WirelessPulse-Comsearch E-News - January 2003

Comsearch's bi-monthly e-newsletter for professionals in the wireless industry.

Our engineers use the latest technology in the dynamic wireless market and consistently publish up-to-date information through white papers, case studies and informative articles. With the publication of WirelessPulse, we are able to pass along this information to you, our valued clients and prospects.

WirelessPulse features three industry news sections entitled "Case Corner " - featuring relevant industry case studies, "Market Trends " - featuring in-depth analysis on industry trends and "Regulatory Rap " - featuring extensive microwave and satellite regulatory news. We have added "What's New at Comsearch! " so that we can keep you informed of what's going on at Comsearch.

In the January 2003 issue:

Case Corner: Interference from C-Band Doppler RADAR by Les Polisky

Market Trends: Spectrum Management and RF Engineering in Healthcare by Mark Gibson

Regulatory Rap: Microwave and Satellite Regulatory News

What's New at Comsearch

For more information go to www.comsearch.com.

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CASE CORNER :

Interference from C-Band Doppler RADAR
by Les Polisky

Doppler RADAR, operating in the 5400 – 5900 MHz band, is an ever-increasing source of interference for point-to-point microwave systems operating in the unlicensed (5725 – 5875 MHz) and licensed (5925 – 6425 MHz) portions of the C-Band.  This interference affects point-to-point microwave backhaul systems and wireless services to the home by causing increased static on mobile and wired phone calls and causing dropped Internet services and mobile phone calls.

There are two main causes for the interference – an increase in Doppler RADAR operating stations used by television broadcast stations, and the expansion of the use of the C-Band frequencies for various telecommunications services.

Figure 1 depicts the National Weather Service (NWS) installations throughout the United States as of November 2000.  In addition to the NWS installations, the number of Doppler RADAR stations owned by the television stations are steadily increasing due to the competitive nature of the broadcast industry.  Many stations around the country – and in the same area of existing RADAR – are adding Doppler RADAR so they can promote their capability to instantly and more accurately report weather conditions.

The recent growth in the use of C-Band frequencies for various telecommunications systems can be attributed to consumer demand for new and traditional communication services and the need for many 2-GHz microwave systems to transfer to the C-Band in an effort by the FCC to free-up the 2-GHz band for emerging mobile communication services. 

There is a frequency separation between where the Doppler RADARs operate and the C-Band communication systems.  However, because of the nature of RADAR operation and its high Effective Radiated Power (ERP), it poses a significant interference threat to C-Band operation.  You must first understand the operational parameters of a Doppler RADAR to see why this is true.  Table 1 below outlines the operational parameters of a generic Doppler RADAR.

Table 1: Operational Parameters of a Doppler RADAR

Frequency Range 5400 – 5900 MHz
Transmit Power   > 100 kW Peak Power   >250 Watts Average power
Output Tube Klystron
Pulse Width  0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 mseconds (variable)
Pulse Recurring Frequency (PRF)  1000, 500, 250, 125 pulses per second
Antenna Gain (main beam)  36 dB, 3981
 (side lobe)   - 10 dB, 0.1
Antenna Motion  360 Fixed Rotation, sector and elevation scan
Antenna Height  Between 50 – 200 feet

Predicting Interference  
To analyze why the Doppler RADAR will cause interference to a C-Band communication system, you must examine the output spectrum of a RADAR.  The pulse modulation that a RADAR produces is a spread spectrum output that extends far beyond its operational frequency range.  You must also use its peak power, not average power, to assess the potential interference effect.  To illustrate the peak power spectrum spread of a RADAR, we will take a 1
msecond pulse, transmitted at 250 pulses a second, at 100 kWatts and at a center frequency of 5700 MHz.  Table 2 shows the spectrum levels at the tuned frequency and at frequencies offset from the tuned frequency.  The main beam and side lobe gain of the RADAR antenna are used to determine the Effective Radiated Power with respect to an isotropic antenna (EIRP).  The RADAR antenna gain values are taken from Table 1. 

