[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 39 (Monday, February 28, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page ]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-4409]
[Federal Register: February 28, 1994]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
47 CFR Part 2
[ET Docket No. 92-28; FCC 93-547]
Mobile-Satellite Service at 1610-1626.5 and 2483.5-2500 MHz
AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This Report and Order allocates the 1610-1626.5 and 2483.5-
2500 MHz bands on a co-primary basis to the mobile-satellite service
(MSS). This action responds to seven petitions for rule making that
were filed with the Commission and conforms to the international
frequency allocation that was adopted at the World Administrative Radio
Conference (WARC-92) last year. Further, this action is taken to
accommodate the need for additional mobile-satellite spectrum that can
be used to provide many new services both domestically and
internationally.
DATES: March 30, 1994.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ray LaForge, Office of Engineering and Technology, telephone (202) 653-
8117.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's Report
and Order in ET Docket No. 92-28 adopted on December 13, 1993 and
released January 12, 1994. The complete text of this Report and Order
is available for inspection and copying during normal business hours in
the FCC Public Reference Center (room 239), 1919 M Street, NW.,
Washington, DC. The complete text of this Report and Order also may be
purchased from the Commission's duplication contractor, International
Transcription Service, Inc., 2100 M Street, NW., suite 140, Washington,
DC 20036, (202) 857-3800.
Summary of Report and Order
1. In this Report and Order the Commission allocates 33 MHz of
spectrum, the 1610-1626.5 and 2483.5-2500 MHz bands, for the mobile-
satellite service (MSS). A total of 16.5 MHz, 1610-1626.5 MHz, is
provided for primary space-to-Earth (uplink) operations and 16.5 MHz,
2483.5-2500 MHz, is provided for primary Earth-to-space (downlink)
operations. Also, 12.7 MHz, 1613.8-1626.5 MHz, is allocated for
secondary MSS space-to-Earth (downlink) operations. In addition, the
Commission elevates the radio astronomy service allocation in the
1610.6-1613.8 MHz band from secondary to co-primary status.
2. The 1610-1626.5 and 2483.5-2500 MHz bands currently are
allocated to a number of other services. The radiodetermination
satellite service (RDSS), is allocated in these bands on a primary
basis but only interim RDSS systems have been authorized. See Newcomb
Communications, Inc., 8 FCC Rcd 3631 (1993); and letter to Counsel,
Mobile Data Communications, Inc. from Chief, Domestic Facilities
Division (August 19, 1993). Currently, the 1610-1626.5 MHz band is
allocated to the aeronautical radionavigation service on a co-primary
basis, and the 1610.6-1613.8 MHz segment of this band also is allocated
to the radio astronomy service (RAS) on a secondary basis. Frequencies
adjacent to the 1610-1626.5 MHz band are allocated to aeronautical
radionavigation satellite and maritime mobile satellite services.
3. The 2483.5-2500 MHz band is authorized for co-primary use by the
broadcast auxiliary service, the terrestrial fixed service, and the
industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) service. Additionally, the
frequencies adjacent to this band are allocated on a primary basis to
the instructional television fixed service (ITFS), the multi-channel
multi-point distribution service (MMDS), fixed services, mobile
services and for industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) equipment,
and to the radiolocation service on a secondary basis.
4. On August 5, 1992, we proposed to allocate these bands to the
mobile-satellite service systems, shared on a co-primary basis with the
RDSS. See 57 FR 43434 (September 21, 1992).
5. Based on the record in this proceeding, we find that there is
substantial interest in using both LEO and GEO technologies to provide
new voice and data MSS services in the subject bands. As we indicated
in the Notice, MSS LEO systems will offer significant new benefits to
both domestic and international communications users. MSS LEO systems
potentially can provide a universally available world-wide cellular-
like radiotelephone service offering voice, data, and facsimile
service. In addition, radiolocation and radionavigation applications
also can be provided.
6. Some of the new applications envisioned include: (1) personal
locator services that could be used to locate accident victims or
persons stranded because of weather or injury; (2) fleet management and
tracking services that would permit more efficient shipping and
transportation of goods, including the tracking of hazardous wastes and
material; (3) public safety services that would allow state and local
governments to use MSS to extend health and emergency services to rural
and remote areas currently unserved by traditional communications
facilities; and (4) International Services that would permit global MSS
and make modern telephone communications available to remote and
underserved areas throughout the world.
