Taming the Spectrum  

In this issue:

MARKET TRENDS:
Regulatory Work to Accommodate 18 GHz Satellite Communications Systems Nears Completion

CASE CORNER:
71-95 GHz - New Spectrum and a New Approach

REGULATORY RAP:
Spectrum Management News

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December  2004    Vol 4 Issue 4     ©Comsearch 2004


Market Trends

Regulatory Work to Accommodate 18 GHz Satellite Communications Systems Nears Completion

by Will Perkins, Comsearch Principal Engineer

Terrestrial microwave systems got a decades-long head start in usage of the 18 GHz band but regulatory changes are underway that may allow satellite communications systems to begin service.  Although the 18 GHz band (17.7-19.7 GHz) has for many years been designated in the FCC’s Table of Frequency Allocations for shared usage between Fixed (terrestrial microwave) and Fixed Satellite services,  terrestrial systems were better positioned to meet the technological challenges and began using the band in the 1980s.  Satellite systems to use the Ka-band (27.5-30.0 GHz Uplink, 17.7-20.2 GHz Downlink), on the other hand, have only more recently been designed, approved by the ITU, licensed by the FCC, and enabled by FCC rule changes.

At WRC-95 and WRC-97 the ITU approved a worldwide 500 MHz downlink allocation to the Non-Geostationary Orbit Fixed Satellite Service (NGSO/FSS) at 18.8-19.3 GHz.  The major NGSO/FSS proponent, Teledesic, argued before the FCC that because of the intended ubiquitous presence of its earth terminals it would be difficult or impossible for the service to share frequencies with terrestrial microwave systems.  Likewise, Geostationary Orbit Fixed Satellite Service (GSO/FSS) supporters were also skeptical about sharing with terrestrial systems, and terrestrial users opposed sharing with ubiquitous GSO/FSS and NGSO/FSS earth terminals.  In the end the solution adopted by the FCC involved segmenting the band so that each type of system received its own primary allocation.  While this solution eliminates or at least minimizes the need for frequency coordination among the dissimilar systems, it results in the displacement of some terrestrial systems that had begun using the band over the years.

FS

 

 

600 MHz

GSO/FSS

 

   

280 MHz

GSO/FSS

 

 

220 MHz

NGSO/FSS

 

 

500 MHz

MSS/FL

&

FS

400 MHz

GSO/FSS

 

 

500 MHz

17.7                18.3          18.58            18.8                  19.3            19.7              20.2 GHz

Table 1:  Band Plan Adopted in IB Docket No. 98-172

In a series of Orders in IB Docket No. 98-172, the FCC adopted the new band plan and rules for relocating terrestrial systems from the segments designated for use by satellite systems.  The terrestrial channel plans in the 18.58-18.82 GHz and 18.92-19.16 GHz segments, called the 340 MHz-split frequencies after the separation between the go and return channels, are no longer available for licensing.  Existing systems licensed to use these segments may continue to operate but are subject to relocation out of this spectrum at the discretion and expense of the operators of new satellite systems.  The licenses for these existing terrestrial systems will become secondary to satellite systems on June 8, 2010.   

The 17.70-18.14 GHz and 19.26-19.70 GHz segments that comprise the 1560 MHz-split channel plans are now available for licensing exclusively by terrestrial systems with two exceptions.  First, the 19.26-19.30 GHz segment was also allocated to NGSO/FSS to preserve the worldwide 500 MHz allocation to that service.  Licenses in this segment will become secondary to satellite systems on October 31, 2011.  Second, the 19.3-19.7 GHz segment is shared with a small number of feeder-link earth stations supporting the Mobile Satellite Service (MSS).   

In addition, the 18.30-18.58 GHz segment that is used by private cable operators (PCOs) was also re-allocated to the satellite services.  The FCC had made additional spectrum available to these systems in the 12.70-13.20 GHz band in CS Docket No. 99-250.  By also making the 17.7-18.14 GHz band available to these systems, the FCC reasoned in IB Docket No. 98-172 that sufficient spectrum opportunities exist to accommodate the needs of these users.  Licenses in this segment will become secondary to satellite systems on November 19, 2012.

