Spectrum for UAS control and Non-Payload Communications

Control and Non-Payload Communications (CNPC) is a critical enabler for UAS integration into the NAS. Protected spectrum for UAS CNPC is a necessity. Line-of-Sight (terrestrially provided) and Beyond-Line-of-Sight (provided by satcom) are both required. ITU-R gives the spectrum requirements: 34 MHz for the terrestrial-based LOS CNPC; 56 MHz for the satellite based BLOS CNPC links; LOS CNPC Spectrum has been allocated during WRC-12; C-Band (5030-5091 MHz) and L-Band (960-977MHz) are allocated. BLOS CNPC Satellite Spectrum is still needed; C-Band allocation unusable in the near term at least; WRC-15 Agenda Item 1. 5 considers the use of FSS systems for CNPC. Sharing studies are underway. Planning the use of the 5030-5091 MHz band has started, must be done carefully.