7. Further, the Commission determined that although the specific
method for sharing among systems remains to be determined, based on the
record, bi-directional operations in the 1613.8-1626.5 MHz band is
feasible, and accordingly the Commission is providing for a secondary
allocation for space-to-Earth operations in this band.
8. The Commission also concluded that MSS operations in the 1610-
1626.5 and 2483.5-2500 MHz bands should be subject to the e.i.r.p. and
power flux density levels set forth in the international Radio
Regulations. In addition, such MSS operations will be subject to the
coordination and notification procedures set forth in Resolution 46.
9. We continue to believe that, at least initially, the existing
FSS bands are sufficient to accommodate MSS feeder links. We note that
there may be difficulties in using FSS bands that generally are
congested with significant numbers of geostationary fixed-satellite
systems (GEO FSS). Consequently, because of the significant
coordination difficulties arising from the global nature of LEO
operations, MSS LEO feeder links would need to operate in FSS frequency
bands that are not heavily used by GEO FSS systems. We are also
including the inter-satellite service bands at 24.45-24.65 and 24.65-
24.75 GHz and the already allocated inter-satellite service band at
22.55-23 GHz in the United States Table of Frequency Allocations for
non-government use.
10. In view of the important health issues involved, the fact that
no general manufacture of consumer equipment for MSS in these bands has
yet begun, and our intent to provide for the expeditious initiation of
the services for which this spectrum is being allocated, we believe the
ANSI/IEEE guidelines (IEEE C95.1-1991) should be used when evaluating
the potential for harm to public health from exposure to RF emissions
of MSS user devices. If we modify the ANSI/IEEE guidelines in ET Docket
No. 92-62, those guidelines will be applied to MSS equipment. We will
require that all hand-held devices comply with the ANSI/IEEE
specifications for ``uncontrolled'' environments because the new MSS
service as envisioned would include consumer use that would be within
the ``uncontrolled'' definition.
11. Further, in the Notice and Tentative Decision, 57 FR 43434,
September 21, 1992 supra, we dismissed a petition for rule making filed
by CELSAT to use the RDSS frequency band for a hybrid satellite and
terrestrial ground personal communications service (PCS). CELSAT had an
alternative request for spectrum in the 2120-2129 and 2410-2428 MHz
bands, including a pioneer's preference request which remains pending.
On October 5, 1992, CELSAT filed a Petition for Reconsideration of the
Commission's Notice and Tentative Decision in which it argues that the
Commission incorrectly dismissed its proposed spectrum allocation
because the terrestrial element of its proposal was incompatible with
WARC-92. TRW filed a petition to dismiss the CELSAT Petition for
Reconsideration. The Commission grants TRW's petition but accepts
CELSAT's petition as late filed comments. The Commission continues to
believe that for the purpose of international coordination it is
important that our domestic allocation be compatible with the WARC-92
spectrum allocation. Thus we continue to hold that terrestrial
operations in these bands is inappropriate. For this reason, we accept
CELSAT's Petition for Reconsideration as a comment in this proceeding.
12. In the Notice and Tentative Decision we noted that the proposal
was analyzed with respect to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 and
found to contain no new or modified form, information collection and/or
record keeping, labeling, disclosure, or record retention requirements,
and will not increase or decrease burden hours imposed on the public.
No comments were received regarding the Paperwork Reduction Act.
13. Further, in the Notice and Tentative Decision we invited
comments on the impact of the proposed allocation in accordance with
the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980. No comments were received in
response to our analysis of this allocation as required by the
Regulatory Flexibility Act.
14. Accordingly, it is ordered, that Part 2 of the Commission's
Rules and Regulations is amended as specified below, effective March
30, 1994. It is further ordered that TRW's Motion to Dismiss CELSAT's
Petition for Reconsideration is granted in part; and that the Petition
for Reconsideration filed by CELSAT is accepted as a comment. This
action is taken pursuant to Sections 4(i), 303 (c), (f), (g), and (r),
and 309(a) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C.
154(i), 303 (c), (f), (g), and (r).