Table 2:  Old 18 GHz Channel Plan

The loss of the 340 MHz-split segments also eliminated the only 18 GHz channels of 5 MHz bandwidth.  In WT Docket No. 04-143 now under consideration, the FCC proposes to add narrow channel plans of 1.25, 2.5, and 5 MHz bandwidth as well as new 30 and 50 MHz channel plans to the 1560 MHz-split segments.  These changes are intended to accommodate the needs of terrestrial systems going forward.

 
   
 


Case Corner

 
71-95 GHz - New Spectrum and a New Approach 

by Laura Fontaine, Director, Spectrum Management

Gigabit data access is here.  
The Federal Communications Commission has allocated 12.9 GHz of spectrum in the 71-95 GHz range, thus enabling high quality multi-gigabit point-to-point communications.  The FCC called this rulemaking a “creative solution to spectrum access, [that] will enable new companies to join and compete in the larger market for broadband services.”  When making their decision, the FCC recognized that the 71-76, 81-86, and 92-95 GHz bands were undeveloped and available for new uses.  It’s also notable that these are the highest bands yet licensed by the FCC.

Possible uses for these bands include a fiber substitute for last mile connectivity, local loop access, central office bypass, as well as local, metro, and wide area network access.  According to Cisco Systems, fiber connects only 5% of roughly 750,000 commercial buildings that will need fiber-speed access.  They further attest that 75% are within a mile of a fiber access point.

Links in these bands can operate at ranges of approximately 1 mile and are characterized by their highly directional “pencil beams”.  These characteristics allow for excellent frequency reuse since systems can be engineered to operate in close proximity to one another without causing interference.  Thus, the FCC has adopted a non-exclusive licensing approach for these bands.

The FCC has outlined a link registration process through a shared database rather than mandating a traditional coordination and licensing approach.  FCC-designated database managers will manage the new link registration system.  The intent of the independent registration system is to streamline the licensing process, providing for instantaneous registration in many cases.  Comsearch will be one of the database managers.

A Little Background

On November 4, 2003, the FCC released a Report and Order that established service rules for use of the 71-76, 81-86, and 92-95 GHz bands on a shared basis with Federal Government operations1.  The Report and Order also required all non-Federal Government links to be registered in a third-party (non-FCC) database.  The FCC outlined the responsibilities of a database manager and stated its intention to solicit proposals from interested parties through a public notice.

On March 26, 2004, the FCC issued that public notice seeking proposals to develop and manage an independent database of site registrations by licensees.  The FCC subsequently designated Comsearch as a database manager.

The Database and The Process

The registration process is conducted through an online registration system.  Comsearch will provide access (coming in January 2005) to our online link registration database through www.gigabitlink.com or through Comsearch’s interactive solutions site at www.comsearch.com.   The database offers upfront interference analysis with commercial systems as well as automatic coordination with the NTIA.

Registering a link is quick and easy.  Prospective licensees will first need to enter the technical parameters of their link.  The database will conduct a quick interference analysis and identify potential interference conflicts.  Licensees can make changes to their system as necessary to mitigate the interference.  Once the link is submitted for registration, the system performs three checks required by FCC Rule 101.1523(c):

  • Environmental Assessment: Licensees will need to indicate whether an environmental assessment per FCC Rule 1.1307 is necessary.

  • International Coordination: The registration system will identify any sites requiring international coordination using FCC Rule 1.928(f) requirements for distance from the border based on antenna pointing azimuth.

  • Quite Zones: The registration system will identify sites located within any of the quiet zones listed in FCC Rule 1.924.

If these checks require further analysis, users will need to file FCC Form 601, Schedule M in order to complete registration.

