WirelessPulse-Comsearch E-News - June / July  2004

Comsearch's quarterly 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 "Market Trends " - featuring in-depth analysis on industry trends", Case Corner " - featuring relevant industry case studies and "Regulatory Rap " - featuring extensive spectrum management 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 June 2004 issue:

Market Trends:
Broadcast Auxiliary Service
Frequency Coordination and Database Issues  by Timothy Hardy 

Case Corner:  
The Booming Military Market 
for Commercial Satellite Services by Ken Ryan

Regulatory Rap:
Spectrum Management News

What's New at Comsearch!

For more information go to www.comsearch.com.

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MARKET TRENDS :

Broadcast Auxiliary Service
Frequency Coordination and Database Issues

by Timothy Hardy

Introduction

The FCC recently enacted new Rules requiring users in the Broadcast Auxiliary Service microwave bands to formally prior coordinate before submitting an application for license. This paper will discuss the prior coordination process as well as provide information on the state of the broadcast auxiliary service databases used for this function – both the FCC’s ULS as well as private industry maintained databases. 

Accuracy of the database to perform detailed interference analysis is key, and we will discuss some of the steps to ensure that the BAS data is as accurate as possible.  The preparation for performing coordination work in these bands requires detailed data analysis and “cleansing”.  We will point out some common errors that users make when filling out their application forms.  Neither ULS nor the FCC processors catch all of these errors, and they can have serious and detrimental effects on the Broadcast Auxiliary Service through potential harmful interference. 

State of the Database

Anyone who has examined the FCC Universal Licensing Service (ULS) database in the Broadcast Auxiliary Services (BAS) bands (900 MHz and above) knows that there are problems with the data.  It has been widely publicized that the ULS data is missing receive site data on hundreds or even thousands of records in the BAS service.  There are several reasons for this omission, chief among them is the old Form 313 did not require the user to provide geographic coordinates of the receive site – it only required the street address. 

Comsearch has been maintaining it’s database on the BAS bands since 1978 and while it was sometimes difficult to “fill-in” the missing data, it was possible to make some informed judgments to update the data required for detailed interference analysis functions.  During the summer of 1978, Comsearch spent three months visiting the FCC Reference Room, pouring through station files to build the initial BAS database. 

This data was also augmented considerably by a 5” X 8” card file that Mr. Steve Linn of the FCC maintained in his office of all licensed and applied for BAS stations.  These card files proved to be so valuable that Steve even allowed us to copy them.  Since the initial build of the database, we have been receiving copies of all BAS applications and licenses and have updated the database daily with this information.  

Now that ULS and the Form 601 have been used for the last few years, data accuracy has definitely improved.  However, accuracy of the data in the ULS database is wholly dependent on the information supplied by the applicant.  Comsearch has been analyzing the data filed and licensed since ULS was implemented and has since found several serious errors that have passed the FCC’s referential checks.  Some of these errors are quite significant and can have a detrimental effect on successful spectrum management.  Listed below are the top ten errors that we have noticed in BAS applications filed in ULS.

Top Ten Errors

10. Errors in coordinates and ground elevations

The coordinates and ground elevations of the sites are one of the most critical pieces of information for determining interference with other systems.  These point-to-point systems are highly directive and if the wrong coordinates are used, the antenna azimuths and therefore, antenna sidelobe information will be incorrect.  The ground elevation is critical since all coordinators now use very accurate digitized terrain data to assess the loss (if any) on potentially interfering paths.

We have noticed numerous applications for stations where the coordinates match the coordinates on the Broadcast Station’s license or from the FCC’s CDBS database.  One would think that this would be correct, however, these coordinates are in the NAD-27 datum.  ULS requires all coordinates in the NAD-83 datum.  The differences between the two datums can range from 50 to 100 meters.  The FCC Rules require accuracy of the coordinates to within ±1”.  Datum conversion programs are available free of charge on the FCC’s web site: http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/utilities/nadcon.html

Most of the ground elevation errors that we have noticed were caused by the incorrect entry of the elevation in feet rather than meters.  In addition, several applications were filed with the tower’s overall height AMSL instead of the ground elevation AMSL at the base of the tower.

