Should Drones Use New Radio Frequencies for Command and Control?
Official title: Notice No. SMSE-016-25 — Consultation on a Policy, Licensing and Technical Framework for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in the 5030-5091 MHz Band and Certain Bands Used to Provide Commercial Mobile Services
The federal government wants to set rules for how commercial drones communicate with their operators. Right now, there's no dedicated radio spectrum for drone command-and-control in Canada. This consultation asks whether the 5030-5091 MHz band should be opened up for this purpose, and how it should be licensed.
Why This Matters
Ever ordered something delivered by drone? This could make that more common. Commercial drone operators need reliable radio links to fly safely. Better spectrum rules could mean more drone delivery services, agricultural monitoring, and infrastructure inspections in your area.
What Could Change
New licensing rules could open the 5030-5091 MHz band specifically for drone operations. Commercial mobile networks might also be authorized for drone control. This would create a regulatory framework that doesn't exist today in Canada.
Key Issues
- Should the 5030-5091 MHz band be designated for drone command and control?
- What licensing framework should apply to drone radio communications?
- Should commercial mobile networks be used for drone control links?
How to Participate
- Review the full consultation document on ISED's website.
- Submit your comments through ISED's Spectrum management and telecommunications website by the deadline.