FCC Opens 800 MHz Cellular Band to Drones in 3-0 Vote, With 450 MHz Data Links and Counter-Drone Radar Up Next

It’s official. At its October 29 open meeting, the Federal Communications Commission voted 3-0 to let drones use the 800 MHz cellular band. The Report and Order (FCC 26-72) removes a 1991 rule against airborne use for uncrewed aircraft and opens 50 megahertz of licensed, nationwide, low-band spectrum for drone command, control, communications and payload links. Chairman Brendan Carr, Commissioner Anna Gomez and Commissioner Olivia Trusty all voted yes, and Carr and Trusty issued separate statements. The FCC released the final text on October 30, and the next drone spectrum votes are set for November 19.

What the FCC adopted

The 800 MHz cellular rules had banned “airborne” use since 1991 to keep phones on airplanes from interfering with towers on the ground. The new order finds that this restriction is no longer needed for unmanned aircraft systems, because modern wireless networks use advanced technology to keep drones from interfering with them. It covers 824–849 MHz and 869–894 MHz and puts the band on par with other flexible-use bands where drones can already operate.

• Who it helps: drones connected to cellular networks for command and control, telemetry, video and other payload data.

When it takes effect

The rules take effect 30 days after the order is published in the Federal Register. The FCC hasn’t announced a firm effective date yet. Even after that, whether you can use 800 MHz on a flight depends on your carrier and its service terms.

What’s next: November 19

The FCC’s November 19 open meeting has two more items that matter to drone pilots:

• 450 MHz drone data links. This band has been limited to site-by-site voice service for high-altitude general aviation. The order would replace that with nationwide licensing for safety-related data links between the ground and both crewed and uncrewed aircraft.
• 24 GHz counter-drone radar. Ground radars could use 24.45–24.65 GHz to detect and track unauthorized or dangerous drones near airports, borders, prisons, stadiums and critical infrastructure, as long as they don’t interfere with users that have priority in the band.
• Also on the list: updated 800 MHz air-ground broadband rules for in-flight internet, and 28 GHz links for satellite earth stations in motion on ships, planes, drones and vehicles.

None of those are final until the full Commission votes.

What this means for drone pilots

• These are radio rules, not flight rules. The order doesn’t change Part 107, doesn’t approve beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flying and doesn’t replace LAANC. You still need FAA approval to fly beyond line of sight.
• Wait for the effective date. Check your carrier’s terms before you fly a cellular-connected aircraft on 800 MHz.
• Expect more detection. If the 24 GHz radar rules pass, more stadiums, prisons and airports will be able to spot drones that shouldn’t be there.
• BVLOS work is growing. Delivery, inspection and public safety networks will need certified pilots who know airspace and operations.

Better links don’t replace a certificate. Students have been known to finish Drone U’s online Part 107 course in three days and pass the test, and it covers the airspace and operating rules for every flight, whatever link the aircraft uses.

Sources: FCC: FCC Opens More Cellular Spectrum for Drones (Report and Order FCC 26-72, news release, and Carr and Trusty statements); FCC October 2026 Open Meeting; FCC news release on November items, October 28, 2026

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