FCC DA 26-314: Activating the American Drone Network

01 — Video Briefing

Full Video Analysis

02 — What You Need to Know

5 Key Takeaways

Dedicated Spectrum Proposed

FCC proposes 5040–5050 MHz for drones (allocated 2024, never implemented). Dedicated spectrum = BVLOS without interference workarounds.

Comments Due May 1

This is a rare public comment opportunity. Commercial operators, manufacturers, and counter-drone programs should submit comments at fcc.gov/ecfs.

Six Policy Areas

DA 26-314 covers dedicated spectrum, experimental licensing, testbeds, Counter-UAS barriers, federal coordination, and investment incentives.

Most Consequential Since 2025

Builds directly on two June 2025 executive orders and the December 2025 Covered List expansion. The biggest regulatory opening in years.

BVLOS Implications

If spectrum is formalized, operators currently relying on workarounds for RF command/control links gain a clear legal pathway.

03 — Visual Explainer

FCC DA 26-314: The Six Policy Areas

Infographic covering FCC DA 26-314 spectrum reform — six policy areas including dedicated 5040–5050 MHz spectrum, BVLOS implications, counter-UAS barriers, and May 1 2026 comment deadline

Click to enlarge · FCC DA 26-314: Activating the American Drone Network — Six Policy Areas at a Glance

04 — Slide Deck

Policy Analysis & Operator Action Guide

Slide-by-slide breakdown: spectrum allocation history, six policy areas decoded, BVLOS pathway analysis, Counter-UAS implications, and a comment-filing action plan.

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FCC DA 26-314 Slide Deck

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↓ Download Slide Deck (PDF)

05 — Regulatory Quick Reference

The Numbers That Matter

Document

FCC DA 26-314

Public Notice / Spectrum Inquiry

Released

April 1, 2026

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau

Comments Due

May 1, 2026

File at fcc.gov/ecfs

Reply Comments Due

May 18, 2026

Respond to other parties' filings

Primary Spectrum

5030–5091 MHz

Key band: 5040–5050 MHz (10 MHz block)

Policy Areas

Spectrum, licensing, testbeds, C-UAS, federal coord., incentives

Relevant Operators

Part 107, BVLOS

Counter-UAS programs also affected

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Action required by May 1: This public comment period is a rare opportunity to directly shape dedicated drone spectrum policy. Operators with BVLOS programs, spectrum-dependent C-UAS deployments, or fleet transition planning should file substantive comments at fcc.gov/ecfs and reference proceeding DA 26-314. Reply comments due May 18, 2026.

Source: FCC DA 26-314 Full Text (PDF) · FCC Electronic Comment Filing System

06 — Pre-Filing Checklist

Before You File Your Comments

Comments close May 1. These steps will help you file substantive, defensible feedback that the FCC will actually weight.

Review DA 26-314 at fcc.gov (search "DA 26-314") — the full public notice is free to download
Assess which of the six policy areas (spectrum, licensing, testbeds, C-UAS, federal coord., incentives) affect your operations
Document your spectrum needs and interference challenges — specific data carries more weight than general support
Consult with legal counsel on comment strategy, especially if your operations are counter-UAS or government-adjacent
File comments at fcc.gov/ecfs by May 1, 2026 — reference DA 26-314 in your filing
File reply comments by May 18, 2026 — respond to any opposing filings that affect your program
Monitor the FCC docket for follow-up NPRM proceedings — this proceeding feeds rulemaking with a 12–18 month timeline
Update your BVLOS planning horizon if dedicated spectrum is formalized — the January 1, 2027 exemption deadline creates real transition pressure

FCC Electronic Comment Filing: fcc.gov/ecfs · Full text: DA-26-314A1.pdf

Operating BVLOS or Counter-UAS Programs?

DA 26-314 is one of the most consequential spectrum proceedings to affect commercial operators in years. Filing substantive comments now shapes the rulemaking. We can help you assess the impact and build your comment strategy.

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