9. Invalid emission designators

The emission designators used by the FCC are consistent with the ITU.  In 1986, the FCC changed from the old format that listed the bandwidth in kilohertz and the modulation with two letters, to an abbreviated listing of the bandwidth and three letters to describe the modulation.  When the change was implemented, wholesale changes of the old emission designators were made to “fit” the new standardized format.  Unfortunately some of the wholesale assumptions that were used proved to be wrong in describing the modulation or loading of the signal.  For example, in the 7 GHz band an old emission designator for an analog video signal would be 25000F9.  When this was converted to the new format, it was changed to 25M0F9W.  However, F9W designates a digital signal, so ULS will require the applicant to enter modulation and bit rate – fields that are not required for analog video systems.

These analog video licenses should be changed to F8W or F8F to more accurately describe the modulation and loading of the signal.

8. Invalid antenna or equipment models

Many of the applications reference the wrong antenna gain and beamwidth for the model specified.  This can drastically affect the EIRP and the directivity of the antenna that is used.  Another major problem is entering the radio equipment model number in the antenna field instead of the equipment field or vice versa.

ULS does not check antenna or equipment model numbers, or whether the gains and beamwidths match the model.  It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide accurate information.  All of this information is available from the various manufacturers and most have it available on their web sites.

7. Inconsistent data on paths

A vast majority of BAS paths operate in duplex mode.  For example, they go from the Studio to the Transmitter and have another frequency from the Transmitter back to the Studio.  Many of the recently filed applications have inconsistent data between the two licenses on the path.  The two sets of coordinates, ground elevations, antenna heights and antenna models on the path must be consistent with each other.  The only exception to this would be the very rare instance where more than two antennas are used on a path.

6. Inconsistent data on sites

BAS microwave stations are licensed on a frequency-by-frequency basis.  BAS stations that have multiple frequencies on the same path or even on many different paths will have separate licenses (and call signs) for every separate frequency.  Other ULS microwave services are licensed on a site basis.  In these services, one license covers all frequencies and paths coming out of a particular station.  The major advantage with this type of licensing scheme is that changes to site-specific information only need to be made to one license.  These kinds of changes to BAS licenses could require amendments to numerous licenses.   We have seen many examples or recent filings for new digital STLs where the coordinates of the Studio have been updated by GPS or current mapping.  However, other licenses at the same old Studio coordinates have not been amended as required.

5. Site data (coordinates, ground elevation) not matching ASR data

All towers greater than 200’ tall must be registered in the FCC’s ASR database.  If a transmit station is applied for with a tower height of 200’, ULS will require a valid ASR number and the coordinates and ground elevation must match the ASR information (within certain tolerances).  However, ULS does not currently require ASR data on receive locations (this is listed on the 601 form but the program does not require it and it is not checked) so receive sites that are applied for with coordinates not matching the ASR are not caught by ULS.

4. Polarizations not matching the specified antennas

Many paths have more than one frequency or have frequencies in both directions (duplex operation) where the licensed frequencies are on different polarizations.  In these instances, either the antennas must be dual-polarized or there must be separate antennas for both polarizations.  Most often, only two antennas are used and they must be dual-polarized.

3. Modulation Caution / ATPC Question

Modern digital radios allow the user to easily change the modulation and bit rate by software in the radio or by replacing a card.  Licensees are cautioned that FCC rules specify these changes need to be re-coordinated and licensed.

Many applicants have been mistakenly answering “Yes” to the question whether the radio on the path has ATPC (Automatic Transmit Power Control).  This question only applies to radios that have a specific function that allows them to operate at a nominal level below the maximum and then increase to maximum during fading on the path.  If the radio being used does not have this specific function, the answer to this question should be “No”.