EIRP = (Transmit Power)*(Antenna Gain)

          Table 2: Spectrum Output of a Typical Doppler RADAR

Frequency
MHz
Spectrum Level
Watts/MHz  
EIRPMain Beam
Watts/MHz 
EIRP Side Lobe
Watts/MHz 
5700 100,000 4.0X109 15,924
5700  100,000  4.0X109   15,924 
5701.5     4508 1.8X107 451
5703    1127 4.5X106 112
5706  281  1.1X106  28.2
5712   70.4  2.8X105  7.0
5724   17.6  7.0X104  1.8
5748   4.4  1.7X104  0.4
5796*     1.1 4.4X103 0.1
5892     0.3 1.1X103 0.03 
6084**    0.07 2.7X102  0.007
6468      0.02 6.8X101 0.0017
*Unlicensed Band Spectral Level
**Licensed Band Spectral Level

Table 2 shows that the spectral power from the generic Doppler RADAR will be approximately 1.1 W/MHz in the unlicensed band and 0.07 W/MHz in the licensed band.  If you take into account the main beam and side lobe gain of the RADAR antenna, the interference spectral level coupled to a microwave communication system can be calculated using the free space propagation formula:

Pr = EIRP*Gr* L2 / (4*P *R)2

Where,
Pr = Received level at the microwave receiver, W/MHz
EIRP = Taken from Table 2 for main beam and side lobe, W/MHz
Gr = Gain of microwave system taken from its antenna pattern, dB or number
L = Wavelength for unlicensed (0.051 meter) or licensed (0.0486 meter) band
R = Separation distance between Doppler RADAR and microwave system antenna, meters

We will perform a sample calculation to determine whether interference will occur at a licensed microwave receiver using the free space propagation formula for four distinct relative antenna orientations.  We will compare the result to the interference criteria level for the microwave system.  The main beam for the microwave system is 30 dB (1000) and the side lobe gain used is –3 dB (0.5).  The relative antenna orientations and the interference level from the Doppler RADAR to a microwave system is calculated at a distance of ½ mile or 805 meters.  Table 3 contains the results of the calculations.
Table 3: Relative Antenna Orientation vs. Calculated Interference Level
Doppler RADAR-to-Microwave System 
Antenna Orientation
Calculated Level w/MHz
Main Beam-to-Main Beam  6.3X10-6
Main Beam-to-Side Lobe 3.2X10-9
Side Lobe-to-Main Beam 1.6X10-10
Side Lobe-to-Side Lobe 7.9X10-14


The interference criteria for a typical licensed microwave system receiving a digitally modulated signal with a bandwidth of 5 MHz is 2.5X10-15 W/MHz.  From the calculated results in Table 3, interference may be expected to occur for all of the relative antenna orientations for the typical licensed receiver at a distance of ½ mile.  To avoid interference for the side lobe-to-side lobe relative antenna orientation, the separation distance between the Doppler RADAR and the typical C-Band Receiver would have to be at least 2.8 miles.

This sample calculation illustrates that a prediction of interference conditions is possible before a Doppler RADAR or microwave system is installed.  To avoid interference to microwave systems, Comsearch recommends subjecting all installations of Doppler RADAR to a registration process.  The registration process would include all of the NWS, other government agencies, and commercial Doppler RADAR owners and would contain the RADAR parametric data and locations.  The registration data combined with software programs for calculating interference levels would allow for the prediction and analysis of potential interference conditions.  With this information commercial coordination companies can maintain and update their databases on a regular basis and offer effective information to clients for locating new licensed and unlicensed C-Band systems and also offer a form of frequency protection services to licensed C-Band microwave operators that takes into account C-Band Doppler RADAR.  Agencies and companies that are considering sites for the installation of a Doppler RADAR system can also use this service.  By providing the location of their proposed site and the parametric values of the RADAR an analysis can be run to determine if any existing C-Band microwave systems in the area will be subject to interference from the RADAR transmissions.  While it is not required by present regulations, this practice would be a good neighbor approach that may help avoid further problems later on.  This would be especially true for a television station that is installing RADAR to serve its surrounding community.  The television station would not want to be accused of interfering with telephone and Internet service or be subjected to bad publicity in the same community it is trying to serve with improved weather information.

Avoiding C-Band Doppler Interference
There are a number of ways to avoid interference from Doppler RADAR.  They include analysis based on the suggested RADAR registration system, site measurements before installation and mitigation techniques.

