The Federal Communications Commission is scheduled to vote on October 29, 2026, on a proposed order that would expand the cellular spectrum available to commercial drones. The measure would remove longstanding restrictions on drone operations in the 800 MHz cellular band, according to an October 27 announcement from the office of FCC Chairman Brendan Carr.
The proposal would make 50 megahertz of licensed, nationwide, low-band cellular spectrum available for drone operations. The FCC said an outdated rule has prevented drones from using that spectrum for approximately 35 years. The planned action is intended to provide commercial operators with additional communications options through existing cellular networks.
What the FCC proposal would change
Cellular connectivity is particularly relevant to operations conducted beyond the pilot’s direct visual observation. The FCC announcement identified drone delivery, infrastructure inspection and public safety as applications that may benefit from broader access to cellular communications.
However, the spectrum action would not itself authorize beyond visual line of sight flights. Drone operators would still be required to comply with applicable FAA requirements. The FCC announcement did not specify the technical conditions that would govern use of the spectrum or when any new rules would take effect. Until the commission acts, the proposal should not be treated as an effective authorization for drone operations.
“Reliable connectivity is essential to routine beyond visual line of sight flight, and more spectrum, used flexibly, helps the industry scale.”
The statement was provided by the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International, identified in the FCC announcement as AUVSI. The announcement also included supportive statements from Amazon, AT&T, Verizon, the Commercial Drone Alliance, ANRA Technologies, DRONERESPONDERS and several drone manufacturers and technology companies.
Industry support ahead of the vote
The FCC presented the backing as evidence of demand for additional wireless capacity for uncrewed aircraft. The announcement linked communications access to the development of commercial operations, but it did not announce a separate FAA rule, waiver or exemption for BVLOS flight. The two agencies’ roles remain distinct: the FCC regulates the relevant communications spectrum, while the FAA requirements governing the operation of the aircraft would continue to apply.
- Decision: The FCC is scheduled to vote on an order on October 29.
- Spectrum: The proposal concerns 50 megahertz of licensed, nationwide, low-band spectrum in the 800 MHz cellular band.
- Flight authority: Approval of the spectrum measure would not by itself permit BVLOS operations under FAA rules.
- Implementation: The FCC announcement did not give technical operating conditions or an effective date.
For drone operators and manufacturers, the immediate issue is the commission’s pending decision rather than an operational change already in force. Any eventual spectrum authorization would still need to be considered alongside the FAA framework applicable to the specific flight, including the requirements that govern commercial operations and BVLOS activity.
