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In this issue:

CASE CORNER:
The Wireless Trade Show - Spectrum Management is Essential

MARKET TRENDS:
Clearing the Way for Wireless Medical Telemetry

REGULATORY RAP:
Microwave
Satellite

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Case Corner

The Wireless Trade Show - 
Spectrum Management is Essential
by Chris Hardy

Most people who attend a wireless trade show, like the one recently held by the Cellular Telecommunications Internet Association (CTIA) in Orlando, Florida, go with the intention of seeing and learning about the latest in cutting edge wireless products.

The success of any trade show depends upon its ability to provide a quality show experience for both the exhibitor and the attendee.  At a wireless trade show, one measure of quality is the ability of wireless systems being demonstrated on the show floor to function without disruption either from interference caused by other wireless devices at the show, or from sources outside of the exhibit area.

Today’s wireless trade show represents a highly dynamic and complex interference environment.  Spectrum needed to demonstrate the multitude of emerging wireless applications and devices is becoming more and more scarce.  Wireless devices operating in close proximity to each other and in some cases sharing the same frequency spectrum can result in various types of interference problems.  A proactive approach to spectrum management is essential to effectively control and monitor this type of environment.  

The CTIA, long recognizing the importance of spectrum management, selected Comsearch for the fourth time to serve as the official frequency coordinator at their annual show.  Comsearch was tasked by the CTIA to coordinate and manage all of the exhibitor spectrum requirements and usage in the 1.9 GHz PCS bands and 2.1 GHz Emerging Technology bands.  In addition, Comsearch provided on-site interference monitoring during the show to evaluate the radio frequency environment including the unlicensed 2.4 and 5.8 GHz bands. 

The goals of the effort were to:

• Aid exhibitors in acquiring PCS/UMTS demonstration spectrum.

• Satisfy Part 27 of the FCC Rules by analyzing, coordinating and resolving potential interference with incumbent terrestrial microwave operators.

• Avoid interference into existing PCS carriers.

• Avoid interference between exhibitors.

• Monitor the exhibit floor and aid in identifying and resolving interference problems that may occur.

Spectrum management for a wireless trade show is a multi-phased, iterative process that requires engineering expertise as well as effective negotiation skills.  The first phase of the process involves the acquisition and/or identification of available spectrum for use by vendors at the show. The second phase of the spectrum management process includes interference analysis and coordination with incumbent licensees. The final phase involves the assignment of spectrum among exhibitors who request frequencies.

The majority of the wireless demonstrations, apart from the Wi-Fi type demos which use the unlicensed 2.4 GHz or 5.8 GHz bands, use the PCS 1.9 GHz band and, in a few cases, the Emerging Technologies 2.1 GHz band.  Typically, most vendor-exhibitors do not own spectrum, although they usually have experimental licenses to operate under FCC Rule Part 5. These licenses allow operations for testing and technical demonstrations, subject to frequency coordination with the local spectrum owners (i.e. PCS and Cellular carriers) and other incumbents (i.e. microwave licensees in the 1.9 and 2.1 GHz bands).  In order to obtain spectrum for demonstration purposes, specifically in the PCS bands, licensees in the area of operation are contacted.  Through a cooperative process promoted by the CTIA and facilitated by Comsearch’s long-standing business relationships within the PCS community, licensees are asked to donate spectrum for use on a temporary basis during the show.  Obtaining these “spectrum authorizations” can be challenging due to the scarcity of unused spectrum and the complexity of working through the corporate structure of large companies.

Once an available spectrum pool is created, the exhibitors are instructed to submit their frequency needs for the show.  Using the industry leading software tool iQ.clear^®, Comsearch performs an engineering analysis to assign spectrum as efficiently as possible.  Great care is taken to assign frequencies that avoid interference problems with incumbent systems and those sharing the show floor.  Every attempt is made to provide each exhibitor with the maximum amount of spectrum requested.

The recent events surrounding the CTIA show in Orlando highlighted the value of proactive spectrum management. The coordination and interference analysis phase of the process worked effectively as sufficient spectrum was made available to accommodate each exhibitor request, and a frequency usage plan was implemented that avoided direct interference conflicts with incumbent microwave and PCS carriers in the 1.9 GHz band. 

