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Spectrum Leasing
Frequently Asked Questions

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What are the benefits of 24 / 39 GHz?

  • Licensed - Only licensed spectrum provides operators with the protection of interference-free operation. Valuable data requires uninterrupted data transport that is not guaranteed in unlicensed bands.
  • Uncrowded - Relatively few holders of 24 / 39 GHz spectrum mean that frequency coordination is simple and fast. This compares favorably with both unlicensed bands as well as common carrier bands where certain geographies experience congestion.
  • High capacity - Each channel of 24 / 39 GHz spectrum is 40 or 50 MHz and can carry up to 622 Mbps. In addition, channels may be combined to form larger bandwidths to achieve even higher capacities (1 Gbps +).
  • Cost and capital equipment - Equipment supporting 24 / 39 GHz is carrier class and readily available. Packaging equipment with a spectrum lease can be done at attractive values.
  • Fast to implement - The spectrum leasing process can be faster than the FCC license application process and can save weeks in many cases. 24 / 39 GHz spectrum leases can be available within days of a request. Implementation support can also be provided.
  • Suitable for metropolitan areas - Fast speeds, rapid installations and readily available spectrum make 24 / 39 GHz ideal frequency bands for metropolitan areas. It is these areas where unlicensed and certain licensed frequency engineering challenges are the greatest.
How does FCC-licensed 24 / 39 GHz compare to unlicensed frequencies?
  • Interference - The FCC does not guarantee that unlicensed frequencies will be free from interference. In other words, any number of users may use unlicensed frequencies and interference is a concern at some unknown time in the future. On the other hand, licensed frequencies are assigned to only one user at a time and the FCC has authority over unauthorized users. Typically speaking, the more important the application, the more important freedom from interference and the use of licensed links become.
  • Capacity - Typically, unlicensed frequencies have less bandwidth available and, in order to protect from interference, less of that bandwidth is utilized. The 24 / 39 GHz frequencies have substantial bandwidth available and can deliver the high capacities required for today's broadband connections.
How does FCC-licensed 24 / 39 GHz compare to use of common carrier frequencies such as 18 GHz and 23 GHz?
The primary differences are the system flexibilities and implementation time frame. The 24 / 39 GHz bands are licensed on an area-wide basis allowing for flexibility in channel bandwidth (aggregation or subdivision) and allow for point-to-multipoint configurations, if desired. The 18 and 23 GHz bands have FCC-mandated channel plans and allow only point-to-point links. With regards to implementation time, you may save weeks (or even months for 23 GHz frequencies where no conditional authorization is permitted), compared to the licensing process for 18 and 23 GHz.

How much does the radio equipment cost?
Radio equipment for 24 / 39 GHz is mature and is available at very comparable cost to 18 and 23 GHz equipment. Exact cost for particular capacity radios is fluid. Contact Comsearch for a list of known vendors offering radios in the 24 and 39 GHz bands.

How far can a 24 / 39 GHz link reach?
It depends on the rain region, desired link reliability, and system gain of the radios. You can estimate the link length at a given reliability level using our distance table. Generally speaking, about 2 to 5 miles for 24 GHz and about 1 to 2 miles for 39 GHz are good working assumptions for highly reliable links in most areas for typical radios.

How fast can a link be established?
A leasing agreement can be established in as little as a couple of days. The length of time to conduct the frequency assignment will typically be only a few days depending on the specific link location. In most cases, it takes several days to install the equipment. This compares very favorably with 18 GHz and 23 GHz links that require a 15 to 30 day prior coordination period.

How much data can be put over a link?
It is possible to utilize radios that provide 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps) capacity although 100 to 311 Mbps is more typical. Most radios allow users to start out with lower capacity and easily upgrade to higher capacities as needed without changing out the equipment.

What is the chance of users suffering interference?
Unlike unlicensed spectrum that has zero protection, 24 and 39 GHz licensed spectrum has all the protection afforded by the FCC and can be further monitored for frequency protection.

What is a spectrum leasing agreement?
A spectrum leasing agreement is an agreement between FiberTower and the customer to use a portion of the licensed 24 / 39 GHz frequency granted to FiberTower by the FCC. The one-page ExpressLink agreement is for point-to-point spectrum leases. The ExpressNet agreement is for area-wide leases.

What must I do to comply with FCC rules?
FiberTower handles the FCC lease application process.

What if I need to move the radios or the link before the expiration of the agreement?
If a customer wants to move a radio link, that customer must forgo the past agreement, enter into a new agreement. If available, FiberTower will enter into a new agreement on the similar terms as the original agreement.

What about roof or tower rights?
Roof or tower access rights are the responsibility of the customer.

   


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