COMSEARCH^®

Taming the Spectrum  

In this issue:

MARKET TRENDS:
Recent Regulatory Changes Affecting the Broadcast Auxiliary Spectrum-What You Need to Know

CASE CORNER:
Unconventional Interference - Resolved!

REGULATORY RAP:
Microwave and Satellite News

WHAT'S NEW AT COMSEARCH

engineering
solutions

interactive
solutions

software solutions

data solutions

Recent Regulatory Changes Affecting
the Broadcast Auxiliary Spectrum
What You Need to Know

by Chris Hardy, VP, Spectrum Management Solutions 
and Greg Macey, Senior Manager, Microwave

Introduction
The FCC issued a series of orders during the past year that has a significant impact on the point-to-point microwave systems used by the broadcast industry. The new rules include a number of changes that facilitate the transition to digital technology in the Broadcast Auxiliary Services (BAS) bands, provide consistency with other Rule Parts, and in some cases modify eligibility requirements. We will examine these rulemakings and discuss the impact they will have on engineering and licensing BAS.

As a bit of background information, the FCC regulations for BAS are found in two sections of Part 74, “SubPart E – Aural Broadcast Auxiliary Stations” and “SubPart F – Television Broadcast Auxiliary Stations”. Aural BAS, Studio to Transmitter Links (STL), and Intercity Relay occurs in the 944-952 MHz band and a portion of the 18 GHz band (18760-18820 MHz and 19100-19160 MHz). The 944 MHz band is comprised of 25 kHz channels that can be stacked up to 500 kHz bandwidth. The 18 GHz band has 5 MHz channels but can no longer be licensed. However, 18 GHz systems with licenses or applications that were pending before the Commission, prior to September 18, 1998, are co-primary with the Fixed Satellite Service until June 8, 2010. Television BAS, STL, pickup, relay and translator relay stations use a wide variety of frequency assignments as detailed below:

Table 1: BAS Frequency Bands

The most significant of the orders affecting BAS operations was ET Docket 01-75, which implemented numerous revisions to the BAS service rules. The purpose of this rulemaking was to create a more efficient BAS that can more easily adapt to the use of digital technology for digital television (DTV). Several rules were also changed to allow for consistent regulatory guidelines for BAS, CARS and FS (Fixed Microwave Services). The changes were also instituted to allow licensees over these shared services to operate in an environment where interference is significantly reduced.

Also affecting BAS were CS Docket 99-250 and IB Docket 98-172 that increased eligibility of otherusers in shared bands. In CS Docket 99-250, the Commission made all Multichannel Video Programming Distributors (MVPDs) including Private Cable Operators (PCOs) eligible for Part 78 CARS licenses. This action then allowed the Commission to decide in IB Docket 98-172 that PCOs would no longer be allowed to use the 18.3-18.58 GHz segment on a co-primary basis with satellite services, since these users now had a new home in the CARS bands.

CS Docket 99 – 250

Amendment of Eligibility Requirements in Part 78 Regarding 12 GHz Cable Television Relay Service

Report and Order Released: May 21, 2002

Effective: July 29, 2002 / Eligibility Changes Not Yet Approved by OMB  

In this Report and Order, the FCC expanded the class of eligibles for Part 78 CARS licenses to include all MVPDs. The purpose was to provide a balanced competitive environment where all MVPDs share the spectrum equally. Significantly, PCOs are among the MVPDs now eligible for CARS licenses.

This order impacts the BAS spectrum as follows:

1. The Broadcast Auxiliary spectrum between 12.70-13.20 GHz is now open to additional MVPDs including PCOs. 

2. The Broadcast Auxiliary spectrum slice between 13.20-13.25 GHz is now available for CARS and MVPD systems as secondary users upon a showing that sufficient spectrum is not available within 12.70-13.20 GHz.

Figure 1: 13 GHz Allocations Prior to May 21, 2002 Order

Figure 2: 13 GHz Allocations After May 21, 2002 Order

The Report and Order placed relatively few restrictions on MVPD use of the 13 GHz band:

• No minimum path length requirement to use in 13 GHz in lieu of 18 GHz

• No system architecture restrictions such as hub-to-hub only operations

• No subscriber minimums

• MVPDs are co-primary with other users

In the rulemaking process, broadcasters opposed sharing the band segment from 13.20-13.25 GHz which they use for contribution quality video by TV pickup operations. The MVPDs argued the additional 10 channels (82 total) would make them more competitive to direct broadcast satellite services. The FCC compromised by making the CARS/MVPDs secondary users of this spectrum which means they must accept interference from and must not cause interference to BAS. The FCC recently denied NAB’s petition for reconsideration, upholding their decision to allow secondary Part 78 usage in 13.2-13.25 GHz . For BAS users, the burden may be on them to “hunt” down secondary users causing interference in the 13.20-13.25 GHz band.

IB Docket 98-172

Redesignation of the 17.7-19.7 GHz Frequency Band, Blanket Licensing of Satellite
Earth Stations in the 17.7-20.2 GHz and 27.5-30.0 GHz Frequency Bands, and the
Allocation of Additional Spectrum in the 17.3-17.8 GHz and 24.75-25.25 GHz
Frequency Bands for Broadcast Satellite-Service Use

Second Order on Reconsideration Released: November 26, 2002

Effective: Pending

On June 8, 2000, the FCC subdivided the 18 GHz (17.7-19.7 GHz) band between terrestrial fixed services and fixed-satellite services, concluding that ubiquitously deployed FSS earth stations could not co-exist with terrestrial microwave. However, a portion of the spectrum from 18.3-18.58 GHz was retained as co-primary between FSS and FS services. See Figure 3 for the June 8, 2000 spectrum allocation. While the GSO FSS community was upset with this decision, the Commission’s rationale behind retaining the co-primary status was that relocation spectrum was not available for the terrestrial services in this 280 MHz slice at the time the rulemaking was adopted.