In addition to the planning stage of the coordination process being highly successful, the active monitoring phase also proved to be very beneficial.  A major PCS carrier trying to serve the show floor had their service impacted by several sources of interference.  Comsearch measurement personnel tracked down the interfering transmitters and immediately remedied the problem.  In each case, the problem exhibitor either did not go through the formal frequency coordination procedure or was operating on the wrong frequency.    

Industry organizations that host wireless conferences with equipment demonstrations should take proactive steps to address frequency coordination issues between exhibitors and carriers.  Future shows will require even more intense monitoring as spectrum becomes less available and the proliferation of unlicensed wireless technologies, such as WiFi and Bluetooth, creates additional interference issues. 

Market Trends

Clearing the Way for Wireless Medical Telemetry
by Mark Gibson

Clearly, there are exciting times ahead as we look to provide our services and offerings to these segments of the healthcare industry.  We'll be putting Jerry Springer back where he belongs: on TV.  Ok - not really.

Regulatory Rap

MICROWAVE

FCC Establishes the Media Bureau, the Wireline Competition Bureau and the Consumer Governmental Affairs Bureau - 
The FCC amended the Rules to reflect the new structure, describe their functions and delegated authority, and to make other conforming changes. Details: FCC-02-10A1.pdf 

FCC Explores Options and Alternatives for Improving the Spectrum Environment for Public Safety Operations in the 800 MHz Band – 
WT Docket 02–55 - The FCC adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to explore ways to improve the spectrum environment for public safety operations in the 800 MHz band. Specifically, the adopted NPRM takes the following actions:

• Describes the current configuration of the 800 MHz band for public safety and non-public safety systems.

• Discusses the causes of interference to public safety communications.

• Tentatively concludes that increasing levels of harmful interference to public safety communications on the 800 MHz band must be remedied.

• Discusses various means of reconfiguring the 800 MHz band in a manner that will effectively minimize interference to public safety radio systems from Commercial Mobile Radio Service (CMRS) stations.

• Requests information on the amount of spectrum sufficient to meet the needs of public safety.

• Discusses means of handling licensing and frequency coordination if the 800 MHz band is restructured and incumbent 800 MHz licensees are relocated to other suitable bands.

• With respect to any necessary incumbent relocation, discusses potential relocation bands, who would be reimbursed for relocating, and who would pay the associated cost.

• Considers complementary means of reducing interference to 800 MHz public safety communications in addition to reconfiguration of the 800 MHz frequency band, including receiver standards, stricter limits on out of band emissions, and more robust public safety signals.

• Describes and discusses PCIA’s petition for rule making seeking to consolidate the Business and Industrial/Land Transportation pools.

• Requests comment on the terms and conditions of licenses in the 900 MHz land mobile band if it is used to relocate displaced licensees.

Full details can be found at: DOC-220822A1.pdf DOC-220822A2.pdf DOC-220822A3.pdf DOC-220822A4.pdf

Wireless Bureau Announces New Website for ITFS and MDS Services – 
The FCC has created a new website for Instructional Television Fixed Service (ITFS) and Multipoint Distribution Service (MDS). The new site can be found at: http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/itfs&mds/

FCC Affirms MVDDS Authorization and Adopts Service Rules for the 12.2-12.7 GHz Band – 
The Commission affirmed its decision to authorize the Multichannel Video Distribution and Data Service (MVDDS) under the existing fixed service allocation in the 12 GHz band.  MVDDS is a fixed point to point, point to multipoint terrestrial system that is authorized to share with DBS satellite systems.  While the  Commission’s decision appears to open up the spectrum to competition in the  Multichannel Video Programming Distributor marketplace, in reality the  implementation of MVDDS systems sharing with ubiquitously deployed DBS will be extremely problematic.  Full details can be found at: DOC-221846A1.pdf DOC-221846A2.pdf DOC-221846A3.pdf DOC-221846A4.pdf

Technical Support Hours for FCC Auctions, The Universal Licensing System, And Antenna Structure Registration – 
DA 02-1010 - This change affects Washington, DC, Technical Support numbers only.  The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) announces new hours of operation for Technical Support. Effective Monday May 6, 2002, Technical Support for FCC Auctions, the Universal Licensing System (ULS), and Antenna Structure Registration (ASR) will be open Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern Time (except federal holidays). There are no weekend hours.