List of Subjects in 47 CFR Part 2
Frequency allocation, General rules and regulations, Radio.
Federal Communications Commission.
William F. Caton,
Acting Secretary.
Final Rules
I. Part 2 of title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended
as follows:
PART 2--FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS AND RADIO TREATY MATTERS: GENERAL RULES
AND REGULATIONS
1. The authority citations in Part 2 continues to read:
Authority: Sec. 4, 302, 303, and 307 of the Communications Act
of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. Sections 154, 154(i), 302, 303,
303(r), and 307, unless otherwise noted.
2. The International Footnotes at the end of the Table of Frequency
Allocations, Sec. 2.106 is amended to remove footnotes 731A, 731B,
731C, 731D, 753E, 877, 878, 890 and 891; revise footnotes 733A, 733E,
734, 753, 753C, 882E, 882F, and 882G; and add footnotes 731E, 731F,
753F, 881A, and 881B. Footnote US319 in the United States footnotes is
also revised.
3. Section 2.106, the Table of Frequency Allocations, is revised
for the 1610-1626.5 MHz, 2483.5-2500 MHz, 22.5-23 GHz, and 24.25-24.75
GHz bands, in accordance with the following:
Sec. 2.106 Table of Frequency Allocations.
International table United States table FCC use designators
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Government Non-Government
Region 1 allocation Region 2 allocation Region 3 allocation -------------------------------------------- Rule part(s) Special-Use
MHz MHz MHz Allocation MHz Allocation MHz frequencies
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
1610-1610.6 1610-1610.6 1610-1610.6 1610-1610.6 1610-1610.6
Aeronautical Aeronautical Aeronautical Aeronautical Aeronautical Aviation (87).
Radionavigation. Radionavigation. Radionavigation. Radionavigation. Radionavigation. Satellite
Mobile-Satellite Radiodetermination Mobile-Satellite Radiodetermination Radiodetermination Communication (25).
(Earth-to-space). satellite (Earth-to- (Earth-to-space). Satellite (Earth-to- Satellite (Earth-to-
space). Radiodetermination- space). space).
Mobile Satellite Satellite (Earth-to- Mobile-Satellite Mobile-Satellite
(Earth-to-space). space). (Earth-to-space) (Earth-to-space).
722 727 730 731 731E 722 731E 732 733 722 727 730 731E 732 722 731E 732 733 722 731E 732 733
732 733 733A 733B 733A 733C 733D 733E 733 733A 733B 733E 733A 733E US208 733A 733E US208
733E 733F US260 US319 US260 US319
* * * * * * *
1610.6-1613.8 1610.6-1613.8 1610.6-1613.8 1610.6-1613.8 1610.6-1613.8
Aeronautical Aeronautical Aeronautical Aeronautical Aeronautical Aviation (87).
Radionavigation. Radionavigation. Radionavigation. Radionavigation. Radionavigation. Satellite
Mobile-Satellite Radiodetermination Mobile-Satellite Radiodetermination Radiodetermination communication (25).
(Earth-to-space). Satellite (Earth-to- (Earth-to-space). Satellite (Earth-to- Satellite (Earth-to-
Radio-Astronomy. space). Radio-Astronomy. space). space).
Mobile-Satellite Radiodetermination Mobile-Satellite Mobile-Satellite
(Earth-to-space). Satellite (Earth-to- (Earth-to-space). (Earth-to-space)
Radio-Astronomy. space). Radio-Astronomy.
722 727 730 731 731E 722 731E 732 733 722 727 730 731E 732 722 731E 732 733 722 731E 732 733
732 733 733A 733B 733A 733C 733D 733E 733 733A 733B 733E 733A 733E 734 US208 733A 733E 734 US208
733E 733F 734 734 734 US260 US319 US260 US319
* * * * * * *
1613.8-1626.5 1613.8-1626.5 1613.8-1626.5 1613.8-1626.5 1613.8-1626.5
Aeronautical Aeronautical Aeronautical Aeronautical Aeronautical Aviation (87).
Radionavigation. Radionavigation. Radionavigation. Radionavigation. Radionavigation. Satellite
Mobile-Satellite Radiodetermination Mobile-Satellite Radiodetermination Radiodetermination Communication (25).