On November 2001, a First Order on Reconsideration was issued that resolved many petitioners concerns but deferred action on the co-primary allocation for FS in the 18.3-18.58 GHz band and blanket licensing of earth stations.

In the Second Order on Reconsideration, the Commission partially granted a Petition for Reconsideration filed by Hughes and altered the 18 GHz band plan to make FSS the sole primary spectrum allocation in the 18.3-18.58 GHz band. This decision was enabled by the fact that the CARS bands including 13 GHz had been opened up for PCO/MVPD services. The order also permitted blanket earth station licensing in the 18.3-18.58 GHz and 29.25-29.5 GHz bands and outlined migration procedures for incumbents in the 18.3-18.58 GHz band.

Private Cable Operations comprise the majority of the incumbents in the 18.3-18.58 GHz segment. There are approximately 1200 links throughout the country concentrated primarily in urban areas.

Along with CS Docket 99-250 discussed above, this ruling may have a significant effect. For BAS and CARS users, the 13 GHz band is likely to become more congested, especially around urban areas, as PCO users add systems within this band. Figure 5 shows the existing 12.7-13.2 GHz and 18.14-18.58 GHz microwave paths in the Dallas area. Clearly there is a potential for increased congestion if a PCO buildout similar to 18 GHz occurs in the 13 GHz band.

Figure 5: Dallas Microwave Paths  

ET Docket 01-75

Revisions to Broadcast Auxiliary Services in Part 74 and Conforming Technical Rules for Broadcast Auxiliary Service, Cable Television Relay Service and Fixed Services in Parts 74, 78 and 101 of the Commission’s Rules

Report and Order Released: November 13, 2002

Effective:    
10/30/02 – Use of Digital Modulation for TV and Aural BAS
4/16/03 – Remainder of the Report and Order except the requirement for Part 101 coordination
10/16/03 – Part 101 Coordination  

The changes that were adopted include the following:

Digital Modulation
Effective immediately the Commission will permit the use of any available digital modulation technique in the TV BAS and aural BAS bands. This rule change will promote a more efficient use of the spectrum and facilitate the transition to DTV and the reduced channel bandwidths created by reallocation in the 2 GHz band. As a result of this decision, the Commission began processing some 500 pending applications providing relief from any new frequency coordination requirements that were part of the Order. The Commission opted not to impose digital loading requirements or the requirement for embedded automatic identification.

Maximum Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) for Short Paths
Previously, the rules stated minimum path lengths for certain bands and required a reduction in transmitted EIRP for paths under the limits. The equation in Section 74.644 required a steep reduction in EIRP for paths slightly shorter than the limit. The Commission noted that this equation was modified in 1996 for FS operations in Part 101 and determined that the modification would be applicable to fixed links in BAS and CARS as well. Thus the Commission adopted the new EIRP formula:

EIRP = MAXEIRP – 40 log(A/B) dBW
                     Where:
EIRP = The new maximum EIRP (equivalent isotropically radiated power) in dBW.
MAXEIRP = Maximum EIRP in accordance with FCC Rule Part 74.636.
A = Minimum path length for the frequency band in kilometers.
B = The actual path length in kilometers.

Figure 6: EIRP Reduction for Short Paths

As Figure 6 illustrates, the new equation provides a continuous slope reduction versus the current formula which has a significant EIRP step reduction at the transition distance just below the minimum path length. The Commission noted that the 2450-2483.5 MHz band had no minimum path length requirement previously. The 17 km limit was adopted for this band and the FCC opted to grandfather existing links at their current power. However, the Commission made special note that systems will not be permitted to modify operations from analog to analog/digital or digital operations and retain grandfathered status unless operation at the higher power is justified.

Transmitter Power

The R&O eliminated the existing transmitter power limits for fixed links found in Sections 74.636 and 74.534 in favor of EIRP limits as follows:

                             Table 2: EIRP Limits
The Commission deleted output power limitations for fixed systems but maintained them for mobile systems to reduce the potential for interference. In conjunction with the new EIRP reduction formula for short paths which uses Maximum EIRP, it was necessary to state the 2 GHz power limits in terms of EIRP rather than transmitter power.

Emission Masks
The R&O modified the Part 74 Aural and TV BAS emission masks to make them consistent with the emission masks of Part 101. Equipment meeting the previous mask requirements is grandfathered until October 30, 2004.
                                                        

Automatic Transmit Power Control

The FCC allowed the use of Automatic transmit power control (ATPC). ATPC allows transmitters to operate with a certain “nominal power” during normal propagation conditions. If the receiver detects a drop in received signal level, the transmit power is incrementally or instantaneously increased to the maximum allowable power level, depending on the manufacturer’s design.

Radios equipped with ATPC have the following advantages over their non-ATPC equipped counterparts:

1. Simplified frequency coordination in congested areas

2. Less power consumption

3. Increased MTBF (Mean time between failure)

When coordinating systems with ATPC, coordinators must specify three transmit power levels—the nominal, coordinated, and maximum powers. In addition, TIA TSB-10F contains restrictions on the amount of time a transmitter can exceed the coordinated power. It is important to note that ATPC systems require a return path for the receiver to send instructions to the transmitter for power increases. Therefore, ATPC can only be used on duplex paths and unfortunately provides no benefit for one-way links.

Frequency Tolerance
Previously, no standard frequency tolerance was established for this band under Part 74. The R&O specified a frequency tolerance of .001% for base and mobile operations to be effective 2 years from adoption of the R&O for the 2450-2483 MHz band. Existing links are grandfathered unless the equipment is changed.

