FCC Approves Nationwide Test of Commercial Cellular Networks for Drone Connectivity

A Regulatory Green Light

The Federal Communications Commission has granted a temporary waiver to support a nationwide trial led by the US Department of Transportation. Known as the Mobile Network Aviation Assessment Program (MNAAP), the initiative will explore whether commercial wireless networks can reliably provide safety and security services for a growing number of aircraft, particularly drones, in US airspace.

The Connectivity Challenge

Dependable communications are a major hurdle for expanding commercial drone operations. Beyond-visual-line-of-sight flights require robust links for command and control, Remote ID, electronic conspicuity, counter-drone detection, and autonomous detect-and-avoid. Instead of building a separate drone network, MNAAP will test whether existing cellular, satellite direct-to-device, and sidelink technologies can shoulder some of that burden.

Test Parameters and Protections

The trial will cover the contiguous United States. Up to 2,000 DOT-authorized general aviation pilots and 200 non-federal drone operators may take part, using compliant commercial wireless devices or dedicated MNAAP modules. Those modules must obtain equipment authorization and mobile broadband provider certification, and all tests must prevent harmful interference. Available spectrum spans 600/700/800 MHz through cellular, AWS, PCS, and CBRS bands, extending to 24, 28, 37, and 47 GHz.

What Comes Next

This is a proof-of-concept, not a sign that cellular networks are ready for routine nationwide BVLOS flights. The waiver remains in effect until October 1, 2029, giving regulators and industry ample time to collect real-world performance data. While consumer drone owners will not see immediate BVLOS privileges, the results could influence future commercialization and spectrum policy for connected aircraft.