USA - Spectrum Rules and Policies for the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems

USA Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) enables Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) operators to access dedicated spectrum for control-related communications. 

Specifically, this document adopts service rules under new rule part 88 that provide operators the ability to obtain direct frequency assignments in a portion of the 5030-5091 MHz band for non-networked operation. Under these rules, one or more dynamic frequency management systems (DFMSs) will manage and coordinate access to the spectrum and enable its safe and efficient use, by providing requesting operators with temporary frequency assignments to support UAS control link communications with a level of reliability suitable for operations in controlled airspace and other safety-critical circumstances. 

To address concerns regarding the impact of these aeronautical operations on adjacent services, this document locates these operations, for now, in the central part of the band, with substantial separation from the bands adjacent to the 5030- 5091 MHz band.

The rules are effective February 7, 2025, except for Sec. Sec. 88.27, 88.31, 88.33, 88.35, 88.111, 88.113, 88.115, 88.135, 88.137, and 88.141, which are delayed. 

The Federal Communications Commission will publish a document in the Federal Register announcing the effective date. 

The incorporation by reference of material listed in Sec. 88.117 is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of February 7, 2025.90 Federal Register (FR) 1380, January 8, 2025; Title 47 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts 01287, 88 and 95.

This final rule is identified by WT Docket No. 22-323FCC 24-91 and provides access to associated documents. 

The full text of the final rule is available from the Commission's website at https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-24-91A1.pdf.

Documents are also accessible from the FCC's Electronic Document Management System (EDOCS) by searching the Docket Number. Comments ("filings") posted by the FCC in the Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) are accessible at https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/search/search-filings/results?q=(proceedings.name:(%2222-323%22))​."