USA FCC's Visionary Spectrum Rules to Support the Future of Advanced Aviation

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) aimed at facilitating the development of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and other unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

This document proposes to amend several service rules for three distinct spectrum bands: the 450 MHz band, the 24.45-24.65 GHz band, and the 800 MHz Commercial Aviation Air-Ground Communication Systems band.

The FCC seeks comments on these proposals to ensure that the final rules promote innovation and efficient use of spectrum, while minimizing interference and protecting the interests of small entities and other licensees.

The FCC's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking has a high impact as it facilitates the development of advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) technologies, which can revolutionize sectors such as logistics, agriculture, public safety, and commercial aviation.

The transition to a geographic licensing regime and the modernization of power rules allows for more efficient use of the spectrum, which is crucial to support the growth of new technologies and services.

The inclusion of radiolocation operations in the 24.45-24.65 GHz band for UAS detection at sensitive sites improves public safety and the protection of critical infrastructure.

The adoption of power rules based on average power and the implementation of a power spectral density (PSD) model promote technological neutrality, allowing broadband technologies to operate more efficiently.

Therefore, the direct impact is on UAS and AAM Operators, the Commercial Aviation Industry, Public Safety Entities, Small Entities and Startups.

The FCC proposals have a high impact due to their potential to drive technological innovation, improve the efficiency of spectrum use and strengthen public safety, directly affecting a wide range of actors in the aviation and security industry.