FCC Asks How Satellite Rules Should Treat Drones: Comments Due Nov. 25

The Federal Communications Commission wants to hear from drone pilots, manufacturers and satellite companies about how its satellite rules should treat drones. The questions are part of the FCC’s “Space Modernization for the 21st Century” proceeding, which was published in the Federal Register on October 26, 2026. That publication started the clock on public comments. DroneLife first reported the drone angle.

What the FCC Actually Said

The proceeding is mostly about modernizing satellite licensing in general, but one paragraph is aimed squarely at unmanned aircraft. The FCC writes: “We confirm that a drone may qualify as an ESIM and utilize eligible spectrum under our part 25 and 100 rules to the extent that it sends or receives radiofrequency (RF) signals to or from an authorized FSS satellite system.”

In plain English, an ESIM (Earth Station in Motion) is a satellite terminal that works while it’s moving, like the ones on ships, trucks and airliners. FSS is the Fixed-Satellite Service. So under today’s rules, a drone talking to an authorized FSS satellite system can already qualify to use eligible spectrum.

The catch is that the FCC admits its earlier decisions never considered drones as their own type of ESIM, “given the nascency of the drone industry.” Now it’s asking whether they should.

The Questions on the Table

• A new category? Should drones be their own class of ESIM, or fit under existing ones like Earth Stations Aboard Aircraft (ESAA) or Vehicle-Mounted Earth Stations (VMES)?
• Airliner rules for small drones? The ESAA technical requirements were written mainly for commercial and private aviation. Are they right for drones that fly low and close to the ground?
• Interference. Do drones raise different, or fewer, interference concerns than aircraft or vehicles?
• Consumer gear treatment. Given how common and inexpensive drones are, should they be regulated more like consumer satellite user terminals or Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS) handsets?
• Licensing. What licensing, if any, should apply to drones beyond what applies to user terminals?

The FCC states its goal directly: to give “a diverse array of UAS operators” access to “all eligible frequencies, without the need for individualized licensing or a heavyweight technical envelope.” It also delegates authority to its Space Bureau to clarify how drones are treated under part 100, even without formal rule changes.

Nothing Has Changed Yet

This is a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. The FCC has not proposed a specific new drone category and has not adopted any new drone satellite licensing rules. It is gathering input first.

The docket is SB Docket No. 25-306 (FCC 26-47). Comments are due November 25, 2026, and reply comments are due December 28, 2026. Filings go through the FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS).

Why It Matters for Drone Pilots

Satellite links matter for operations that go beyond the range of a normal radio link: long pipeline and powerline inspections, drone as first responder programs, agriculture over big acreage and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) work. Lighter licensing could make satellite-connected drones cheaper and easier to deploy as BVLOS rules mature.

It also comes as the FCC is busy with drone spectrum elsewhere. The agenda for its October 29 open meeting includes a separate “Unleashing American Drone Dominance” item that would open the 800 MHz Cellular band to drone operations.

Keep in mind that the FCC governs the radio side, not the flying. Whatever happens with satellite spectrum, commercial flights still fall under the FAA’s Part 107 rules. If you’re planning to fly for work, our Part 107 course will get you certified.

Sources: Federal Register, “Space Modernization for the 21st Century” (FCC, SB Docket No. 25-306);

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