[61 FR 26677, May 28, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 23165, Apr. 29, 1997; 62 FR 24582, May 6, 1997; 65 FR 38327, June 20, 2000; 65 FR 54175, Sept. 7, 2000; 65 FR 59357, Oct. 5, 2000; 67 FR 43037, June 28, 2002; 69 FR 3266, Jan. 23, 2004; 69 FR 72047, Dec. 10, 2004; 70 FR 4787, Jan. 31, 2005; 76 FR 59571, Sept. 27, 2011; 81 FR 79944, Nov. 14, 2016; 85 FR 22889, Apr. 23, 2020]

(a) Assignment of frequencies will be made only in such a manner as to facilitate the rendition of communication service on an interference-free basis in each service area. Unless otherwise indicated, each frequency available for use by stations in these services will be assigned exclusively to a single applicant in any service area. All applicants for, and licensees of, stations in these services must cooperate in the selection and use of the frequencies assigned in order to minimize interference and thereby obtain the most effective use of the authorized facilities. In the event harmful interference occurs or appears likely to occur between two or more radio systems and such interference cannot be resolved between the licensees thereof, the Commission may specify a time sharing arrangement for the stations involved or may, after notice and opportunity for hearing, require the licensees to make such changes in operating techniques or equipment as it may deem necessary to avoid such interference.

(b)(1) Operations in the bands 31,000-31,075 MHz and 31,225-31,300 MHz licensed prior to March 11, 1997, were licensed on an unprotected basis and are subject to harmful interference from similarly licensed operations in that band.

(i) Operations licensed in the Local Mulitpoint Distribution Service and those operations licensed prior to March 11, 1997, except in the Local Television Transmission Service, operating in these bands are equally protected against harmful interference from each other.

(ii) In the case of operations licensed prior to March 11, 1997, except in the Local Television Transmission Service, that are licensed on a point-to-radius basis, LMDS licensees shall be subject to the protection requirement established in this section in the case of existing links operated by such licensees, and in the case of links added by such licensees in the future in accordance with the terms of their point-to-radius licenses.

(iii) An LMDS licensee may not initiate operations within the point-to-radius area licensed to an operator (other than an operator in the Local Television Transmission Service) prior to March 11, 1997, even if such operator has not initiated operations to the fullest extent of the license. An LMDS licensee, however, may initiate operations at the border of such operator's license area without prior coordination if the LMDS licensee's operations would not cause harmful interference to the other operator's existing operations.

(iv) An operator (other than an operator in the Local Television Transmission Service) licensed on a point-to-radius basis prior to March 11, 1997, may add additional stations within its license area. Such operator shall coordinate with any affected LMDS licensee if its new operations might cause harmful interference to the existing operations of such LMDS licensee.

(v) Operations licensed prior to March 11, 1997, on a point-to-point basis may not be extended or otherwise modified through the addition of point-to-point links. Such operations shall be limited to the use of frequency pairs licensed as of March 11, 1997. Operations licensed in the Local Television Transmission Service as of March 11, 1997, may continue to operate, but such operators may not expand existing operations nor initiate new operations.

(2) Operations in the 31,075-31,225 MHz band licensed prior to March 11, 1997, shall receive no protection against harmful interference from authorized operations in the Local Multipoint Distribution Service in that band.

(3) Non-LMDS operations in the entire 31,000-31,300 MHz band licensed after March 11, 1997, based on applications refiled no later than June 26, 1998 are unprotected with respect to each other and subject to harmful interference from each other.

(i) Such operations and any operations licensed prior to March 11, 1997, in the band are unprotected with respect to each other and subject to harmful interference from each other.

(ii) Such operations are licensed on a secondary basis to LMDS operations licensed in the band, may not cause interference to LMDS operations, and are not protected from interference from LMDS operations.

(iii) Such operations licensed on a point-to-point basis may not be extended or otherwise modified through the addition of point-to-point links. Such operations licensed on a point-to-radius basis may add additional stations within the licensed area.

(c) Frequency diversity transmission will not be authorized in these services in the absence of a factual showing that the required communications cannot practically be achieved by other means. Where frequency diversity is deemed to be justified on a protection channel basis, it will be limited to one protection channel for the bands 3,700-4,200, 5925-6425, and 6525-6875 MHz, and a ratio of one protection channel for three working channels for the bands 10,550-10,680 and 10,700-11,700 MHz. In the bands 3,700-4,200, 5,925-6,425, and 6525-6875 MHz, no frequency diversity protection channel will be authorized unless there is a minimum of three working channels, except that where a substantial showing is made that a total of three working channels will be required within three years, a protection channel may be authorized simultaneously with the first working channel. A protection channel authorized under such exception will be subject to termination if applications for the third working channel are not filed within three years of the grant date of the applications for the first working channel. Where equipment employing digital modulation techniques with cross-polarized operation on the same frequency is used, the protection channel authorized under the above conditions may be considered to consist of both polarizations of the protection frequency where such is shown to be necessary.

(d) Frequency coordination. For each frequency authorized under this part, the following frequency usage coordination procedures will apply:

(1) General requirements. Proposed frequency usage must be prior coordinated with existing licensees, permittees and applicants in the area, and other applicants with previously filed applications, whose facilities could affect or be affected by the new proposal in terms of frequency interference on active channels, applied-for channels, or channels coordinated for future growth. Coordination must be completed prior to filing an application for regular authorization, or a major amendment to a pending application, or any major modification to a license. In coordinating frequency usage with stations in the fixed satellite service, applicants must also comply with the requirements of § 101.21(f). In engineering a system or modification thereto, the applicant must, by appropriate studies and analyses, select sites, transmitters, antennas and frequencies that will avoid interference in excess of permissible levels to other users. All applicants and licensees must cooperate fully and make reasonable efforts to resolve technical problems and conflicts that may inhibit the most effective and efficient use of the radio spectrum; however, the party being coordinated with is not obligated to suggest changes or re-engineer a proposal in cases involving conflicts. Applicants should make every reasonable effort to avoid blocking the growth of systems as prior coordinated. The applicant must identify in the application all entities with which the technical proposal was coordinated. In the event that technical problems are not resolved, an explanation must be submitted with the application. Where technical problems are resolved by an agreement or operating arrangement between the parties that would require special procedures be taken to reduce the likelihood of interference in excess of permissible levels (such as the use of artificial site shielding) or would result in a reduction of quality or capacity of either system, the details thereof may be contained in the application.

(2) Coordination procedure guidelines are as follows:

(i) Coordination involves two separate elements: notification and response. Both or either may be oral or in written form. To be acceptable for filing, all applications and major technical amendments must certify that coordination, including response, has been completed. The names of the licensees, permittees and applicants with which coordination was accomplished must be specified. If such notice and/or response is oral, the party providing such notice or response must supply written documentation of the communication upon request;

(ii) Notification must include relevant technical details of the proposal. At minimum, this should include, as applicable, the following:

Applicant's name and address.

Transmitting station name.

Transmitting station coordinates.

Frequencies and polarizations to be added, changed or deleted.

Transmitting equipment type, its stability, actual output power, emission designator, and type of modulation(s) (loading). Notification shall indicate if modulations lower than the values listed in the table to § 101.141(a)(3) of the Commission's rules will be used.

Transmitting antenna type(s), model, gain and, if required, a radiation pattern provided or certified by the manufacturer.

Transmitting antenna center line height(s) above ground level and ground elevation above mean sea level.

Receiving station name.

Receiving station coordinates.

Receiving antenna type(s), model, gain, and, if required, a radiation pattern provided or certified by the manufacturer.

Receiving antenna center line height(s) above ground level and ground elevation above mean sea level.

Path azimuth and distance.

Estimated transmitter transmission line loss expressed in dB.

Estimated receiver transmission line loss expressed in dB.

For a system utilizing ATPC, maximum transmit power, coordinated transmit power, and nominal transmit power.

Note:

The position location of antenna sites shall be determined to an accuracy of no less than ±1 second in the horizontal dimensions (latitude and longitude) and ±1 meter in the vertical dimension (ground elevation) with respect to the National Spatial Reference System.

(iii) For transmitters employing digital modulation techniques, the notification should clearly identify the type of modulation. Upon request, additional details of the operating characteristics of the equipment must also be furnished;

(iv) Response to notification should be made as quickly as possible, even if no technical problems are anticipated. Any response to notification indicating potential interference must specify the technical details and must be provided to the applicant, in writing, within the 30-day notification period. Every reasonable effort should be made by all applicants, permittees and licensees to eliminate all problems and conflicts. If no response to notification is received within 30 days, the applicant will be deemed to have made reasonable efforts to coordinate and may file its application without a response;

(v) The 30-day notification period is calculated from the date of receipt by the applicant, permittee, or licensee being notified. If notification is by mail, this date may be ascertained by:

(A) The return receipt on certified mail;

(B) The enclosure of a card to be dated and returned by the recipient; or

(C) A conservative estimate of the time required for the mail to reach its destination. In the last case, the estimated date when the 30-day period would expire should be stated in the notification.

(vi) An expedited prior coordination period (less than 30 days) may be requested when deemed necessary by a notifying party. The coordination notice should be identified as “expedited” and the requested response date should be clearly indicated. However, circumstances preventing a timely response from the receiving party should be accommodated accordingly. It is the responsibility of the notifying party to receive written concurrence (or verbal, with written to follow) from affected parties or their coordination representatives.

(vii) All technical problems that come to light during coordination must be resolved unless a statement is included with the application to the effect that the applicant is unable or unwilling to resolve the conflict and briefly the reason therefor;

(viii) Where a number of technical changes become necessary for a system during the course of coordination, an attempt should be made to minimize the number of separate notifications for these changes. Where the changes are incorporated into a completely revised notice, the items that were changed from the previous notice should be identified. When changes are not numerous or complex, the party receiving the changed notification should make an effort to respond in less than 30 days. When the notifying party believes a shorter response time is reasonable and appropriate, it may be helpful for that party to so indicate in the notice and perhaps suggest a response date;

(ix) If, after coordination is successfully completed, it is determined that a subsequent change could have no impact on some parties receiving the original notification, these parties must be notified of the change and of the coordinator's opinion that no response is required;

(x) Applicants, permittees and licensees should supply to all other applicants, permittees and licensees within their areas of operations, the name, address and telephone number of their coordination representatives. Upon request from coordinating applicants, permittees and licensees, data and information concerning existing or proposed facilities and future growth plans in the area of interest should be furnished unless such request is unreasonable or would impose a significant burden in compilation;

(xi) Parties should keep other parties with whom they are coordinating advised of changes in plans for facilities previously coordinated. If applications have not been filed 6 months after coordination was initiated, parties may assume that such frequency use is no longer desired unless a second notification has been received within 10 days of the end of the 6 month period. Renewal notifications are to be sent to all originally notified parties, even if coordination has not been successfully completed with those parties; and

(xii) Any frequency reserved by a licensee for future use in the bands subject to this part must be released for use by another licensee, permittee or applicant upon a showing by the latter that it requires an additional frequency and cannot coordinate one that is not reserved for future use.

(e) Where frequency conflicts arise between co-pending applications in the Private Operational Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave, Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave and Local Television Transmission Services, it is the obligation of the later filing applicant to amend his application to remove the conflict, unless it can make a showing that the conflict cannot be reasonably eliminated. Where a frequency conflict is not resolved and no showing is submitted as to why the conflict cannot be resolved, the Commission may grant the first filed application and dismiss the later filed application(s) after giving the later filing applicant(s) 30 days to respond to the proposed action.

(f)(1) Coordination and information sharing between MVDDS and NGSO FSS licensees in the 12.2 GHz to 12.7 GHz band. Prior to the construction or addition of an MVDDS transmitting antenna in this frequency band, the MVDDS licensee shall provide notice of intent to construct the proposed antenna site to NGSO FSS licensees operating in the 12.2-12.7 GHz frequency band and maintain an Internet web site of all existing transmitting sites and transmitting antennas that are scheduled for operation within one year including the “in service” dates. In addition to the location of a proposed new transmitting antenna, MVDDS licensees shall provide to the NGSO FSS licensees a technical description of the operating characteristics of the proposed transmission facility. At a minimum, the following information must be included in each notification:

(i) Name of MVDDS licensee;

(ii) Geographic location (including NAD83 coordinates) of proposed MVDDS transmitting antenna;

(iii) Maximum EIRP per 24 MHz;

(iv) Height above average terrain of the transmitting antenna;

(v) Type of antenna to be utilized;

(vi) Main beam azimuth and altitude orientation for the proposed transmitting antenna;

(vii) Theoretically modeled antenna radiation pattern;

(viii) Type(s) of emissions, and;

(ix) Description of the proposed service area.

(2) If the proposed MVDDS antenna site does not meet the minimum spacing requirements on the date of original notification or on subsequent annual anniversary dates of non-operation as set forth in § 101.129, then the MVDDS licensee shall not construct the proposed transmission facility unless all NGSO FSS licensees having active subscribers within the minimum separation distance agree to a shorter spacing. Nothing in this section shall preclude MVDDS and NGSO FSS licensees from agreeing to accept the siting of new MVDDS transmitting antennas that do no meet the minimum distance set forth in § 101.129. Incumbent point-to-point licensees' (those not licensed as MVDDS) facilities are to be operated in the band 12,200-12,700 MHz following the procedures, technical standards, and requirements of § 101.105 in order to protect stations providing Direct Broadcast Satellite Service.

(g) Licensees operating in Basic Trading Areas authorized in the Local Multipoint Distribution Service. (1) When the transmitting facilities in a Basic Trading Area (BTA) are to be operated in the bands 29,100-29,250 MHz and 31,000-31,300 MHz and the facilities are located within 20 kilometers of the boundaries of a BTA, each licensee must complete the frequency coordination process of paragraph (d)(2) of this section with respect to neighboring BTA licensees that may be affected by its operations prior to initiating service. In addition, all licensed transmitting facilities operating in the bands 31,000-31,075 MHz and 31,225-31,300 MHz and located within 20 kilometers of neighboring facilities must complete the frequency coordination process of paragraph (d)(2) of this section with respect to such authorized operations before initiating service.