FDA-FCC Cellular Phone and RadioFrequency Energy Website Posted for Public Use and Comment - 
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have established a joint web site, Cell Phone Facts, to provide consumer information regarding cellular phones and radiofrequency (RF) energy.  This web site provides the public with information from both government agencies involved in the regulation of cell phones (also known as wireless, mobile, or PCS phones) and their base station, go to http://www.fcc.gov/cellphones/

Licensees of Certain Broadcast Auxiliary Radio Stations Must Submit License Information To The FCC – 
DA 02-1094 - Licensing Information may be required from LP and RP radio services for Land Mobile and AB, AI, AS, TB, TI, TP and TT radio services for Microwave.  The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) is currently updating licensing information for Broadcast Auxiliary Radio Stations authorized under 47 CFR Part 74, Subparts D, E, F and H.  Effective July 1, 2002, Licensees that do not respond may have call signs expire for their effected licenses.  Full details can be found at: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-02-1094A1.pdf

700 MHz Guard Band Managers’ First Annual Report is Due October 1, 2002 –
DA 02-1088 - In the annual report, Guard Band Managers should supply the Commission with the following information for each license held:

1. The call sign and market area; 

2. The total number of spectrum users; 

3. The number of spectrum users that are affiliates of the Guard Band Manager; 

4. The amount of spectrum being used by the Guard Band Manager’s affiliates in any part of the licensed service area and the amount of spectrum being used pursuant to agreements with unaffiliated third parties;

5. The general nature of its customers’ spectrum use; and 

6. The length of the term of each user agreement. Full text of the release can be found at: http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-02-1088A1.doc

Media Bureau Implements Mandatory Electronic Filing of FCC Forms – 
DA 02-1087 - The Media Bureau announced mandatory electronic filing for the following FCC Forms:

• FCC 301-CA, Application for Authority to Make Changes in a Class A Television Broadcast Station

• FCC 346, Application for Authority to Construct or Make Changes in a Low Power TV, TV Translator, or TV Booster Station

• FCC 349, Application for Authority to Construct or Make Changes in a FM Translator or FM Booster Station

• FCC 350, Application for a FM Translator or FM Booster Station License

Mandatory electronic filing will commence on May 21, 2002.  Paper versions of these forms will not be accepted for filing after May 20, 2002, unless accompanied by an appropriate request for waiver of the electronic filing requirement.  Users can access the electronic filing system via the Internet from the Media Bureau’s Web Site at: http://www.fcc.gov/mb. 

Full text of release can be found at -  http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-02-1087A1.doc

FCC Auctions:

700 MHz Band - Scheduled to Begin June 19, 2002. Additional Information: http://wireless.fcc.gov/auctions/44/

While the CTIA and most large carriers have urged the FCC to postpone the upcoming 700 MHz auctions, rural service providers and a broadcasting group called the Spectrum Clearing Alliance and Paxson Communications Corp. want the agency to proceed with at least the lower band sale.  The House has recently passed legislation directing the Commission to delay the auctions, while several conflicting bills are pending in the Senate.

FCC Commission Hearing May 16, 2002

The following subjects were on the agenda:

TITLE: Amendment of Eligibility Requirements in Part 78 Regarding 12 GHz Cable Television Relay Service (CS Docket No. 99-250; RM-9257).

SUMMARY: The Commission will consider a Report and Order allowing private cable operators to use frequencies in the 12 GHz band of the Cable Television Relay Service (CARS).
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-222569A1.pdf

TITLE: Requests for Extension of the October 5, 2001, Digital Television Construction Deadline.

SUMMARY: The Commission will consider an Order concerning extension of the October 5, 2001, digital television construction deadline filed by certain network-affiliated television stations located in the top thirty television markets and a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on remedial steps for failure to comply with the DTV construction schedule.  
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-222561A4.pdf

TITLE: Amendment of Part 15 of the Commission’s Rules Regarding Spread Spectrum Devices (ET Docket No. 99-231).