2. Aural Broadcast antenna gains and beamwidths

In the 900 MHz bands it is common practice for the antenna vendors to specify antenna gains in dBd.  ULS requires the antenna gain in dBi.  Additionally, antennas in this band usually have a much larger beamwidth for horizontal polarization.  Applicants are cautioned that using horizontal polarization may result in the antenna not meeting FCC requirements.

1. Incorrect EIRP

This is by far the most prevalent and troubling error found in applications filed since the inception of ULS.  We have found about 500 instances where the EIRP listed in the application is obviously wrong since the calculated receive signal level on the paths would be far too low to be reliable and in some instances are below threshold of the receiver.  In most instances where this has been found, the radio transmit power has been entered instead of the EIRP (Effective Isotrpic Radiated Power).  This can lead coordinators and new applicants to under-estimate interference cases by as much as 30-40 dB.  This is especially troubling since we have contacted several hundred licensees to let them know that they are licensed for the wrong EIRP and less than 10% have done anything about it.  This lack of attention can lead to serious interference problems that would most likely be their responsibility to clear since they are operating well outside their licensed parameters.  Additionally, if the FCC compliance branch inspected the offending system, a serious forfeiture could be levied and the FCC would likely want to inspect all other licenses to see what else may be operating illegally.  EIRP is calculated as follows:

EIRP (dBm) = TX Pwr (dBm) + Ant Gain   (dBi) – wg loss (dB) – BF loss (dB)

Where,
TX Pwr = Radio Transmit Power in dBm.
Ant Gain = Antenna Gain in dBi.
Wg loss = Waveguide loss in dB.
BF loss = Branching and Filter loss in dB.

Prior Coordination Basics

After ensuring that the database is as accurate as possible, the next step in the process is to perform a detailed interference analysis to select the frequency, polarization, and antenna performance required for the path.  The coordinator should also ensure that the proposed path meets all applicable requirements such as minimum path lengths, maximum EIRP, quiet zones, etc.

Once the interference analysis phase of the project has been completed, the FCC rules require the coordinator to forward a detailed prior coordination notice to “all potentially affected users”.  TIA bulletin TSB10-F defines the coordination area for bands below 15 GHz as a circular distance of 125 miles and a keyhole distance of 248 miles.  The keyhole area is defined for angles ±5º of the antenna’s mainbeam.  The prior coordination process is an iterative process involving both notification and response.  All recipients of the prior coordination notice have 30 days (this time-frame can be shortened on a case-by-case basis) to analyze the proposal and respond with any interference problems that they may have found.  If potential interference is noted, it is the initiating coordinator’s responsibility to resolve it.  If no response is sent to the initiating coordinator within the 30-day period, he may assume that no interference problems exist and proceed with FCC filing.

Prior Coordination Notices (PCNs) are valid for six months from the date of the notice.  PCNs can be renewed for an additional six-month period, but the renewal must be made prior to the end of the six-month cycle.  FCC application must be made within six-months of the date on the last coordination notice for the path or the FCC will return the application as defective.   

The FCC filing must include a detailed statement certifying that coordination has been completed and also include a list of the entities that were party to the coordination.  If this certification is not included, the FCC will return the application as defective.

Conclusions

The prior coordination process has worked very well in the Part 101 services for over 33 years.  Contrary to what you may have heard or read elsewhere, there was no ULS or FCC database back in 1971 when prior coordination was first required as the result of Docket 18970.  Most coordinators at that time used Mylar map overlays and plotted all paths by hand.  Using either a slide rule or the first rudimentary calculators, coordinators performed their interference calculations.  The private coordination firms began building databases and the data accuracy improved along with the entire prior coordination process.  ULS gives the community a significant advantage over the early days of common carrier coordination. The data is not perfect, but it at least provides a starting point.

