How TEAL’s eSIM Technology is Shaping the Future of Drone AAM Policy Under FAA Part 108

As the FAA moves forward with defining Part 108, the framework that will govern routine Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations and broader Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) integration, one thing is becoming clear: connectivity is no longer just a technical detail—it’s a policy cornerstone.

At TEAL, we believe that connectivity is mission critical. And as we prepare to attend the upcoming Drone and AAM Policy Symposium, we’re excited to demonstrate how our U.S.-built Network Orchestration Service (NOS) can support the FAA, regulators, and industry leaders in turning Part 108 into a scalable, secure reality.

Why FAA Part 108 Matters for AAM

FAA Part 108 is poised to unlock routine BVLOS drone operations and enable the certification of scalable AAM solutions. It introduces new expectations for:

• Redundant command-and-control (C2) links
• Secure, interoperable detect-and-avoid (DAA) capabilities
• Cybersecurity and infrastructure protection
• Permit-based frameworks for BVLOS missions
• Performance- and risk-based operational approvals

Each of these elements requires more than just airframe compliance—it requires a connectivity model that’s reliable, secure, and globally scalable.

Mission critical drones need fast, secure, and reliable connectivity and can’t rely on roaming and poor network performance from traditional solutions like MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators).

Unlike sophisticated network orchestration services like that from TEAL, standard roaming solutions come with the following challenges:

• Roaming introduces latency and instability, which is critical for BVLOS drone operations.

• Standard roaming lacks real-time network switching, leading to delayed failover and potential connection loss.

• No Redundancy with limited carrier options in roaming agreement, there are limited options for “Plan B” when existing networks are out of range or inoperable. Devices require downtime for physical reconfiguration when a change is needed.

• No Security: Networks are ever-changing, and international cell networks aren’t trusted or reliable; satellite communications have similar underlying vulnerabilities.

In contrast, TEAL’s Network Orchestration Service (NOS) enables seamless, instantaneous network swaps across global carriers in 196 countries, ensuring continuous, uninterrupted connectivity even in marginal coverage areas—something roaming simply cannot guarantee.

The Role of TEAL’s Mission Critical Connectivity in AAM Readiness

TEAL’s multi-carrier, programmable eSIM platform is already powering next-generation drone fleets across the globe. Here’s how our technology is aligned with the FAA’s policy direction:

 1. Redundant C2 & Real-Time Network Switching

TEAL’s eSIM can dynamically switch between carriers in real time to maintain a strong signal across varied geographies—crucial for the redundant, resilient C2 links required under Part 108.

 2. Cybersecurity & Sovereign Control

Built entirely in the U.S. and GSMA-certified, TEAL’s platform ensures full control over provisioning and data paths, meeting rising FAA and federal expectations around cyber and supply chain security.

 3. Simplified Global Deployment

With a single eSIM SKU and centralized cloud orchestration, drone operators can deploy and manage fleets globally without needing to manually change SIMs or renegotiate carrier contracts—supporting the scalability Part 108 demands.

 4. Operational Data to Inform Policy

TEAL’s system captures key data that can support FAA performance-based rulemaking, UTM integration efforts, and standards development—bringing real-world feedback to the policy table.

Let’s Talk at the Drone and AAM Policy Symposium

If you’re attending the Drone and AAM Policy Symposium, we’d love to meet with you.

Whether you’re working in policy, running drone operations, or building UAM systems, TEAL can help you align your connectivity strategy with regulatory evolution.

👉 Schedule a meeting with a TEAL expert

Let’s explore how secure, scalable connectivity can accelerate your compliance with Part 108—and unlock new airspace opportunities for your drone and AAM operations.