Frequency Coordination
Part 74 did not previously define frequency coordination procedures but encouraged the use of local coordination by placing the responsibility for frequency selection to avoid interference upon the applicant. Applicants typically utilized local area Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) coordinators or coordination committees (local coordination) to provide this service and there was no requirement for filing a certification of coordination compliance with the FCC. In the R&O, the Commission adopted frequency coordination procedures for all TV and aural BAS and CARS frequency bands. All fixed stations except for those in the 1990-2110 MHz band are now required to use the “prior coordination” procedures found in Section 101.103(d). Mobile operations will continue to use Section 101.103(d) procedures in the 6425-6525 MHz and 17.7-19.7 GHz bands and have flexibility to use either the Part 101 procedures or local coordination procedures in the 2450-2483.5 MHz, 6875-7125 MHz, and 12,700-13,250 MHz bands.

   Table 3: Coordination Procedures by Band             While the Commission opted to allow the use of either local coordination or the procedure outlined in Section 101.103 for mobile operations in the 2, 7, and 13 GHz bands, they pointed out that mobiles should be considered in any Fixed Service coordination. To effectively analyze interference involving mobile operations, information regarding mobiles will need to be made available to all of the same parties involved in the Part 101 coordination of fixed links. On April 15, 2003, the Commission granted a request for temporary stay filed by the SBE regarding the requirement for Part 101 frequency coordination. The Commission agreed to delay implementation of the Part 101 coordination procedure until October 16, 2003 in order to give broadcasters additional time to update operational information in ULS.

The requirement for Part 101 coordination in the BAS bands is likely to be a new process for these users and it is important for them to understand the procedures involved. Part 101 coordination is a bilateral process that has been used effectively to minimize interference in the FS bands for the past two decades. It is an industry-administered process based upon a cooperative effort among spectrum users. It involves the following three key elements:

• Interference Analysis

• Notification

• Response

Interference Analysis

The first phase of the coordination process is a detailed interference analysis. Prior to filing for a license with the FCC, an applicant is required to perform appropriate engineering studies to avoid causing interference into other users. The interference criteria are found in Section 101.105 and in TIA Bulletin 10F.

The interference objective criteria are designed to limit receiver threshold degradation to no more than 1 dB and also (for analog receivers) to prevent interference from causing excessive noise in the demodulated baseband signal. These criteria are appropriate to use initially because if satisfied, they ensure that operation of a new radio system will have minimal impact on existing environment systems. Interference in excess of the criteria would reduce the receiver fade margin and/or violate baseband noise requirements. However, such interference may be acceptable if reliable path operation would still occur with the reduced fade margin or if additional baseband noise can be tolerated.

Under Part 101 coordination, interference objectives may be relaxed on a case-by-case basis if the additional interference is accepted by the licensee of the affected receiver. If the licensees in an area agree, the coordination process can consider prioritization of links (primary versus backup, fixed versus temporary), reliability objectives, emergency needs, etc., in determining the objectives to use. Thus with a cooperative effort among the licensees, the Part 101 coordination process can be tailored to the needs of BAS users.

Notification
The second phase of the coordination process is the notification. In this phase, the proposed frequency usage that is determined from the interference analysis is forwarded to all existing licensees and applicants whose facilities could affect or be affected by the proposal. This notification, called a prior coordination notice or PCN, contains all of the technical operating parameters of the proposed system. By industry agreement, the owner of any in-band system that is licensed, applied-for, or prior coordinated (proposed) within the coordination contour is entitled to receive a PCN. The coordination contour is defined by a circular radius around the site coordinates with a “keyhole radius” sector extending 5 degrees on either side of the antenna main beam as shown in Figure 7.

      Figure 7: Coordination Contours for 
       Point-to-Point Microwave Systems
In addition to considering all in-band systems during the analysis and subsequent notification, adjacent band systems should also be considered. The 7 GHz BAS band and the upper 6 GHz FS band is an example where adjacent band systems pose potential interference to each other and should be considered in the coordination process. As Figure 8 shows, there are roughly an equal number of radios (approximately 1,400) operating on adjacent channels at the band edges. These frequencies pose the same interference scenario found with in-band adjacent channels and need to be considered in the engineering analysis.

Response

The response element is the final stage of Part 101 coordination process whereby recipients of PCNs are given an opportunity to analyze the technical proposal for interference and respond with concurrence or conflicts. Parties are expected to fully cooperate to resolve all potential problems that may be identified. The rules state that parties should make every reasonable effort to respond to PCNs as quickly as possible. However, if a response is not received within 30-days, the coordinating party may assume that no interference exists and the proposal can be filed with the Commission. It is important to note that Section 101.103 provides for expedited coordination’s of less than 30 days and the industry typically cooperates to meet requested deadlines.                       

The culmination of the Part 101 coordination process involves the generation of a list of entities included in the coordination. This list, which is typically referred to as a “supplemental showing” must be included with the FCC application.

Conditional Authorization

Conditional authorization helps streamline the process of system implementation by providing an applicant with the ability to begin operations upon application submittal prior to license grant. This authorization is conditioned upon the applicant meeting several requirements, including the successful completion of frequency coordination. The Commission added a new Section 74.25 to allow Conditional Authorization for BAS.Figure 8: Adjacent Channel Interference Potential Between Bands 

The following additional requirements apply:

All Broadcast Auxiliary Stations

1. The station must have been previously studied and cleared by the FAA, if applicable.

2. The application filed has no waiver requests.

3. The station does not lie in a Quiet Zone (FCC Part 1.924).

Aural and Television Broadcast Auxiliary Stations

1. Applicable frequency coordination procedures have been successfully completed and the filing matches the coordination.