(2) Response to notification should be made as quickly as possible, even if no technical problems are anticipated. Any response to notification indicating potential interference must specify the technical details and must be provided to the applicant, either electronically or in writing, within the 30-day notification period. Every reasonable effort should be made by all licensees to eliminate all problems and conflicts. If no response to notification is received within 30 days, the licensee will be deemed to have made reasonable efforts to coordinate and commence operation without a response. The beginning of the 30-day period is determined pursuant to paragraph (d)(2)(v) of this section.

(h) Special requirements for operations in the band 29,100-29,250 MHz. (1)(i) Local Multipoint Distribution Service (LMDS) receive stations operating on frequencies in the 29,100-29,250 MHz band within a radius of 75 nautical miles of the geographic coordinates provided by a non-GSO-MSS licensee pursuant to § 101.113(c)(2) or (c)(3)(i) (the “feeder link earth station complex protection zone”) shall accept any interference caused to them by such earth station complexes and shall not claim protection from such earth station complexes.

(ii) LMDS licensees operating on frequencies in the 29,100-29,250 MHz band outside a feeder link earth station complex protection zone shall cooperate fully and make reasonable efforts to resolve technical problems with the non-GSO MSS licensee to the extent that transmissions from the non-GSO MSS operator's feeder link earth station complex interfere with an LMDS receive station.

(2) No more than 15 days after the release of a public notice announcing the commencement of LMDS auctions, feeder link earth station complexes to be licensed pursuant to § 25.257 of this chapter shall be specified by a set of geographic coordinates in accordance with the following requirements: no feeder link earth station complex may be located in the top eight (8) metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), ranked by population, as defined by the Office of Management and Budget as of June 1993, using estimated populations as of December 1992; two (2) complexes may be located in MSAs 9 through 25, one of which must be Phoenix, AZ (for a complex at Chandler, AZ); two (2) complexes may be located in MSAs 26 to 50; three (3) complexes may be located in MSAs 51 to 100, one of which must be Honolulu, Hawaii (for a complex at Waimea); and the three (3) remaining complexes must be located at least 75 nautical miles from the borders of the 100 largest MSAs or in any MSA not included in the 100 largest MSAs. Any location allotted for one range of MSAs may be taken from an MSA below that range.

(3)(i) Any non-GSO MSS licensee may at any time specify sets of geographic coordinates for feeder link earth station complexes with each earth station contained therein to be located at least 75 nautical miles from the border of the 100 largest MSAs.

(ii) For purposes of paragraph (h)(3)(i) of this section, non-GSO MSS feeder link earth station complexes shall be entitled to accommodation only if the affected non-GSO MSS licensee preapplies to the Commission for a feeder link earth station complex or certifies to the Commission within sixty days of receiving a copy of an LMDS application that it intends to file an application for a feeder link earth station complex within six months of the date of receipt of the LMDS application.

(iii) If said non-GSO MSS licensee application is filed later than six months after certification of the Commission, the LMDS and non-GSO MSS entities shall still cooperate fully and make reasonable efforts to resolve technical problems, but the LMDS licensee shall not be obligated to re-engineer its proposal or make changes to its system.

(4) LMDS licensees or applicants proposing to operate hub stations on frequencies in the 29,100-29,250 MHz band at locations outside of the 100 largest MSAs or within a distance of 150 nautical miles from a set of geographic coordinates specified under paragraphs (h)(2) or (h)(3)(i) of this section shall serve copies of their applications on all non-GSO MSS applicants, permittees or licensees meeting the criteria specified in § 25.257(a). Non-GSO MSS licensees or applicants shall serve copies of their feeder link earth station applications, after the LMDS auction, on any LMDS applicant or licensee within a distance of 150 nautical miles from the geographic coordinates that it specified under § 101.113(c)(2) or (c)(3)(i). Any necessary coordination shall commence upon notification by the party receiving an application to the party who filed the application. The results of any such coordination shall be reported to the Commission within sixty days. The non-GSO MSS earth station licensee shall also provide all such LMDS licensees with a copy of its channel plan.

[61 FR 26677, May 28, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 23165, Apr. 29, 1997; 63 FR 6105, Feb. 6, 1998; 63 FR 9448, Feb. 25, 1998; 63 FR 14039, Mar. 24, 1998; 63 FR 68983, Dec. 14, 1998; 64 FR 45893, Aug. 23, 1999; 65 FR 38328, June 20, 2000; 67 FR 43037, June 26, 2002; 76 FR 59571, Sept. 27, 2011; 81 FR 79944, Nov. 14, 2016]

(a) The interference protection criteria for fixed stations subject to this part are as follows:

(1) To long-haul analog systems, employing frequency modulated radio and frequency division multiplexing to provide multiple voice channels, the allowable interference level per exposure:

(i) Due to co-channel sideband-to-sideband interference must not exceed 5 pwpO (Picowatts of absolute noise power psophometrically weighted (pwpO), appearing in an equivalent voice band channel of 300-3400 Hz); or

(ii) Due to co-channel carrier-beat interference must not exceed 50 pwpO.

(2) To short-haul analog systems employing frequency modulated radio and frequency division multiplexing to provide multiple voice channels, the allowable interference level per exposure:

(i) Due to co-channel sideband-to-sideband interference must not exceed 25 pwpO except in the 952-960 MHz band interference into single link fixed relay and control stations must not exceed 250 pwpO per exposure; or

(ii) Due to co-channel carrier-beat interference must not exceed 50 pwpO except in the 952-960 MHz band interference into single link fixed relay and control stations must not exceed 1000 pwpO per exposure.

(3) FM-TV. In analog systems employing frequency modulated radio that is modulated by a standard, television (visual) signal, the allowable interference level per exposure may not exceed the levels which would apply to long-haul or short-haul FM-FDM systems, as outlined in paragraphs (b) (1) and (2) of this section, having a 600-1200 voice channel capacity.

(4) 12.2-12.7 GHz band. (i) To accommodate co-primary NGSO FSS earth stations in the 12.2-12.7 GHz band, the PFD of an MVDDS transmitting system must not exceed −135 dBW/m 2 in any 4 kHz band at a reference point at the surface of the earth at a distance greater than 3 kilometers from the MVDDS transmitting antenna.

(ii) To accommodate co-primary Direct Broadcast Satellite Service earth stations, an MVDDS transmitting system must not exceed the EPFD levels specified in paragraph (a)(4)(ii)(B) of this section at any DBS subscriber location in accordance with the procedures listed in § 101.1440 of this part.

(A) Definition of equivalent power flux density: The equivalent power flux density (EPFD) is the power flux density produced at a direct broadcast service (DBS) receive earth station, taking into account shielding effects and the off-axis discrimination of the receiving antenna assumed to be pointing at the appropriate DBS satellite(s) from the transmitting antenna of a multichannel video distribution and data service (MVDDS) transmit station. The EPFD in dBW/m 2 in the reference bandwidth is calculated using the following formula:

$$ Where: Pout = Total output power of the MVDDS transmitter (watts) into antenna Gm (θm,φm = Gain of the MVDDS antenna in the direction of the DBS earth station Ge (θe,φe = Gain of the earth station in the direction of the MVDDS antenna I = Interference scaling factor for the earth station (1 dB for MVDDS transmitters employing the modulation discussed in Section 3.1.5 of the MITRE Report (i.e., a QPSK modulated signal passed through a square-root raised cosine filter). For other modulation and filtering schemes, the interference scaling factor can be measured using the procedures described in Appendix A of the MITRE Report available at http://www.fcc.gov/oet/info/mitrereport/mitrereport_4_01.pdf). Ge, max = Maximum gain of the DBS earth station d = the distance between the MVDDS transmitting antenna and the DBS earth station (meters)

(B) Regional equivalent power flux density levels:

(1) −168.4 dBW/m 2/4kHz in the Eastern region consisting of the District of Columbia and the following states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Florida;

(2) −169.8 dBW/m 2/4kHz in the Midwestern region consisting of the following states: Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas;

(3) −171.0 dBW/m 2/4kHz in the Southwestern region consisting of the following states: Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and California (south of 37° North Latitude);

(4) −172.1 dBW/m 2/4kHz in the Northwestern region consisting of the following states: Washington, Oregon, California (north of 37° North Latitude), Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Alaska, and Hawaii.

(iii) Except for public safety entities, harmful interference protection from MVDDS stations to incumbent point-to-point 12 GHz fixed stations is not required. Incumbent point-to-point private operational fixed 12 GHz stations, except for public safety entities, are required to protect MVDDS stations under the process described in § 101.103(d) of this part.

(5) 71,000-76,000 MHz; 81,000-86,000 MHz. In these bands the following interference criteria shall apply:

(i) For receivers employing digital modulation: based upon manufacturer data and following TSB 10-F or other generally acceptable good engineering practice, for each potential case of interference a threshold-to-interference ratio (T/I) shall be determined that would cause 1.0 dB of degradation to the static threshold of the protected receiver. For the range of carrier power levels (C) between the clear-air (unfaded) value and the fully-faded static threshold value, in no case shall interference cause C/I to be less than the T/I so determined unless it can be shown that the availability of the affected receiver would still be acceptable despite the interference.

(ii) For receivers employing analog modulation: manufacturer data or industry criteria will specify a baseband signal-to-noise requirement (S/N) of the receiver that will result in acceptable signal quality for continuous operation. Following TSB 10-F or other generally acceptable good engineering practice, for each potential case of interference a C/I objective shall be calculated to ensure that this S/N will not be degraded by more than 1.0 dB. For the range of carrier power levels (C) between the clear-air (unfaded) value and the fully-faded threshold value, in no case shall interference cause the C/I to be less than the objective so determined unless it can be shown that the signal quality and availability of the affected receiver would still be acceptable despite the interference.

(6) 92,000-94,000 MHz; 94,100-95,000 MHz. In these bands prior links shall be protected to a threshold-to-interference ratio (T/I) level of 1.0 dB of degradation to the static threshold of the protected receiver. Any new link shall not decrease a previous link's desired-to-undesired (D/U) signal ratio below a minimum of 36 dB, unless the earlier link's licensee agrees to accept a lower D/U.

(7) All stations operating under this part must protect the radio quiet zones as required by § 1.924 of this chapter. Stations authorized by competitive bidding are cautioned that they must receive the appropriate approvals directly from the relevant quiet zone entity prior to operating.

(b) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section the adjacent channel interference protection criteria to be afforded, regardless of system length, or type of modulation, multiplexing, or frequency band, must be such that the interfering signal does not produce more than 1.0 dB degradation of the practical threshold of the protected receiver. The “practical threshold” of the protected receiver can be based upon the definition in TSB 10, referenced in paragraph (c) of this section, or upon alternative generally acceptable good engineering standards.

(c) Applying the criteria. (1) Guidelines for applying the interference protection criteria for fixed stations subject to this part are specified in the Telecommunications Industry Association's Telecommunications Systems Bulletin TSB 10, “Interference Criteria for Microwave Systems” (TSB 10). Other procedures that follow generally acceptable good engineering practices are also acceptable to the Commission.

(2) If TSB 10 guidelines cannot be used, the following interference protection criteria may be used by calculating the ratio in dB between the desired (carrier signal) and the undesired (interfering) signal (C/I ratio) appearing at the input to the receiver under investigation (victim receiver). Except as provided in § 101.147 where the applicant's proposed facilities are of a type not included in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section or where the development of the carrier-to-interference (C/I) ratio is not covered by generally acceptable procedures, or where the applicant does not wish to develop the carrier-to-interference ratio, the applicant must, in the absence of criteria or a developed C/I ratio, employ the following C/I protection ratios:

(i) Co-Channel Interference. Both side band and carrier-beat, applicable to all bands; the existing or previously authorized system must be afforded a carrier to interfering signal protection ratio of at least 90 dB, except in the 952-960 MHz band where it must be 75dB, and in the 71,000-76,000 MHz and 81,000-86,000 MHz bands where the criteria in paragraph (a)(5) of this section applies, and in the 92,000-94,000 MHz and 94,100-95,000 MHz bands, where the criteria in paragraph (a)(6) of this section applies; or

(ii) Adjacent Channel Interference. Applicable to all bands; the existing or previously authorized system must be afforded a carrier to interfering signal protection ratio of at least 56 dB, except in the 71,000-76,000 MHz and 81,000-86,000 MHz bands where the criteria in paragraph (a)(5) of this section applies, and in the 92,000-94,000 MHz and 94,100-95,000 MHz bands, where the criteria in paragraph (a)(6) of this section applies.

(3) Applicants for frequencies listed in § 101.147(b)(1) through (4) must make the following showings that protection criteria have been met over the entire service area of existing systems. Such showings may be made by the applicant or may be satisfied by a statement from a frequency coordinator.

(i) For site-based multiple address stations in the 928-929/952-960 MHz and the 932-932.5/941-941.5 MHz bands, a statement that the proposed system complies with the following co-channel separations from all existing stations and pending applications:

Fixed-to-fixed—145 km; Fixed-to-mobile—113 km; Mobile-to-mobile—81 km Note to paragraph (c)(3)(i):

Multiple address systems employing only remote stations will be treated as mobile for the purposes of determining the appropriate separation. For mobile operation, the mileage is measured from the reference point specified on the license application. For fixed operation on subfrequencies in accordance with § 101.147 the mileage also is measured from the reference point specified on the license application.

(ii) In cases where the geographic separation standard in paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section is not followed, an engineering analysis must be submitted to show the coordination of the proposed assignment with existing systems located closer than those standards. The engineering analyses will include:

(A) Specification of the interference criteria and system parameters used in the interference study;

(B) Nominal service areas of each system included in the interference analysis;

(C) Modified service areas resulting from the proposed system. The propagation models used to establish the service boundary limits must be specified and any special terrain features considered in computing the interference impact should be described; and

(D) A statement that all parties affected have agreed to the engineering analysis and will accept the calculated levels of interference.

