Taming the Spectrum  

In this issue:

MARKET TRENDS:
How Can the Federal Government Use Spectrum More Efficiently Going Forward?

CASE CORNER:
Cable Television Facilities Near Wind Energy Installations - Challenges and Opportunities

REGULATORY RAP:
Spectrum Management News

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Your E-newsletter With Innovative Solutions for the Wireless World

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 Taming the Spectrum
    Your e-newsletter with 
    Innovative Solutions for the Wireless World
www.comsearch.com
March/April 2004    Vol 4 Issue 1     ©Comsearch 2004


Market Trends

How Can the Federal Government Use 
Spectrum More Efficiently Going Forward?

by Ken Ryan

Presented at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Forum on Spectrum Management Policy Reform, Washington, D.C., Thursday, February 12, 2004.

Efficient spectrum usage is something that commercial frequency coordinators strive for every day.  Software tools, databases, and procedures have evolved over time to increase the number of users in a band and the speed at which they can access it.  Much in the way spectrum is analyzed and allocated has changed dramatically in recent years and will continue to change in the future.  The topic today focuses on the ways that the federal government can use spectrum more efficiently going forward.  It seems highly appropriate to seek the perspective of commercial users since there are many overlaps in government and non-government spectrum usage and, therefore, more consolidation and cooperation between the federal government and commercial spectrum users seems a key component of national spectrum policy.  Issues affecting increased spectrum efficiency for government users are spectrum sharing, system registration, and enforcement, and I will discuss these issues from a commercial coordinator’s perspective. 

Spectrum Sharing
In the commercial world, there are a number of spectrum allocation techniques.  For example:

  • Unlicensed @ 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 90 GHz, etc. (Commons)
  • Auctions – MVDDS, 700 MHz, PCS, LMDS, etc.
  • Emerging secondary markets – 38 GHz
  • Blanket Licensing (with registration) – 70/80 GHz
  • License-by-rule (with registration) – WMTS
  • Site-by-site licensing with coordination (command and control)

In the bands shared between commercial and government systems, the command and control regime of site-by-site analysis, coordination, and licensing is used most often.  There currently is a demand, which is increasing rapidly, for quicker deployment times for systems.  To meet this demand, the time  for frequency engineering must decrease dramatically.  Real time coordination and registration will certainly become a reality for many bands - the existing 35-day prior coordination and 30-day public notice periods will disappear. Instant analysis and coordination with conditional authorization at the time of electronic filing will allow for same-day frequency clearance, deployment, and installation.  With the advent of web-based interface tools, mobile communication devices, and “smart” equipment, registration during the installation commissioning will become a reality.  

In order to maintain control of the process, detailed policies on spectrum management requirements, both technical and procedural, must be developed. As important, there needs to be some mechanism where Federal Government (FG) and Non-Federal Government (NG) users can work more closely together.  Perhaps inside the government there should be a more centralized approach to spectrum management; perhaps the NTIA is the location. Improved sharing of spectrum between FG and NG could include use of common tools and databases and closer interaction among government spectrum managers and commercial industry licensees and their spectrum managers.  Opening up the government databases, in those instances where the data is not restricted, will allow for quicker and more efficient spectrum analysis.

These same ideas for sharing between FG and NG are true for the inter-government sharing scenario.  For their own benefit, the FG should look to take advantage of COTS products in terms or software, hardware, and GIS data.  There should be more inter-agency sharing and an advancement of proper tools.

Some examples of FG and NG shared Bands include:  23 GHz, 70-90 GHz, satellite services.  Access to commercial spectrum by government satellite users at 4/6 GHz in exchange for access to government spectrum for fixed users at 7/8 GHz. 

 

Example of Shared Band Regime
Under the current shared-band licensing regime, the commercial user must submit all licensing information to the appropriate FCC licensing branch.  This information is relayed to the FCC Office of Engineering and Technology where it is then forwarded to the NTIA and, eventually, affected government users analyze the data.  If the commercial coordinators had access to government data, then the commercial systems could be “pre-cleared” in the design phase.  This would provide greater certainty for approval and would speed up the review process.  An added benefit to the government is that it would provide interference validation of new government systems with commercial users.   Alternatively, the commercial users could use commercial industry coordination methods to access the NTIA Government Master File (GMF) data and perform direct coordination with the government users.  The benefits here include industry coordination access to all data, similar coordination regime for both commercial and Federal Agencies, information being relayed directly to the NTIA and the FCC, and elimination of the multiple steps and delays in the current process.