2. The station does not lie within an area requiring international coordination.

Conclusion

The Report and Order in ET Docket 01-75 provided the BAS user with a number of significant benefits. Chief among these benefits are approval of the use of digital modulation techniques, improvements in the EIRP reduction formula for short paths, and the introduction of conditional authorization. Immediate operation of facilities under conditional authorization can only be acceptable to existing licensees if they have an opportunity to protect their systems by reviewing the proposed operation prior to application filing. In order to have conditional authorization and provide consistency across various FCC Rule Parts, the Commission adopted the notification-and-response coordination process found in Part 101. This new coordination process, more formal than traditional “local coordination”, provides BAS users with a decreased likelihood of harmful interference while incorporating sufficient flexibility to be tailored to BAS needs. The orders in CS Docket 99-250 and IB Docket 98-172 do not directly change the Part 74 BAS rules; instead, by changing Parts 78 and 101 they may have the effect of increasing congestion in the 13 GHz and 18 GHz BAS bands as new entrants begin using the spectrum shared with BAS.

Case Corner

Unconventional Interference - Resolved!

by James K. Branin, Principal Field Engineer

The use of the unlicensed 2.4 and 5.8 GHz spectrum has gained popularity over the past several years as more products using these bands are introduced into the market. The benefits of systems utilizing this spectrum include speed and ease of installation and a relatively low cost. One of the disadvantages of operating systems in these bands is the lack of interference protection afforded by an FCC license.

Comsearch offers this case study to enlighten users of the possible causes of system degradation in unlicensed bands.   

Comsearch Field Services division received a call from a UHF television station servicing a large city in southern Texas.  As with most television stations, a studio to transmitter (STL) microwave system was in use to transport video signals between the station at its remote transmitter.  A 2.4 – 2.5 GHz microwave link was established for the outbound traffic from the studio to the transmitter.  The return link from the tower to the studio employed radios in the 7 GHz band.

The station was experiencing problems with the 10 mile microwave link operating in the 2.4 - 2.5 GHz band.  The receiver at the transmitter was experiencing some type of radio frequency interference in 10 – 15 second bursts for several minutes at a time.  These events could last for hours on any given day or night.  The microwave system, in use for about one year, was experiencing the interference problem for the same period of time.

The station’s chief engineer contacted Comsearch for assistance and, after a brief explanation of the problem, Comsearch deployed a member of our Field Services division to perform on-site diagnostic measurements.  Upon arrival, Comsearch learned that the  FCC Field Office had been on-site one week prior to assess the problem.  After a week of testing, the FCC engineers were unsuccessful in identifying the source of the interference and recommended that the station chief engineer contact Comsearch for additional assistance. 

Because this microwave link was the feed to the station’s transmitter, the interference to the system degraded the video signal they were broadcasting.  According to the FCC Field Office, the degradation seen in the video indicated that the interference was most likely some sort of “broadband noise.”

Working on the assumption that the problem was indeed some sort of interference exterior to the microwave system, a measurement vehicle was equipped in such a manner that the station’s broadcast UHF channel could be monitored with a portable TV receiver while the 2.4 – 2.5 GHz band was monitored with a directional parabolic antenna, a low noise amplifier, and a spectrum analyzer.

Testing began at the station and moved outward at various points within a one mile radius¾attempting to correlate degradation to the microwave signal and to the broadcast UHF signal to some sort of interference source near the station.  The suspicion was that the source might be a commercial microwave oven since those devices are authorized an operating frequency of 2450 MHz +/- 50 MHz.  The remainder of the first day on-site was spent at multiple measurement points within the one-mile radius of the station in an unsuccessful attempt to correlate an interference source to the signal degradation seen in the off-air broadcast signal.

Thus, on the second day, measurements began at the transmitter site in an effort to capture both the interfering signal and its bearing from the tower.

The test set (analyzer, amplifier, and antenna) and the TV receiver were brought up the “cage-type” tower elevator to the 250’ level, equivalent to the height of the STL receive antenna.  Within the hour, a broadband noise type signal in the 2.4 - 2.5 GHz band was detected which correlated to degradation of the off-air UHF TV broadcast.    The bearing toward the source appeared to be several degrees off the microwave path’s azimuth.

In order to locate the source of the broadband noise, Comsearch performed a series of measurements to triangulate on the source emitter. We quickly located the suspected source of interference and the test system was relocated across the street from the suspected interfering facility to monitor both the 2.4 GHz STL frequency and the off-air UHF broadcast for further verification.

Comsearch observed several instances where the UHF off-air signal was degraded while broadband noise in the 2.4 – 2.5 GHz band was detected on the spectrum analyzer.  At this point, we concluded that the STL link was receiving interference from this source, which translated into a degraded UHF broadcast. 

Comsearch continued to conduct measurements to qualify the source of the broadband noise.  During this time, we found several instances where the broadband noise was present but the UHF system was not degraded.  Since the facility was a large industrial oil field metal fabrication plant, we assumed the suspect source was industrial welders that use the same 2.4 to 2.5 GHz (+/- 50 MHz) band to RF stabilize the welding arc.  Now, Comsearch had to identify the instances when the broadband noise correlated to the degradation in the UHF broadcast. 

After several more hours of testing around the plant it was discovered that the interference to the microwave path only occurred when the welder(s) were in use and one or more of the large sliding metal doors on the buildings were open.   