(iii) MAS EA licensees shall provide protection in accordance with § 101.1333.

(4) Multiple address systems operating on subfrequencies in accordance with § 101.147 that propose to operate master stations at unspecified locations must define the operating area by a radius about a geographical coordinate and describe how interference to co-channel users will be controlled.

(5) Multiple address frequencies in the 956.25-956.45 MHz bands may be assigned for use by mobile master stations on a primary basis. Multiple address frequencies in the 941.0-941.5 MHz bands that are licensed on a site-by-site basis and the 952 MHz bands may be assigned for use by primary mobile master stations on a case-by-case basis if the 956.25-956.45 MHz frequencies are unavailable. Multiple address mobile (master and remote) operation is permitted on frequencies licensed by geographic area subject to the interference protection criteria set forth in § 101.1333, i.e., adjacent channel site-based licensees and co-channel operations in adjacent EAs. Mobile operation in the 959.85-960 MHz band is not permitted.

(6) Each application for new or modified nodal station on channels numbered 4A, 4B, 7, 9, and 19/20 in the 10.6 GHz band must demonstrate that all existing co-channel stations are at least 56 kilometers from the proposed nodal station site. Applicants for these channels must certify that all licensees and applicants for stations on the adjacent channels within 56 kilometers of the proposed nodal station have been notified of the proposed station and do not object. Alternatively, or if one of the affected adjacent channel interests does object, the applicant may show that all affected adjacent channel parties are provided a C/I protection ratio of 0 dB. An applicant proposing to operate at an AAT greater than 91 meters must reduce its EIRP in accordance with the following table; however, in no case may EIRP exceed 70 dBm on the 10.6 GHz channels:

(7) Each application for new or modified nodal station on channels numbered 21, 22, 23, and 24 in the 10.6 GHz band must include an analysis of the potential for harmful interference to all other licensed and previously applied for co-channel and adjacent channel stations located within 80 kilometers of the location of the proposed station. The criteria contained in § 101.103(d)(2) must be used in this analysis. Applicants must certify that copies of this analysis have been served on all parties which might reasonably be expected to receive interference above the levels set out in § 101.103(d)(2) within 5 days of the date the subject application is filed with the Commission.

(8) If the potential interference will exceed the prescribed limits, a statement shall be submitted with the application for new or modified stations to the effect that all parties have agreed to accept the higher level of interference.

(d) Effective August 1, 1985, when a fixed station that conforms to the technical standards of this subpart (or, in the case of the 12,200-12,700 MHz band, for an incumbent non-MVDDS station or a direct broadcast satellite station) receives or will receive interference in excess of the levels specified in this section as a result of an existing licensee's use of non-conforming equipment authorized between July 20, 1961 and July 1, 1976, and the interference would not result if the interfering station's equipment complied with the current technical standards, the licensee of the non-conforming station must take whatever steps are necessary to correct the situation up to the point of installing equipment which fully conforms to the technical standards of this subpart. In such cases, if the engineering analysis demonstrates that:

(1) The conforming station would receive interference from a non-conforming station in excess of the levels specified in this section; and

(2) The interference would be eliminated if the non-conforming equipment were replaced with equipment which complies with the standards of this subpart, the licensee (or prospective licensee) of the station which would receive interference must provide written notice of the potential interference to both the non-conforming licensee and the Commission's office in Gettysburg, PA. The non-conforming licensee must make all required equipment changes within 180 days from the date of official Commission notice informing the licensee that it must upgrade its equipment, unless an alternative solution has been agreed to by all parties involved in the interference situation. If a non-conforming licensee fails to make all required changes within the specified period of time, the Commission may require the licensee to suspend operation until the changes are completed.

(e) Interference dispute resolution procedures. Should a licensee licensed under this part receive harmful interference from another licensee licensed under this chapter, the parties involved shall comply with the dispute resolution procedures set forth herein:

(1) The licensee experiencing the harmful interference shall notify the licensee believed to be causing the harmful interference and shall supply information describing its problem and supporting its claim;

(2) Upon receipt of the harmful interference notice, the licensee alleged to be causing the harmful interference shall respond immediately and make every reasonable effort to identify and resolve the conflict; and

(3) Licensees are encouraged to resolve the harmful interference prior to contacting the Commission.

[61 FR 26677, May 28, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 68983, Dec. 14, 1998; 65 FR 17449, Apr. 3, 2000; 65 FR 38329, June 20, 2000; 65 FR 59358, Oct. 5, 2000; 66 FR 35110, July 3, 2001; 67 FR 43038, June 28, 2002; 69 FR 31746, June 7, 2004; 70 FR 29996, May 25, 2005]

(a) The carrier frequency of each transmitter authorized in these services must be maintained within the following percentage of the reference frequency except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) of this section or in the applicable subpart of this part (unless otherwise specified in the instrument of station authorization the reference frequency will be deemed to be the assigned frequency):

(b) Heterodyne microwave radio systems may be authorized at a somewhat less restrictive frequency tolerance (up to .01 percent) to compensate for frequency shift caused by numerous repeaters between base band signal insertion. Where such relaxation is sought, applicant must provide all calculations and indicate the desired tolerance over each path. In such instances the radio transmitters and receivers used must individually be capable of complying with the tolerance specified in paragraph (a) of this section. Heterodyne operation is restricted to channel bandwidth of 10 MHz or greater.

(c) As an additional requirement in any band where the Commission makes assignments according to a specified channel plan, provisions must be made to prevent the emission included within the occupied bandwidth from radiating outside the assigned channel at a level greater than that specified in § 101.111.

[61 FR 26677, May 28, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 23167, Apr. 29, 1997; 63 FR 6105, Feb. 6, 1998; 63 FR 9448, Feb. 25, 1998; 63 FR 14039, Mar. 24, 1998; 63 FR 36611, July 7, 1998; 66 FR 35110, July 3, 2001; 67 FR 43038, June 26, 2002; 68 FR 4956, Jan. 31, 2003; 69 FR 3266, Jan. 23, 2004; 69 FR 16832, Mar. 31, 2004; 70 FR 4787, Jan. 31, 2005; 76 FR 59572, Sept. 27, 2011; 81 FR 79945, Nov. 14, 2016]

(a) Each authorization issued pursuant to these rules will show, as the emission designator, a symbol representing the class of emission which must be prefixed by a number specifying the necessary bandwidth. This figure does not necessarily indicate the bandwidth actually occupied by the emission at any instant. In those cases where part 2 of this chapter does not provide a formula for the computation of the necessary bandwidth, the occupied bandwidth may be used in the emission designator.

(b) Stations in this service will be authorized any type of emission, method of modulation, and transmission characteristic, consistent with efficient use of the spectrum and good engineering practice, except that Type B, damped-wave emission will not be authorized.

(c) The maximum bandwidth which will be authorized per frequency assigned is set out in the table that follows. Regardless of the maximum authorized bandwidth specified for each frequency band, the Commission reserves the right to issue a license for less than the maximum bandwidth if it appears that a lesser bandwidth would be sufficient to support an applicant's intended communications.

[61 FR 26677, May 28, 1996, as amended at 61 FR 44181, Aug. 28, 1996; 62 FR 23167, Apr. 29, 1997; 62 FR 24582, May 6, 1997; 63 FR 6105, Feb. 6, 1998; 65 FR 17449, Apr. 3, 2000; 65 FR 38329, June 20, 2000; 65 FR 59358, Oct. 5, 2000; 67 FR 43038, June 26, 2002; 68 FR 4956, Jan. 31, 2003; 69 FR 3266, Jan. 23, 2004; 70 FR 29997, May 25, 2005; 75 FR 41771, July 19, 2010; 76 FR 59572, Sept. 27, 2011; 77 FR 54432, Sept. 5, 2012; 81 FR 79945, Nov. 14, 2016]

(a) The mean power of emissions must be attenuated below the mean output power of the transmitter in accordance with the following schedule:

(1) When using transmissions other than those employing digital modulation techniques:

(i) On any frequency removed from the assigned frequency by more than 50 percent up to and including 100 percent of the authorized bandwidth: At least 25 decibels;

(ii) On any frequency removed from the assigned frequency by more than 100 percent up to and including 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth: At least 35 decibels;

(iii) On any frequency removed from the assigned frequency by more than 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth: At least 43 + 10 Log10 (mean output power in watts) decibels, or 80 decibels, whichever is the lesser attenuation.

(2) When using transmissions employing digital modulation techniques (see § 101.141(b)) in situations not covered in this section:

(i) For operating frequencies below 15 GHz, in any 4 KHz band, the center frequency of which is removed from the assigned frequency by more than 50 percent up to and including 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth: As specified by the following equation but in no event less than 50 decibels:

A = 35 + 0.8(P −50) + 10 Log10 B. (Attenuation greater than 80 decibels or to an absolute power of less than −13 dBm/1MHz is not required.) where: A = Attenuation (in decibels) below the mean output power level. P = Percent removed from the center frequency of the transmitter bandwidth. B = Authorized bandwidth in MHz. Note:

MVDDS operations in the 12.2-12.7 GHz band shall use 24 megahertz for the value of B in the emission mask equation set forth in this section. The emission mask limitation shall only apply at the 12.2-12.7 GHz band edges and does not restrict MVDDS channelization bandwidth within the band.

(ii) For operating frequencies above 15 GHz, in any 1 MHz band, the center frequency of which is removed from the assigned frequency by more than 50 percent up to and including 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth: As specified by the following equation but in no event less than 11 decibels:

A = 11 + 0.4(P−50) + 10 Log10 B. (Attenuation greater than 56 decibels or to an absolute power of less than −13 dBm/1MHz is not required.)

(iii) In any 1 MHz band, the center frequency of which is removed from the assigned frequency by more than 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth: At least 43 + 10 Log10 (the mean output power in watts) decibels, or 80 decibels, whichever is the lesser attenuation. The authorized bandwidth includes the nominal radio frequency bandwidth of an individual transmitter/modulator in block-assigned bands. Equipment licensed prior to April 1, 2005 shall only be required to meet this standard in any 4 kHz band.

(iv) The emission mask for LMDS and the 24 GHz Service shall use the equation in paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section and apply it only to the band edge of each block of spectrum, but not to subchannels established by licensees. The value of P in the equation is the percentage removed from the carrier frequency and assumes that the carrier frequency is the center of the actual bandwidth used. The emission mask can be satisfied by locating a carrier of the subchannel sufficiently far from the channel edges so that the emission levels of the mask are satisfied. The LMDS or 24 GHz emission mask shall use a value B (bandwidth) of 40 MHz, for all cases even in the case where a narrower subchannel is used (for instance the actual bandwidth is 10 MHz) and the mean output power used in the calculation is the sum of the output power of a fully populated channel. For block assigned channels, the out-of-band emission limits apply only outside the assigned band of operation and not within the band.

(v) The emission mask for the 71-76 GHz, 81-86 GHz, 92-94 GHz, and 94.1-95 GHz bands used in the equation in paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section applies only to the edge of each channel, but not to sub-channels established by licensees. The value of P in the equation is for the percentage removed from the carrier frequency and assumes that the carrier frequency is the center of the actual bandwidth used. The value of B will always be 500 MHz. In the case where a narrower sub-channel is used within the assigned bandwidth, such sub-carrier will be located sufficiently far from the channel edges to satisfy the emission levels of the mask. The mean output power used in the calculation is the sum of the output power of a fully populated channel.

(vi)(A) In order to protect Federal Earth Exploration-Satellite Service (passive), aeronautical and maritime endpoints in motion operating in the 70 and 80 GHz bands must comply with the following limits:

(1) Ground-to-air transmissions shall not exceed an unwanted emission level of -38.5 dBW per 100 MHz in any portion of the 86-92 GHz passive band;

(2) Air-to-air, ship-to-shore, and aerostat-to-shore transmissions shall not exceed an unwanted emission level of −29.7 dBW per 100 MHz in any portion of the 86-92 GHz passive band.

(B) Any changes to system specifications, operations, or deployment scenarios for aeronautical or maritime end points in motion shall be pre-coordinated with NTIA and affected Federal agencies, and licensees of aeronautical or maritime end points in motion must cooperate fully with any updates to the required unwanted emission limits that may result from these modifications.

(3) For Digital Termination System channels used in the Digital Electronic Message Service (DEMS) operating in the 10,550-10,680 MHz band:

(i) In any 4 KHz band, the center frequency of which is removed from the edge of the DEMS channel by up to and including 1.125 times the DEMS subchannel bandwidth: As specified by the following equation may in no event be less than 50 + 10 log10 N decibels:

A = 50 + 0.0333(F − 0.5B) + 10 log10 N decibels Where: A = Attenuation (in decibels) below means output power level contained within the DEMS channel for a given polarization. B = Bandwidth of DEMS channel (in KHz). F = Absolute value of the difference between the center frequency of the 4 KHz band measured and the center frequency of the DEMS channel (in KHz). N = Number of active subchannels of the given polarization within the DEMS channel.

(ii) In any 4 KHz band within the authorized DEMS band the center frequency of which is removed from the center frequency of the DEMS channel by more than the sum of 50% of the DEMS channel bandwidth plus 1.125 times the subchannel bandwidth: As specified by the following equation but in no event less than 80 decibels:

A = 80 + 10 log10 N decibels

(iii) In any 4 KHz band the center frequency of which is outside the authorized DEMS band: At least 43 + 10 log10 (mean output power in watts) decibels.