It is imperative for new applicants to make certain that their data is as accurate as possible to ensure that the ongoing integrity of the database is maintained or improved.  ULS software will catch a variety of errors but we have shown that it will not catch several that could have a serious detrimental effect on other applicants and licensees.

__________________________________________

CASE CORNER:

The Booming Military Market 
for Commercial Satellite Services

by Ken Ryan


Introduction

The military’s use of commercial satellite services has increased tremendously over the past 10 years.  At this point about 60 percent of the Department of Defense’s communication over satellite is done using commercial satellites. 

So why Does DOD use commercial satcom? The reasons are many, and to a great degree fairly obvious.  The nature of commercial fixed and mobile satellite services permits global coverage for operations anywhere in the world.  Also, there is the capacity to meet both current and emerging information requirements. The access and pricing schemes provide for assured availability, real-time access, and availability on demand. The bent-pipe transponder design assures flexibility of the transmissions and interoperability for seamless connectivity, as well as protection from all forms of information warfare. Finally, the commercial service provides flexibility to match the dynamic operational environment.

The increased demand for satellite communications by the military suggests that perhaps they should build and operate dedicated military systems.  The decision reached by the federal government is that this is partially true.  The military is in the process of designing and implementing a high capacity global system, such as the Wideband Gapfiller System.  These new systems will partly respond to the DoD’s needs.  However, the military has also decided that using commercial satellite capacity, especially under a consolidated purchasing scheme, will save the government money while also addressing critical needs.  Thus it is clear that the use of commercial satcom will be in the military’s future for many years to come.

Current Military Systems

To understand the commercial needs of the military we need to examine their current and future military satellite capabilities. The DOD Milsatcom is comprised of a “system of systems” for their satcom solutions.  Each piece has unique capabilities and is intended to provide a part of the overall solution.  Working together these systems provide a comprehensive robust communications solution.

There are a number of low frequency systems operating in the UHF band.  These operate in the 200-400 MHz, 1.2-1.3 GHz, and 1.5-1.6 GHz.  Examples include FLTSATCOM, FLTSAT, LEASAT, and UFO. Typical uses include narrowband communications for ships, aircraft, submarines, and ground forces.

There is an SHF system, operating in the 7-8.5 GHz, known as the Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS). This is used for fixed and deployed military users as well as government agencies. There is some protected wideband capacity available.

The Military, Strategic, and Tactical Relay Satellite (MILSTAR) systems operate in the EHF band (44 GHz uplink and 20 GHz downlink).  These satellites are new, and will play a big part in the future of military satellite communications. The users include fixed and deployed military and government users needing the highest available levels of secure, survivable, and protected communications.

One of the most important systems is the Global Positioning System, which is a low earth orbiting systems operating in the L-band.

DoD use of Commercial Satellite Spectrum

The US military is committed to using commercial SATCOM as part of the overall information infrastructure for the Global Information Grid. The GIG is the globally interconnected, end-to-end set of information capabilities, associated processes and personnel for collecting, processing, storing, disseminating, and managing information on demand to war fighters, policy makers, and support personnel. The GIG includes all owned and leased communications and computing systems and services, software, data, security services, and other associated services necessary to achieve information superiority.

As mentioned briefly above, there are efforts under way to dramatically increase the capacity of future MILSATCOM systems. However, the DOD will rely on commercial satellite communications throughout the current decade and well into the second decade of the 21st century or longer.

GAO Study of DoD use of Commercial Spectrum

The Government Accounting Office conducted a study in December 2003 called Strategic Approach Needed for DOD's Procurement of Commercial Satellite Bandwidth (GAO-04-206).  The purpose of the report was threefold; (1) to assess whether the acquisition process of commercial satcom services is fair to vendors and providers, (2) whether the process meets the users’ needs, and (3) whether spending on these services is managed effectively and efficiently.  What the GAO found was that the process for acquiring and using commercial satellite services involves leasing spectrum and services through Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) and its Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization (DITCO). While the study did determine that the process is fair to vendors and service providers, it also found that typically, the process is lengthy and expensive, and that there is no full accounting of resources and usage.  Even though the DOD is the largest user of commercial satcom services, generally volume discounts are not realized because there are often bypasses of the acquisition process due to the adhoc nature of need.