Inquiries were made to determine the facility’s working hours, shift change periods, holiday periods, and other days normally closed so that they could be compared to the station’s logs over the previous several months.  It was discovered that when the welding facility was closed, the station’s log indicated that no degradation had occurred.  The results of our measurements were presented to the chief  engineer and his first words were, “SHUT ‘EM DOWN.”  Comsearch referenced the FCC Rules and Regulations, and communicated to the chief engineer that his use of the 2.4 – 2.5 GHz band for their microwave link actually made them a secondary user.  Per FCC Rules welding equipment, along with medical equipment users and microwave ovens, have a primary status in this band.    According to the FCC Rules, a  secondary user, in this case the UHF station, must accept all interference from the primary users.

Since Comsearch’s commitment on diagnostic jobs such as this is to not only find the source of the interference but to recommend ways of eliminating or mitigating the  interference, the following alternative solution was proposed:

• Because initial RF sweeps in the 2.4 – 2.5 GHz band at the station were done with the test antenna at an 18’ centerline (same as roof mounted microwave antennas), and there was no indication of broadband noise from the welding facility, Comsearch recommended that the frequency bands on the two microwave links be “swapped” (i.e. switching the transmission from the studio to the transmit tower to the private 7 GHz system and using the 2.4 – 2.5 GHz system to transmit from the tower to the station).  
  
  

• This would change the 2 GHz receive antenna’s centerline from 250’ to a mere 18’.  Since the interference source was mid-path¾some 5 miles from the station¾the terrain and building blockage should eliminate the broadband interference from the welders.  This theory was reinforced by the fact that the test set used at the station had a 30 dB gain more than the stations microwave system due to use of a 50 dB gain amplifier.  Therefore, if the test set could not detect the interference, neither would the station’s microwave system.

The equipment switch was made and the system has since been operating without interference from the welding facility. 

As the number of systems deployed in the unlicensed bands increases, so does the potential for interference. The interference sources can be from other like systems (i.e., microwave radios) or from a myriad of other devices authorized to use this spectrum. When planning the deployment of your next communications system, consider the trade off between unlicensed systems without protection from interference, to licensed systems. As the chief engineer learned in this instance, operators of unlicensed systems are unable to “SHUT ‘EM DOWN” because they have no inherent interference protection rights.

No matter how comprehensive a computerized and paper analyses may be, it is no substitute for measuring real-world interference and blockage at a site. Only on-site measurements and surveys can give you the complete picture.

To learn more about Comsearch’s Field Services click here.

Regulatory Rap

Microwave and Satellite News

To lease or buy…that is the new spectrum question
On May 15, 2003, the Commission adopted a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in WT Docket No. 00-230 that authorizes most wireless radio licensees with “exclusive” rights to their assigned spectrum to enter into spectrum leasing arrangements.  These policies and rules affect both mobile and fixed services, including Cellular, Personal Communications Services (PCS), Specialized Mobile Radio (SMR), Local Multipoint Distribution Service (LMDS), fixed microwave, 24 GHz, and 39 GHz, among others.  In addition, the Commission adopts streamlined processing for certain categories of license transfer and assignment applications, and seeks comment on additional steps to improve the functioning of secondary markets. 

In the Report and Order, the Commission replaces the landmark facilities-based standard set forth in the 1963 Intermountain Microwave decision with a more flexible approach that allows licensees to lease spectrum usage rights to spectrum lessees, without the need for prior Commission approval, so long as the licensee continues to exercise effective working control over the use of the spectrum it leases.  The leases can be for some or all of the spectrum-usage rights, for any amount of spectrum and for any period of time within the term of the license.  Two leasing options are provided, the “spectrum manager” and the de facto transfer.  http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-234562A1.doc

New 5 GHz U-NII Band Spectrum
On May 15, 2003, the Commission issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in ET Docket 03-122 to make available an additional 255 MHz of spectrum for unlicensed use in the 5.470 – 5.725 GHz band.  This action responds to a petition for rulemaking filed by the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA ­ now known as the Wi­Fi Alliance).  In agreement with WECA, the Commission recognized that this proposal aligns the frequency bands used by U-NII devices with those in many other parts of the world.
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-234566A1.doc

Revision Of Part 15 Of The Commission's Rules Regarding Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Transmission Systems
The FCC amended Part 15 of the rules regarding the unlicensed operation of UWB transmission systems. Seeking further review of the UWB standards to determine where additional changes warrant consideration.  Because this technology operates across wide ranges of encumbered spectrum, significant concerns remain about potential interference.    (Dkt No. 98-153, FCC No. 03-33).  FCC-03-33A1.doc  FCC-03-33A2.doc  FCC-03-33A3.doc  FCC-03-33A1.pdf  FCC-03-33A2.pdf  FCC-03-33A3.pdf  FCC-03-33A1.txt  FCC-03-33A2.txt  FCC-03-33A3.txt

FCC Implements New Electronic Filing Capability
Expanded electronic filing capabilities to make it easier for multi-channel video programming distributors to submit applications, reports, and other documents.   DOC-232109A1.doc  DOC-232109A1.pdf  DOC-232109A1.txt

FCC Begins Inquiry Regarding Interference Immunity Performance Specifications For Receivers
On March 13, 2003, the Commission issued a Notice of Inquiry in Docket No’s 00-39 and 03-65 requesting public comment on the possibility of incorporating receiver interference immunity performance specifications.  This is a very controversial concept as traditionally the Commission has focused its interference rules primarily on transmitting devices.  There is no question that receivers designed to maximize rejection of undesired RF energy can lead to more efficient use of the spectrum, but at what cost.  The Commission seeks information, comment, and research on the following:

Immunity performance and interference tolerance of existing receivers

• Possibilities for improving the level of receiver immunity in the various radio services
• Potential positive and negative impacts of receiver standards on innovation and the marketplace
• Possible approaches by which desired levels of receiver immunity or tolerances could be achieved, including incentives for improving performance, voluntary industry standards, mandatory standards, or a combination of these or other approaches
• Considerations that should guide the Commission’s approach to these matters in the various licensed radio services