An upcoming shared band issue involves the AWS 1.7/2.1 GHz band relocation.  For this band relocation process, as with most band relocation processes, there are a variety of process elements: these include incumbent data, relocation costs, transition plans, migration/relocation process, transition sharing, and cost sharing.  This spectrum will be allocated by auction, and in order to reduce bidder uncertainty and thereby maximize the value of the spectrum, these elements must be equitable, understood, and agreed to by all of the stakeholders; part of a defined, efficient, and streamlined process, and supported on an on-going basis.  Many of these process elements were developed during the 1.9 GHz band relocation and can be adapted to the 1.7 GHz band relocation. 

Registration in real time  
Real-time registration and coordination may be a necessary improvement to the existing command and control licensing processes.  Registration could also be used to improve unlicensed band deployment bringing some order to the “spectrum commons”. The process requires advanced web-based tools, simple yet accurate frequency allocation techniques, universal access, and employment by all users. Ultimately, real time registration provides for immediate access to the spectrum but also allows for interference analysis prior to installation, coordination, database updates, and either FCC registration or universally accessible database record keeping

In the commercial world, the Wireless Medical Telemetry Service at 1.4 GHz uses a simple web-based registration tool that allows users to choose frequencies and other system parameters to avoid interference without sacrificing quick deployment.  The ultimate benefit for the cost of developing this software and performing the registration is that incumbent services will be protected, in the long-term, from newly installed systems.  This long-term protection aspect is the key to ensuring that all in-band users follow the same procedures.

Other examples being proposed for real-time registration involve the 70-90 GHz band and the two-way broadband services for FSS at Ka-band.

Enforcement
The question of how do you balance competing government and commercial interests in spectrum has been raised.  It seems that for some bands, such as point-to-point microwave bands or fixed satellite bands, a first come first serve basis method could be employed.  But for area wide services or certain mobile services this may not work and it would seem likely that the services providing public safety or national security might take priority.  For this reason, in most instances, auctioning FG bands does not seem reasonable.  This means keeping the command and control mode.  However, in order for the spectrum to be used to its maximum capability there must be sufficient enforcement of the rules.  This includes system audits and the relinquishing of spectrum that is not being used.  It is noted that the GAO has mandated system audits but, in reality, most agencies have not pursued them.  It should also be noted that while most audits performed by private companies are done as a cost saving measure there is an ultimate benefit to all band users by opening up spectrum.

The keys to encouraging accountability and efficient use of the spectrum by government agencies starts with independent audits of existing systems, continues with the implementation of ongoing monitoring programs and enforcement.  The use of up-to-date and evolving system design, frequency engineering and data management tools common to all parties is required, as is the ability to facilitate federal agency access to commercial spectrum. Finally, standardized methods, procedures, and policies will lead the most efficient use of the spectrum.

Interference Temperature and Cognitive Radios as the Natural Evolution of Sharing Software and Processes
A natural evolution on advanced software and hardware tools will involve the use of cognitive radios and link performance assessment metrics.   We applaud the government’s forward-thinking approach in developing concepts like Interference Temperature, which has become a catalyst for the discussion of what interference really is.  At the same time, we are concerned about the implementation.  Interference assessment can be very complex and the difficulty of transferring responsibility for avoiding interference from frequency coordinators to radio hardware should not be minimized.  It is incumbent upon the developers of cognitive radios to incorporate these elements to the interference analysis and spectrum management process into their radios.  This coupled with a variety of performance and interference criteria metrics may be our future.  An interesting question for today is how would cognitive radios share the band with non-cognitive systems?  How would you handle this from an analysis and coordination perspective, what good does it do?  It is also interesting to note that the government’s first choices for bands to explore interference temperature, the upper 6 GHz band and the 13 GHz band, seem to be least applicable to implementation.  They are currently populated with many existing Fixed directional point-to-point systems where the system noise is not interference limited and measuring transmit power levels may not accurately reflect victim station receive levels.  Nevertheless, the discussion has started and these concepts need further research.

