Media Contact:
Bill Davenport
William.Davenport@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

STATEMENT OF FCC COMMISSIONER GEOFFREY STARKS 
ON FCC REQUEST FOR COMMENTS ON UAS SPECTRUM RULES

WASHINGTON, August 20, 2021— “Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or drones, could greatly enhance our public safety, economic competitiveness, and scientific progress. That was the message I received in early 2020 when I visited the Nevada Institute for Autonomous Systems, an FAA-designated UAS test site outside Las Vegas.  But these systems cannot truly flourish without Commission action governing the operation of UAS in licensed spectrum. 
That’s why I called for such action earlier this month.  I’m therefore pleased to see today’s Public Notice seeking to refresh the record of a proceeding seeking a licensing framework for UAS.  While the issues are complex and will require careful work with our federal partners at the FAA and NTIA, I’m hopeful that the new round of comments will allow the Commission to address the full spectrum needs of UAS and enable this important industry to fulfill its full potential.”

###
Office of Commissioner Geoffrey Starks: (202) 418-2500 
ASL Videophone: (844) 432-2275 
TTY: (888) 835-5322 
Twitter: @GeoffreyStarks 
www.fcc.gov/about/leadership/geoffrey-starks 

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).