SUMMARY: The Commission will consider a Second Report and Order concerning regulations for spread spectrum systems.
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-222567A1.pdf

TITLE: Amendments to Parts 1, 2, 27 and 90 of the Commission’s Rules to License Services in the 216-220 MHz, 1390-1395 MHz, 1427-1429 MHz, 1429-1432 MHz, 1432-1435 MHz, 1670-1675 MHz, and 2385-2390 MHz Government Transfer Bands (WT Docket No. 02-8; RM-9267, RM-9692, RM-9797, RM-9854, RM-9882).

SUMMARY: The Commission will consider a Report and Order concerning service rules for the 216-220 MHz, 1390-1395 MHz, 1427-1432 MHz, 1670-1675 MHz, 2385-2390 MHz and the paired 1392-1395 MHz and 1432-1435 MHz Bands.  
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-222572A1.pdf

SATELLITE

FCC releases Ku-band Report and Order
On April 18, 2002, the FCC adopted a Report and Order on IB Docket No. 01-96, regarding the service rules for Non-GSO satellite services in the Ku-band.  The R&O concerns the sharing parameters and interference calculation method required for NGSO operations. The FCC has chosen the “Avoidance of In-Line Interference Events” spectrum sharing method and will use that as the basis for the sharing rules. The main sharing/mitigation component in this option is for all NGSO satellite systems to avoid in-line interference events.  The FCC states that all pending applications will be awarded licenses after modifying their applications to show conformance to the new sharing parameter and going through the public comment period.

SES Americom Files Petition for Broadband Satellite Service Platform
SES AMERICOM, filed a petition with the FCC to allow it to offer a new BSS/FSS satellite platform.  SES Americom proposes to place two satellites one, a Ku and Ka band FSS satellite, at 105 WL and another, a 12/17 BSS satellite, at 105.5 WL.  SES will allow content providers to have a two-way broadband direct-to-home access to US consumers.  The service will be called Americom2Home and is similar to services currently provided in Europe by SES Astra.  The orbital slot falls directly between Echostar and DirecTV satellites at 101 WL and 110 WL.  The current nine degree DBS satellite spacing is being challenged in this petition as being a relic of the analog service of the 1980’s.  SES claims that interference-free operation can be achieved with minimal coordination.Service launch could be as early as 2004.

FCC To Hold International Satellite Network Forum
The Federal Communications Commission 's International Bureau will hold a public forum on June 17 to discuss issues and policies pertaining to the international satellite network coordination process and the domestic regulatory aspects of the International Telecommunication Union's satellite network filing process. The forum is scheduled from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Commission's Washington, D.C. headquarters. For more information, contact 202/418-2373.

Spectrum Management 2002 In Rosslyn, Virginia
Features Key Regulatory and Technology Experts

National Spectrum Managers Association’s (NSMA), is hosting a 2-day conference examining spectrum management policies and issues affecting the wireless industry.  Spectrum Management 2002, May 21-22, 2002, at the Holiday Inn Westpark Hotel in Rosslyn, Virginia is open to the public and will include regulatory and technology sessions featuring renowned industry experts such as FCC Commissioner, Kathleen Abernathy; OET Senior Spectrum Policy Advisor and Chair of the FCC Spectrum Policy Task Force, Dr. Paul Kolodzy; Professor of Business and Public Policy and Management at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Professor Gerald R. Faulhaber; and Karl Nebbia, Deputy Associate Administrator within NTIA's Office of Spectrum Management and the current Chair of the IRAC.  Key industry participants will be addressing new technologies used to enhance the value and efficient use of the spectrum resource, such as Free Space Optics, Smart Antennas, Ultra-Wideband Radios and Millimeter Wave systems.

Spectrum Management 2002 will also include an Association Roundtable, chaired by Kathleen Ham-OBrien, FCC Deputy Chief of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, bringing together many of the key wireless industry associations such as the Cellular Telecommunications Internet Association (CTIA), United Telecom Council (UTC), Wireless Communications Association International (WCA), the Fixed Wireless Communications Coalition (FWCC), and the Satellite Industry Association (SIA) to discuss the multitude of spectrum management issues facing their membership.

Cost to NSMA members is $100 and non-members pay $200.  Registration fees include a continental breakfast and lunch on both days of the conference, and a vendor exhibit and reception on Tuesday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.