Exclusive Spectrum for Drone Communication in India
As drones become more common in various industries, including agriculture, logistics, and emergency response, the need for reliable communication between drones and their operators is becoming increasingly important. However, the current lack of a dedicated frequency band for drone communication has led to signal interference and decreased reliability, hindering the potential of drones to revolutionize these industries. In India, this issue has been recognized by both the drone community and the government, leading to a proposal for the allotment of exclusive bandwidth for drone communication.
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposed new rules to make licensed radio spectrum in the 5 GHz band for the rising number of unmanned aircraft systems, or drones, in use.
Current scenario
With the inevitability of drones assisting humans in every domain, from delivering goods to monitoring crops, reliable communication is critical. Currently, drones use commercial radio frequency bands, which can be easily interfered with by other devices, including Wi-Fi routers and mobile phones. This can cause signal loss, slow response times, and even crashes, which not only reduces the effectiveness of drones but also poses a safety risk.
The need to allocate exclusive spectrum
The allocation of exclusive bandwidth for drone communication would ensure that drones have reliable, interference-free communication with their operators. This move by the government would give a boost to drone manufacturers and users in India, allowing them to develop and use advanced technologies that would not be possible without reliable communication. This would help to position India as a leader in the global drone industry, with a competitive edge in terms of technology and safety.
What others work on
Ofem, UK has proposed new spectrum licence for drone operators, especially those looking to fly beyond visual line of sight using mobile or satellite technologies. Their proposed Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Operator Radio licence would authorise the licensed operator to use a range of technologies on their UAS/drone fleet that are not currently permitted today, including:
• mobile and satellite terminals for control and transmission of data and video; and
• safety equipment to enable the UAS to avoid collisions and integrate safely into the UK’s airspace.
The proposed licence would cover a range of equipment that an operator may choose to use or be required to carry by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). If a licensee wishes to use a mobile technology that connects to a public mobile network they will need, before doing so, to obtain permission from the operator of the network they wish to use.
Open issues and future directions
There are, however, some open issues and future directions that need to be considered in this proposal. One of the main concerns is the potential for signal interference from neighboring countries, which could cause problems for drones flying near the border. To address this issue, coordination with neighboring countries would be necessary to ensure that the frequency range is not used by other devices. Additionally, the government would need to establish regulatory policies and procedures to ensure that the exclusive bandwidth is used responsibly and that drone operators are properly licensed and trained.
The promising alternative
Using cellular networks for drone communication is a promising alternative to traditional radio frequency bands. With cellular networks, drones can connect to the internet and communicate with their operators through 4G or 5G networks, which offer high-bandwidth and reliable connections. This approach can overcome the challenges of signal interference, slow response times, and limited coverage of traditional radio frequency bands, which can hinder the effectiveness of drones. Additionally, cellular networks can enable more advanced features, such as real-time video streaming, remote diagnostics, and software updates. While using cellular networks for drone communication is not without its challenges, such as potential costs and coverage issues, it represents a promising direction for the future of drone technology.
The proposal for exclusive spectrum for drone communication in India is a crucial step towards unlocking the full potential of drones in various industries. With reliable and interference-free communication, drones can improve efficiency, safety, and productivity, and contribute to the growth of the drone industry in India. While there are open issues and future directions to be considered, the potential benefits of this proposal cannot be ignored.
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