DOC-232115A1.doc  DOC-232115A2.doc  DOC-232115A3.doc  DOC-232115A4.doc  DOC-232115A5.doc  DOC-232115A6.doc  DOC-232115A1.pdf  DOC-232115A2.pdf  DOC-232115A3.pdf  DOC-232115A4.pdf  DOC-232115A5.pdf  DOC-232115A6.pdf  DOC-232115A1.txt  DOC-232115A2.txt  DOC-232115A3.txt  DOC-232115A4.txt  DOC-232115A5.txt  DOC-232115A6.txt   (FCC-03-54A1.doc  FCC-03-54A2.doc  FCC-03-54A3.doc  FCC-03-54A4.doc  FCC-03-54A5.doc  FCC-03-54A6.doc  FCC-03-54A1.pdf  FCC-03-54A2.pdf  FCC-03-54A3.pdf  FCC-03-54A4.pdf  FCC-03-54A5.pdf  FCC-03-54A6.pdf  FCC-03-54A1.txt  FCC-03-54A2.txt  FCC-03-54A3.txt  FCC-03-54A4.txt  FCC-03-54A5.txt  FCC-03-54A6.txt

MMDS Spectrum Reexamination
The Commission issued a Notice of Proposed  Rulemaking and Memorandum Opinion and Order in Dockets 97-217, 02-68, 03-66, and 03-67 to initiate a comprehensive examination of the rules and policies governing the licensing of Instructional Television Fixed Service (ITFS), the Multipoint Distribution Service (MDS), and the Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service (MMDS) in the 2500-2690 MHz band.  Prompted by industry groups such as the Wireless Communications Association International (WCA) to substantially change the existing rules, the Commission:

• Seeks comment on whether and how to reconfigure the 2500-2690 MHz band and the best means of ensuring the efficient utilization of unassigned ITFS spectrum, including geographic area licensing and unlicensed operation;
• Proposes to convert site-by-site licenses of MDS and ITFS incumbents to geographic service areas;
• Seeks comment on how best to promote increased access to and efficient utilization of ITFS spectrum
• Proposes technical rules to increase licensee flexibility and protect incumbent operations in the 2500-2690 MHz band, including technical and service rules for mobile operations;
• Proposes to consolidate all service-specific rules for the Services under Parts 27 and 101 but seek comment on alternatives.

One of the unintended consequences of the MO&O is the temporary suspension of acceptance of applications for new ITFS licenses and applications to amend or modify either ITFS or MDS stations in the 2500-2690 MHz band, subject to certain exceptions.   FCC-03-56A1.doc  FCC-03-56A2.doc  FCC-03-56A3.doc  FCC-03-56A4.doc  FCC-03-56A1.pdf  FCC-03-56A2.pdf  FCC-03-56A3.pdf  FCC-03-56A4.pdf  FCC-03-56A1.txt  FCC-03-56A2.txt  FCC-03-56A3.txt  FCC-03-56A4.txt

Audit Of The Operational Status Of 220 - 222 MHz Band Licenses .
Licensees are Encouraged to Verify the Mailing Address for Each License Held and to Register with the Commission Registration System (CORES)   DA-03-1089A1.doc  DA-03-1089A1.pdf  DA-03-1089A1.txt

Inquiry Initiated Regarding Broadband Over Power Line
The FCC issued a Notice of Inquiry seeking public comment on using existing electrical power lines to provide Internet and broadband services to homes and offices. (Dkt No 03-104)  DOC-233537A1.doc  DOC-233537A2.doc  DOC-233537A3.doc  DOC-233537A4.doc  DOC-233537A5.doc  DOC-233537A6.doc  DOC-233537A1.pdf  DOC-233537A2.pdf  DOC-233537A3.pdf  DOC-233537A4.pdf  DOC-233537A5.pdf  DOC-233537A6.pdf  DOC-233537A1.txt  DOC-233537A2.txt  DOC-233537A3.txt  DOC-233537A4.txt  DOC-233537A5.txt  DOC-233537A6.txt   FCC-03-100A1.doc  FCC-03-100A2.doc  FCC-03-100A3.doc  FCC-03-100A4.doc  FCC-03-100A5.doc  FCC-03-100A6.doc  FCC-03-100A1.pdf  FCC-03-100A2.pdf  FCC-03-100A3.pdf  FCC-03-100A4.pdf  FCC-03-100A5.pdf  FCC-03-100A6.pdf  FCC-03-100A1.txt  FCC-03-100A2.txt  FCC-03-100A3.txt  FCC-03-100A4.txt  FCC-03-100A5.txt  FCC-03-100A6.txt

Development Of Wireless Broadband Services In Support Of Public Safety  
Established licensing and service rules for 50 MHz of spectrum in the 4.9 GHz band. (Dkt No. 00-32, FCC No. 03-99)  DOC-233532A1.doc  DOC-233532A2.doc  DOC-233532A3.doc  DOC-233532A4.doc  DOC-233532A1.pdf  DOC-233532A2.pdf  DOC-233532A3.pdf  DOC-233532A4.pdf  DOC-233532A1.txt  DOC-233532A2.txt  DOC-233532A3.txt  DOC-233532A4.txt

FCC-03-99A1.doc  FCC-03-99A2.doc  FCC-03-99A3.doc  FCC-03-99A4.doc  FCC-03-99A1.pdf  FCC-03-99A2.pdf  FCC-03-99A3.pdf  FCC-03-99A4.pdf  FCC-03-99A1.txt  FCC-03-99A2.txt  FCC-03-99A3.txt  FCC-03-99A4.txt