The GAO concluded that there are weaknesses in DOD’s existing approach to leasing commercial SATCOM and that there is an expedient need to consolidate the leasing in a coordinated manner through the Joint Staff or US Strategic Command.

Increasing Demand for SATCOM Since 1990

The demand for commercial satcom has risen dramatically since 1990.  The table below [1] illustrates the increase in demand due to military engagements.  Over a fifty-fold increase in usage has occurred from 1990 to 2003.  

 

Operations
Desert
Shield/Storm

Operation
Noble Anvil

 

Operation
Enduring
Freedom

Operation
Iraqi Freedom

Total SATCOM
Used (Mbps)

             100

              250

           750

 

         2,400

 

Total Force
Engaged

       500,000

 

         51,000

 

       55,000

 

      235,000

 

Number of 5,000 Military Member

             100

 

             10.2

 

             11

 

              47

 

SATCOM Used per 5,000 Military

                 1

 

             24.5

 

          68.2

 

           51.1

 

Types of Commercial Services used by DoD

The types of services being used by the military range from fixed to mobile, GEO to LEO, broadband to narrow. 

Some of the narrowband systems include L and S band systems, using data rates up 64 kbps.  These include voice and data services using Inmarsat, Globalstar, and Iridium.

For broadband services the traditional C and Ku bands using FSS/GEO systems such as PanAmSat and Intelsat are being used.  These systems provide data rates from 128 kbps to in excess of 10 mbps.  It is envisioned that the future use of commercial Ka band systems will also be required.

Examples of DoD Commercial Satcom Programs

Some examples of current commercial satellite service programs include DISA’s Teleport Program, the Army’s Commercial Satcom Terminal Program, and the Navy’s Commercial Wideband Satellite Program.                     

Army Specific Programs

One of the major Army programs which will involve the use of commercial satellite services in the WIN-T (Warfighter Information Network-Tactical).  This is a $10.2 billion effort to develop ground, air, and space-based platforms and sensors that would give soldiers more mobile communications.  The commercial satellite communications procurement will consist of a multi-billon dollar initiative to give the service consistent and comprehensive voice, video and data traffic between 2004 and 2008, when WIN-T' will be deployed.

The Defense Information Service Agency (DISA) is implementing the DoD Teleport Program.  The system will integrate, manage, and control a variety of communications interfaces between the Defense Information System Network (DISN) terrestrial and tactical satellite communications (SATCOM) assets at a single point of presence.  Teleport is an extension of the Standardized Tactical Entry Point (STEP) program.

The system will be implemented in three phases:

Generation One (FY02-06)  

-Currently being implemented adds capabilities to a subset of existing STEP sites.

-Operating in X-band (DSCS and follow-on X-band satellites), commercial C- and Ku-bands, Ultra High Frequency (UHF), Extremely High Frequency (EHF) SATCOM and initial Ka-band capabilities.

Generation Two (FY06-07)

-Adds additional Ka-band capabilities.

-Interfaces to the Wideband Gapfiller System (WGS) program  

Generation Three (FY08-12)

-Advanced EHF System

-Advanced Narrowband System

-Advanced Wideband System  

Army Commercial Satellite Terminal Program

The CSTP is a 5-year blanket purchase agreement (BPA) contract by the US Army CECOM.  The contract was awarded in March 2004.  Several parties were awarded eligibility; Comsearch is a team partner with one of the awardees.  The services are task order procurements for COTS satellite earth terminals.  The contract has seven specific terminal segments including fixed, deployable, transportable, mobile, and X-Band.  With this procurement CECOM hopes to provide a one-stop shop for:  

Navy Commercial Wideband Satellite Program

This procurement involves the design and implementation of the next generation of the Navy's Commercial Wideband Satellite Program (CWSP) end-to-end service, including an upgrade of current CWSP.  Part of the program is to provide U.S. Navy ships with stabilized tracking antennas to transmit and receive circuits up to and exceeding E1 (2.048Mbps) rates.