The registration system and the development of parametric databases will allow analysis that will uncover interference conditions before they happen.  Notification to both the RADAR registrant and microwave operator can be made so that adjustments can be negotiated ahead of the installation that will avoid the interference condition.  The negotiations may involve the location of the RADAR at a greater separation distance from the microwave system or on a shorter tower.  It might require the installation of a filter in the RADAR waveguide between the transmitter and antenna.

Site measurements before the selection of a site for a RADAR or C-Band microwave communication system is a prudent step to determine what the electromagnetic environment is for both the RADAR and microwave communication users.  This is especially true for unlicensed C-Band microwave systems. Unlicensed systems present a special challenge with respect to Doppler RADAR because they are closer in frequency to the Doppler RADAR center frequency than the licensed systems and are subject to higher interference levels as illustrated in Table 2.  The best way to avoid interference in unlicensed C-Band systems is to perform the on-site measurements to determine if there is a Doppler RADAR system in operation before installing the system.  But, even if there isn't, there is no guarantee that a RADAR will not be installed at some later date.  This is an especially sticky problem since unlicensed microwave systems are being used more-and-more for the back-haul of wired and wireless telephone services and Internet providers.

Mitigation of Doppler RADAR interference is a difficult problem once it exists due to the spread-spectrum nature of the interference signal.  This means that the interference signal is in-band to the microwave system tuned frequency and cannot be filtered at the receive system.  There are numerous mitigation techniques that can be used depending on the circumstances.  Comsearch is familiar with the application of these mitigation methods because we have been called on to apply them on many occasions to correct RADAR interference problems.

Once good databases are available that contain up-to-date Doppler RADAR installation data and parameter information, they can be searched prior to the site selection for microwave systems.  Until then, on-site measurements will help identify and provide information to avoid Doppler RADAR interference in the site selection process.  If interference is present at a microwave site, the most effective means of mitigation can be selected from a variety of methods based on the existing conditions at the sites, the amplitude of the interfering signal, the degree of degradation and the ease (cost) of implementing the fix.

__________________________________________

MARKET TRENDS:

Spectrum Management and RF Engineering in Healthcare
b
y Mark Gibson

Here’s a sobering statistic: in 2001, 98,000 people died as a result of medical errors.  Slightly less sobering is the monetary cost of medical errors: $26 billion.  The majority of medical errors occur, not because of incompetence or malpractice, but because of inefficiencies in the care-giving process.  Believe it or not in the 21st century, the weakest link in the chain that connects the patient to the vast healthcare network is the caregiver.  Handwritten notes, instructions, and prescriptions; understaffing and high workload; lack of at-hand patient and medical data; and general communication errors are all reasons for the exceedingly high mortality rate.  Thus, the hospital environment is prime for introduction of the new mobile healthcare devices.  Combine wireless networks with form factors such as PDA’s, tablet and notebook PC’s, mobile phones, pagers, etc., and it’s easy to see why wireless in healthcare presents exciting new opportunities.

Wireless systems in a hospital are ubiquitous and numerous.  Hospitals worldwide are rolling out wireless networks to improve patient care by providing capabilities such as real-time access to patient data, computerized physician order entry, e-prescribing, bedside patient registration, and information on drug interactions and care protocols.  The wireless environment in the hospital has become one of the most complex known.

One example of this is the Wireless Medical Telemetry Service (WMTS).  As we’ve noted before, Comsearch is working with the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE) to provide frequency coordination products and services for these systems.  These products and services support the wireless link between the patient and the telemetry network, typically in one of three bands (i.e. 608 – 614 MHz, 1395 – 1400 MHz, and 1427 – 1432 MHz).

However, WMTS systems can also be networked hospital-wide using 802.11b WLAN technologies.  We have encountered instances where these WMTS WLAN’s are receiving interference from the hospital’s computer WLAN’s.  This comes as no surprise since any 802.11b network operates in the 2.4 GHz band (specifically 2400 – 2483.5 MHz) along with microwave ovens and about 3500 other FCC type-accepted devices including cordless phones, point-to-point transmitters, and motion detectors.  It’s no wonder the FCC calls this the “garbage band.”

