Covers The 960-1164 MHz And 5030-5091 MHz Bands

The FCC is seeking public comment on a proposal to allocate the 960-1164 MHz and 5030-5091 MHz bands for use to support unmanned aerial system operations.

The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 requires the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the Commission, to submit to specified committees of Congress a report that examines whether to allow the provision of certain UAS communications on the spectrum bands identified in the Act (or others, if necessary).

The Act specifically requires the FAA, the NTIA, and the Commission, after consultation with relevant stakeholders, to submit a report:

• (1) on whether unmanned aircraft systems operations should be permitted, but not required, to operate on spectrum that was recommended for allocation for [Aeronautical Mobile Route (R) Service] and control links for UAS by the World Radio Conferences in 2007 (L-band, 960-1164 MHz) and 2012 (C-band, 5030-5091 MHz), on an unlicensed, shared, or exclusive basis, for operations within the [UAS Traffic Management] system or outside of such a system;
• (2) that addresses any technological, statutory, regulatory, and operational barriers to the use of such spectrum; and
• (3) that, if it is determined that some spectrum frequencies are not suitable for beyondvisual-line-of-sight operations by unmanned aircraft systems, includes recommendations of other spectrum frequencies that may be appropriate for such operations.

Interested parties are invited to provide comments on the issues identified above as the Commission prepares its contribution to this report. The FCC seeks specific comment on how various spectrum access methods and existing and planned infrastructure might overcome any technological or operational barriers to UAS operations in such spectrum. The agency notes that a Petition for Rulemaking recommending service rules for the 5030-5091 MHz allocation is currently pending before the Commission.

Comments must be received by January 27, 2020.

FMI: Public notice