The future architecture may require higher data rates up to the maximum capabilities of the satellite transponder. The design also requires dynamic, rapid reconfigurations and resource realignment to support mobility requirements.

Distance Learning for Military and Civilian Programs

The Government Education and Training Network (GETN) is a network of Federal Government agencies using a common satellite carrier for interactive television (1-way video, 2way audio).  This interoperable network allows the various user agencies to share distance/distributed learning programs and use common facilities.  This ITV service is provided by AT&T in partnership with Convergent Media Systems, and is offered through a GSA FTS niche contract.  It consists of a large network of remote sites used by all agencies and services.

Conclusions

The federal government has stated the commercial satcom requirements will continue to grow for the military. One of the trends compounding the need for commercial satcom involves US Military engagements.  The requirements of the war fighter demand more bandwidth for video and faster data.  Also, increased commercial satcom will be required as a supplement to the military’s aging infrastructure until future systems are developed and deployed.  It is also clear that the spectrum acquisition process needs improvement and that dynamic interoperability with other communication services needs further improvement. The federal government and the commercial satcom industry need to work together to develop a process which makes the use of commercial satcom more cost effective yet flexible enough to meet the ever-changing requirements of the military.

[1] Exploiting Commercial SATCOM: A Better Way, Patrick Rayerman, From Parameters, Winter 2003-04, pp. 54-66

REGULATORY RAP:

Spectrum Management News

MICROWAVE

Comments Sought on the use of Digital AM Transmissions During Night Time Hours -  (DA No. 04-1007). (Dkt No 99-325)  DA-04-1007A1.pdf 

Public Safety and Governmental Entity Licensees will be Notified by Email 90, 60, 30, and 10 Days Prior to License Expiration – (DA No. 04-1009) The FCC's current practice of notification by letter by 90 days prior to expiration will not change.  DA-04-1009A1.pdf 

Amendment of Rule Parts 2, 25 and 73 - Proposed FCC Rule amendments to complete the domestic implementation of allocation decisions from the World Trade Radiocommunication Conference (frequency bands between 5900 kHz and 27.5 GHz) (Dkt No. 04-139, FCC No. 04-74) FCC-04-74A1.pdf

Amendment of Rule Part 76   - Modified rules to include interference protection to the international digital search and rescue frequencies used by COSPAS/SARSAT satellites to detect and locate EPIRBs and ELTs at 406.025 MHz. (Dkt No. 03-50, FCC No. 04-75)  FCC-04-75A1.pdf

Amendment of the Rules for the 37.0-38.6 GHZ AND 38.6-40.0 - Proposed to amend the rules for fixed, point-to-point microwave service in the 38.6-40.0 GHz ("39 GHz") band, and to adopt a conforming set of new rules for the virtually unused 37.0-38.6 GHz ("37 GHz") band in order to allow for expansion. (Dkt No. 93-253 , 95-183, FCC No. 04-78) FCC-04-78A1.pdf 

FCC Explores Rules For Digital Audio Broadcasting -  Seeks comments to foster the development of a vibrant terrestrial digital radio service for the public, to ensure that radio broadcasters will successfully implement DAB. Issued a NOI on digital audio content control and international issues. (Dkt No. 99-325, FCC No. 04-99) DOC-246150A1.pdf  DOC-246150A2.pdf  DOC-246150A3.pdf  DOC-246150A4.pdf  FCC-04-99A1.pdf  FCC-04-99A2.pdf  FCC-04-99A3.pdf  FCC-04-99A4.pdf 