In addition to the WLAN’s, there are numerous other RF systems in a hospital that require both RF and frequency engineering.  For instance, on the roof there’s the typical rooftop paraphernalia including land mobile, paging, aeronautical (to talk to the medevac helicopters), and even microwave and cellular/PCS.  Further into the hospital there are devices such as walkie talkies, paging systems, nurse-call systems, building control (wireless environmental control), wireless PBX’s, WLAN’s for patient data, and medical equipment (MRI, CAT scans, X-Ray, sonogram, RF scalpels, etc.).  It’s easy to see why the RF environment in a hospital is so complicated.

Hospitals put some effort themselves into engineering these systems into the existing environment.  However, they rely more or less on the vendors to ensure proper design and compatibility of these systems across the hospital environment.  Of course, this causes problems, especially since the responsibility for wireless usage in hospitals falls in no single area.  In fact, it tends to fall into three areas: Facilities Administration, Clinical/Biomedical Engineering, and IT.  Sometimes, Security is involved since they tend to have domain over the rooftop.  Facilities is responsible for the physical plant, Clinical/Biomed is responsible for the medical equipment and associated networks, and IT is responsible for the computer and data hardware and networks.  However, these separate areas of the hospital don’t always work together to solve design and interference problems.

Indeed, the machinations in a hospital are the stuff of TV dramas.  These departments seem to rarely communicate except in the case of a problem, and even then it tends to be somebody else’s problem.  We’ve heard of systems being disabled because the various departments couldn’t (or wouldn’t) try to devise solutions.  However, some hospitals are trying to fix this.

A few hospitals are looking to hire on new staff whose primary function is to act as wireless manager.  These positions report into the IT function, presumably because the WLAN’s and associated networks have the greatest need.  However, the wireless manager is responsible for developing wireless plans across the hospital, and working to establish wireless task forces within the hospital to identify and coordinate the wireless needs.

There are numerous factors to consider when choosing a partner to help sort through the issues facing healthcare institutions and WMTS equipment vendors, such as the  feasibility, design and installation of in-building wireless networks for both voice and data, and WMTS product installation engineering and support.  Architects and construction planners also need to address EMI and EMC issues in their project plans.  A partner with a comprehensive palette of services targeted to these various stakeholders will help to ensure wireless systems¾hospital-wide¾work together and utilize the most current technologies available for optimal patient care.

Using wireless systems to reduce medical errors makes perfect sense.  By providing caregivers with instant access to critical data as they roam about the hospitals the healthcare community will be well on the way to improved patient care and reduced mortality.  And, with our products and services specifically targeted to the healthcare sector, Comsearch will be there to help protect vital patient data through our Wireless Solutions for Healthcare .  


REGULATORY RAP:

Microwave and Satellite News

FCC Reallocates MSS Spectrum for 3G Services
On January 29, 2003 the Federal Communications Commission reallocated spectrum for advanced wireless services (AWS), also known as “Third Generation” or “IMT-2000.” Thirty megahertz of spectrum will be taken from the 2 GHz Mobile Satellite Service for fixed and mobile services.  Specifically, in ET Docket No. 00-258 (FCC 03-16), the FCC reallocates the 1990-2000 MHz, 2020-2025 MHz, and 2165-2180 MHz bands.  This decision removes 30 MHz from the 70 MHz previously allocated for 2GHz MSS. MSS services will now be authorized to operate in the 2000-2020 MHz for user terminal uplinks and 2180-2200 MHz band for user terminal downlinks. The table below summarizes the new 2 GHz band allocation, the 30 MHz are shown in red.

Mobile Satellite goes Terrestrial
Just as the FCC was taking spectrum away from the MSS community is has decided that their request to supplement their satellite networks with a terrestrial underbuild should be allowed.  In a Report and Order released January 29, 2003 the Commission has decided to permit certain mobile satellite services (MSS) providers in three frequency bands to provide an ancillary terrestrial component (ATC) to their satellite systems.  The decision covers three spectrum bands: 2GHz (newly reallocated see story above), the Big LEO bands, and MSS-GSO L-band.     

The FCC concluded that it would be “more efficient, feasible and practical” to let MSS licensees to include a terrestrial component in their satellite system than to award terrestrial rights in the band to third parties. The authorization of ATC for these MSS bands is subject to conditions that ensure the integrity of the underlying MSS offering and that these services will not become a stand-alone terrestrial service.  Specifically, to include ATC in their satellite systems, the MSS operators must:

The Commission noted that it may be necessary and in the public interest to grant Iridium interim access to additional spectrum in the Big LEO band, this action is pending resolution of a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.

