FCC to vote Oct 29 on letting drones use the 800 MHz cell band
A draft order would end a 1980s-era rule that kept airborne devices off this carrier band, opening it to drones that fly beyond sight.
Drones are only allowed on some radio bands. A new plan would let them use one more band that phone companies own. This could help drones that deliver things or check pipelines.
Hype check
The noise matches the real change.
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Why it matters
More radio space on cell networks could help drone work like delivery, farming and inspections.
Worth a look: it shows how drone rules are slowly opening up.
The details
- The FCC vote is set for October 29, 2026; the draft text was published October 8.
- The band covers 824-849 MHz and 869-894 MHz, about 50 MHz of carrier spectrum.
- If adopted, the change takes effect 30 days after Federal Register publication.
- AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Zipline, Skydio and others filed in favor; the draft cites no opposing filers.
- Drones would connect through base stations and could not cause interference in the 890-894 MHz slice.
Receipts
One trusted outlet reports it. Not confirmed yet. Open the sources and check us.
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