UK Opens New Spectrum Path for BVLOS Drone Operations
Until early 2023, drones in the United Kingdom operated almost exclusively on licence?exempt spectrum, either the 35 MHz band used by model aircraft or the 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz frequencies common to Wi?Fi. These allocations, regulated by Ofcom under the Wireless Telegraphy Act, allowed hobbyists and commercial users to fly without obtaining a dedicated spectrum licence. While adequate for short?range, low?altitude flights, these bands offered neither the bandwidth nor the reliability demanded by emerging unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) applications.
The limitations became increasingly apparent as drone technology matured. Higher?altitude flights, complex payloads, and the push toward beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations exposed the constraints of unlicensed spectrum. BVLOS missions, in particular, require robust, low?latency communication links capable of maintaining control and transmitting high?resolution video or sensor data over long distances. The same applies to safety?critical functions such as collision avoidance and integration into controlled airspace.
Recognizing the gap, Ofcom launched a public consultation on 10 June 2022 to explore a new licensing regime. The proposal targeted operators intending to use mobile or satellite communications for BVLOS flights. Feedback came from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), government departments, industry stakeholders, and international regulatory counterparts. This collaborative process shaped a new UAS spectrum licensing framework, unveiled on 16 December 2022.
From mid?January 2023, operators could apply for the UAS Operator Licence. The framework leaves the existing licence?exempt regime untouched for those content with low?power, short?range operations. However, for operators aiming to expand capabilities, the new licence opens significant possibilities.
Key characteristics include explicit authorisation for BVLOS operations, provided the operator also meets all relevant CAA air safety requirements. The licence covers all drones operated by the holder within UK territory and waters, though it does not extend to international flights. It permits the use of mobile and satellite terminals for control, telemetry, and video transmission—technologies previously prohibited in this context. It also authorises safety equipment such as airborne detect?and?avoid systems, transponders, and beacons, which may be mandated in the future.
The authorisation extends to a range of specific radio equipment, with the list subject to periodic review and public consultation to keep pace with technological and regulatory developments. One notable restriction is that no transmissions are permitted in the 2.6 GHz band. Operators wishing to use mobile or satellite links must secure agreement from the relevant network providers.
The licence is indefinite in duration, contingent on payment of a £75 annual fee. This structure offers stability for long?term planning while ensuring regulatory oversight. For engineers and system integrators, the framework’s flexibility means UAS platforms can be equipped with communications hardware designed for resilience and redundancy, rather than being constrained to short?range, interference?prone links.
Beyond spectrum access, the framework implicitly supports the UK’s broader ambitions for integrating drones into national airspace. By enabling the use of advanced communications and safety systems, it lays groundwork for more complex missions, from infrastructure inspection over remote terrain to environmental monitoring and logistics. The CAA’s continuing role ensures that spectrum access is matched by operational safety oversight, maintaining alignment with international aviation standards.
For the aerospace and robotics community, the UAS Operator Licence represents a regulatory shift that acknowledges the technological trajectory of unmanned systems. It bridges the gap between hobbyist?grade operations and the requirements of commercial, industrial, and public?service missions that depend on BVLOS capability. As Ofcom keeps the authorised equipment list under review, the framework is positioned to adapt alongside advances in communication protocols, sensor integration, and autonomous navigation.