12 GHz DBS band to be Auctioned for MVDDS
On January 30, 2003 the FCC announced that the auction of licenses in the Multichannel Video Distribution and Data Service (“MVDDS”) previously scheduled to commence on August 6, 2003 has been rescheduled for June 25, 2003. They are seeking comments on the specific terms and conditions of this auction.  The band is 12.2-12.7 GHz, which is shared with Direct Broadcast Satellite services. The proposed dates are listed below:

Auction Seminar: 

May 1, 2003

Short Form Deadline:
(FCC Form 175 Application) 

May 12, 2003

Upfront Payment Deadline:  

May 30, 2003

Mock Auction:

June 20, 2003

Auction Begins:

June 25, 2003

This auction, Auction No. 53, will offer one block of unpaired spectrum in the 12.2 – 12.7 GHz band.  MVDDS licensees may use this spectrum for any digital fixed one-way non-broadcast service including direct-to-home/office wireless service. Details can found in FCC Report No. AUC-03‑53-A (Auction No. 53).

FCC Voids Three 2 GHz MSS Licenses
In three separate actions the FCC has decided three 2 GHz MSS applicants have not met required milestones as specified in their licenses and have rendered their licenses null and void.  According to the FCC, Globalstar LP, Mobile Communications Holdings Inc (MCHI), and Constellation Communications did not meet their first milestone condition – “entering into a non-contingent satellite construction contract” by the required date.  MCHI and Constellation were in the process of performing a transfer of control of their licenses to ICO Global actions which were rendered moot by the FCC’s decision to rescind their licenses.

Part 101 Finally Coming
The Report and Order in Docket 00-19 adopted in July has finally appeared in the Federal Register and will become effective on April 1.

PCOs Made Homeless by FCC
The FCC recently handed private cable operators (PCOs) providing wireless access in the 18GHz band, their “eviction papers.”  In response to Hughes’ petition for reconsideration in IB Docket 98-172, the Commission reversed an earlier decision and removed the co-primary allocation of the 18.3 – 18.58 GHz band segment for the fixed service (Part 78 and Part 101). To make matters worse for the PCOs, the R&O established an arbitrary cut-off date of November 19, 2002, after which no new applications would be accepted.  Previously, the Commission had expanded Cable Television Relay Service (CARS, 13 GHz band) eligibility to include all multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) including the PCOs, and this was used as justification for taking away the band.  The Commission also identified the existing fixed point-to-point 17.7 – 18.14 GHz band segment as a replacement band.  The problem is that while the Commission has frozen the band from further use, the replacement spectrum identified at 13 GHz is unavailable awaiting OMB approval and the 17.7 – 18.14 GHz band contains no channelization plan to accommodate PCOs.  In a recent meeting with FCC staff, the PCOs were told that a waiver request would be required to use the lower 18 GHz band and the process could take up to a year to complete.     

Can the 800 MHz Band be Fixed
Yes, according to a plan filed by private wireless, public safety entities and Nextel Communications, Inc.  The FCC is requesting comments by February 3 on a “Consensus Plan” that would split the 800 MHz band between cellularized and non-cellularized systems as well as provide Nextel with 10 MHz of spectrum in the 1.9 GHz band.  Nextel has offered to pay $850 million to relocate incumbents in the 800 MHz band.  At the same time, the MMDS community is eyeing the same prime 1.9 GHz spectrum as a replacement band for the 2.1 GHz spectrum recently reallocated to Advanced Wireless Services. 

Advanced Wireless Services in the 1.7 GHz and 2.1 GHz Bands
The Commission proposes service rules for Advanced Wireless Services in the 1710-1755 MHz and 2110-2155 MHz bands. (Dkt No. 02-353, FCC No. 02-305) Comments Due: 02/07/2003. Reply Comments Due: 03/14/2003. FCC-02-305A1.doc  FCC-02-305A1.pdf  FCC-02-305A1.txt

Media Bureau Implements Mandatory Electronic Filing of FCC Forms 319 and 340 - (DA No. 02-3247). DA-02-3247A1.doc  DA-02-3247A1.pdf  DA-02-3247A1.txt