(4) For DEMS channels in the 17,700-19,700 MHz band:

(i) In any 4 KHz band, the center frequency of which is removed from the frequency of the center of the DEMS channel by more than 50 percent of the DEMS channel bandwidth up to and including 50 percent plus 500 KHz: As specified by the following equation but in no event be less than 50 + 10 log10 N decibels:

A = 50 + 0.06(F −0.5B) + 10 log10 N decibels Where: A = Attenuation (in decibels) below means output power level contained within the DEMS channel for a given polarization. B = Bandwidth of DEMS channel (in KHz). F = Absolute value of the difference between the center frequency of the 4 KHz band measured and the center frequency of the DEMS channel (in KHz). N = Number of active subchannels of the given polarization within the DEMS channel.

(ii) In any 4 KHz band within the authorized DEMS band, the center frequency of which is removed from the center frequency of the DEMS channel by more than the sum of 50 percent of the channel bandwidth plus 500 KHz: As specified by the following equation but in no event less than 80 decibels:

A = 80 + 10 log10 N decibels

(iii) In any 4 KHz band the center frequency of which is outside the authorized Digital Message Service band: At least 43 + 10 log10 (mean output power in watts) decibels.

(5) When using transmissions employing digital modulation techniques on the 900 MHz multiple address frequencies with a 12.5 KHz bandwidth, the power of any emission must be attenuated below the unmodulated carrier power of the transmitter (P) in accordance with the following schedule:

(i) On any frequency removed from the center of the authorized bandwidth by a displacement frequency (fd in KHz) of more than 2.5 KHz up to and including 6.25 KHz: At least 53 log10 (fd/2.5) decibels;

(ii) On any frequency removed from the center of the authorized bandwidth by a displacement frequency (fd in KHz) of more than 6.25 KHz up to and including 9.5 KHz: At least 103 log10 (fd/3.9) decibels;

(iii) On any frequency removed from the center of the authorized bandwidth by a displacement frequency (fd in KHz) of more than 9.5 KHz up to and including 15 KHz: At least 157 log10 (fd/5.3) decibels; and

(iv) On any frequency removed from the center of the authorized bandwidth by a displacement frequency greater than 15 KHz: At least 50 plus 10 log10(P) or 70 decibels, whichever is the lesser attenuation.

(6) When using transmissions employing digital modulation techniques on the 900 MHz multiple address frequencies with a bandwidth greater than 12.5 KHz, the power of any emission must be attenuated below the unmodulated carrier power of the transmitter (P) in accordance with the following schedule:

(i) On any frequency removed from the center of the authorized bandwidth by a displacement frequency (fd in KHz) of more than 5 KHz up to and including 10 KHz: At least 83 log10 (fd/5) decibels;

(ii) On any frequency removed from the center of the authorized bandwidth by a displacement frequency (fd in KHz) of more than 10 KHz up to and including 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth: At least 116 log10 (fd/6.1) decibels or 50 plus 10 log10 (P) or 70 decibels, whichever is the lesser attenuation; and

(iii) On any frequency removed from the center of the authorized bandwidth by more that 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth: At least 43 plus 10 log10 (output power in watts) decibels or 80 decibels, whichever is the lesser attenuation.

(b) When an emission outside of the authorized bandwidth causes harmful interference, the Commission may, at its discretion, require greater attenuation than specified in paragraph (a) of this section.

(c) The emission of an unmodulated carrier is prohibited except for test purposes as required for proper station and system maintenance.

(d) Interference to passive sensors. These limitations are necessary to minimize the probability of harmful interference to reception in the 10.6-10.68 GHz and 31-31.3 GHz bands onboard space stations in the Earth exploration-satellite service (passive).

(1) 10.6-10.68 GHz. (i) Fixed stations are restricted to point-to-point operations, with each station supplying not more than −3 dBW of transmitter power to the antenna, producing not more than 40 dBW of EIRP, and radiating at an antenna main beam elevation angle of 20° or less. Licensees holding a valid authorization on August 6, 2015 to operate in this band may continue to operate as authorized, subject to proper license renewal. Licensees are urged to:

(A) Limit the maximum transmitter power supplied to the antenna to −15 dBW; and

(B) Employ automatic transmitter power control (ATPC).

(ii) The maximum transmitter power supplied to the antenna of stations using ATPC may be increased by a value corresponding to the ATPC range, up to a maximum of −3 dBW.

(2) 31-31.3 GHz. For fixed stations authorized after August 6, 2018, the unwanted emissions power in any 100 MHz of the 31.3-31.5 GHz band shall be limited to −38 dBW (−38 dBW/100 MHz), as measured at the input to the antenna.

[61 FR 26677, May 28, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 24582, May 6, 1997; 65 FR 59358, Oct. 5, 2000; 67 FR 43038, June 26, 2002; 68 FR 4957, Jan. 31, 2003; 69 FR 3266, Jan. 23, 2004; 69 FR 31746, June 7, 2004; 80 FR 38912, July 7, 2015; 89 FR 33259, Apr. 29, 2024]

(a) On any authorized frequency, the average power delivered to an antenna in this service must be the minimum amount of power necessary to carry out the communications desired. Application of this principle includes, but is not to be limited to, requiring a licensee who replaces one or more of its antennas with larger antennas to reduce its antenna input power by an amount appropriate to compensate for the increased primary lobe gain of the replacement antenna(s). In no event shall the average equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP), as referenced to an isotropic radiator, exceed the values specified below. In cases of harmful interference, the Commission may, after notice and opportunity for hearing, order a change in the effective radiated power of this station. Further, the output power of a transmitter on any authorized frequency in this service may not exceed the following:

(b) The power of transmitters that use Automatic Transmitter Power Control shall not exceed the power input or output specified in the instrument of station authorization. The power of non-ATPC transmitters shall be maintained as near as practicable to the power input or output specified in the instrument of station authorization.

(c)(1) Transmitter power limitations. Point-to-point stations in the 29.1-29.25 GHz band for the LMDS backbone between LMDS hubs shall be limited to a maximum allowable e.i.r.p. density per carrier of 23 dBW/MHz in any one megahertz in clear air, and may exceed this limit by employment of adaptive power control in cases where link propagation attenuation exceeds the clear air value due to precipitation and only to the extent that the link is impaired.

(2) Hub transmitter EIRP spectral area, density limit. LMDS applicants shall demonstrate that, under clear air operating conditions, the maximum aggregate of LMDS transmitting hub stations in a Basic Trading Area in the 29.1-29.25 GHz band will not transmit a co-frequency hub-to-subscriber e.i.r.p. spectral area density in any azimuthal direction in excess of X dBW/(MHz-km 2) when averaged over any 4.375 MHz band, where X is defined in Table 1. Individual hub stations may exceed their clear air e.i.r.p.s by employment of adaptive power control in cases where link propagation attenuation exceeds the clear air value and only to the extent that the link is impaired.

(i) The e.i.r.p. aggregate spectral area density is calculated as follows:

$$ where: N = number of co-frequency hubs in BTA. A = Area of BTA in km 2. pi = spectral power density into antenna of i-th hub (in W/MHz). gi = gain of i-th hub antenna at zero degree elevation angle. Each pi and gi are in the same 1 MHz within the designated frequency band.

(ii) The climate zones in Table 1 are defined for different geographic locations within the US as shown in Appendix 28 of the ITU Radio Regulations.

(3) Hub transmitter e.i.r.p. spectral area density limit at elevation angles above the horizon. LMDS applicants shall demonstrate that, under clear air operating conditions, the maximum aggregate of LMDS transmitting hub stations in a Basic Trading Area in the 29.1-29.25 GHz band will not transmit a co-frequency hub-to-subscriber e.i.r.p. spectral area density in any azimuthal direction in excess of X dBW/(MHz-km 2) when averaged over any 4.375 MHz band where X is defined in Table 2. Individual hub stations may exceed their clear air e.i.r.p.s by employment of adaptive power control in cases where link propagation attenuation exceeds the clear air value and only to the extent that the link is impaired.

(i) The e.i.r.p. aggregate spectral area density is calculated as follows:

$$ where: N = number of co-frequency hubs in BTA. A = Area of BTA in km 2. e.i.r.p. (ai) = equivalent isotropic radiated spectral power density of the i-th hub (in W/MHz) at elevation angle a where a is the angle in degrees of elevation above horizon. e.i.r.p.(0°) is the hub e.i.r.p. area density at the horizon used in Section 101.113c(2). The nominal antenna pattern will be used for elevation angles between 0° and 8°, and average levels will be used for angles beyond 8°, where average levels will be calculated by sampling the antenna patterns in each 1° interval between 8° and 9015, dividing by 83.

(ii) LMDS system licensees in two or more BTAs may individually or collectively deviate from the spectral area density computed above by averaging the power over any 200 km by 400 km area, provided that the aggregate interference to the satellite receiver is no greater than if the spectral area density were as specified in Table 1. A showing to the Commission comparing both methods of computation is required and copies shall be served on any affected non-GSO MSS providers.

(4) Power reduction techniques. LMDS hub transmitters shall employ methods to reduce average power levels received by non-geostationary mobile satellite receivers, to the extent necessary to comply with paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this section, by employing the methods set forth below:

(i) Alternate polarizations. LMDS hub transmitters in the LMDS service area may employ both vertical and horizontal linear polarizations such that 50 percent (plus or minus 10 percent) of the hub transmitters shall employ vertical polarization and 50 percent (plus or minus 10 percent) shall employ horizontal polarization.

(ii) Frequency interleaving. LMDS hub transmitters in the LMDS service area may employ frequency interleaving such that 50 percent (plus or minus 10 percent) of the hub transmitters shall employ channel center frequencies which are different by one-half the channel bandwidth of the other 50 percent (plus or minus 10 percent) of the hub transmitters.

(iii) Alternative methods. As alternatives to paragraphs (c)(4)(i) and (c)(4)(ii) of this section, LMDS operators may employ such other methods as may be shown to achieve equivalent reductions in average power density received by non-GSO MSS satellite receivers.

[61 FR 26677, May 28, 1996] Editorial Note:For Federal Register citations affecting § 101.113, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.

Link to an amendment published at 89 FR 33259, Apr. 29, 2024.

(a) Unless otherwise authorized upon specific request by the applicant, each station authorized under the rules of this part must employ a directional antenna adjusted with the center of the major lobe of radiation in the horizontal plane directed toward the receiving station with which it communicates: provided, however, where a station communicates with more than one point, a multi- or omni-directional antenna may be authorized if necessary. New Periscope antenna systems will not, under ordinary circumstances, be authorized.

(b) Fixed stations (other than temporary fixed stations and DEMS nodal stations) operating at 932.5 MHz or higher must employ transmitting and receiving antennas (excluding second receiving antennas for operations such as space diversity) meeting the appropriate performance Standard A indicated below, except that in areas not subject to frequency congestion, antennas meeting performance Standard B may be used, subject to the requirements set forth in paragraph (d) of this section. For frequencies with a Standard B1 and a Standard B2, in order to comply with Standard B an antenna must fully meet either Standard B1 or Standard B2. Licensees shall comply with the antenna standards table shown in this paragraph in the following manner:

(1) With either the maximum beamwidth to 3 dB points requirement or with the minimum antenna gain requirement; and

(2) With the minimum radiation suppression to angle requirement.

(c) The Commission shall require the replacement of any antenna or periscope antenna system of a permanent fixed station operating at 932.5 MHz or higher that does not meet performance Standard A specified in paragraph (c) of this section, at the expense of the licensee operating such antenna, upon a showing that said antenna causes or is likely to cause interference to (or receive interference from) any other authorized or applied for station whereas a higher performance antenna is not likely to involve such interference. Antenna performance is expected to meet the standards of paragraph (c) of this section for parallel polarization. For cases of potential interference, an antenna will not be considered to meet Standard A unless the parallel polarization performance for the discrimination angle involved meets the requirements, even if the cross-polarization performance controls the interference.

(d) In cases where passive reflectors are employed in conjunction with transmitting antenna systems, the foregoing paragraphs of this section also will be applicable. However, in such instances, the center of the major lobe of radiation from the antenna normally must be directed at the passive reflector, and the center of the major lobe of radiation from the passive reflector directed toward the receiving station with which it communicates.

(e) Periscope antennas used at an electric power facility plant area will be excluded from the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section on a case-by-case basis where technical considerations or safety preclude the use of other types of antenna systems.

(f) In the 10,700-11,700 MHz band, a fixed station may employ transmitting and receiving antennas meeting performance standard B in any area. If a Fixed Service or Fixed Satellite Service licensee or applicant makes a showing that it is likely to receive interference from such fixed station and that such interference would not exist if the fixed station used an antenna meeting performance standard A, the fixed station licensee must modify its use. Specifically, the fixed station licensee must either substitute an antenna meeting performance standard A or operate its system with an EIRP reduced so as not to radiate, in the direction of the other licensee, an EIRP in excess of that which would be radiated by a station using a Category A antenna and operating with the maximum EIRP allowed by the rules. A licensee or prior applicant using an antenna that does not meet performance Standard A may object to a prior coordination notice based on interference only if such interference would be predicted to exist if the licensee or prior applicant used an antenna meeting performance standard A.

(g) In the event harmful interference is caused to the operation of other stations, the Commission may, after notice and opportunity for hearing, order changes to be made in the height, orientation, gain and radiation pattern of the antenna system.

[61 FR 26677, May 28, 1996] Editorial Note:For Federal Register citations affecting § 101.115, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.fdsys.gov.

Except as set forth herein, stations operating in the radio services included in this part are not limited as to the type of polarization of the radiated signal that may be employed. However, in the event interference in excess of permissible levels is caused to the operation of other stations as a result of employing other than linear polarization, the Commission may order a licensee to change its system polarization to mitigate the interference. No change in polarization may be made without prior authorization from the Commission. Unless otherwise allowed, only linear polarization (horizontal and vertical) shall be used. For LMDS systems, unless otherwise authorized, system operators are permitted to use any polarization within its service area, but only vertical and/or horizontal polarization for antennas located within 20 kilometers of the outermost edge of their service area.