The registration system will also determine if an FAA Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) is required for any site.  This determination is based on the antenna height above ground level (or above the roof of the building) and proximity to airport runways.

Finally, the system will automatically submit the link parameters to the NTIA to analyze against existing Federal Government links in the area.  The results of the NTIA assessment will be returned immediately.  Users will then get either a green light or a yellow light indicating whether the proposed link poses any potential for harmful interference to Federal Government (or non-Federal Government RAS) users.  Upon receipt of a green light, the link will be deemed to have been coordinated with the Federal Government.  If a yellow light is returned, an FCC Form 601 may be filed for a more detailed determination on whether a conflict exists with Federal Government systems.

Conclusion

The FCC has broken new ground in allocating this spectrum.  Not only is this the highest spectrum ever allocated, it offers the greatest bandwidth (up to 5 GHz), and includes a unique industry managed device registration regime.  We expect the process and databases we’ve developed around these rules will allow for quick and easy link analysis and registration.  Indeed, gigabit data access is only a click away.

1 On February 23, 2004, the WCAI filed a petition which underscored wide industry support for the announced rules and made recommendations to “fine tune” the rules regarding interference with prior users, frequency channelization, power density, interference criteria, and authorization for conditional operation.

   


Regulatory Rap

Spectrum Management News

MICROWAVE

Amendment of Part 2 of the Commission's Rules to Allocate Spectrum Below 3 GHz for Mobile and Fixed Services – Continued ongoing efforts to promote spectrum utilization and efficiency by evaluating spectrum that may be suitable for the provision of new services, including Advanced Wireless Services. (Dkt No. 95-18, 00-258, 02-08, FCC No. 04-219, 04-246)  FCC-04-219A1.pdf  FCC-04-219A2.pdf  FCC-04-219A3.pdf  FCC-04-219A4.pdf  FCC-04-246A1.pdf  FCC-04-246A2.pdf 

Service Rules for Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) in the 1915-1920, 1995-2000, 2020-2025 and 2175-2180 MHz Bands, and the 1.7 and 2.1 GHz Bands – The FCC seeks comment on service rules for licensed fixed and mobile services, including AWS. (Dkt No. 02-353 , 04-356, FCC No. 04-218) FCC-04-218A1.pdf  FCC-04-218A2.pdf  FCC-04-218A3.pdf  FCC-04-218A4.pdf  FCC-04-218A5.pdf 

Allocations and Service Rules for the 71-76, 81-86 and 92-95 GHz Bands – Designated Comsearch and others as database managers that will be tasked with jointly developing and managing databases of link registrations by FCC licensees. (Dkt No. 02-146, DA No. 04-3151) DA-04-3151A1.pdf

Nationwide Programmatic Agreement Regarding The Section 106 National Historic Preservation Act Review Process – Adopted revisions to the rules to implement a Nationwide Agreement that will tailor and streamline procedures for review of certain Commission undertakings for communications facilities under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. (Dkt No. 03-128, FCC No. 04-222) FCC-04-222A1.pdf  FCC-04-222A10.pdf  FCC-04-222A11.pdf  FCC-04-222A12.pdf  FCC-04-222A13.pdf  FCC-04-222A2.pdf  FCC-04-222A3.pdf  FCC-04-222A4.pdf  FCC-04-222A5.pdf  FCC-04-222A6.pdf  FCC-04-222A7.pdf  FCC-04-222A8.pdf  FCC-04-222A9.pdf

FCC Adopts Rules for Broadband Over Power Lines (BPL) to Increase Competition and Promote Broadband Service to all Americans – Adopted changes to Part 15 of its rules to encourage the development of Access BPL systems while safeguarding existing licensed services against harmful interference. (Dkt No. 03-104, 04-37, FCC No. 04-245) DOC-253125A1.pdf  DOC-253125A2.pdf  DOC-253125A3.pdf  DOC-253125A4.pdf  DOC-253125A5.pdf  FCC-04-245A1.pdf  FCC-04-245A2.pdf  FCC-04-245A3.pdf  FCC-04-245A4.pdf  FCC-04-245A5.pdf  DOC-254180A1.pdf 