Revision of the Commission's Rules to Ensure Compatibility with Enhanced 911 Emergency Calling Systems – Clarified what constitutes a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) to trigger a wireless carrier's obligation to provide enhanced 911 (E911) service (Dkt No. 94-102, FCC No. 02-318) FCC-02-318A1.doc  FCC-02-318A1.pdf  FCC-02-318A1.txt

Homeland Security: Communications Industry Considers Measures to Protect Nation's Communications Services Against Attack – DOC-229263A1.doc  DOC-229263A1.pdf  DOC-229263A1.txt

Spectrum Policy Task Force Report
Granted motions for extension of time for filing comments to January 27, 2003, and reply comments to February 28, 2003. (Dkt No. 02-135, DA No. 02-3400)   DA-02-3400A1.doc  DA-02-3400A1.pdf  DA-02-3400A1.txt

Spectrum Policy Task Force - Leadership Changes Announced  
DOC-229395A1.doc  DOC-229395A1.pdf  DOC-229395A1.txt

FCC Seeks Comment on the Scope of its Enhanced 911 Rules

The FCC is reevaluating the scope of communications services that should provide access to emergency services based its enhanced 911 rules. (Dkt No 99-67, 94-102) DOC-229405A1.doc  DOC-229405A1.pdf  DOC-229405A1.txt

Do We Need More Unlicensed Spectrum?

The FCC issued a notice of inquiry in ET Docket 02-380 on December 20, 2002 seeking comment on the possibility of permitting unlicensed transmitters to operate in additional frequency bands.  Specifically, the notice identifies the TV broadcast spectrum (54-72 MHz, 76 – 88 MHz, 174 – 216 MHz, 470 – 608 MHz and 614 – 806 MHz) and the band segment 3650 – 3700 as candidate bands.  Comments are due 75 days after publication in the Federal Register.   DOC-229400A1.doc  DOC-229400A2.doc  DOC-229400A3.doc  DOC-229400A4.doc  DOC-229400A5.doc  DOC-229400A1.pdf  DOC-229400A2.pdf  DOC-229400A3.pdf  DOC-229400A4.pdf  DOC-229400A5.pdf  DOC-229400A1.txt  DOC-229400A2.txt  DOC-229400A3.txt  DOC-229400A4.txt  DOC-229400A5.txt

FCC Asks for Information on Wireless Services in Rural Areas
The FCC is seeking comment on the effectiveness of regulatory tools it currently has in place to facilitate the delivery of wireless service to rural communities in the US. (Dkt No 02-381, FCC No. 02-325). Comments Due: 02/03/2003. Reply Comments Due: 02/18/2003  DOC-229402A1.doc  DOC-229402A2.doc  DOC-229402A3.doc  DOC-229402A4.doc  DOC-229402A5.doc  DOC-229402A1.pdf  DOC-229402A2.pdf  DOC-229402A3.pdf  DOC-229402A4.pdf  DOC-229402A5.pdf  DOC-229402A1.txt  DOC-229402A2.txt  DOC-229402A3.txt  DOC-229402A4.txt  DOC-229402A5.txt   FCC-02-325A1.pdf  FCC-02-325A1.txt

FCC Staff Report - Prevention of Unintentional Wireless 911 Calls
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau released a staff report documenting steps being taken to address unintentional wireless 911 calls problem. (Dkt No 94-102, DA No. 02-3413)  DA-02-3413A1.doc  DA-02-3413A1.pdf  DA-02-3413A1.txt

Data Released on High-Speed Services for Internet Access
High-Speed connections to the Internet increased 27% during the first half of 2002, for a total of 16.2 million lines in service.  DOC-229568A1.doc  DOC-229568A1.pdf

FCC Details Policy for Issuing Refunds for Suspended Application Fees
(DA No 02-3564) DA-02-3564A1.doc  DA-02-3564A1.pdf  DA-02-3564A1.txt

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Announces New Lower 700 MHz Band Service Website
(DA No. 03-55)  DA-03-55A1.doc  DA-03-55A1.pdf  DA-03-55A1.txt

FCC Auctions:

Narrowband PCS Spectrum Auction Scheduled for March 26, 2003
Auction #50. (DA No. 02-3234) Comment sought on reserve prices or minimum opening bids and other auction procedures.  DA-02-3234A1.doc  DA-02-3234A2.xls  DA-02-3234A1.pdf  DA-02-3234A2.pdf  DA-02-3234A1.txt  DA-02-3234A2.txt

