A new report from GSMA Intelligence evaluates regulatory readiness and spectrum availability for uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) across 13 countries in Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America.
The readiness level of each country varies based on several indicators, including the availability of licensed mobile spectrum. GSMA says that the realisation of the UAS opportunities will depend on the ability of countries to enable a supportive regulatory environment.
“While progress has been made in areas such as remote ID, unmanned traffic management (UTM) and BVLOS flight policies, regulatory changes for licensed spectrum usage are happening at a slower pace,” the report notes. “To fully integrate commercial drones into everyday operations, governments must establish clear policies for the use of licensed spectrum by UAS.”
Italy, Finland and the UK score highest in the report’s UAS regulatory index while Germany and Canada are among those GSMA terms as “regressed”. Italy’s advancement is attributed to the enactment of several policies. “Initial electronic conspicuity measures for drones operating BVLOS have been implemented; the ‘Drone Operation Plan’ is a mandatory electronic conspicuity rule for UAS operating beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). Additionally, rules have been enacted for UAS operators to obtain clearance for the use of dedicated airspace issued by the Territorial Directorate of the Italian Civil Aviation Authority, ENAC. Italy has also introduced comprehensive licensed spectrum rules and U-space guidelines. However, it still lacks the implementation of a comprehensive mobile licensed spectrum framework for drones.”
GSMA says that mobile operators are playing a pivotal role in driving growth within the UAS industry, noting that China Mobile is working with partners to roll out 100 low-altitude demonstration projects and that other operators in China are making similar moves. “China Unicom and Huawei have teamed up to create the country’s largest low-altitude integrated and sensing communications (ISAC) test network, covering 100 km² and serving over 300 drone depots. China Unicom plans to build similar networks in other cities, utilising Huawei’s solutions to enhance the vertical reach of its antennas.” Outside of China, GSMA mentions similar development in the UK, Switzerland and Belgium.
The report also notes the importance of secure and reliable communication links between UAS and mobile/fixed communication networks. It calls for a universal adoption of this approach, adding that the UK, Finland and Australia are already making strides in this area while others like Japan, Italy and South Korea are making some progress towards developing licensed spectrum regulations for UAS. Many countries however remain “significantly behind”.
The report provides case studies from the UK, US and Japan and underscores the need for a proper regulatory framework for licensed spectrum use for UAS.
“Without fully harmonised spectrum policy frameworks, there is a risk of UAS technological advancements stagnating. To unlock UAS’ full potential, governments must establish clear policies for licensed spectrum for UAS and streamline procedures to effectively enable BVLOS flights.”
For more information
Image: Shutterstock
