January 26, 2024
FCC Releases Report and Order that updates existing rules and adopts new rules in the 70/80/90 GHz bands and a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that requests comments on further additional services.
FCC Report and Order, FCC 24-16, was released January 26, 2024, to modernize the existing procedures and rules as well as expand access to the 70/80/90 GHz bands as a successful culmination of more than 10 years of effort by various fixed link advocates, including Comsearch. The following are some of the changes that are coming:
- Certification of Construction: Licensees are now required to certify construction of each link in the 3rd party database. The implementation of this requirement will be announced by an upcoming FCC Public Notice.
- Certification of Construction must be entered within 15 days of the 12-month construction deadline, or within 15 days of the rule taking effect for prior link registrations with an earlier deadline.
- Smaller Antennas: Comsearch actively advocated for the allowance of smaller antennas that meet a minimum gain of 38 dBi, along with new radiation suppression requirements to match. The implementation of this requirement will be 30 days after the Report and Order appears in the Federal Register.
- Channel Plans: Links registered after September 1, 2024, will be required to comply with the FCC’s new channel plans that are consistent with Recommendation ITU-R F.2006. Many of the link registrations already follow these plans.
- De minimis link registration modifications. The allowed changes to existing link registrations while maintaining first-in-time priority rights include the replacement of equipment where the following technical parameters are not increased: EIRP, power density, bandwidth, receiver sensitivity, antenna beamwidth, and antenna gain in any direction. The implementation of this requirement will be announced by an upcoming FCC Public Notice.
- Aeronautical and Maritime Systems: The FCC opened up use of 70/80 GHz spectrum for aeronautical and maritime use cases. This will enable high-speed internet on aircraft and cruise ships. The implementation of this requirement will be announced by an upcoming FCC Public Notice.
The Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeks comment on the potential inclusion of ship-to-aerostat transmissions as part of maritime operations otherwise authorized in this Report and Order, and of Fixed Satellite Service earth stations in the light-licensing regime for the 70 GHz and 80 GHz bands.