[68 FR 4957, Jan. 31, 2003]

The simultaneous use of common antenna structures by more than one radio station, or by one of more domestic public radio stations and one or more stations of any other class or service, may be authorized: provided, however, that each licensee or user of any such structure is responsible for maintaining the structure, and for painting and illuminating the structure when obstruction marking is required by the Commission. (See § 101.21(a).)

The overall antenna structure heights employed by mobile stations in the Local Television Transmission Service and by stations authorized to operate at temporary fixed locations may not exceed the height criteria set forth in § 17.7 of this chapter, unless in each instance, authorization for use of a specific maximum antenna height (above ground and above mean sea level) for each location has been obtained from the Commission prior to erection of the antenna. Requests for such authorization must show the inclusive dates of the proposed operation. (Complete information as to rules concerning the construction, marking and lighting of antenna structures is contained in part 17 of this chapter.)

(a) The applicant must determine, prior to filing an application for a radio station authorization, that the antenna site specified therein is adequate to render the service proposed. In cases of questionable antenna locations, it is desirable to conduct propagation tests to indicate the field intensity which may be expected in the principal areas or at the fixed points of communication to be served, particularly where severe shadow problems may be expected. In considering applications proposing the use of such locations, the Commission may require site survey tests to be made pursuant to an experimental license under part 5 of this chapter. In such cases, propagation tests should be conducted in accordance with recognized engineering methods and should be made with a transmitting antenna simulating, as near as possible, the proposed antenna installation. Full data obtained from such surveys and its analysis, including a description of the methods used and the name, address and qualifications of the engineer making the survey, must be supplied to the Commission.

(b) In the 12.2-12.7 GHz band, licensees must not locate MVDDS transmitting antennas within 10 km of any qualifying NGSO FSS receiver unless mutual agreement is obtained between the MVDDS and NGSO FSS licensees. Such agreements must be retained by the licensees and made available for inspection by interested parties upon request.

(1) A qualifying NGSO FSS receiver, for the purposes of this section, is deemed to be one that is in regular use by an NGSO FSS subscriber for normal reception purposes in the 12.2-12.7 GHz band and not one for monitoring or testing purposes. In addition, qualifying receivers must either be in operation on the date or already be under construction and then operating within thirty days of the date that the MVDDS licensee notifies the NGSO FSS licensee of its intent to construct a new MVDDS transmitting antenna at a specified location.

(2) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, the 10 kilometer spacing requirement for each MVDDS transmitting antenna site shall not apply with respect to NGSO FSS receivers that might be installed or become operational (except for those under construction and operating within thirty days as specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section) subsequent to the original date that the MVDDS licensee provided notice of its intention to construct a given transmission facility.

(3) In the event that a proposed MVDDS transmitting antenna for which notice has been duly given to the NGSO FSS licensees has not been placed in normal operation within one calendar year of the date of notice, then the MVDDS licensee loses the benefit of the original notice. Upon such anniversary, the MVDDS licensee must re-determine compliance with the minimum 10 kilometer spacing requirement based upon locations of qualifying NGSO FSS receivers on that anniversary date. A new determination of compliance with the spacing requirement shall be made for each succeeding anniversary of non-operation for each proposed MVDDS transmission site or additional antenna. This provision contemplates that failure to commence normal operation at a given MVDDS transmitting antenna site within one year of the date of NGSO FSS notification may require successive relocations of the proposed transmitter site in order to meet the minimum spacing distance as determined on each anniversary of non-operation.

[61 FR 26677, May 28, 1996, as amended at 63 FR 68983, Dec. 14, 1998; 67 FR 43038, June 26, 2002; 78 FR 25176, Apr. 29, 2013]

(a) The equipment at the operating and transmitting positions must be so installed and protected that it is not accessible to, or capable of being operated by, persons other than those duly authorized by the licensee.

(b) In any case where the maximum modulating frequency of a transmitter is prescribed by the Commission, the transmitter must be equipped with a low-pass or band-pass modulation filter of suitable performance characteristics. In those cases where a modulation limiter is employed, the modulation filter must be installed between the transmitter stage in which limiting is effected and the modulated stage of the transmitter.

(c) Each transmitter employed in these services must be equipped with an appropriately labeled pilot lamp or meter which will provide continuous visual indication at the transmitter when its control circuits have been placed in a condition to activate the transmitter. In addition, facilities must be provided at each transmitter to permit the transmitter to be turned on and off independently of any remote control circuits associated therewith.

(d) At each transmitter control point the following facilities must be installed:

(1) A carrier operated device which will provide continuous visual indication when the transmitter is radiating, or, in lieu thereof, a pilot lamp or meter which will provide continuous visual indication when the transmitter control circuits have been placed in a condition to activate the transmitter; and

(2) Facilities which will permit the operator to turn transmitter carrier on and off at will.

(e) Transmitter control circuits from any control point must be so installed that grounding or shorting any line in the control circuit will not cause the transmitter to radiate: provided, however, That this provision will not be applicable to control circuits of stations which normally operate with continuous radiation or to control circuits which are under the effective operational control of responsible operating personnel 24 hours per day.

(a) Transmitters licensed for operation in Common Carrier services may be concurrently licensed or used for non-common carrier communication purposes. Mobile units may be concurrently licensed or used for non-common carrier communication purposes provided that the transmitter is certificated for use in each service.

(b) Private operational fixed point-to-point microwave stations authorized in this service may communicate with associated operational-fixed stations and fixed receivers and with units of associated stations in the mobile service licensed under Private Radio Service rule parts. In addition, intercommunication is permitted with other licensed stations and with U.S. Government stations in those cases which require cooperation or coordination of activities or when cooperative use arrangements in accordance with § 101.135 are contemplated; provided, however, that where communication is desired with stations authorized to operate under the authority of a foreign jurisdiction, prior approval of this Commission must be obtained; And provided further, That the authority under which such other stations operate does not prohibit the intercommunication.

(c) Two or more persons or governmental entities eligible for private operational fixed point-to-point microwave licenses may use the same transmitting equipment under the following terms and conditions:

(1) Each licensee complies with the general operating requirements set out in this part;

(2) Each licensee is eligible for the frequency(ies) on which the facility operates; and

(3) Each licensee must have the ability to access the transmitter(s) that it is authorized to operate under the multiple licensing arrangement.

(d) LMDS subscriber transmissions. LMDS licensees shall not operate transmitters from subscriber locations in the 29.1-29.25 GHz band.

(e) Existing private operational fixed wireless licensees applying to become common carrier wireless licensees shall comply with all provisions of the Communications Act and the Commission's rules. Applicants must take all required filings, including FCC Form 601, and receive all necessary Commission approval prior to operating as a common carrier wireless licensee. The regulatory fee associated with FCC wireless application Form 601 is waived for applicants who are existing private operational fixed licensees seeking common carrier status, provided that such licensees have also complied with all other discontinuance requirements of Title II of the Act. Applicants are responsible for all other Commission regulatory fees.

[61 FR 26677, May 28, 1996, as amended at 61 FR 44183, Aug. 28, 1996; 63 FR 36611, July 7, 1998; 68 FR 4957, Jan. 31, 2003]

Licensees of Private Operational Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave radio stations may share the use of their facilities on a non-profit basis or may offer service on a for-profit private carrier basis, subject to the following conditions and limitations:

(a) Persons or governmental entities licensed to operate radio systems pursuant to subpart H of this part on any of the private radio frequencies set out in § 101.101 may share such systems with, or provide private carrier service to, any eligible entity for licensing under this part, regardless of individual eligibility restrictions, provided that the communications being carried are permissible under § 101.603.

(b) The licensee must maintain access to and control over all facilities authorized under its license;

(c) All sharing and private carrier arrangements must be conducted pursuant to a written agreement to be kept as part of the station records; and

(d) The licensee must keep an up-to-date list of system sharers and private carrier subscribers and the basis of their eligibility under this part. Such records must be kept current and must be made available upon request for inspection by the Commission.

(e) Applicants licensed in the MAS frequencies after June 2, 2000, shall not provide service to others on a for-profit private carrier basis in the 928-928.85/952-952.85/956.25-956.45 MHz bands and the 932.25-932.5/941.25-941.5 MHz bands.

[61 FR 26677, May 28, 1996, as amended at 65 FR 17449, Apr. 3, 2000; 65 FR 38330, June 20, 2000; 66 FR 35110, July 3, 2001; 68 FR 4958, Jan. 31, 2003]

Private operational fixed point-to-point microwave stations may be interconnected with facilities of common carriers subject to applicable tariffs.

(a) Unless specified otherwise, transmitters used in the private operational fixed and common carrier fixed point-to-point microwave and point-to-multipoint services under this part must be a type that has been approved for compliance under Supplier's Declaration of Conformity.

Note 1 to paragraph (a):

The verification procedure has been replaced by Supplier's Declaration of Conformity. Equipment previously authorized under subpart J of part 2 of this chapter may remain in use. See § 2.950 of this chapter.

(b) Any transmitter to be produced for use under the rules of this part may be approved under the equipment authorization procedures set forth in part 2 of this chapter.

(c) Certification for an individual transmitter may also be requested by an applicant for a station authorization, pursuant to the procedures set forth in part 2 of this chapter.

(d) A transmitter presently shown on an instrument of authorization, which operates on an assigned frequency in the 890-940 MHz band and has not received a grant of certification, may continue to be used by the licensee without certification provided such transmitter continues otherwise to comply with the applicable requirements of this chapter.

(e) Certification or Supplier's Declaration of Conformity is not required for portable transmitters operating with peak output power not greater than 250 mW. If operation of such equipment causes harmful interference the FCC may, at its discretion, require the licensee to take such corrective action as is necessary to eliminate the interference.

(f) After July 15, 1996, the manufacturer (except for export) or importation of equipment employing digital modulation techniques in the 3700-4200, 5925-6425, 6525-6875, 10,550-10,680 and 10,700-11,700 MHz bands must meet the minimum payload capacity requirements of § 101.141.

(g) After April 1, 2005, the manufacture (except for export) or importation of equipment for operation in the 21,200-23,600 MHz band must meet:

(1) The 0.001% frequency tolerance requirement for digital systems in § 101.107(a) or the 0.03-0.003% frequency tolerance for analog systems; and

(2) For equipment employing digital modulation techniques, the minimum bit rate requirements of § 101.141(a).

(h) 71,000-76,000 MHz; 81,000-86,000 MHz. For equipment employing digital modulation techniques, the minimum bit rate requirement is 0.125 bit per second per Hz.

(i) 92,000-94,000 MHz; 94,100-95,000 MHz. For equipment employing digital modulation techniques, the minimum bit rate requirement is 1.0 bit per second per Hz.

[63 FR 36611, July 7, 1998, as amended at 65 FR 59358, Oct. 5, 2000; 67 FR 43038, June 26, 2002; 68 FR 4958, Jan. 31, 2003; 70 FR 29998, May 25, 2005; 82 FR 50838, Nov. 2, 2017]

(a) Microwave transmitters employing digital modulation techniques and operating below 25.25 GHz (except for MVDDS stations in the 12,200-12,700 MHz band) must, with appropriate multiplex equipment, comply with the following additional requirements:

(1) The bit rate, in bits per second, must be equal to or greater than the bandwidth specified by the emission designator in Hertz (e.g., to be acceptable, equipment transmitting at a 20 Mb/s rate must not require a bandwidth of greater than 20 MHz), except the bandwidth used to calculate the minimum rate may not include any authorized guard band.

(i) Stations authorized prior to December 1, 1988 may install equipment after that date with no minimum bit rate. Equipment applied for or authorized prior to April 1, 2005 in the 21.2-23.6 GHz band may be installed with no minimum bit rate.

(ii) However, any digital equipment applied for after April 1, 2005 and equipment replacing existing equipment in the 21.2-23.6 GHz band must meet the bit rate standard.

(2) Equipment to be used for voice transmission placed in service, authorized, or applied for on or before June 1, 1997 in the 2110 to 2130 and 2160 to 2180 MHz bands must be capable of satisfactory operation within the authorized bandwidth to encode at least 96 voice channels. Equipment placed in service, authorized, or applied for on or before June 1, 1997 in the 3700-4200, 5925-6425 (30 MHz bandwidth), and 10,700-11,700 MHz (30 and 40 MHz bandwidths) bands must be capable of satisfactory operation within the authorized bandwidth to encode at least 1152 voice channels. These required loading levels may be reduced by a factor of 1/N provided that N transmitters may be operated satisfactorily, over the same radio path, within an authorized bandwidth less than, or equal to, the maximum authorizable bandwidth (e.g., the 1152 channel requirement may be reduced to 576 if two transmitters can be satisfactorily operated over the same path within the maximum bandwidth). Where certificated equipment is designed to operate on the same frequency in a cross polarized configuration to meet the above capacity requirements, the Commission will require, at the time additional transmitters are authorized, that both polarizations of a frequency be used before a new frequency assignment is made, unless a single transmitter installation was found to be justified by the Commission at the time it authorized the first transmitter.

(3)(i) Except as noted in paragraph (a)(7) of this section, the payload capacity of equipment shall meet the following minimum efficiency standards:

(ii) Traffic loading payload shall exceed 50 percent of payload capacity within 30 months of licensing. During anomalous signal fading, licensees subject to the capacity and loading requirements may adjust to a modulation specified in their authorization if such modulation is necessary to allow licensees to maintain communications, even if the modulation will not comply with the capacity and loading requirements specified in this paragraph. Links that must comply with the capacity and loading requirements that use equipment capable of adjusting modulation must be designed using generally accepted multipath fading and rain fading models to meet the specified capacity and loading requirements at least 99.95% of the time, in the aggregate of both directions in a two-way link.

(4) If a transmitter is authorized to operate in a bandwidth that is not listed in paragraph (a)(3) of this section, it must meet the minimum payload capacity and traffic loading requirements of the next largest channel bandwidth listed in the table; e.g., if the authorized bandwidth is 3.5 MHz, the minimum payload capacity must be 12.3 Mbits/s.