Rulemaking Proposed to Allow Unlicensed Wireless Broadband Operations in the 3650-3700 MHz Band -  The FCC adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to foster the introduction of wireless broadband operations in the 3650-3700 MHz band. Proposed amending rules to maximize the efficient use of the band and foster the introduction of new and advanced services. (Dkt No 98-237, 02-380, FCC No. 04-100)  DOC-246146A1.pdf  DOC-246146A2.pdf   FCC-04-100A1.pdf  FCC-04-100A2.pdf 

Rule Changes Adopted to Improve Radio Frequency Identification Systems (RFID) -  The FCC adopted a Third Report and Order that allows for the operation of improved RFID systems to facilitate Homeland Security efforts. (Dkt No 01-278) DOC-246145A1.pdf  DOC-246145A2.pdf 

Rechannelization of the 17.7-19.7 GHz Frequency Band for Part 101 Fixed Microwave Services   -  Seeks comments on the channelization of the 17.7-19.7 GHz band in an effort to promote effective utilization of the portion of the band that is designated for use by terrestrial fixed services. (Dkt No. 04-143, FCC No. 04-77)  FCC-04-77A1.pdf 

Rule Changes Proposed for Unlicensed Operation in the TV Broadcast Bands -  Comments sought to allow unlicensed radio transmitters to operate in the broadcast television spectrum at locations where that spectrum is not being used (Below 900 MHz and in the 3 GHz Band) (Dkt No. 02-380 , 04-186, FCC No. 04-113). DOC-247169A1.pdf  DOC-247169A2.pdf  DOC-247169A3.pdf  DOC-247169A4.pdf  DOC-247169A5.pdf  FCC-04-113A1.pdf  FCC-04-113A2.pdf  FCC-04-113A3.pdf  FCC-04-113A4.pdf  FCC-04-113A5.pdf 

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Provides Additional Guidance on How to File in the Universal Licensing System - (DA No. 04-1408)  DA-04-1408A1.pdf 

International Bureau Announces the Launch of the New MYIBS Electronic Filing System, Including the 312 EZ Earth Station Application Form -  (DA No. 04-644) DA-04-644A1.pdf 

SATELLITE

Acquisitions and Consolidations in the Satcom Business
The satellite business is going through what appears to be a cyclical re-organization.  Several major operators have gone through the acquisition process and other mergers and re-orgs have occurred. A few notable examples follow.

Two of the major satellite operators have been sold in the past 3 months and it is expected that a third will undergo a sale very shortly. In early June the Blackstone Group bought New Skies For $956 Million. This purchase of the one of the major GSO satellite owners and operators follows on the heels of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR) acquiring PanAmSat For $4.3 Billion in April. Intelsat, after undergoing a recent reduction in staff, has pulled back on their IPO and is reportedly also up for sale, which could occur before the end of summer. 

In early April, Americom Government Services, an SES Americom subsidiary, received court approval to purchase the assets of satellite service provider Verestar. The purchase will help SES expand their services to the government sector as well as further develop broadband and broadcast services.

Another notable purchase involves General Dynamics purchase of equipment provider TriPoint Global Communications. The agreement was announced in June and should occur some time in the third quarter of this year. TriPoint will become part of GD’s C4 Systems business unit, which provides secure communications and information systems.  TriPoint global provide ground-based satellite and wireless communications equipment.

FCC Grants Iridium Access to More Spectrum
On June 10, the Federal Communications Commission adopted a spectrum sharing plan for low earth orbit satellite systems (Big LEOs) in the 1.6 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands. The spectrum sharing plan will allow TDMA provider Iridium access to CDMA spectrum, currently only being used by Globalstar. The FCC would like to see more efficient spectrum utilization by increasing the number of providers offering services to consumers over the same spectrum.Specifically, the plan allows both CDMA and TDMA systems to share 3.1 MHz of spectrum between 1618.25-16.21.35 MHz.  Previously, Iridium was limited to 1621.35-1626.5 MHz for both its uplink and downlink operations. Additionally, the FCC issued a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to explore whether CDMA and TDMA MSS operators feasibly could share an additional 2.25 megahertz of spectrum at 1616.0-1618.25 MHz.

