FCC Boosts Airwaves for Drones and Flying Cars
Published Date: 3/17/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FCC wants to update rules to help new flying tech like drones and advanced air vehicles use certain radio frequencies better. They’re opening up a special 450 MHz band for nationwide drone control, expanding radar use to spot drones, and modernizing power rules for in-flight Wi-Fi. If you’re involved in aviation or drone tech, get ready to share your thoughts by April 16, 2025, as these changes could speed up innovation and improve air travel connectivity.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
New performance buildout requirements (altitude-based)
The FCC proposes performance benchmarks for the nationwide 450 MHz license tied to altitude: define high-altitude service at 25,000 feet and low-altitude service at 400 feet. Under Option 1 the interim requirement is service at 25,000 feet plus 400-foot coverage of 17.5% of each REAG area and the final requirement is 35% 400-foot coverage of each REAG area; under Option 2 interim 35% and final 70% 400-foot coverage of each REAG area. The FCC tentatively proposes a 15-year license term.
450 MHz opened for drone command-and-control
The FCC proposes to allow command-and-control (UAS CNPC) data communications in the 650 kilohertz 450 MHz band (454.6625-454.9875 MHz and 459.6625-459.9875 MHz) by adding a non-federal primary Aeronautical Mobile (Route) Service allocation and defining UAS CNPC and UAS/UA use. This would permit use of the band for control and non-payload communications for uncrewed aircraft at a range of altitudes.
Voluntary nationwide license conversion
The FCC proposes a voluntary transition from existing site-based licenses in the 450 MHz band to a single exclusive nationwide geographic license covering CONUS, Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories. An applicant would modify one site-based license into the nationwide license and surrender its other site licenses; the Commission proposes eligibility criteria (a "covered incumbent" must demonstrate coverage at 25,000 feet over CONUS, Alaska, and Hawaii and show site locations that prevent authorization of contiguous regional service).
Potential windfall payment or holding period for nationwide license
The FCC tentatively concludes a windfall payment may not be warranted but seeks comment on whether granting a nationwide license and new flexibilities would create an undue windfall requiring a payment to the U.S. Treasury; it also seeks comment on imposing a holding period (i.e., a period during which the nationwide license cannot be assigned or transferred) and on possible buildout conditions tied to any holding-period exceptions.
Modernize in‑flight connectivity power measurement
The FCC proposes to modernize legacy power rules for Commercial Aviation Air-Ground Systems in the 849-851 MHz and 894-896 MHz bands by switching from regulating peak power to regulating effective radiated power measured as average power. The change is intended to align these rules with similar bands and promote more efficient spectrum use and technology neutrality for in-flight connectivity.
Allow UAS detection in 24.45–24.65 GHz band
The FCC proposes to permit radiolocation operations (detection of uncrewed aircraft systems) in the 24.45-24.65 GHz band to facilitate UAS detection at sensitive sites such as stadiums, prisons, the U.S. border, and critical infrastructure. Radiolocation use would be allowed without using the information for navigation purposes.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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