(5) Transmitters carrying digital motion video motion material are exempt from the requirements specified in paragraphs (a)(2) and (a)(3) of this section, provided that at least 50 percent of the payload is digital video motion material and the minimum bit rate specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section is met. In the 6, 10, and 11 GHz bands, concatenation of multiple contiguous channels is permitted for channels of equal bandwidth on center frequencies, provided no other channels are available and the minimum payload capacity requirements are met.

(6) Digital systems using bandwidths of 10 MHz or larger will be considered 50 percent loaded when at least 50 percent of their total capacity is being used. For purposes of this subsection, a Fixed Service channel is being used if it is attached to a communications system that is capable of providing data to it at a rate that is sufficient to occupy at least 50 percent of the payload capacity of the Fixed Service channel, after header compression is applied.

(7) Equipment placed in service after June 1, 1997 and prior to October 5, 2012 may comply with the provisions of § 101.141(a)(3) in effect as of the date the equipment was placed in service.

(b) For purposes of compliance with the emission limitation requirements of § 101.111(a)(2) and the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, digital modulation techniques are considered as being employed when digital modulation occupies 50 percent or more to the total peak frequency deviation of a transmitted radio frequency carrier. The total peak frequency deviation will be determined by adding the deviation produced by the digital modulation signal and the deviation produced by any frequency division multiplex (FDM) modulation used. The deviation (D) produced by the FDM signal must be determined in accordance with § 2.202(f) of this chapter.

(c) Analog Modulation. Except for video transmission, an application for an initial working channel for a given route will not be accepted for filing where the anticipated loading (within five years for voice, or other period subject to reasonable projection) is less than the minimum specified for the following frequency bands. Absent extraordinary circumstances, applications proposing additional frequencies over existing routes will not be granted unless it is shown that the traffic load will shortly exhaust the capacity of the existing equipment. Where no construction of radio facilities is requested, licensees must submit this evidence with their filing of any necessary authority required pursuant to section 214 of the Communications Act and part 63 of this chapter.

[61 FR 26677, May 28, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 24583, May 6, 1997; 63 FR 36611, July 7, 1998; 65 FR 59358, Oct. 5, 2000; 67 FR 43039, June 26, 2002; 68 FR 4958, Jan. 31, 2003; 76 FR 59572, Sept. 27, 2011; 77 FR 54433, Sept. 5, 2012]

(a) The distance between end points of a fixed link in the private operational fixed point-to-point and the common carrier fixed point-to-point microwave services must equal or exceed the value set forth in the table below or the EIRP must be reduced in accordance with the equation set forth below:

(b) For paths shorter than those specified in the table in paragraph (a) of this section, the EIRP shall not exceed the value derived from the following equation:

EIRP = MAXEIRP-40*log(A/B) dBW Where: EIRP = The new maximum EIRP (equivalent isotropically radiated power) in dBW. MAXEIRP = Maximum EIRP as set forth in the Table in Section 101.113(a). A = Minimum path length from the Table above for the frequency band in kilometers. B = The actual path length in kilometers. Note to paragraph (b):

For transmitters using Automatic Transmitter Power Control, EIRP corresponds to the maximum transmitter power available, not the coordinated transmit power or the nominal transmit power.

(c) Upon an appropriate technical showing, applicants and licensees unable to meet the minimum path length requirement may be granted an exception to these requirements.

Note to paragraph (c):

Links authorized prior to April 1, 1987, need not comply with this requirement.

[61 FR 26677, May 28, 1996, as amended at 65 FR 38330, June 20, 2000]

These limitations are necessary to minimize the probability of harmful interference to reception in the bands 2655-2690 MHz, 5925-7075 MHz, and 12.7-13.25 GHz on board geostationary-space stations in the fixed-satellite service.

(a) Stations authorized prior to July 1, 1976 in the band 2655-2690 MHz, which exceed the power levels in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section are permitted to operate indefinitely, provided that the operation of such stations does not result in harmful interference to reception in these bands on board geostationary space stations.

(b) 2655 to 2690 MHz and 5925 to 7075 MHz. No directional transmitting antenna utilized by a fixed station operating in these bands with EIRP greater than 35 dBW may be aimed within 2 degrees of the geostationary-satellite orbit, taking into account atmospheric refraction. However, exception may be made in unusual circumstances upon a showing that there is no reasonable alternative to the transmission path proposed. If there is no evidence that such exception would cause possible harmful interference to an authorized satellite system, said transmission path may be authorized on waiver basis where the maximum value of the equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) does not exceed:

(1) + 47 dBW for any antenna beam directed within 0.5 degrees of the stationary satellite orbit; or

(2) + 47 to + 55 dBW, on a linear decibel scale (8 dB per degree) for any antenna beam directed between 0.5 degrees and 1.5 degrees of the stationary orbit.

(c) 12.7 to 13.25 GHz. No directional transmitting antenna utilized by a fixed station operating in this band with EIRP greater than 45 dBW may be aimed within 1.5 degrees of the geostationary-satellite orbit, taking into account atmospheric refraction.

(d) Methods for calculating the azimuths to be avoided may be found in: CCIR Report No. 393 (Green Books), New Delhi, 1970; in “Radio-Relay Antenna Pointing for controlled Interference With Geostationary-Satellites” by C. W. Lundgren and A. S. May, Bell System Technical Journal, Vol. 48, No. 10, pp. 3387-3422, December 1969; and in “Geostationary Orbit Avoidance Computer Program” by Richard G. Gould, Common Carrier Bureau Report CC-7201, FCC, Washington, DC, 1972. This latter report is available through the National Technical Information Service, U.S. Department of Commerce, Springfield, VA 22151, in printed form (PB-211 500) or source card deck (PB-211 501).

[61 FR 26677, May 28, 1996, as amended at 65 FR 38330, June 20, 2000; 68 FR 12777, Mar. 17, 2003; 77 FR 54433, Sept. 5, 2012]

(a) Frequencies in the following bands are available for assignment for fixed microwave services.

928.0-929.0 MHz (28) 932.0-932.5 MHz (27) 932.5-935 MHz (17) 941.0-941.5 MHz (27) 941.5-944 MHz (17) (18) 952.0-960.0 MHz (28) 1,850-1,990 MHz (20) (22) 2,110-2,130 MHz) (1) (3) (7) (20) (23) 2,130-2,150 MHz (20) (22) 2,160-2,180 MHz (1) (2) (20) (23) 2,180-2,200 MHz (20) (22) 2,450-2,500 MHz (12) 2,650-2,690 MHz 3,700-4,200 MHz (8) (14) (25) 5,925-6,425 MHz (6) (14) (25) 6,425-6,525 MHz (24) 6,525-6.875 MHz (14) (33) 6,875-7,125 MHz (10), (34) 10,550-10,680 MHz (19) 10,700-11,700 MHz (8) (9) (19) (25) 11,700-12,200 MHz (24) 12,200-12,700 MHz (31) 12,700-13,200 (22), (34) 13,200-13,250 MHz (4) (24) (25) 14,200-14,400 MHz (24) 17,700-18,820 MHz (5) (10) (15) 17,700-18,300 MHz (10) (15) 18,820-18,920 MHz (22) 18,300-18,580 MHz (5) (10) (15) 18,580-19,300 MHz (22) (30) 18,920-19,160 MHz (5 (10) (15) 19,160-19,260 MHz (22) 19,260-19,700 MHz (5) (10) (15) 19,300-19,700 MHz (5) (10) (15) 21,200-22,000 MHz (4) (11) (12) (13) (24) (25) (26) 22,000-23,600 MHz (4) (11) (12) (24) (25) (26) 24,250-25,250 MHz 29,100-29,250 MHz (5), (16) 31,000-31,300 MHz (16) 42,000-42,500 MHz 71,000-76,000 MHz (5) (17) 81,000-86,000 MHz (5) (17) 92,000-94,000 MHz (17) 94,100-95,000 MHz (17) Notes

(1) Frequencies in this band are shared with control and repeater stations in the Public Mobile Services and with stations in the International Fixed Public Radio communication Services located south of 25°30′ north latitude in the State of Florida and U. S. possessions in the Caribbean area. Additionally, the band 2160-2162 MHz is shared with stations in the Multipoint Distribution Service.

(2) Except upon showing that no alternative frequencies are available, no new assignments will be made in the band 2160-2162 MHz for stations located within 80.5 kilometers (50 miles) of the coordinates of the cities listed in § 21.901(c) of this chapter.

(3) Television transmission in this band is not authorized and radio frequency channel widths may not exceed 3.5 MHz.

(4) Frequencies in this band are shared with fixed and mobile stations licensed in other services.

(5) Frequencies in this band are shared with stations in the fixed-satellite service.

(6) These frequencies are not available for assignment to mobile earth stations.

(7) Frequencies in the band 2110-2120 MHz may be authorized on a case-by-case basis to Government or non-Government space research earth stations for telecommand purposes in connection with deep space research.

(8) This frequency band is shared with station(s) in the Local Television Transmission Service for locations outside the contiguous United States and applications for new permanent or temporary facilities in this band will not be accepted for locations in the contiguous United States. Existing licensees as of April 19, 2018, for permanent and temporary point-to-point Fixed Service links in the contiguous United States have until December 5, 2023, to self-relocate their point-to-point links out of the 3,700-4,200 MHz band. This frequency band is also shared in the U.S. Possessions in the Caribbean area, with stations in the International Fixed Public Radiocommunications Services.

(9) The band segments 10.95-11.2 and 11.45-11.7 GHz are shared with space stations (space to earth) in the fixed-satellite service.

(10) This band is co-equally shared with stations in the fixed services under parts 74, 78 and 101 of this chapter.

(11) Frequencies in this band are shared with Government stations.

(12) Frequencies in this band are available for assignment to the common carrier and private-operational fixed point-to-point microwave services.

(13) Frequencies in this band are shared with stations in the earth exploration satellite service (space to earth).

(14) Frequencies in this band are shared with stations in the fixed satellite service. For 3,700-4,200 MHz, frequencies are only available for locations outside the contiguous United States and applications for new permanent or temporary facilities in this band will not be accepted for locations in the contiguous United States. Existing licensees as of April 19, 2018, of permanent and temporary point-to-point Fixed Service links in the contiguous United States have until December 5, 2023, to self-relocate their point-to-point links out of the 3,700-4,200 MHz.

(15) Stations licensed as of September 9, 1983 to use frequencies in the 17.7-19.7 GHz band may, upon proper application, continue to be authorized for such operation.

(16) As of June 30, 1997, frequencies in these bands are available for assignment only to LMDS radio stations, except for non-LMDS radio stations authorized pursuant to applications refiled no later than June 26, 1998.

(17) Frequencies in these bands are shared with Government fixed stations and stations in the Private Operational Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service (part 101).

(18) Frequencies in the 942 to 944 MHz band are also shared with broadcast auxiliary stations.

(19) Frequencies in this band are shared with stations in the private-operational fixed point-to-point microwave service.

(20) New facilities in these bands will be licensed only on a secondary basis. Facilities licensed or applied for before January 16, 1992, are permitted to make minor modifications in accordance with § 101.81 and retain their primary status.

(21) Any authorization of additional stations to use the 2160-2162 MHz band for Multipoint Distribution Service applied for after January 16, 1992, will be secondary to use of the band for emerging technology services.

(22) Frequencies in these bands are for the exclusive use of Private Operational Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service (part 101). Frequencies in the 12,700-13,200 MHz band, which were available only to stations authorized in the 12,200-12,700 MHz band as of September 9, 1983, are not available for new facilities.

(23) Frequencies in these bands are for the exclusive use of Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave Service (part 101).

(24) Frequencies in these bands are available for assignment to television pickup and television non-broadcast pickup stations. The maximum power for the local television transmission service in the 14.2-14.4 GHz band is + 45 dBW except that operations are not permitted within 1.5 degrees of the geostationary orbit. Beginning March 1, 2005, no new LTTS operators will be licensed and no existing LTTS licenses shall be issued in the 11.7-12.2 and 14.2-14.4 GHz bands.

(25) Frequencies in these bands are available for assignment to television STL stations. For 3,700-4,200 MHz, frequencies are only available for locations outside the contiguous United States and applications for new permanent or temporary facilities in this band will not be accepted for locations in the contiguous United States. Existing licensees as of April 19, 2018, of permanent and temporary point-to-point Fixed Service links in the contiguous United States have until December 5, 2023, to self-relocate their point-to-point links out of the 3,700-4,200 MHz band.

(26) Frequencies from 21.8-22.0 GHz and 23.0-23.2 GHz may be authorized for low power, limited coverage systems subject to the provisions of paragraph (s)(8) of this section.

(27) Frequencies in the 932 to 932.5 MHz and 941 to 941.5 MHz bands are shared with Government fixed point-to-multipoint stations. Frequencies in these bands are paired with one another and are available for flexible use for transmission of the licensee's products and information services, excluding video entertainment material. 932.00625/941.00625 MHz to 932.24375/941.24375 MHz is licensed by Economic Area. 932.25625/941.25625 MHz to 932.49375/941.49375 MHz is licensed on a site-by-site basis.

(28) Licensees that obtain authorizations in the 928/952/956 MHz MAS bands subsequent to July 1, 1999 are limited to private internal services, as defined in § 101.1305. Incumbent operations in the 928/952/956 MHz MAS bands, as defined in § 101.1331(a), are subject to grandfather rights pursuant to § 101.1331. The 928.85-929.0 MHz and 959.85-960.0 MHz bands are licensed on a geographic area basis with no eligibility restrictions. The 928.0-928.85 MHz band paired with the 952.0-952.85 MHz band, in addition to unpaired frequencies in the 956.25-956.45 MHz band, are licensed on a site-by-site basis and used for terrestrial point-to-point and point-to-multipoint fixed and limited mobile operations. The 928.85-929.0 MHz band paired with the 959.85-960.0 MHz band is licensed by Economic Area and used for terrestrial point-to-point and point-to-multipoint fixed operations.

