Unlocking the Skies: AURA’s Input on Nation’s Spectrum Strategy

By Brian Regan, AURA Chief Legal & Regulatory Officer

The evolution of aviation is at a crucial juncture, with advancements in technology piloting a new era of air mobility. AURA Network Systems, a key player in this transformative landscape, is designing and building a secure, reliable data and voice command and control (C2) communications network that will enable autonomous and remotely piloted aircraft to safely navigate through national airspace, including beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). The lifeblood of our network is its use of licensed aviation-designated spectrum at 450 MHz.

In November 2023, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released its National Spectrum Strategy (NSS). We are excited that for the first time in memory, a strategy of this level addressed the spectrum needs of aviation and, specifically, uncrewed aviation. We are also proud to have attended the official White House rollout.

We are naturally eager to share our insights on the NSS and its implementation in response to a request for input from NTIA. Let's delve into the significance of the comments and our vision for the future of aviation.

At the heart of AURA’s mission is the development of a cutting-edge communication network, facilitating the safe navigation of both crewed and uncrewed aircraft through national airspace. Successfully transitioning to Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) will require the collaboration of a broad range of stakeholders on multiple regulatory and commercial matters. Consideration of spectrum utilization for AAM will be no less fragmented, and we commend the collaborative efforts of the NTIA, the Administration, and the FCC underscoring the importance of strategic planning for the successful implementation of the NSS.

Our emphasis on prioritizing spectrum for next-generation aviation aligns with the NSS's recognition of the pivotal role spectrum plays in the development of autonomous aircraft. Particularly noteworthy is the agency’s suggestion to reserve the 5030-5091 MHz band exclusively for aviation purposes, emphasizing the need for dedicated spectrum ensuring the safety, security, and efficiency of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS).

More generally, we shared our thoughts that the FCC proceeding and NTIA’s implementation of the NSS on the 5030-5091 MHz band can chart a path forward over the near and medium term that provides the industry a roadmap to final rules that will, in turn, provide certainty and predictability for continued and future investment. Of course, we noted that for AAM momentum to continue, NTIA and FCC should consider additional spectrum bands to support UAS and AAM operations, including moving forward with AURA’s pending petition for rulemaking for the 450 MHz band.

As the AAM sector seeks to meet skyrocketing demand for a wide range of use cases, AURA's comments shed light on the critical role spectrum policy plays in unlocking the full potential of next-generation aviation. The vision presented by AURA is not just about building a communication network; it's about fostering an ecosystem that promotes innovation, safety, and sustainable growth. The collaborative spirit demonstrated in our comments sets the stage for a future where the skies are not just open but optimized for the limitless possibilities of aviation technology.