 

   
 


Case Corner

 
Cable Television Facilities Near Wind Energy
 Installations - Challenges and Opportunities

by Lester E. Polisky

In an effort to utilize renewable, non-polluting sources of power throughout the world, the wind energy industry has experienced phenomenal growth of 24% per year over the last few years.  Many wind energy installations contain more than 200 wind turbines.  Wind turbines can impact both off-air television broadcasts signals being carried by cable television facilities as well as microwave links supplying video programming for distribution over a cable television (CATV) facility. However, experience has shown that the wind energy developers have made significant efforts to maintain good neighbor relations with the communities and businesses in the areas surrounding their installations by designing their energy sites to effectively co-exist with surrounding CATV operators and broadcast stations.  Wind energy operators have recognized that the potential for disrupting television services to individual homes as well as CATV operations is a possibility and have made efforts to identify and offer corrective measures when problems occur.

The desire of wind energy developers to be good neighbors with respect to local television services is manifested in their actions of engaging Comsearch to help determine the impact on off-air television reception and microwave paths with respect to their installations.  Comsearch has developed and maintains comprehensive technical databases containing information on licensed broadcast television stations and microwave networks throughout the United States. Microwave bands that may be affected by the installation of wind turbine facilities operate over a frequency range of 900 MHz to 40 GHz.  These systems are the telecommunication backbone of the country - not only providing video services to CATV head ends, but also long distance and local telephone services, back-haul for cellular and personal communication services, data interconnects for mainframe computers and the internet, and network controls for utility companies (including wind energy facilities) and railroads.

Comsearch provides both analytical and measurement services to determine the impact of planned wind energy facilities on off-air television broadcast services and microwave networks.  CATV facilities can receive video signals for distribution over cable systems in primarily four ways: off-air television broadcast signals; microwave feeds; fiber-optic cable; and satellite.  Two methods may be affected by the wind energy facility installation: off-air television broadcast signals and the microwave feeds.  Antennas receiving these signals are most likely located on one or multiple towers at a CATV head end facility.  Satellite and fiber-optic feeds are not affected by the presence of the wind energy facilities.  Most likely the programming with local content will be received at the CATV from the off-air broadcast stations or via microwave links.

In most cases, wind turbine facilities are constructed in rural or suburban locations.  Television services are delivered to these rural or suburban areas by off-air television antenna, cable hook-up, and/or satellite dish using large diameter satellite dishes or direct broadcast satellite (DBS) small antennas.  Off-air television programming or cable hook-up is important to these residents because it provides local content (news and weather for the area) whereas, the satellite services most often will not.  Satellite television services are not affected by the presence of the wind turbines, however, since wind turbines can adversely affect off-air television broadcast and microwave feeds, the reception of local content either directly to homes or via the cable hook up is susceptible to potential signal degradation.

An initial television coverage analysis determines which stations can provide off-air reception in these communities and to the CATV stations.  Armed with this information, a Comsearch field engineer visits the area to measure signal strength and video quality of the off-air television signals.  This is done using a calibrated television antenna mounted on a 20-foot mast, connected to a spectrum analyzer through a calibrated coaxial cable.  After the field strength is measured, the spectrum analyzer is replaced with a video monitor and recorder and a recording of the video signal is made.  These measurements establish the baseline conditions of off-air television reception at well-defined test points in the communities including the CATV sites. Based on the initial measurements and knowledge of the planned placement of the wind turbines and their dimensions, Comsearch can inform the CATV operator which off-air antennas on their tower will provide good reception even in the presence of the wind turbines.  In some cases, antennas will have to be moved up in height or re-directed, or installation of  higher gain antennas may be necessary.  In other cases, there may not be practical solutions for the CATV to receive quality off-air broadcast signals in the presence of the wind turbines.  In these cases, alternative solutions can be sought by an unobstructed microwave path or, if available, via fiber optic cable.  After the wind turbine facility is installed, the same measurements can be repeated to determine if the off-air television reception has been degraded and by how much.  