(29) Frequencies in this band are shared with stations in the Multipoint Distribution Service (part 21). These frequencies may be used for the transmission of the licensee's products and information services, excluding video entertainment material to the licensee's customers.

(30) The frequency band 18,580-19,300 GHz is not available for new licensees after June 8, 2000, except for low power indoor stations in the band 18,820-18,870 MHz and 19,160-19,210 MHz.

(31) This frequency band can be used for Multichannel Video Distribution and Data Service (MVDDS) shared with Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) Services on a co-primary non-harmful interference basis and on a co-primary basis with NGSO FSS satellite earth stations. Incumbent private operational fixed point-to-point licensees can also use these frequencies on a site by site basis.

(32) Frequencies in this band are shared with stations in the fixed-satellite service, subject to the conditions specified in footnote 15 of § 25.202(a)(1) of this chapter, see 47 CFR 47 25.202(a)(1) n.16.

(33) The coordination of a new 30 megahertz link in the 6,525-6,875 MHz band should be attempted only if it cannot be accommodated in the 5,925-6,425 MHz band.

(34) In the bands 6,875-7,125 MHz and 12,700-13,150 MHz, links shall not intersect with the service areas of television pickup stations.

(b) Frequencies normally available for assignment in this service are set forth with applicable limitations in the following tables: 928-960 MHz Multiple address system (MAS) frequencies are available for the point-to-multipoint and point-to-point transmission of a licensee's products or services, excluding video entertainment material, to a licensee's customer or for its own internal communications. The paired frequencies listed in this section are used for two-way communications between a master station and remote stations. Ancillary one-way communications on paired frequencies are permitted on a case-by-case basis. Ancillary communications between interrelated master stations are permitted on a secondary basis. The normal channel bandwidth assigned will be 12.5 kHz. EA licensees, however, may combine contiguous channels without limit or justification. Site-based licensees may combine contiguous channels up to 50 kHz, and more than 50 kHz only upon a showing of adequate justification. Any bandwidth (12.5 kHz, 25 kHz or greater) authorized in accordance with this section may be subdivided into narrower bandwidths to create additional (or sub) frequencies without the need to specify each discrete frequency within the specific bandwidth. Equipment that is used to create additional frequencies by narrowing bandwidth (whether authorized for a 12.5 kHz, 25 kHz or greater bandwidth) will be required to meet, at a minimum, the ±0.00015 percent tolerance requirement so that all subfrequencies will be within the emission mask. Systems licensed for frequencies in these MAS bands prior to August 1, 1975, may continue to operate as authorized until June 11, 1996, at which time they must comply with current MAS operations based on the 12.5 kHz channelization set forth in this paragraph. Systems licensed between August 1, 1975, and January 1, 1981, inclusive, are required to comply with the grandfathered 25 kHz standard bandwidth and channelization requirements set forth in this paragraph. Systems originally licensed after January 1, 1981, and on or before May 11, 1988, with bandwidths of 25 kHz and above, will be grandfathered indefinitely.

Note to paragraph (b) introductory text:

Paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(5) and Tables 1 through 7 of this section pertain to Multiple Address System (MAS) frequencies and paragraph (b)(6) and Tables 8 through 11 of this section pertain to Point-To-Point frequencies.

(1) Frequencies listed in this paragraph are designated for private internal use and are subject to site-based licensing.

(2) Frequencies listed in this paragraph are designated for private internal use and are subject to site-based licensing.

(3) Frequencies listed in this paragraph are not restricted to private internal use and are licensed by geographic area. Incumbent facilities must be protected.

(4) Frequencies listed in this paragraph are licensed by either economic area or on a site-by-site basis.

(5) Equivalent power and antenna heights for multiple address master stations:

For mobile operations the maximum ERP is 25 watts (44 dBm).

(6) Fixed point-to-point frequencies.

(c) 1850-1990 MHz. (1) 10 MHz maximum bandwidth.

(2) 5 MHz maximum bandwidth.

(d) 2130-2150 MHz; 2180-2200 MHz. 800 kHz maximum bandwidth, unless noted.

(e) [Reserved]

(f) 2450-2500 MHz. (1) This band is shared with other communications services and is not subject to protection from interference from industrial, scientific, and medical devices operating on 2450 MHz.

(2) Stations licensed in this band under this part prior to March 1, 1996, are grandfathered and may continue their authorized operations. Stations licensed in the 2483.5-2500 MHz portion of the band as of July 25, 1985, and licensees whose initial applications were filed on or before July 25, 1985, are grandfathered, and may continue operations, subject only to license renewal, on a co-primary basis with with the mobile-satellite and radiodetermination-satellite services, and in the segment 2495-2500 MHz, their operations are also on a co-primary basis with part 27 fixed and mobile except aeronautical mobile service operations.

(3) 625 KHz bandwidth channels. The normal bandwidth authorized will be 625 KHz. Upon adequate justification, additional contiguous channels may be authorized to provide up to a 2500 KHz bandwidth.

(g) [Reserved]

(h) 3,700 to 4,200 MHz outside the contiguous United States. 20 MHz maximum authorized bandwidth.

20 MHz bandwidth channels:

(i) 5,925 to 6,425 MHz. 60 MHz authorized bandwidth.

(1) 400 kHz bandwidth channels:

(2) 800 kHz bandwidth channels:

(3) 1.25 MHz bandwidth channels:

(4) 2.5 MHz bandwidth channels:

(5) 3.75 MHz bandwidth channels:

(6) 5 MHz bandwidth channels:

(7) 10 MHz bandwidth channels:

(8) 30 MHz bandwidth channels:

(9) 60 MHz bandwidth channels: 1

(j) 6,425 to 6,525 MHz: Mobile. Paired and un-paired operations permitted. Use of this spectrum for direct delivery of video programs to the general public or multi-channel cable distribution is not permitted. This band is co-equally shared with mobile stations licensed pursuant to parts 74 and 78 of the Commission's Rules. Stations not intended to be operated while in motion will be licensed under the provision of § 101.31. The following channel plans apply.

(1) 1 MHz maximum authorized bandwidth channels:

(2) 8 MHz maximum authorized bandwidth channels:

(3) 25 MHz maximum authorized bandwidth channels:

(k) 6,525 to 6,875 MHz. 10 MHz authorized bandwidth.

(1) 400 kHz bandwidth channels:

(2) 800 kHz bandwidth channels:

(3) 1.25 MHz bandwidth channels:

(4) 2.5 MHz bandwidth channels:

(5) 3.75 MHz bandwidth channels:

(6) 5 MHz bandwidth channels:

(7) 10 MHz bandwidth channels:

(8) 30 MHz bandwidth channels:

(l) 6875 to 7125 MHz. 25 MHz authorized bandwidth.

(1) 5 MHz bandwidth channels:

(2) 8.33 MHz bandwidth channels:

(3) 12.5 MHz bandwidth channels:

(4) 25 MHz bandwidth channels:

(m) 10,550 to 10,680 MHz. 5 MHz authorized bandwidth.

(1) 400 kHz bandwidth channels:

(2) 800 kHz bandwidth channels:

(3) 1.25 MHz bandwidth channels:

(4) 2.5 MHz bandwidth channels:

(5) 3.75 MHz bandwidth channels:

(6) 5 MHz bandwidth channels:

(n) Point-to-multipoint systems licensed, in operation, or applied for in the 10,550-10,680 MHz band prior to July 15, 1993, are permitted to use the DEMS frequencies noted above if they prior coordinate such usage with the necessary parties including 10 GHz point-to-point applicants and licensees. DEMS Nodal Stations shall use the band 10,565-10,615 MHz while DEMS User Stations shall use the band 10,630-10,680 MHz.

(o) 10,700 to 11,700 MHz. 80 MHz authorized bandwidth.

(1) 1.25 MHz bandwidth channels:

(2) 2.5 MHz bandwidth channels:

(3) 3.75 MHz bandwidth channels:

(4) 5 MHz bandwidth channels:

(5) 10 MHz bandwidth channels:

(6) 30 MHz bandwidth channels:

(7) 40 MHz bandwidth channels: 2

(8) 80 MHz bandwidth channels: 1

(p) 12,200 to 13,150 MHz—(1) 12,000-12,700 MHz. The Commission has allocated the 12.2-12.7 GHz band for use by the Direct Broadcast Satellite Service (DBS), the Multichannel Video Distribution and Data Service (MVDDS), and the Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit Fixed Satellite Service (NGSO FSS). MVDDS shall be licensed on a non-harmful interference co-primary basis to existing DBS operations and on a co-primary basis with NGSO FSS stations in this band. MVDDS use can be on a common carrier and/or non-common carrier basis and can use channels of any desired bandwidth up to the maximum of 500 MHz provided the EIRP does not exceed 14 dBm per 24 megahertz. Private operational fixed point-to-point microwave stations authorized after September 9, 1983, are licensed on a non-harmful interference basis to DBS and are required to make any and all adjustments necessary to prevent harmful interference to operating domestic DBS receivers. Incumbent public safety licensees shall be afforded protection from MVDDS and NGSO FSS licensees, however all other private operational fixed licensees shall be secondary to DBS, MVDDS and NGSO FSS licensees. As of May 23, 2002, the Commission no longer accepts applications for new licenses for point-to-point private operational fixed stations in this band, however, incumbent licensees and previously filed applicants may file applications for minor modifications and amendments (as defined in § 1.929 of this chapter) thereto, renewals, transfer of control, or assignment of license. Notwithstanding any other provisions, no private operational fixed point-to-point microwave stations are permitted to cause harmful interference to broadcasting-satellite stations of other countries operating in accordance with the Region 2 plan for the Broadcasting-Satellite Service established at the 1983 WARC.

(2) 12,700 to 13,150 MHz. 50 MHz authorized bandwidth.

(i) 5 MHz channels:

(ii) 8.33 MHz bandwidth channels:

(iii) 12.5 MHz bandwidth channels:

(iv) 25 MHz bandwidth channels:

(v) 50 MHz bandwidth channels:

(q) Special provisions for incumbent low power, limited coverage systems in the band segments 12.2-12.7 GHz.

(1) As of May 23, 2002, the Commission no longer accepts applications for new stations in this service and incumbent stations may remain in service provided they do not cause harmful interference to any other primary services licensed in this band as described in paragraph (p) of this section. However, incumbent licensees and previously filed applicants may file applications for minor modifications and amendments (as defined in § 1.929 of this chapter) thereto, renewals, transfer of control, or assignment of license.

(2) Prior to December 8, 2000, notwithstanding any contrary provisions in this part, the frequency pairs 12.220/12.460 GHz, 12.260/12.500 GHz, 12.300/12.540 GHz and 12.340/12.580 GHz, were authorized for low power, limited coverage systems subject to the following provisions:

(i) Maximum equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) shall be 55 dBm;

(ii) The rated transmitter output power shall not exceed 0.5 watts;

(iii) Frequency tolerance shall be maintained to within 0.01 percent of the assigned frequency;

(iv) Maximum beamwidth shall not exceed 4 degrees. However, the sidelobe suppression criteria contained in § 101.115 shall not apply, except that a minimum front-to-back ratio of 38 dB shall apply;

(v) Upon showing of need, a maximum bandwidth of 12 MHz may be authorized per frequency assigned;

(vi) Radio systems authorized under the provisions of this section shall have no more than three hops in tandem, except upon showing of need, but in any event the maximum tandem length shall not exceed 40 km (25 miles);

(vii) Interfering signals at the receiver antenna terminals of stations authorized under this section shall not exceed −90 dBm and −70 dBm respectively, for co-channel and adjacent channel interfering signals, and

(viii) Stations authorized under the provisions of this section shall provide the protection from interference specified in § 101.105 to stations operating in accordance with the provisions of this part.

(r) 17,700 to 19,700 and 24,250 to 25,250 MHz: Operation of stations using frequencies in these bands is permitted to the extent specified in this paragraph. Until November 19, 2012, stations operating in the band 18.3-18.58 GHz that were licensed or had applications pending before the Commission as of November 19, 2002 shall operate on a shared co-primary basis with other services under parts 21, 25, 74, and 78 of this chapter. Until October 31, 2011, operations in the band 19.26-19.3 GHz and low power systems operating pursuant to paragraph (r)(10) of this section shall operate on a co-primary basis. Until June 8, 2010, stations operating in the band 18.58-18.8 GHz that were licensed or had applications pending before the Commission as of June 8, 2000 may continue those operations on a shared co-primary basis with other services under parts 21, 25, 74, and 78 of this chapter. Until June 8, 2010, stations operating in the band 18.8-19.3 GHz that were licensed or had applications pending before the Commission as of September 18, 1998 may continue those operations on a shared co-primary basis with other services under parts 21, 25, 74, and 78 of this chapter. After November 19, 2012, stations operating in the band 18.3-18.58 GHz are not entitled to protection from fixed-satellite service operations and must not cause unacceptable interference to fixed-satellite service station operations. After June 8, 2010, operations in the 18.58-19.30 GHz band are not entitled to protection from fixed-satellite service operations and must not cause unacceptable interference to fixed-satellite service station operations. After November 19, 2002, no applications for new stations for 47 CFR part 101 licenses will be accepted in the 18.3-18.58 GHz band. After June 8, 2000, no applications for new stations for 47 CFR part 101 licenses will be accepted in the 18.58-19.3 GHz band. Licensees, except 24 GHz band licensees, may use either a two-way link or one frequency of a frequency pair for a one-way link and must coordinate proposed operations pursuant to the procedures required in § 101.103 of this subpart. (Note, however, that stations authorized as of September 9, 1983, to use frequencies in the band 17.7-19.7 GHz may, upon proper application, continue to be authorized for such operations, consistent with the above conditions related to the 18.58-19.3 GHz band.) Applicants for one-way spectrum from 17.7-18.58 GHz for multichannel video programming distribution are governed by paragraph (r)(6) of this section. Licensees are also allowed to use one-way (unpaired) channels in the 17.7-17.74 GHz sub-band to pair with other channels in the FS portions of the 18 GHz band where, for example, the return pair is already in use and therefore blocked or in TDD systems. Stations used for MVPD operations in the 17.7-17.8 GHz band must coordinate with the Federal Government before operating in the zones specified in § 1.924(e) of this chapter.

