The UK Enhanced Aviation Safety: New UAS Frequencies Announced by Ofcom and CAA

OFCOM and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) have announced the availability of the 978 MHz frequency for airborne transmission on board Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) from 11 March 2025. This move will allow the use of additional safety equipment (Universal Access Transceiver or UAT) to make other aircraft aware of their position.

This change supports longer range operations, such as those beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), and forms part of the Government’s Future of Flight action plan and the CAA’s Airspace Modernization strategy.

The use of the 978 MHz frequencies for UAT is internationally standardized, and Ofcom’s license includes a reference to the relevant CAA document (CAP 1391). The frequencies used in 978 MHz form part of an aeronautical navigation band that is currently shared with low-power radio microphones used to produce programs and special events (PMSE).

Sharing arrangements were introduced in Ofcom's 2016 Statement on New Spectrum for PMSE Audio. That statement made clear that as aeronautical use changes, the availability of PMSE spectrum will be updated in a way that maintains aeronautical safety, by agreement with the CAA.

**WHY? **

The joint statement from Ofcom and the CAA on the use of 978 MHz for UAS and changes to PMSE audio access has a high impact as it allows the use of additional safety equipment such as the Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) which improves situational awareness of other aircraft. This is crucial for safer operations, especially on flights beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).

This change is part of the CAA's airspace modernization strategy and the Government's Future of Flight action plan, which involves an improvement in the infrastructure and technological capabilities of UK airspace.

Restricting the use of certain frequencies for outdoor events may impact event organizers and the program and special events production industry (PMSE). However, alternative frequencies have been provided to minimize this impact.

**WHO? **

So, it directly impacts UAS Operators, PMSE Industry, General Aviation.

**CONCLUSION: **

The declaration has a significant impact in terms of safety and airspace modernization, the mitigation measures and alternatives provided for the PMSE industry reduce the negative impact.