The microwave network analysis of the area is performed using the Comsearch database, which contains all licensed microwave stations across the 900 MHz to 40 GHz frequency band and Comsearch’s GeoPlannerTM tool.  GeoPlanner is a software analytical tool that combines microwave paths and geographic information of the dimensioned wind turbines on a map overlay. GeoPlanner provides a visual presentation of the microwave paths with respect to the wind turbine locations displaying  any obstructions to existing microwave paths. 

Obstruction analysis of the Fresnel Zone of the microwave paths is the next step in the GeoPlanner analysis.  The Fresnel Zone is the defined volume between two microwave stations wherein an obstacle can substantially degrade the performance of the communication link. 

An obstruction analysis will help the wind energy developer reposition planned wind turbines to avoid interference to surrounding microwave links.  This includes the microwave links feeding the CATV head end with video content.

A recent Comsearch wind turbine interference analysis project revealed wind turbines obstructing microwave paths, requiring the wind facility developer to reposition the  wind turbines.  In a site visit, one member of the developer’s staff reported a microwave tower that was not on the Comsearch GeoPlanner plots.  Comsearch discovered that the microwave link belonged to a CATV operator but the FCC license had expired five years earlier and had never been renewed.  The CATV Company was informed of their expired license and of the possibility that their link could be disrupted by the planned wind energy facility.  The CATV company immediately renewed their license and the wind energy developer asked Comsearch to rerun the GeoPlanner analysis with the CATV microwave link included.  Fortunately, the 2nd analysis showed no obstruction for the path, however had there been an obstruction, the developer was willing to relocate the wind turbine(s) to avoid the obstruction even though the link was not properly licensed.  This is just one example of how the wind energy facility developers are willing to accommodate businesses and residents in the local area.

The good neighbor policy of most wind energy developers also plays a role in re-establishing television coverage with local content for residents in an affected area.  The developers will ask Comsearch to determine which communities are likely to be affected by the presence of the wind energy facility.  Comsearch’s measurements and analysis will identify these areas.  In those cases where disruption of television services is predicted, the developer will offer the residents alternative methods to overcome the loss of service.  One method will be a cable hook-up to the local CATV.  This is an opportunity for the CATV to increase its number of subscribers and the areas it serves.  The developer will sponsor many of these subscribers.  In addition, if the CATV has to modify their facility to accommodate the new subscribers or to avoid disruption of their off-air signal reception because of the wind energy facility, the cost of the modifications may be negotiated with the developer. 

The challenge of designing a wind energy facility in close proximity to a CATV system may be an opportunity for the CATV facility to expand and prosper rather than experience  disrupted service to it’s clients.  The CATV operators must understand that the wind energy industry is very image conscious and therefore interested in effectively and cooperatively co-existing with other community services.  If CATVs communicate openly with wind turbine developers, they will most often be rewarded with new opportunities to expand their cable services. 

For more information on Comsearch's Wind Power Services Package click here.

 

   


Regulatory Rap

Spectrum Management News

MICROWAVE

FCC Approves the use of Separate Antennas To Initiate Digital FM Transmissions - (DA No. 04-712, Dkt No 99-325) DA-04-712A1.pdf 

FCC Initiates Inquiry Concerning the Deployment of Advanced Telecoms Capability - Seeks comment on various market, investment, and technological trends in order for the FCC to analyze and assess whether infrastructure capable of supporting advanced services is being made available to all Americans. (FCC No. 04-55) FCC-04-55A1.pdf  FCC-04-55A2.pdf  FCC-04-55A3.pdf  FCC-04-55A4.pdf  FCC-04-55A5.pdf 

FCC Seeks Comment on Rules to Eliminate SPAM from Mobile Phones - The Commission adopted a NPRM and FNPRM relating to protecting consumers from SPAM and unauthorized telemarketing calls on their mobile phones. (Dkt No 02-278, 04-53) DOC-244843A1.pdf  DOC-244843A2.pdf  DOC-244843A3.pdf

FCC to Assess Availability of Broadband Networks - FCC Inquiry to Measure Deployment of Broadband Networks. DOC-244841A1.pdf  DOC-244841A2.pdf  DOC-244841A3.pdf  DOC-244841A4.pdf 

