Ofcom has announced a new initiative to make the 978 MHz spectrum available for drone safety devices in the UK. These devices, known as Universal Access Transceivers (UAT), help aircraft identify drones’ locations, ensuring safer integration into airspace. This change is essential for critical infrastructure tasks, such as inspecting power lines and wind turbines.
The 978 MHz spectrum has been shared since 2016 between aeronautical uses and low-power radio microphones for events. From now on, Ofcom will stop licensing this spectrum for outdoor programme-making and special events (PMSE) use, though indoor use will still be allowed. To compensate, new frequencies are being introduced to expand the available spectrum for PMSE, ensuring minimal interference.
This shift in spectrum usage allows for more efficient drone operations while ensuring PMSE users are provided with alternative frequencies.
OfCom and the CAA issued a joint statement in June 2022, with an update March 2025.
This change supports beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations and is part of the Future of Flight action plan and the CAA’s Airspace Modernisation Strategy. Plus: A Supplementary Amendment to Electronic Conspicuity Devices
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11 March 2025