(Earth-to-space). Satellite (Earth-to- (Earth-to-space). Satellite (Earth-to- Satellite (Earth-to-
Mobile-Satellite space). Radiodetermination space). space).
(space-to-Earth). Mobile-Satellite Satellite (Earth-to- Mobile-Satellite Mobile-Satellite
(Earth-to-space). space). (Earth-to-space). (Earth-to-space).
Mobile-Satellite Mobile-Satellite Mobile-Satellite Mobile-Satellite .................... ....................
(space-to-Earth). (space-to-Earth). (space-to-Earth). (space-to-Earth).
722 727 730 731 731E 722 731E 731F 732 722 727 730 731E 722 731E 731F 732 722 731E 731F 732 .................... ....................
731F 732 733 733A 733 733A 732C 733D 731F 732 733 733A 733 733E US208 733 733E US208
733B 733E 733F 733E 733B 733E US260 US319 US260 US319
* * * * * * *
2483.5-2500 2483.5-2500 2483.5-2500 2483.5-2500 2483.5-2500
Fixed. Mobile. Fixed. Mobile. Fixed. Mobile. Radiodetermination Radiodetermination Satellite
Mobile-Satellite Radiodetermination Radiolocation. satellite (space-to- satellite (space-to- Communication (25).
(space-to-Earth). satellite (space-to- Mobile-Satellite Earth) 753A. Earth) 753A.
Radiolocation. Earth) 753A. (space-to-Earth). Mobile-Satellite Mobile-Satellite
Radiolocation. (space-to-Earth). (space-to-Earth).
Mobile-Satellite Radiodetermination- .................... .................... .................... ....................
(space-to-Earth). Satellite (space-to-
Earth). 753A.
733F 752 753 753A 752 753D 753F 752 753C 753F 752 753F US41 US319 752 753F US41 US319 .................... ....................
753B 753C 753F NG147
* * * * * * *
22.5-22.5 22.5-22.55 22.5-22.55
Fixed Fixed Fixed Domestic public
fixed (21).
Mobile Mobile Mobile Private operational
fixed microwave
(94).
22.55-23 US211 22.55-23 US211 22.55-23
Fixed Fixed Fixed Domestic public
fixed (21).
Inter-satellite Inter-satellite Inter-satellite Private operational
fixed microwave
(94).
Mobile Mobile Mobile Satellite
communications
(25).
879 879 US278 879 US278
* * * * * * *
24.25-24.45 fixed Radionavigation Radionavigation 24.25-24.45 Aviation (87).
Radionavigation
Fixed
Mobile
24.45-24.65 24.45-24.65 24.45-24.65 24.45-24.65 Satellite
Fixed Radionavigation Radionavigation Inter-satellite communication (25).
Inter-Satellite Inter-satellite Fixed Radiolocation-
Inter-satellite satellite (Earth-to-
Mobile space)
Inter-satellite Inter-satellite Fixed Radionavigation
Inter-satellite.
Mobile.
882E 882E 882E
24.65-24.75 24.65-24.75 24.65-24.75 24.65-24.75 Satellite
fixed. Inter-satellite. Fixed. Inter-satellite. communication (25).
Inter-satellite Radio-location- Inter-satellite. Radiolocation-
satellite (Earth-to- Mobile satellite (Earth-to-
space) space)
882E 882F
24.75-25.25 Fixed 24.75-25.25 24.75-25.25 24.75-25.25 Aviation (87).
Fixed-satellite Fixed Radionavigation
(Earth-to-space) Fixed-satellite
882G (Earth-to-space)
882G
882F
* * * * *
International Footnotes
* * * * *
731A--Removed.
731B--Removed.
731C--Removed.
731D--Removed.
* * * * *
731E--The use of the band 1610-1626.5 MHz by the mobile-
satellite service (Earth-to-space) and by the radiodetermination-
satellite service (Earth-to-space) is subject to the application of
the coordination and notification procedures set forth in Resolution
46 (WARC-92). A mobile earth station operating in either of the
services in this band shall not produce an e.i.r.p. density in
excess of -15 dB (W/4 kHz) in the part of the band used by systems
operating in accordance with the provisions of No. 732, unless
otherwise agreed by the affected administrations. In the part of the
band where such systems are not operating, a value of -3 dB (W/4
kHz) is applicable. Stations of the mobile-satellite service shall
not cause harmful interference to, or claim protection from,
stations in the aeronautical radionavigation service, stations
operating in accordance with the provisions of No. 732 and stations
in the fixed service operating in accordance with the provisions of
No. 730.
