News
The FCC says they’ve voted to open up a large portion of available spectrum for drone operations.
By Brad Randall, Broadband Communities
November 3, 2026
A restriction that had previously had the unintended consequence of limiting drones from operating in 50 megahertz of low-band spectrum in the 800 MHz band has been removed.
The FCC’s vote, recorded last week, opens a “huge swath” of spectrum for drone operations, the FCC’s October 29 release stated.
“Unlocking the 800 MHz cellular band for drones encourages innovation; maximizes the potential uses for 50 megahertz of licensed, nationwide, low-band spectrum; and provides parity with other similar flexible-use bands,” the FCC said in an announcement following the vote.
The issue had stemmed from rules that had been on the books from decades ago.
“Historically, the 800 MHz band was one of the earliest licensed spectrum bands for mobile phone operations with the Commission adopting rules in 1981 for the licensing of 800 MHz cellular radiotelephone service,” the FCC’s release stated. “In 1991, it prohibited “airborne” use in an effort to minimize the risk of interference to terrestrial networks from phones on planes. However, this prohibition carried forward into today’s regulatory space where it stood in the way of drone operations as the technology advances quickly and the spectrum needs grow with it.”
Spectrum is an increasing part of the connectivity puzzle in the US, a topic that will be well discussed at Connected America, now to be co-located with Broadband Communities Summit in Houston.
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Broadband Communities Summit, co-located with Connected America, brings together the people responsible for planning, developing, building, managing, and future-proofing the nation’s digital infrastructure. It is the premier gathering for the connectivity and telecommunications sector, bringing the entire broadband supply chain together under one roof. Learn more about our 2027 event or book your tickets today.