FCC Removes More Roadblocks to Broadband Deployment in Residential Neighborhoods, Action Harmonizes Treatment Of Deep Fiber Networks – Took further steps to encourage deployment of fiber optic broadband networks capable of delivering advanced data, video and voice service to the mass market by incumbent local telephone companies. (Dkt No. 96-98, 98-147) DOC-253127A1.pdf  DOC-253127A2.pdf  DOC-253127A3.pdf  DOC-253127A4.pdf  DOC-253127A5.pdf  DOC-253127A6.pdf

FCC Clears Spectrum for Advanced Wireless Services in 1710-1755 MHz Band  – Allocated spectrum to allow incumbent Federal operations to be cleared from spectrum that has been allocated for advanced wireless services (AWS), including third generation wireless (3G) systems. (Dkt No. 00-258, 02-8) DOC-253130A1.pdf  DOC-253130A2.pdf

Multiple Address Systems (MAS) Spectrum Auction Scheduled For April 26, 2005 -  (DA No. 04-3198) DA-04-3198A1.pdf 

FCC Approves First Software Defined Radio – The FCC approved the use of the first software defined radio device in the United States for Cellular Operation.  DOC-254463A1.pdf

SATELLITE

FCC Grants Satellite Licensee Authority to Provide Ancillary Terrestrial Services
On November 8, 2004, the FCC granted Mobile Satelilte Ventures (MSV), a Mobile Satellite Service provide using L-band, a license to provide Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC) services.  This is the first ATC license granted by the FCC and opens up the possibility of additional systems at L-band, in the Big LEO MSS bands 1.6/2.4 GHz and the yet-to-come 2 GHz MSS bands.  The ability to provide services using ATC will enable MSV to supplement their existing MSS service, improving coverage in urban areas and inside buildings.  There are provisions on the number of terrestrial based stations which can be deployed and conditional waivers on some of the rules provisions have been granted to allow MSV flexibility to provide services without causing interference inrto adjacent services. 

SES Americom Completes Verestar Acquisition
SES Americom has completed the acquisition effort of Verestar.  The FCC gave their approval last month.  SES will integrate their Verestar facilities including their four major teleports and their service operations, video and government, into the SES operations.

Rainbow Commits to Large Ka-band Investment with Lockheed Martin
Rainbow DBS, a unit of Cablevision Systems, announced that they will spend  $740 million to buy 5 Ka-band satellites from Lockheed Martin.  Rainbow will use these satellites to provide direct-to-hone (DTH) one-way and two-way services under their VOOM broadcast service.  The first of these satellites is slated to be completed and launched in 34 months. Additionally, Rainbow announced that as early as March 2005 they will expand their existing services from 39 high-definition video channels to 70 hi-def channels, as well as nearly 200 standard definition channels. The VOOM service will use 16 transponders on the SES Americom AMC-6 satellite.  They also stated that they will provide up to 400 full continental US channels before the end of 2005.  

FCC Publishes Regulatory Agenda
The International Bureau’s long-term agenda items where published on TBD.  The actions include many on-going items which will affect the manner in which shared spectrum is used and coordinated.  The complete IB list is shown below. Of particular concern are the Earth Station on Vessels docket which is due to be released within the next few months and will affect the C-band Fixed Services-Fixed Satellite Services sharing and coordination regiment. Also, the Ancillary terrestrial component (ATC) docket which will allow Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) operators the ability to complement their space-based services with a terrestrial underlay (see item on grant of MSV application above). The opening up of the 24/18 GHz band for Broadcast Satellite Services, the implication being that the 17.7-17.8 GHz will eventually be occupied with ubiquitously deployed BSS receive terminals.