Lower 700 MHz Band Auction Scheduled for April 16, 2003 
Auction #49 (DA No. 02-3287) Comment sought on reserve prices or minimum opening bids and other auction procedures.  DA-02-3287A1.doc  DA-02-3287A2.xls  DA-02-3287A1.pdf  DA-02-3287A2.pdf  DA-02-3287A1.txt  DA-02-3287A2.txt

Lower and Upper Paging Bands Auction Scheduled for May 13, 2003
Auction #48 (DA No. 02-3560) Notice and Filing Requirements, Minimum Opening Bids, Upfront Payments and Other Auction Procedures. DA-02-3560A1.doc  DA-02-3560A2.xls  DA-02-3560A1.pdf  DA-02-3560A2.pdf  DA-02-3560A1.txt  DA-02-3560A2.txt

Auction of Licenses for Cellular Unserved Service Areas Cancelled
Auction #47 (DA No. 02-3602) DA-02-3602A1.doc  DA-02-3602A1.pdf  DA-02-3602A1.txt


FCC International Bureau Releases Accomplishments of 2002, and Goals for 2003 http://www.fcc.gov/ib/ The International Bureau touched on its accomplishments for 2002, and it’s goals for 2003 in a January 15, 2003 meeting. The goals in 2003 list objectives such as ensuring efficient use of spectrum and fostering competition in broadband both domestically and internationally. They will also continue to improve upon the filing process for satellite earth station and space station licenses, simplifying filing forms, streamlining technical rules, and improving upon the FCC/NTIA technical coordination process.

 


WHAT'S NEW AT COMSEARCH:

Comsearch Forms Strategic Partnership with C.L.M. Consulting in Italy   
C.L.M. represents Comsearch’s industry leading network design software tool, iQ.link, and related services.

Comsearch performs Frequency Coordination for CTIA 2003. 
Comsearch’s spectrum management process efficiently addresses interference and frequency coordination issues for CTIA's temporary wireless demonstrations at its annual conference on March 17-19, 2003 in New Orleans. 

Comsearch offers Wireless Solutions to Healthcare Providers
Hospitals are taking full advantage of the mobility, flexibility and speed of wireless technologies to improve the quality of patient care and they represent one of the most challenging wireless environments known today.  Click here to learn more about Comsearch’s Wireless Solutions for Healthcare.

Comsearch Offers Five Tier Wind Power Services Package
As new wind turbine generators spin up, it’s important to consider potential interference threats to microwave systems and broadcast stations.  Click here for more information.

Coming Soon!Comsearch Enhanced Suite of Interactive SolutionsFeaturing on-line subscription base access to Comsearch’s proprietary design tools; engineering services; terrain profiling data and databases including reports and data sheets—virtually everything you need to manage your network’s spectrum.  For more information on subscribing to any or all of these valuable online services contact customer support at customersupport@comsearch.com or call 800-318-1234.

Comsearch Executives Participate in Major Industry Events

Chris Hardy – Vice President, Spectrum Management Solutions – will present Technical and Regulatory Changes in the Auxiliary Broadcast and CARS Serviceat the NAB 2003 Conference.  Click here for more information.

Mark Gibson – Senior Director, Business Development – will speak on issues related to wireless spectrum management in healthcare at the ASHE (American Society of Healthcare Engineers) Planning & Design Conference.

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.

Comsearch Industry Study is Published in Leading Real Estate Publication
Comsearch White Paper entitled, Profitable Technical Management of Your Building’s Telecommunications Systems, published in the January issue of Buildings Magazine.  Click here to review the report in it’s entirety http://www.buildings.com/Articles/detail.asp?ArticleID=1153.

Comsearch Offers Free Passes to Major Wireless Industry Events

Comsearch is currently offering free passes to the CTIA Wireless 2003 and National Facility Management & Technology (NFM&T) Conference & Exhibitions. Click here to download the NFM&T Attendee Invitation and save the $50 registration fee if you register by March 10, 2003.

The CTIA Wireless 2003 Platinum Pass ($150 value) includes admission to the Exhibit Floor and Keynote Sessions if you register by March 10, 2003.   Click here to receive your CTIA Platinum Pass.
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