboard aircraft. The commission concluded that modern wireless networks can prevent interference from unmanned aircraft, making the restriction unnecessary for drone operations. The change covers nationwide low-band spectrum in the 800 MHz Cellular band.
The order makes cellular-network links available for UAS operations, but does not authorise flights or alter Federal Aviation Administration requirements. Operators remain subject to applicable flight rules, including any requirements for beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. The FCC material reviewed did not specify when the rule change will take effect.