ARPAS-UK is pleased to see this Consultation by OFCOM taking place. It advances the argument for the use of 5G and gives the User choice that they might not have had. OFCOM are to be applauded and we encourage Members to read and answer the Consultation.
OFCOM are proposing to introduce a new spectrum licence for drone operators, especially those looking to fly beyond visual line of sight using mobile or satellite technologies. The proposed Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Operator Radio licence would authorise the licensed operator to use a range of technologies on their UAS/drone fleet that are not currently permitted today, including:
1) mobile and satellite terminals for control and transmission of data and video; and
2) safety equipment to enable the UAS to avoid collisions and integrate safely into the UK’s airspace.
The proposed licence would cover a range of equipment that an operator may choose to use or be required to carry by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). If a licensee wishes to use a mobile technology that connects to a public mobile network they will need, before doing so, to obtain permission from the operator of the network they wish to use. We are proposing that the licence would be subject to an annual fee of £75.
The proposed licence would not replace the current licence exemption regime for low power 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz equipment which most drones on the market currently fall under today.
Commercial drones have the potential to bring a whole host of benefits, such as delivering vital supplies or assisting search and rescue operations in remote locations. We want to ensure that businesses pioneering these projects can access the spectrum they need to harness the full potential of the latest drone technology.
Helen Hearn, Ofcom’s Spectrum Interim Group Director
Notes
- The consultation on the proposals is open until 5 September 2022. OFCOM plan to publish the decision by November.
- The proposals only cover the radio spectrum that can be authorised for use and do not supersede any aviation safety rules or requirements. Therefore, a drone spectrum licence does not necessarily indicate that the CAA has permitted the equipment to be carried.
- Although the proposed licence provides the framework for authorisation of the use of mobile terminals on a commercial drone, the licensee would need to have obtained a written agreement from the mobile network operator prior to use. It would be up to each mobile operator to decide whether they wish to permit this use, as they may not be in a position to allow such use on their networks.