Amendment Of Part 2 Of The Commission's Rules
Proposed to reallocate spectrum in the 76-81 GHz band and the bands above 95 GHz to make the United State’s domestic and international frequency allocation changes consistent with each other. (Dkt No 99-261, 03-102, FCC No. 03-90)   FCC-03-90A1.doc  FCC-03-90A1.pdf  FCC-03-90A1.txt

FCC Auctions :
Auction 49 - Lower 700 MHz Band Licenses
Fifty-six applicants have qualified to bid in the upcoming auction of 256 licenses in the Lower 700 MHz band C and D blocks.  The auction is scheduled to begin on May 28, 2003.   Bidders with the largest upfront payments include:

Qualcomm Incorporated - $10,462,400
Aloha Partners II - $9,000,000
RunHot LLC - $7,500,000

  http://wireless.fcc.gov/auctions/49/

Auction 50 - Narrowband PCS Spectrum   -  (DA No. 03-372)
Scheduled to begin September 24, 2003.   http://wireless.fcc.gov/auctions/50/

Auction 51 - Regional Narrowband PCS Licenses -  (DA No. 03-1065, Report AUC-03-51-A)  
Scheduled to begin September 24, 2003.  DA-03-1065A1.doc  DA-03-1065A2.xls  DA-03-1065A1.pdf  DA-03-1065A2.pdf  DA-03-1065A1.txt  DA-03-1065A2.txt

Auction 52 - Direct Broadcast Satellite Service Licenses - (FCC No. 03-40) Scheduled For August 6, 2003.  http://wireless.fcc.gov/auctions/52/

Auction 53 - Multichannel Video Distribution And Data Service Licenses (DA No. 03-1544, AUC-03-53-C) Auction is Postponed.  DA-03-1544A1.doc  DA-03-1544A1.pdf  DA-03-1544A1.txt

ICO Global Communications To Acquire Globalstar
On April 29, 2003, Globalstar, L.P. and ICO Global Communications received court approval for ICO to acquire a majority interest in Globalstar. For an investment of $55 million ICO will receive a 54% equity stake in the new operating company.  "Approximately $12 billion has now been spent for mobile satellite communications and handheld devices. The numerous bankruptcies throughout the industry have been indicative of the risks associated with providing innovative new services and the failure, to date, of mobile satellite service (MSS)," said ICO Chairman Craig O. McCaw.

ICO is also currently deploying its own medium earth orbit MSS constellation (at 10,000 kilometers vs. Globalstar's 1,400 kilometer orbit) to provide global voice and data communications. Two of ICO’s satellites have already been launched (one of which was destroyed during launch), and a total of eight are required to provide global coverage.

News Corp. Acquires Control of DirecTV Parent-Hughes Corporation
On April 11, 2003, Rupert Murdoch took control of the largest US satellite provider, DirecTV.  Australia-based News Corp., controlled by Murdoch, announced last April 9 it agreed to pay $6.6 billion in stock and cash for a 34 percent stake of the parent of DirecTV, Hughes Electronics Corp. They plan transfer control of DirecTV to its Fox Entertainment Group subsidiary, which includes the Fox News Channel. The purchase will still have to be approved by federal antitrust regulators now gives Murdoch virtual control of the satellite TV giant and the nation's second-largest pay-TV provider. Under the agreement, General Motors will sell its 19.9 percent economic interest in Hughes to News Corp. for $14 per share, or approximately $3.8 billion.

FCC Modifies Satellite Licensing Process
On April 23, 2003, the Federal Communications Commission adopted a "first-come, first-served" licensing process for geostationary satellite applications to speed delivery of satellite services to consumers. The FCC decided to retain the existing "processing round" system for non-geostationary satellite applications.  The FCC believes that this new process will allow for quick authorization of new satellite services. The main components of the decision are as follows:

• Different procedures for licensing non-geostationary-like satellite systems (NGSOs) and geostationary–like systems (GSOs), in recognition of the technical distinctions between these types of systems.
• Streamlined license processing round approach for NGSO-like systems.
• “First-come, first-served” licensing for GSO-like satellites.

Additionally, the FCC adopted safeguards to discourage speculation, including a requirement that licensees post a $5 million to $7.5 million bond within 30 days after receiving a license, payable upon revocation of the license for missing a milestone.  All applications must be filed electronically.

Ka-Band News:

Satellite System Wildblue Receives Funding
On April 24, 2003, WildBlue Communications announced that Liberty Satellite & Technology, Inc., Intelsat, National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC), Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, and David Drucker, WildBlue's chairman, have invested $156 million in the company completing the required investment in the space and ground infrastructure and allow WildBlue to launch service in 2004.   Wildblue intends to be the first to launch a Ka-band spot beam satellite designed to provide low-cost consumers high-speed Internet access via satellite.

WildBlue is also working to develop internet and broadband data services over satellite using proven terrestrial cable modem technology, resulting in lower customer equipment and installation costs, a critical requirement in satellite-based consumer services. The satellite industry in general, working with Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), is striving to develop and adopt standards which will make satellite provided data appealing to the millions of homes and small offices that lack access to DSL or cable modem service.

SES Americom to Provide Satellite Capacity to EchoStar
On March 27, 2003 SES Americom, Inc. announced an agreement to provide satellite capacity to EchoStar Communications Corp. on Americom's AMC-15 satellite, a new satellite currently under construction. EchoStar plans to utilize this capacity to seek ways to offer a combination of satellite TV programming bundled with satellite-delivered, high-speed Internet services.  AMC-15 is a Ku/Ka-band hybrid satellite planned for launch to the in-orbit location of 105 degrees West Longitude in the third quarter of 2004. When fully operational, the satellite will feature 24 - 36 MHz Ku-band transponders, 12 - 125 MHz Ka-band spot beams.