FCC Eliminates Rules in Order to Expand Long Distance Competition - The FCC eliminated certain of the FCC's "operate independently" rules. DOC-244842A1.pdf  DOC-244842A2.pdf  DOC-244842A3.pdf  DOC-244842A4.pdf  DOC-244842A5.pdf 

FCC Rule Part 2 Amended to realign the 76-81 GHz Band and the Range Above 95 GHz - Issued Erratum correcting minor errors in Report and Order, FCC 04-20 to conform to International Table (Dkt No. 99-261, 03-102) DOC-244880A1.pdf  FCC-04-20A1.pdf  FCC-04-20A2.pdf 

Reply Comment Extension Provided for the Satellite Earth Stations on Board Vessels’ Procedures   - (5925-6425 MHz/3700-4200 MHz BANDS and 14.0-14.5 GHz/11.7-12.2 GHz BANDS) (Dkt No. 02-10). Action by: Chief, Policy Division, International Bureau. Reply Comments Due: 03/24/2004. Adopted: 02/27/2004 by ORDER. (DA No. 04-579). IB  DA-04-579A1.doc  DA-04-579A1.pdf  DA-04-579A1.txt

FCC Proposes Amending Rule Part 15   - to adopt new requirements and measurement guidelines for a new type of carrier current system that provides access to broadband services using power lines. (Dkt No. 03-104, 04-37, FCC No. 04-29) FCC-04-29A1.pdf  FCC-04-29A2.pdf  FCC-04-29A3.pdf  FCC-04-29A4.pdf  FCC-04-29A5.pdf  FCC-04-29A6.pdf  DOC-243879A1.pdf  DOC-243879A2.pdf  DOC-243879A3.pdf  DOC-243879A4.pdf  DOC-243879A5.pdf  DOC-243879A6.pdf 

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Completes ULS Conversion for Additional Services -  MDS, MMDS, and ITFS Services converted to the Universal Licensing System as of February 17, 2004. (DA No. 04-392)DA-04-392A1.pdf

FCC Opens Proceeding to Streamline and Improve Network Outage Reporting - The Commission adopted a Notice that proposes to require wireless, wireline, cable and satellite telecommunications providers to report information electronically to the Commission about disruptions to their communications systems. (Dkt No 04-35) DOC-243862A1.pdf  DOC-243862A2.pdf  DOC-243862A3.pdf  DOC-243862A4.pdf  DOC-243862A5.pdf 

FCC Initiates Proceeding to Examine Voice Services over the Internet -  DOC-243868A1.pdf  DOC-243868A2.pdf  DOC-243868A3.pdf  DOC-243868A4.pdf  DOC-243868A5.pdf  DOC-243868A6.pdf 

Quiet Zone Application Procedures - Adopted rules for streamlining requirements for applications affecting Quiet Zones, while protecting these sensitive areas from harmful interference. (Dkt No. 01-319, FCC No. 04-23)  FCC-04-23A1.pdf 

Rules Amended - Adopted licensing and service rules for the Dedicated Short Range Communications Service in the Intelligent Transportation Systems Radio Service in the 5.850-5.925 GHz band (5.9 GHz band). (Dkt No. 98-95, 01-90, FCC No. 03-324) FCC-03-324A1.pdf  FCC-03-324A2.pdf  FCC-03-324A3.pdf 

Auctions:

Auction 56 - 24 GHz Service Licenses – The Auction of 880 24GHz Service licenses scheduled to commence on July 28, 2004. (DA No. 04-196)  DA-04-196A1.pdf  DA-04-196A2.pdf  DA-04-633A1.pdf  DA-04-633A2.pdf   

SATELLITE

ESV NPRM Comments Received - The FCC’s NPRM on Earth Station onboard Vessels (ESV), IB Docket 02-10, has gone through the comment and reply comment cycle.  In all, over sixteen parties filed comments and thirteen filed reply comments.  The FCC was seeking comments on how to regulate the operation of ESVs in fixed-satellite service (FSS) networks in the 5925-6425 MHz/3700-4200 MHz (C-Band) and 14.0-14.5 GHz/11.7-12.2 GHz (Ku-Band) frequencies.   A crucial decision will be forthcoming that involves the allocation status of the service, primary versus secondary.

