This text printed in collaboration with JUIDA, the Japan UAS Industrial Growth Affiliation.
Japan’s Ministry of Inside Affairs and Communications has launched its Frequency Reallocation Motion Plan for fiscal yr 2025, introducing vital modifications that may reshape operational capabilities for the nation’s increasing drone trade. The great plan targets securing roughly 47 GHz of further bandwidth by 2040, with a number of initiatives straight impacting unmanned aerial automobile operations.
5G Entry in Higher Airspace
The plan advances technical research enabling drone entry to 5G networks in higher airspace, particularly focusing on the three.7 GHz and 4.5 GHz bands. These research study interference prevention with terrestrial programs, addressing earlier restrictions that prohibited aerial 5G entry on account of sign interference considerations. The regulatory framework will set up technical circumstances permitting drones to make the most of a number of frequency bands together with 4G programs at 3.4 and three.5 GHz, 5G at 3.7, 4.5, 4.9, and 28 GHz, and native 5G between 4.6-4.9 GHz and 28.2-29.1 GHz.
Wi-fi LAN Enlargement for Aerial Operations
The Ministry is advancing wi-fi LAN programs within the 5.2 GHz band for expanded airspace use, with regulatory revisions accomplished by fiscal yr 2024 finish. The plan outlines frequency enlargement into the 6 GHz band (5925-6425 MHz) and 6.5 GHz band (6425-7125 MHz) for Commonplace Energy mode out of doors operations, with technical circumstances finalized by the top of fiscal yr 2025. Implementation requires establishing Automated Frequency Coordination programs to forestall dangerous interference with present stations.
Institutional preparations for Excessive Altitude Platform Stations shall be accomplished by fiscal yr 2025 finish, enabling stratospheric unmanned plane to offer wide-area connectivity for drones and IoT units. HAPS service hyperlinks will make the most of the two GHz band, whereas feeder hyperlinks function between 38-39.5 GHz. Japanese suppliers together with SoftBank and NTT Docomo are creating industrial HAPS platforms focusing on 2026 launch.
The plan additionally establishes institutional preparations for 700 MHz band satellite tv for pc direct communication programs by 2026, enabling direct connectivity between terminals and low Earth orbit satellites. This improvement helps drone operations in distant areas the place terrestrial protection stays restricted.
Millimeter Wave Developments
Primarily based on Could 2025 demand surveys, the Ministry will set up technical requirements and worth competitors tips for the 26 GHz band by fiscal yr 2025 finish. Frequencies with excessive compatibility shall be allotted to 5G by aggressive bidding, with present programs migrating to various frequencies inside 5 years.
These systematic frequency reallocation initiatives straight tackle operational constraints limiting Japanese drone trade enlargement, offering clear implementation timelines by 2026 for tools improvement and operational deployment methods.
Learn Extra
Ian McNabb is a journalist specializing in drone expertise and way of life content material at Dronelife. He’s primarily based between Boston and NH and, when not writing, enjoys mountaineering and Boston space sports activities.
