This article published in collaboration with JUIDA, the Japan UAS Industrial Development Association.
Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has released its Frequency Reallocation Action Plan for fiscal year 2025, introducing significant changes that will reshape operational capabilities for the country’s expanding drone industry. The comprehensive plan targets securing approximately 47 GHz of additional bandwidth by 2040, with several initiatives directly impacting unmanned aerial vehicle operations.
5G Access in Upper Airspace
The plan advances technical studies enabling drone access to 5G networks in upper airspace, specifically targeting the 3.7 GHz and 4.5 GHz bands. These studies examine interference prevention with terrestrial systems, addressing previous restrictions that prohibited aerial 5G access due to signal interference concerns. The regulatory framework will establish technical conditions allowing drones to utilize multiple frequency bands including 4G systems at 3.4 and 3.5 GHz, 5G at 3.7, 4.5, 4.9, and 28 GHz, and local 5G between 4.6-4.9 GHz and 28.2-29.1 GHz.
Wireless LAN Expansion for Aerial Operations
The Ministry is advancing wireless LAN systems in the 5.2 GHz band for expanded airspace use, with regulatory revisions completed by fiscal year 2024 end. The plan outlines frequency expansion into the 6 GHz band (5925-6425 MHz) and 6.5 GHz band (6425-7125 MHz) for Standard Power mode outdoor operations, with technical conditions finalized by the end of fiscal year 2025. Implementation requires establishing Automated Frequency Coordination systems to prevent harmful interference with existing stations.
Institutional arrangements for High Altitude Platform Stations will be completed by fiscal year 2025 end, enabling stratospheric unmanned aircraft to provide wide-area connectivity for drones and IoT devices. HAPS service links will utilize the 2 GHz band, while feeder links operate between 38-39.5 GHz. Japanese providers including SoftBank and NTT Docomo are developing commercial HAPS platforms targeting 2026 launch.
The plan also establishes institutional arrangements for 700 MHz band satellite direct communication systems by 2026, enabling direct connectivity between terminals and low Earth orbit satellites. This development supports drone operations in remote regions where terrestrial coverage remains limited.
Millimeter Wave Developments
Based on May 2025 demand surveys, the Ministry will establish technical standards and price competition guidelines for the 26 GHz band by fiscal year 2025 end. Frequencies with high compatibility will be allocated to 5G through competitive bidding, with existing systems migrating to alternative frequencies within five years.
These systematic frequency reallocation initiatives directly address operational constraints limiting Japanese drone industry expansion, providing clear implementation timelines through 2026 for equipment development and operational deployment strategies.
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Ian McNabb is a journalist focusing on drone technology and lifestyle content at Dronelife. He is based between Boston and NH and, when not writing, enjoys hiking and Boston area sports.