FCC Announces Launch of EZ Electronic Filing System and Forms
As of JUNE 23, 2004, the FCC’s International Bureau will launch MyIBFS, revamped version of their electronic IB Filing Service. The new MyIBFS consists of three new e-filing modules as well as features, functions and forms found in the existing IBFS system. The new e-filing modules include a new MyIBFS home page, account management module, and the new 312 EZ form. At the time the MyIBFS system goes live on June 23rd, the use of Form 312 EZ by routine earth station license applicants will be voluntary. The FCC will require mandatory use of the 312 EZ form at a later date, after applicants have gained more experience using the form. The FCC will provide testing and is available for questions regarding the new services and forms.

WHAT'S NEW AT COMSEARCH:

Comsearch’s 24GHz AuctionPlannerTM is now available .  
On July 28, 2004, the FCC will auction spectrum in the 24 GHz band.  Comsearch's 24 GHz AuctionPlanner product provides accurate data, verified by our team of expert wireless engineers, in an easy-to-use format.  For more information and to download a sample, visit us at http://www.comsearch.com/industry_solutions/telecom_GIS_data/AuctionPlanner.jsp. 

Ken Ryan , Comsearch’s Technical Director, Satellite Services was elected Vice President of the National Spectrum Manager’s Association (NSMA).   
The NSMA is a voluntary international association of microwave radio/wireless and satellite frequency coordinators, licensees, manufacturers and regulators.  Established in 1984, the Association provides a forum to develop industry guidelines for efficient use and management of the frequency spectrum by the wireless telecommunications industry.  NSMA provides a linkage between government regulations and the industry practice by developing recommendations that streamline and standardize procedures used by the frequency coordination community.  For more information on NSMA, visit their web site at http://www.nsma.org.

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

Comsearch performs EMI measurements for the Maryland Medical Center and Mary Washington.  
This past spring, Comsearch measured the spectrum occupancy and signal levels at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, MD and the Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, VA.  These measurements enabled hospital management to determine where they were at risk for interference conditions to medical monitoring and treatment systems.  The information will also be used in the procurement of new systems to ensure that when they are obtained they will be compatible within the hospital’s electromagnetic environment.  

Comsearch provides baseline RF measurements to identify existing RF measurements to identify the existing RF environment and note any areas of potential interference.  Our EMI/EMC measurements determine the RF radiation hazard exposure levels for patients and staff at the medical facilities with respect to FCC and OSHA maximum permissible exposure limits, identify potential interference conditions to deployed wireless networks and medical equipment used in hospitals, and provide data for analysis of potential interference with new equipment to be added to the hospital environment and to determine whether new equipment will cause interference in the medical facility’s electromagnetic environment.  For more information on Comsearch’s Wireless Solutions for Healthcare, visit us at http://www.comsearch.com/industry_solutions/healthcare/overview.jsp.

Together with ASHE, Les Polisky will be presenting "The Status of Wireless Technology" at ASHE's 41st Annual Conference & Technical Exhibition, July 25 – 28 in Orlando, FL, held in conjunction with the 18th Congress of the International Federation of Hospital Engineering (IFHE).  For more information visit http://www.hospitalconnect.com/ashe/conference/welcome.html. 

Wireless Planning in the healthcare environment.  
What will it take for your organization to meet the requirements of the wireless environment?  Laura Fontaine suggests strategies to meet some of the challenges you might face in the April 2004 issue of 24x7.  Read her article on line at http://www.24x7mag.com/articles.ASP?articleid=T0404F02.

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