Additionally, the Office of Engineering Technology action items include several of interest to satellite service providers.  The use of the 10.7-11.7 GHz band for gateway terminals for nGSO FSS systems.  The introduction of Ultra-Wideband Services, which will underlay satellite services between 3.1-10 GHz, is also a concern. The potential interference issues involving the use of 3.65-3.7 GHz for unlicensed services concerns not only the international systems in-band but also all C-band receive terminals in the adjacent band. Both the terrestrial and satellite communities are monitoring and re-acting on long term items such as interference temperature, use of band above 76 GHz, cognitive radio, and broadband over power lines.

The OET’s complete list is also shown below.

INTERNATIONAL BUREAU - Long-Term Actions  

								Regulation

Seq #      Title       							Identifier #
 
3890        Streamlining the Commission's Rules and Regulations for Satellite Application and         	3060-AD70
            	Licensing Procedures (IB Docket No. 95-117)
3891        Establishing Rules and Policies for the Use of Spectrum for Mobile Satellite Service      	3060-AF89
            	in the L-Band (IB Docket No. 96-132)
3892        Establishment of Rules and Policies for the Digital Audio Radio Satellite Service in		3060-AF93
            	the 2310-2360 MHz Frequency Band (IB Docket No. 95-91; GEN Docket No. 90-357)
3893        Redesignation of the 27.5-29.5 GHz Frequency Band (CC Docket No. 92-297)		3060-AF94
3894        Allocate & Designate: Spec for Fixed-Sat Srv (37.5-38.5, 40.5-41.5 & 48.2-50.2 GHz        	3060-AH23
            	Bands). Allocate: Fixed & Mobile 40.5-42.5 GHz; Wireless 46.9-47 GHz; 
            	Gov Oper 37-38 & 40-40.5 GHz; IB Doc No. 97-95
3895        Establishment of Policies and Service Rules for the Mobile Satellite Service in the 2		3060-AH28
            	GHz Band; IB Docket No. 99-81
3896        1998 Biennial Regulatory Review - Review of Accounts Settlement in Maritime Mobile &    	3060-AH30
            	Maritime Mobile-Satellite Radio Services; IB Doc No. 98-96
3897        Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite; IB Docket No. 99-67		3060-AH49
3898        Streamlining Earth Station Licensing Rules; IB Docket No. 00-248			3060-AH60
3899        Policies and Rules for Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit, Fixed Satellite Service in		3060-AH93
            	the KA-Band; IB Docket No. 02-19
3900        Enforcement of Other Nations' Prohibitions Against the Uncompleted Call Signaling         	3060-AH94
            	Configuration of International Callback Service; IB Docket No. 02-18
3901        Space Station Licensing Reform; IB Dockets 00-248 and 02-34			3060-AH98
3902        Flexibility for Delivery of Communications by Mobile Satellite Service Providers in		3060-AI05
            	the 2 GHz Band, the L-Band, and the 1.6/2.4 GHz Band; IB Docket No.01-185
3903        Mitigation of Orbital Debris; IB Docket No. 02-54				3060-AI06
3904        In the Matter of Procedures To Govern the Use of Satellite Earth Stations on		3060-AI40
            	Board Vessels; IB Docket No. 02-10
3905        Amendment of Parts 1 and 63 of the Commission's Rules (Docket 04-47)		3060-AI41
3906        Reporting Requirements for U.S. Providers of International Telecommunications		3060-AI42
            	Services (IB Docket No. 04-112)
3907        Redesignation of the 17.7-19.7 GHz Band, Blanket Licensing of Satellite Earth		3060-AI43
            	Stations, and Allocation of Spectrum for Broadcast Satellite Service
3908        Review of the Spectrum Sharing Plan Among Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit Mobile	3060-AI44
            	Satellite Service Systems in the 1.6/2.4 GHz Bands; IB Docket No. 02-364
3909        Redesignation of the 17.7-19.7 GHz Band, Blanket Licensing of Satellite Earth		3060-AI46
            	Stations, & Allocation of Spectrum in the 17.3-17.8 and 24.75-25.25 GHz Bands for 
            	Broadcast Satellite Service
 

OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY - Long-Term Actions 

								Regulation

Seq #      Title       							Identifier #


3863        MSS Spectrum Allocation.......................................................................................................	3060-AF75
3864        3650-3700 Government Transfer Band.................................................................................	3060-AH14
3865        Fixed Satellite Service and Terrestrial System in the Ku-Band...............................................	3060-AH17
3866        Revision of the Rules Regarding Ultra-Wideband Transmission............................................	3060-AH47
3867        Software Defined Radio Authorization....................................................................................	3060-AH64
3868        New Advanced Wireless Services.........................................................................................	3060-AH65
3869        Revisions to Broadcast Auxiliary Service Rules.....................................................................	3060-AH78
3870        Part 15 Biennial Review........................................................................................................	3060-AH92
3871        Unlicensed Devices in the 5 GHz Band.................................................................................	3060-AI16
3872        Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields.............................................................	3060-AI17
3873        Above 76 GHz......................................................................................................................	3060-AI18
3874        Coordination Between the Non-Geostationary and Geostationary Satellite Orbit...................	3060-AI21
3875        Commission Rules Concerning Disruptions to Communications.............................................	3060-AI22
3876        Cognitive Radio Technologies...............................................................................................	3060-AI23
3877        Broadband Over Power Line Systems..................................................................................	3060-AI24
3878        Interference Temperature Operation......................................................................................	3060-AI25
3879        Unlicensed Operation of the 3650-3700 Band (ET Doc. No. 04-151)....................................	3060-AI50
3880        WRC-03 Omnibus (ET Doc. No. 04-139)..............................................................................	3060-AI51
3881        Unlicensed Operation in the TV Broadcast Bands (ET Doc. No. 04-186)..............................	3060-AI52
3882        Narrowbanding for Private Land Mobile Radio Service (ET Doc. No. 04-243).....................	3060-AI53
3883        Unlicensed Devices and Equipment Approval (ET Docket No. 03-201)................................ 	3060-AI54

 

   
 


What's New at Comsearch!

Comsearch extends best wishes for peace, hope and 
happiness to all of our clients, partners and colleagues 
this Holiday Season and throughout the New Year!

FCC Selects Comsearch as a Database Manager for 71-76, 81-86, and 92-95 GHz Spectrum.  Comsearch’s role as a database manager will enable licensees to search for available spectrum in these bands and register their links, ensuring interference-free operation with commercial and Federal Government users.  Comsearch’s link registration database is scheduled to launch February 1, 2005.

New 1.9 GHz PCS AuctionPlannerTM Available From Comsearch.   On January 26, 2005, the FCC will auction the remaining spectrum in the 1.9 GHz PCS band.  Comsearch has developed an AuctionPlanner product to provide a complete spectrum analysis for bidders in an easy-to-use format.  Click here for more information and to download a sample.

Comsearch Offers a Free Microwave Training Class on April 19, 2005.  Contact us at customersupport@comsearch.com to sign up now for more information.

Comsearch To Hold a Free Educational Seminar on Managing Interference in the Hospital for Healthcare Professionals on April 12, 2005 .  We will cover wireless issues that affect interference in the hospital, how to develop a wireless policy, and how to perform hands-on measurements that will help you mitigate interference.  Click here for more information on Comsearch’s wireless solutions for healthcare.

Comsearch 2005 Tradeshow Participation Schedule

Comsearch Offers USGS NED Terrain, 1 Acr-Second Data in Several Formats Including DEM and PathlossTM.   Developed by merging the highest-resolution, best-quality elevation data available across the United States in a seamless raster format, the USGS National Elevation Dataset (NED) provides national elevation data in a seamless format with a consistent datum, elevation unit and projection.  Click here for more information on our GIS Products or contact us at customersupport@comsearch.com for a quote.


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