(1) 1.25 Megahertz maximum authorized bandwidth channels:

(2) 2 Megahertz maximum authorized bandwidth channel:

(3) 2.5 Megahertz maximum authorized bandwidth channels:

(4) 5 Megahertz maximum authorized bandwidth channels:

(5) 5 Megahertz maximum authorized bandwidth channels:

(6) MVPD use: Multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) can use any size channels for one-way operations in the 17.7-18.58 GHz band for any permissible communications specified for this band in § 101.603 provided that they have coordinated the appropriate emission designators and power, but must request contiguous spectrum (minus spectrum that is already licensed or prior coordinated in the area and thus blocked). MVPD systems must meet the efficiency requirements of § 101.141. Spectrum at 18.3-18.58 GHz is only available for grandfathered stations. See § 101.85.

(7) 10 Megahertz maximum authorized bandwidth channels:

(8) 20 Megahertz maximum authorized bandwidth channels:

(9) 30 Megahertz maximum authorized bandwidth channels:

(10) 40 Megahertz maximum authorized bandwidth channels:

(11) 50 Megahertz maximum authorized bandwidth channels:

(12) 80 Megahertz maximum authorized bandwidth channels:

(13) The following frequencies on channels 35-39 are available for point-to-multipoint systems and are available by geographic area licensing in the 24 GHz Service to be used as the licensee desires. The 24 GHz spectrum can be aggregated or disaggregated and does not have to be used in the transmit/receive manner shown except to comply with international agreements along the U.S. borders. Channels 35 through 39 are licensed in the 24 GHz Service by Economic Areas for any digital fixed service. Channels may be used at either nodal or subscriber station locations for transmit or receive but must be coordinated with adjacent channel and adjacent area users in accordance with the provisions of § 101.509 of this subpart. Stations also must comply with international coordination agreements.

(14) Special provision for low power systems in the 17,700-19,700 MHz band: Notwithstanding other provisions in 47 CFR part 101 and except for specified areas around Washington, DC, and Denver, Colorado, licensees of point-to-multipoint channel pairs 25-29 identified in paragraph (r)(13) of this section may continue to operate in accordance with the requirements of § 101.85 and may operate multiple low power transmitting devices within a defined service area. Operations are prohibited within 55 km when used outdoor and within 20 km when used indoor of the coordinates 38 deg.48′ N/76 deg.52′ W (Washington, DC area) and 39 deg.43′ N/104 deg.46′ W (Denver, Colorado area). The service area will be a 28 kilometer omni directional radius originating from specified center reference coordinates. The specified center coordinates must be no closer than 56 kilometers from any co-channel nodal station or the specified center coordinates of another co-channel system. Applicants/licensees do not need to specify the location of each individual transmitting device operating within their defined service areas. Such operations are subject to the following requirements on the low power transmitting devices:

(i) Power must not exceed one watt EIRP and 100 milliwatts transmitter output power;

(ii) A frequency tolerance of 0.001% must be maintained; and

(iii) The mean power of emissions shall be attenuated in accordance with the following schedule:

(A) In any 4 kHz band, the center frequency of which is removed from the center frequency of the assigned channel by more than 50 percent of the channel bandwidth and is within the bands 18,820-18,870 MHz or 19,160-19,210 MHz:

A = 35 + .003 (F−0.5B) dB or, 80 dB (whichever is the lesser attenuation). Where: A = Attenuation (in decibels) below output power level contained within the channel for a given polarization. B = Bandwidth of channel in kHz. F = Absolute value of the difference between the center frequency of the 4 kHz band measured at the center frequency of the channel in kHz.

(B) In any 4 kHz band the center frequency of which is outside the bands 18.820-18.870 GHz: At least 43 + 10 log P (mean output power in watts) decibels.

(iv) Low power stations authorized in the band 18.8-19.3 GHz after June 8, 2000, are restricted to indoor use only. No new licenses will be authorized for applications received after April 1, 2002.

(s) 21,200 to 23,600 MHz: 50 MHz authorized bandwidth.

(8) Special provisions for low power, limited coverage systems in the 21.8-22.0 GHz and 23.0-23.2 GHz band segments. Notwithstanding any contrary provisions in this part, the frequency band segment 21.8-22.0 GHz paired with the frequency band segment 23.0-23.2 GHz may be authorized for low power, limited coverage systems subject to the following provisions:

(i) The maximum EIRP shall be 55 dBm and the rated transmitter output power shall not exceed 0.100 Watts;

(ii) In the band segments from 21.8-22.0 GHz and 23.0-23.2 GHz, the frequency tolerance for stations authorized on or before April 1, 2005 is 0.05%. Existing licensees and pending applicants on that date may continue to operate after that date with a frequency tolerance of 0.05%, provided that it does not cause harmful interference to the operation of any other licensee. The frequency tolerance of § 101.107(a) shall apply to stations applied for after April 1, 2005;

(iii) The maximum beamwidth shall not exceed 4 degrees;

(iv) The sidelobe suppression criteria contained in § 101.115 of this part shall not apply, except that a minimum front-to-back ratio of 38 dB shall apply;

(v) Upon showing of need, a maximum bandwidth of 50 MHz may be authorized per frequency assigned;

(vi) Radio systems authorized under the provisions of this section shall have no more than five hops in tandem, except upon showing of need, but in any event the maximum tandem length shall not exceed 40 km (25 miles);

(vii) Interfering signals at the antenna terminals of station authorized under this section shall not exceed −90 dBm and −70 dBm respectively, for co-channel and adjacent channel interfering signals; and

(viii) Stations authorized under the provisions of this section shall provide the protection from interference specified in § 101.105 to stations operating in accordance with the provisions of this part.

(t) 29,100-29,250; 31,000-31,300 MHz. These frequencies are available for LMDS systems. Each assignment will be made on a BTA service area basis, and the assigned spectrum may be subdivided as desired by the licensee.

(u) 31,000-31,300 MHz. Stations licensed in this band prior to March 11, 1997, may continue their authorized operations, subject to license renewal, on the condition that harmful interference will not be caused to LMDS operations licensed in this band after June 30, 1997. Non-LMDS stations licensed after March 11, 1997, based on applications refiled no later than June 26, 1998 are unprotected and subject to harmful interference from each other and from stations licensed prior to March 11, 1997, and are licensed on a secondary basis to LMDS. In the sub-bands 31,000-31,075 MHz and 31,225-31,300 MHz, stations initially licensed prior to March 11, 1997, except in LTTS, and LMDS operations authorized after June 30, 1997, are equally protected against harmful interference from each other in accordance with the provisions of § 101.103(b). For stations, except in LTTS, permitted to relocate to these sub-bands, the following paired frequencies are available:

Note to (u):

These channels are assigned for use within a rectangular service area to be described in the application by the maximum and minimum latitudes and longitudes. Such service area must be as small as practical consistent with the local service requirements of the carrier. These frequency plans may be subdivided as desired by the licensee and used within the service area as desired without further authorization subject to the terms and conditions set forth in § 101.149. These frequencies may be assigned only where it is shown that the applicant will have reasonable projected requirements for a multiplicity of service points or transmission paths within the area.

(v) [Reserved]

(w) Fixed systems licensed, in operation, or applied for in the 3,700-4,200, 5925-6425, 6,525-6,875, 10,550-10,680, and 10,700-11,700 MHz bands prior to July 15, 1993, are permitted to use channel plans in effect prior to that date, including adding channels under those plans.

(x) Operations on other than the listed frequencies may be authorized where it is shown that the objectives or requirements of the interference criteria prescribed in § 101.105 could not otherwise be met to resolve the interference problems.

(y) Special requirements for operations in the band 29.1-29.25 GHz. (1)(i) LMDS receive stations operating on frequencies in the 29.1-29.25 GHz band within a radius of 75 nautical miles of the geographic coordinates provided by a non-GSO MSS licensee pursuant to paragraphs (c)(2) or (c)(3)(i) of this section (the “feeder link earth station complex protection zone”) shall accept any interference caused to them by such earth station complexes and shall not claim protection from such earth station complexes.

(ii) LMDS licensees operating on frequencies in the 29.1-29.25 GHz band outside a feeder link earth station complex protection zone shall cooperate fully and make reasonable efforts to resolve technical problems with the non-GSO MSS licensee to the extent that transmissions from the non-GSO MSS operator's feeder link earth station complex interfere with an LMDS receive station.

(2) No more than 15 days after the release of a public notice announcing the commencement of LMDS auctions, feeder link earth station complexes to be licensed pursuant to Section 25.257 shall be specified by a set of geographic coordinates in accordance with the following requirements: no feeder link earth station complex may be located in the top eight (8) metropolitan statistical areas (“MSAs”), ranked by population, as defined by the Office of Management and Budget as of June 1993, using estimated populations as of December 1992; two (2) complexes may be located in MSAs 9 through 25, one of which must be Phoenix, AZ (for a complex at Chandler, AZ); two (2) complexes may be located in MSAs 26 to 50; three (3) complexes may be located in MSAs 51 to 100, one of which must be Honolulu, Hawaii (for a complex at Waimea); and the three (3) remaining complexes must be located at least 75 nautical miles from the borders of the 100 largest MSAs or in any MSA not included in the 100 largest MSAs. Any location allotted for one range of MSAs may be taken from an MSA below that range.

(3)(i) Any non-GSO MSS licensee may at any time specify sets of geographic coordinates for feeder link earth station complexes with each earth station contained therein to be located at least 75 nautical miles from the borders of the 100 largest MSAs.

(ii) For purposes of paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section, non-GSO MSS feeder link earth station complexes shall be entitled to accommodation only if the affected non-GSO MSS licensee preapplies to the Commission for a feeder link earth station complex or certifies to the Commission within sixty days of receiving a copy of an LMDS application that it intends to file an application for a feeder link earth station complex within six months of the date of receipt of the LMDS application.

(iii) If said non-GSO MSS licensee application is filed later than six months after certification to the Commission, the LMDS and non-GSO MSS entities shall still cooperate fully and make reasonable efforts to resolve technical problems, but the LMDS licensee shall not be obligated to re-engineer its proposal or make changes to its system.

(4) LMDS licensees or applicants proposing to operate hub stations on frequencies in the 29.1-29.25 GHz band at locations outside of the 100 largest MSAs or within a distance of 150 nautical miles from a set of geographic coordinates specified under paragraph (c)(2) or (c)(3)(i) of this section shall serve copies of their applications on all non-GSO MSS applicants, permitees or licensees meeting the criteria specified in § 25.257(a). Non-GSO MSS licensees or applicants shall serve copies of their feeder link earth station applications, after the LMDS auction, on any LMDS applicant or licensee within a distance of 150 nautical miles from the geographic coordinates that it specified under paragraph (c)(2) or (c)(3)(i) of this section. Any necessary coordination shall commence upon notification by the party receiving an application to the party who filed the application. The results of any such coordination shall be reported to the Commission within sixty days. The non-GSO MSS earth station licensee shall also provide all such LMDS licensees with a copy of its channel plan.

(z) 71,000-76,000 MHz; 81,000-86,000 MHz; 92,000-94,000 MHz; 94,100-95,000 MHz. (1) Those applicants who are approved in accordance with FCC Form 601 will each be granted a single, non-exclusive nationwide license. Site-by-site registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration will be in the Universal Licensing System until the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau announces by public notice, the implementation of a third-party database. See 47 CFR 101.1523. Links may not operate until NTIA approval is received. Licensees may use these bands for any point-to-point non-broadcast service.

(2) Prior links shall be protected using the interference protection criteria set forth in section 101.105. For transmitters employing digital modulation techniques and operating in the 71,000-76,000 MHz or 81,000-86,000 MHz bands, the licensee must construct a system that meets a minimum bit rate of 0.125 bits per second per Hertz of bandwidth. For transmitters that operate in the 92,000-94,000 MHz or 94,100-95,000 MHz bands, licensees must construct a system that meets a minimum bit rate of 1.0 bit per second per Hertz of bandwidth. If it is determined that a licensee has not met these loading requirements, then the database will be modified to limit coordination rights to the spectrum that is loaded and the licensee will lose protection rights on spectrum that has not been loaded.

(3) The following channel plans apply to the 71,000-76,000 MHz and 81,000-86,000 MHz bands:

(i) 250 MHz authorized bandwidth.

(ii) 500 MHz authorized bandwidth.

(iii) 750 MHz authorized bandwidth.

(iv) 1 GHz authorized bandwidth.

(v) 1.25 GHz authorized bandwidth.

(vi) 1.5 GHz authorized bandwidth.

(vii) 1.75 GHz authorized bandwidth.

(viii) 2.0 GHz authorized bandwidth.

(ix) 2.25 GHz authorized bandwidth.

(x) 2.5 GHz authorized bandwidth.

(xi) 2.75 GHz authorized bandwidth.

(xii) 3 GHz authorized bandwidth.

(xiii) 3.25 GHz authorized bandwidth.

(xiv) 3.5 GHz authorized bandwidth.

(xv) 3.75 GHz authorized bandwidth.

(xvi) 4 GHz authorized bandwidth.

(xvii) 4.25 GHz authorized bandwidth.

(xviii) 4.5 GHz authorized bandwidth.

[61 FR 26677, May 28, 1996] Editorial Note:For Federal Register citations affecting § 101.147, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.