731F--The use of the band 1613.8-1626.5 MHz by the mobile-
satellite service (space-to-Earth) is subject to the application of
the coordination and notification procedures set forth in Resolution
46 (WARC-92).
* * * * *
733A--With respect to the radiodetermination-satellite and
mobile-satellite services the provisions of No. 953 do not apply in
the frequency band 1610-1626.5 MHz.
* * * * *
733E--Harmful interference shall not be caused to stations of
the radio astronomy service using the band 1610.6-1613.8 MHz by
stations of the radiodeterminaton-satellite and mobile-satellite
services. (No. 2904 applies.)
734--In making assignments to stations of other services,
administrations are urged to take all practicable steps to protect
the radio astronomy service in the band 1610.6-1613.8 MHz from
harmful interference. Emissions from space or air-borne stations can
be particularly serious sources of interference to the radio
astronomy service (see Nos. 343 and 344 and Article 36).
* * * * *
753--Different category of service: in France, the band 2450-
2500 MHz is allocated on a primary basis to the radiolocation
service (see No. 425). Such use is subject to agreement with
administrations having service operating or planned to operate in
accordance with the Table of Frequency Allocations which may be
affected.
* * * * *
753C--Different category of service: in Angola, Australia,
Bangladesh, Burundi, China, Cote d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, India, the
Islamic Republic of Iran, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon,
Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Mali, Pakistan, Papua, New Guinea,
Senegal, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Zaire
and Zambia, the allocation of the band 2483.5-2500 MHz to the
radiodetermination-satellite service (space-to-Earth) is on a
primary basis (see No. 425) subject to agreement obtained under the
procedure of Article 14 with other countries not listed in this
provision.
* * * * *
753E--Removed.
753F--The use of the band 2483.5-2500 MHz by the mobile-
satellite and the radiodetermination-satellite services is subject
to the application of the coordination and notification procedures
set forth in Resolution 46 (WARC-92). Coordination of space stations
of the mobile-satellite and radiodetermination-satellite services
with respect to terrestrial services is required only if the power
flux-density produced at the Earth's surface exceeds the limits in
No. 2566. In respect of assignments operating in this band, the
provisions of Section II, paragraph 2.2 of Resolution 46 (WARC-92)
shall also be applied to geostationary transmitting space stations
with respect to terrestrial stations.
* * * * *
877--Removed.
878--Removed.
* * * * *
881A--Use of the 25.25-27.5 GHz band by the inter-satellite
service is limited to space research and Earth exploration-satellite
applications, and also transmissions of data originating from
industrial and medical activities in space.
881B--Space services using non-geostationary satellites
operating in the inter-satellite service in the band 27-27.5 GHz are
exempt from the provisions of No. 2613.
* * * * *
882E--The inter-satellite service shall not claim protection
from harmful interference from airport surface detection equipment
stations of the radionavigation service.
882F--Additional allocation: in Japan, the band 24.65-25.25 GHz
is also allocated to the radionavigation service on a primary basis
until 2008.
882G--In the band 24.75-25.25 GHz, feeder links to stations of
the broadcasting-satellite service shall have priority over other
users in the fixed-satellite service (Earth-to-space). Such other
uses shall protect and shall not claim protection from existing and
future operating feeder-link networks to such broadcasting satellite
stations.
* * * * *
890--Removed.
891--Removed.
* * * * *
United States (US) Footnotes
* * * * *
US319--In the 137-138, 148-149.9, 149.9-150.05, 399.9-400.05,
400.15-401, 1610-1626.5, and 2483.5-2500 MHz bands, Government
stations in the mobile-satellite service shall be limited to earth
stations operating with non-Government space stations.
* * * * *
NG147--Stations in the broadcast auxiliary service and private
radio services licensed as of July 25, 1985, or on a subsequent date
following as a result of submitting an application for license on or
before July 25, 1985, may continue to operate on a
radiodetermination satellite service.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 94-4409 Filed 2-25-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-M