FCC Updates Online Satellite Filing System - On March 25, 2004, the FCC hosted demonstrations of Phase 1 of the new MyIBFS system. A more user friendly system and demonstration of the new interactive 312EZ filing process was unveiled to several dozen interested parties, including Comsearch satellite earth station coordinators.  The new 312EZ form could be made available by June 2004.

FCC Proposes Frequency Coordination Rules for NGSO and GSO at 11 GHz and in the BAS Bands - On December 23, 2003, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ET Docket 03-254), proposing frequency coordination rules that would promote sharing between non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) and geostationary satellite orbit (GSO) fixed-satellite service (FSS) operations and various terrestrial services operating in several frequency bands.  Specifically, sharing between new NGSO FSS Space-to-Earth (downlink) operations and existing Fixed Service (FS) operations in the 10.7‑11.7 GHz (10 GHz) band. The NPRM also proposes  frequency coordination rules involving NGSO FSS and GSO FSS sharing spectrum with terrestrial operations in the FS, Broadcast Auxiliary Service (BAS) and Cable Television Relay Service (CARS) in various bands.  The FCC’s specific proposals include:

  • Proposed to apply the principles of the Growth Zone Proposal to coordination rules for NGSO FSS downlink operations sharing with FS operations in the 10 GHz band;

  • Proposed to apply the existing Parts 25 and 101 coordination rules for  new FSS (both NGSO and GSO) earth stations with mobile BAS/CARS operations in the 6875‑7075 MHz (7 GHz) and 12750-13250 MHz (13 GHz) bands, and consider whether any additions or modifications to the rules are needed to address the operating characteristics of mobile services;

  • Proposed to allow either the Parts 74 and 78 informal ad hoc coordination rules or the Part 101 coordination rules to be used for the coordination of mobile BAS/CARS operations with FSS (both NGSO and GSO) earth stations, in the 7 GHz and 13 GHz bands, and consider whether any additions or modifications of these rules are needed.

FCC Completes MVDDS Auction - On January 27, 2004, the Federal Communications Commission completed the auction of Multichannel Video Distribution and Data Service (MVDDS) licenses raising a total of $118,721,835. Ten winning bidders purchased  a total of 192 licenses from a total possible 214 geographic area licenses.  Each license consists of one 500 MHz block of unpaired spectrum in the 12.2 – 12.7 GHz band. Permissible operations include any digital fixed non-broadcast service including one-way direct-to-home/office wireless service. Licensees are permitted to provide one-way video programming and data services on a non-common carrier and/or common carrier basis. Mobile and aeronautical services are not authorized. Two-way services may be provided by using other spectrum or media for the return or upstream path. Licensees are subject to a construction requirement that they provide “substantial service” in the license area within five years of receiving the license. Details of the winning bidders are shown in the table below:

Bidder Name

High Bids

Net High Bids

Gross High Bids

BRUCE E. FOX 

24

$1,517,490

$2,334,600

C&W Enterprises, Inc.

0

 

 

CAPITOL BROADCAST 

0

 

 

Cass Cable TV, Inc.

2

$75,650

$89,000

DTV Norwich, LLC

46

$84,610,300

$84,610,300

Edward A. Shergalis III

7

$169,715

$261,100

Hotwire Communication

0

 

 

MDS Operations, Inc.

60

$3,942,380

$6,065,200

MVD Number 53 Partne

10

$166,400

$256,000

Paul O'Dell

0

 

 

Satellite Receivers, Ltd

3

$446,250

$595,000

SOUTH.COM LLC 

37

$27,720,550

$42,647,000

Story Communications

2

$64,000

$64,000

WCS Communications

1

$9,100

$14,000

Totals:

192

$118,721,835

$136,936,200

   
 


What's New at Comsearch!

New Frequency Protection monthly activity reports delivered electronically.   
Beginning in April, Comsearch Frequency Protection Customers will be able to receive their frequency protection reports electronically.  In addition, the reports have been redesigned to provide expanded case information, correlation of interference cases by protected receiver, and  multiple licensees on a single report.  If you do not wish to receive your monthly activity reports electronically, please go to www.comsearch.com/email.update.html to change your delivery preference.

