Drones have significant potential to drive innovation and economic growth, with rapid technological developments enabling new services across sectors including infrastructure, logistics, emergency response, and public safety.
We already authorise several spectrum bands for drone control and safety, including for flights beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). As use cases continue to develop, demand for additional spectrum is emerging. For example, BVLOS use cases often rely on mobile networks for primary command and control but may also require back-up spectrum access where there are gaps in mobile coverage.
We are keen to enable further innovation to take place in the UK in the near term. The sector is developing fast, with uncertainty over which specific spectrum solutions will be most important in the UK, and when. Accordingly, we are proposing to enable drone access to two additional bands on a time-limited basis, to enable companies to develop, launch and expand commercial deployments; and benefit consumers and citizens in the near term, while we plan for longer term solutions.
In parallel, the growing capability of drones is also creating new risks around safety and security. We are proposing a new licence to authorise the use of drone detection radars in the UK.
What we are proposing – in brief
We are making proposals to:
- Enable 450 MHz to be used for drone control links with three year fixed term licences, using frequencies between 453–462.5 MHz shared with business radio. This band is primarily available in remote and rural areas;
- Enable drone control links to access a portion of the 5030–5091 MHz band (our preferred option is 5040–5060 MHz) until 2032, with good availability across the UK;
- Create a new drone radar licence to authorise drone detection radar at 24 GHz (24.05-24.25 GHz) and 16 GHz (15.4 GHz- 16.6 GHz). The 16 GHz authorisation would require case by case coordination with the Ministry of Defence.
We are also seeking stakeholder inputs on future spectrum needs relating to drones, including for drone control, safety and detection.
Responding to this consultation
Please submit responses using the response form no later than 30 September 2026.