AURA Applauds FCC’s Proposed Rulemaking to Enhance UAS Safety and Innovation
450 MHz Band Inclusion Marks Significant Progress for Advanced Air Mobility
McLean, Va. (January 21, 2024) – AURA Network Systems, a leading provider of specialized communications services for the aviation industry, has commended the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for adopting the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) Facilitating Opportunities for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). The inclusion of the company’s 450 MHz band for Control Non-Payload Communications (CNPC) services marks a significant step toward the next generation of aviation, underscoring the Commission’s commitment to fostering innovation and ensuring the safe integration of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS).
“AURA’s 450 MHz nationwide network is uniquely positioned to meet our industry’s need for dedicated spectrum, and we applaud the FCC for releasing the NPRM, as it is essential for ensuring America’s continued leadership in global aviation and achieving the regulatory clarity needed to accelerate transformative UAS technologies,” said AURA Chief Executive Officer Kevin Steen. (The FCC released the NPRM on January 17, 2025.)
While the company can already provide CNPC services, Steen noted that the FCC’s action will support a wide range of applications – from air-cargo logistics for both commercial and government markets to enhancing communications capabilities for the broader aviation community. “We are especially pleased to see the Commission recognize the importance of the Aeronautical Mobile Route Service designation for the spectrum, as well as the need to move away from complex site-by-site licensing.”
Steen emphasized the instrumental role of FCC-licensed aviation-designated spectrum in AURA’s commitment to developing comprehensive technology solutions benefitting the aviation ecosystem: “If all of America is to fully realize the potential of AAM, the industry needs spectrum that is licensed, dedicated to aviation, and managed to ensure coverage along flight routes.” The company’s proprietary spectrum management system allows airborne assets to maintain continuous communication links for critical voice and data.
In its initial petition, AURA requested updates to the FCC’s rules to allow the 450 MHz band to support both crewed aircraft and UAS, receiving strong support from various entities, including public safety organizations, infrastructure providers, UAS testing locations, tech companies, and the private aeronautical industry.
“AURA remains committed to supporting the safe integration of UAS into controlled airspace, and we look forward to continuing our work with the FCC, other regulators, and industry stakeholders to advance this rulemaking,” Steen added.
The FCC action adds to AURA’s recent achievements, including:
Publication of RTCA DO-406, which sets UHF radio performance standards for UAS communications and provides guidance for avionics manufacturers building radios for aircraft operating on the company’s network;
Successful flight testing using the commercial network as the primary link for command-and-control and Air Traffic Control (ATC) voice communications between the aircraft and remote pilot; and
Selection by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to demonstrate or validate technologies essential for UAS integration into the NAS at FAA-designated UAS Test Sites.
About AURA Network Systems
AURA is a leading provider of specialized communications services, catering to both crewed and uncrewed aviation markets. Our dedicated team is laser-focused on developing and deploying a comprehensive suite of aviation infrastructure solutions that enhance autonomy and safety within the National Airspace System. From our command-and-control service using exclusive, aviation-dedicated spectrum to our patented spectrum management system, AURA’s private network is designed to enable the commercial viability of emerging aviation technologies while supporting operators in achieving regulatory compliance.
###
AURA Media Contact:
Michael Tucker
tucker@auranetworksystems.com
202-744-6116