Comsearch offers Frequency Protection clients unlimited web-based access of all technical data.   
Comsearch Frequency Protection customers now have unlimited access to the Comsearch database for their system records.  Limited access to other licensee information and to the radio, antenna, and terrain data is also provided.  Frequency Protection customers can simply create an account on Comsearch’s Interactive Solutions and contact Customer Support for set up and activation.  To create your account go to http://www.comsearch.com and click on the Create Account link in the top right corner of the web page. 

Part 101 Coordination Procedures required for Auxiliary Broadcast Licensees.   
As of October 16, 2003, the FCC requires all TV, aural BAS licenses, and their Coordination Agents to follow Rule Part 101 Frequency Coordination Procedures, which requires Interference Analysis and Prior Coordination Notification and Response.  Comsearch’s Interference Protection services receive, analyze and respond to Prior Coordination Notices on your behalf.  Click here to learn more about our services.

Comsearch now offers USGS NED Terrain, 1 Arc-Second Data in Pathloss™ Format.   
Developed by merging the highest-resolution, best-quality elevation data available across the United States into 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 Data Products.

Comsearch selected to serve as the Official Frequency Coordinator for CTIA 2004 in Atlanta, Georgia for the 7th year in a row and for the first time, at SUPERCOMM 2004 in Chicago, Illinois.   
Comsearch has developed a spectrum management process that efficiently addresses the interference and coordination issues for temporary wireless demonstrations.  Using our frequency analysis software, iQ·Clear®, and engineering expertise, Comsearch is able to coordinate with PCS licensees in the area, analyze potential interference and coordinate frequencies with microwave incumbents, coordinate frequencies between exhibitors and monitor for on-site interference.  Click here for more information on Comsearch’s Frequency Coordination for Trade Shows.

Comsearch VP of Engineering, Tim Hardy, to speak on the prior coordination process and provide information on the state of the broadcast auxiliary services databases used for this function at NAB 2004.   
Tim will join a group of experts during the Technical Regulatory Issues for Radio and Television Session on Wednesday, April 21st from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  Click here for more information and to register for your free exhibits only pass to NAB 2004. Copies of Tim’s White Paper will be available after the NAB Conference.  To receive a copy, contact us at customersupport@comsearch.com.  

Comsearch's Director of Engineering, Ken Ryan, is participating in a panel discussion at the NAB 2004 Conference on April 22nd from 1:30 - 2:00 p.m.   Ken will participate in the Battlefields of the Future: the Booming Military Market for Commercial Satellite Service discussion held in the Satellite Business and Technology Pavilion - Central Hall C11517.  This session will explore the recent and anticipated future demand of the US military’s satellite-based services and provide case studies of various applications.  Click here for more information or to register for your free exhibits only pass to NAB 2004.

Comsearch awarded NPR Contract to Register & Protect PRSS Earth Terminals with the FCC.   
NPR is upgrading their entire Public Radio Satellite System and all major satellite hardware at each location needs to be examined to ensure up-to-date standards are being met.  Comsearch will analyze the current RF interference environment for digital reception criteria and for access to all satellites in the domestic arc or, at minimum, all existing and back-up public radio satellites.  Comsearch will also coordinate, license, and provide on-going frequency protection services for each station.  Click here for more information on Comsearch’s satellite engineering and consulting services.

Comsearch’s Network Backhaul Management and Optimization Services help to reduce operating costs and increase reliability to meet capacity demands.   
Comsearch network engineers and regulatory experts work with your staff to evaluate your existing network and to create an optimization plan that meets your unique backhaul requirements.  Using the optimization plan, Comsearch provides design and network management support to integrate leased lines, fiber and wireless links into your network.  With our breadth of experience implementing cost-effective wireless solutions and our knowledge of wireless options available today, Comsearch is uniquely positioned to manage your wireless backhaul network, provide you with an unbiased, independent assessment of the different options and manage the implementation of cost-effective solutions. 

Comsearch is also poised to manage the FCC licensing process from performing frequency coordination and filing license applications on your behalf, to verifying technical data on your FCC license and monitoring the filing deadlines and ASR changes.  Our project managers ensure that time and budget constraints are met throughout the entire process in order to resolve problems before they affect the critical path to success.  Click here for more information on Comsearch’s Network and Backhaul Management and Optimization Services.

 


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