EchoStar to Launch EchoStar IX Satellite in May
On March 11, 2003 EchoStar Communications Corporation announced the scheduled launch of EchoStar IX satellite, the first commercial Ka-band satellite. The satellite will launch from a floating platform at the equator aboard a Sea Launch rocket. The EchoStar IX satellite is equipped with one of the first commercial Ka-band spot-beam payloads for use over the United States. The Ka-band portion of the satellite will be used to test, verify and deliver future broadband initiatives for the company. The satellite payload also includes 32 Ku-Band fixed satellite services (FSS) transponders.

Major Satellite Operators to Focus on Government Services
Two of the biggest satellite operators in the world recently announced the formation of business units that will concentrate on providing services to the US government.   On March 12, 2003, PanAmSat Corp announced the launch of G2 Satellite Solutions Co., a division that will offer and develop a range of satellite and value-added services to support the global requirements of the U.S. government and its numerous agencies. This group, consisting of employees from PanAmSat Government Services group and the recently acquired Hughes Global Services, will be headquartered in Washington, D.C.
 
On March 14, 2003, Intelsat, Ltd announced the creation of a business unit to sharpen its focus on the government customer segments. Intelsat Government Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of Intelsat USA Sales Corp. will focus on maintaining and developing government customers located in North America and Europe. Susan Miller will serve as President of this unit. Intelsat, which has been providing communications services to governments worldwide for decades, attributes approximately 10 percent of its total revenue to this customer segment.

Both companies intend to provide a wide range of services from satellite bandwidth, infrastructure, and networking.  The two other major US satellite operators, Loral Skynet and SES Americom, already have business units that service the government.

DBAC Receives FCC Authorization  
On May 7, 2003, the FCC International Bureau granted authorization to Digital Broadband Applications Corp. (DBAC) to provide two-way broadband data and video service in the United States using two Canadian direct broadcast satellites (DBS) and one U.S.-licensed fixed-satellite service (FSS) satellite (File No. SES-LIC-20020109-00023). Specifically, DBAC was authorized to operate a network, which consists of one hub earth station and one million satellite home terminals that will access the Canadian Nimiq and Nimiq 2 DBS satellites and the U.S. FSS satellite, Galaxy XI.  The FCC based their decision as a way to stimulate competition in the U.S. DBS and FSS markets.

World Radio Conference ‘03 To Be Held in June  
The World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) will take place in Geneva, Switzerland from June 9 to July 4 2003.  There are several pressing issues which could affect the way certain frequency bands are used in the United States for satellite communications. Several of the agenda items could affect the U.S. allocations for satellite and other broadband services. 

Agenda Item 1.13 deals with the use of the 47.2-47.5 GHz and 47.9-48.2 GHz by High Altitude Platform Services (HAPS) and also the potential use of HAPS in the bands between 18-32 GHz.

Agenda Item 1.26 involves the development of provisions under which earth station on vessels (ESVs) could operate in the fixed-satellite services bands which coexists with fixed microwave services.  Specifically, issues involving the analysis and coordination of C-band ESVs could reach some worldwide agreement.  This action will have a major impact on the domestic use of C-band and the FCC is expected to issue their proposed rulemaking soon.

Agenda 1.24 involves the usage of the 13.75-14.0 GHz band by fixed-satellite services and addresses sharing conditions.  Presently, there are several conditions imposed on FSS users in this band including minimum antenna size and uplink eirp.

There are many agenda items involving sharing between GSO and NGSO satellite systems, broadcast-satellite services sharing with fixed-satellite services and terrestrial services, mobile satellite services using fss bands on a secondary basis, and spectrum issues related to the advancement of IMT-2000 among the many others.

What's New at Comsearch!

Comsearch Awarded GSA Schedule Contract Effective May 1, 2003

GSA Schedule Contract #GS-23F-0217N

The growing demand for wireless communications systems and usable RF spectrum can be felt in virtually every market—especially within our Federal Government.  These agencies are challenged to make the most efficient use of their spectrum to ensure complete secure communications during heightened national security threats.

Comsearch’s GSA Contract will streamline and simplify the ability for Government agencies to purchase Comsearch RF system design, engineering and spectrum management services and products.

---

Comsearch Launches New Interactive Solutions

CTIA’S Proactive Approach to Frequency Coordination Pays Off

Comsearch Offers FCC License Management Services—Audits, Monitoring, and Licensing and Filing
Click here for Microwave information.
Click here for Broadcast information.

Comsearch Performs Feasibility Study On High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS)

Coming Soon—www.comsearch.com receives more than just a face-lift! –

 
Look for Comsearch’s new web design this summer.  
Our new site will represent the vast array of clients and vertical markets that we serve, such as: Telecom, Government, Healthcare, Real Estate and Education.  The new site design is intended to help our clients and other web visitors navigate easily and quickly locate Comsearch services and products relating to their particular markets. 

Comsearch welcomes your comments and suggestions on our new web site design by contacting us at customersupport@comsearch.com.

Comsearch Executives Participate in Major Industry Events

Les Polisky – Sr. Principal Field Engineer – will present “Avoiding Microwave Station and TV Reception Degradation from Wind Turbine Facility Installations” at the WINDPOWER 2003 Conference & Exhibition.  Click here for more information.

Dr. Saul Torrico – Principal Scientist – will present “Predicting the Radio Channel for Third-Generation Systems” at the 2003 World Wireless Congress. 
Click here for more information.

Not subscribed?

   Subscribe