[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 168 (Wednesday, August 28, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44177-44183]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-21795]



[[Page 44177]]

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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
47 CFR Parts 25 and 101

[CC Docket No. 92-297, FCC 96-311]


Redesignating the 27.5-29.5 GHz Frequency Band, Reallocating the 
29.5-30.0 GHz Frequency Band, and Establishing Rules and Policies for 
Local Multipoint Distribution Service and for Fixed Satellite Services

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: By this First Report and Order, the Commission designates band 
segments in the 27.5-30.0 GHz band (``28 GHz band'') for several types 
of wireless systems, clearing the way for licensing Local Multipoint 
Distribution Service (``LMDS'') providers, Fixed Satellite Service 
(``FSS'') systems, and feeder links for certain Mobile Satellite 
Service (``MSS'') systems. The associated downlink bands for satellite 
services at 17.7-20.2 GHz, are designated as well. Our band 
segmentation plan seeks to promote competition by permitting all 
proposed services to develop and offer innovative consumer services 
such as video program distribution, two-way interactive video, 
teleconferencing, telemedicine, telecommuting, and high speed data 
services within our borders and around the globe.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 28, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert James, Wireless 
Telecommunications Bureau, (202) 418-0798; Jennifer Gilsenan, 
International Bureau, Satellite Policy Branch, (202) 418-0757; Kathleen 
Campbell, International Bureau, Satellite Policy Branch, (202) 418-
0753.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the First Report and 
Order portion of the Commission's First Report and Order and Fourth 
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CC Docket No. 92-297; FCC 96-311, 
adopted July 17, 1996 and released July 22, 1996. The complete text of 
this document is available for inspection and copying during normal 
business hours in the FCC Reference Center (Room 239), 1919 M Street, 
NW., Washington, DC, and also may be purchased from the Commission's 
copy contractor, International Transcription Service, (202) 857-3800, 
2100 M Street, NW., Suite 140, Washington, DC 20037.
    The First Report and Order contains information collections and 
third party disclosure requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction 
Act of 1995, Pub. L. 104-13 (PRA). Notice of this collection appeared 
at 61 FR 43058, August 20, 1996. It will be submitted to the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) for review under PRA.
    As required by section 603 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, the 
Commission has prepared a Final Regulatory Flexibility Act (FRFA) of 
the expected impact on small entities of the First Report and Order 
adopted.

Summary of First Report and Order

    1. This is the First Report and Order in a proceeding that involves 
the development of one of the largest contiguous spectrum segments 
available to the Commission, the 28 GHz band. The commercialization of 
this spectrum enables consumers to receive emerging domestic and global 
technologies via multiple service providers.
    2. With this First Report and Order, the Commission designates band 
segments in the 28 GHz band for several types of wireless systems, 
clearing the way for licensing Local Multipoint Distribution Service 
(``LMDS'') providers, Fixed Satellite Service (``FSS'') systems, and 
feeder links for certain Mobile Satellite Service (``MSS'') systems. 
The associated downlink bands for satellite services are designated as 
well.1 We will address issues relating to service rules for both 
GSO/FSS and NGSO/FSS systems proposing to operate in the 28 GHz band in 
a forthcoming Report and Order. Service and auction rules relating to 
LMDS will also be addressed in a separate Report and Order.
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    \1\ Satellite downlinks paired with satellite uplinks in the 28 
GHz band are in the 17.7-20.2 GHz band.
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    3. The band segmentation plan seeks to promote competition by 
permitting all proposed services to develop and offer innovative 
consumer services such as video program distribution, two-way 
interactive video, teleconferencing, telemedicine, telecommuting, and 
high speed data services within our borders and around the globe.
    4. The Commission's band segmentation plan is depicted graphically 
as follows:

                                                                Uplink Band 27.5-30.0 GHz                                                               
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           MSS feeder    MSS feeder                                                                                     
  LMDS fss       GSO/FSS      NGSO/FSS    links & LMDS  links & GSO/  GSO/FSS ngso/                                                                     
  850  MHz      ngso/fss    gso/fss  500   (h-s)  150     FSS  250      fss  500        GOVT                 LMDS (h-to-s) (s-to-h)  300  MHz           
                250  MHz         MHz           MHz           MHz           MHz                                                                          
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
27.5........        28.35         28.60          29.1         29.25          29.5          30.0   31.0 31.3 GHz                                         
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    5. The Commission's plan designates co-frequency sharing in band 
segments where the Commission and the parties have concluded it is 
technically feasible. This band plan promotes spectrum efficiency and 
facilitates the deployment of diverse, interactive, competitive 
services for consumers.
    6. The band segmentation plan will be implemented through 
appropriate changes in part 25 and part 101 of the Commission's rules. 
The Commission designates discrete spectrum bands for specific types of 
systems. Services designated for domestic licensing priority are 
specified in capital letters in the graphic depiction of the band plan. 
These services have licensing priority vis-a-vis any other type of 
service allocated domestically or internationally in the band. Lower-
case letters indicate services in a particular band segment which also 
have licensing priority vis-a-vis any third service allocated 
domestically or internationally in the band, but have no licensing 
priority over the service in capital letters in the band segment and 
must operate on a non-interference basis and must accept interference 
vis-a-vis that service. Services designated with two priority users 
have equal licensing rights based on the sharing principles adopted for 
that particular band segment.
    7. In implementing this band plan, the Commission set out 
procedures for ``grandfathering'' the existing LMDS system, 
CellularVision, in the 28 GHz band. Specifically, the Commission 
requires CellularVision to vacate the 28.35-28.50 GHz band by 24 months 
following the release date of the First

[[Page 44178]]

Report and Order, or by the date of launch of the first GSO/FSS 
satellite intended to provide service in the United States in this 
band, whichever occurs later. In order to ensure certainty for both 
CellularVision's customers and for potential GSO/FSS systems planning 
to provide service in the United States in the 28.35-28.50 GHz band, 
the Commission clarified its reference to ``launch'' as the date which 
the first GSO/FSS satellite, intended to operate in the 28.35-28.50 GHz 
band, leaves the Earth's surface. The satellite licensee is responsible 
for notifying CellularVision six months prior to the planned launch 
date, and for giving CellularVision, upon its request, updates on the 
satellite's status. CellularVision has the responsibility to remain 
apprised of the satellite's status and to ensure that LMDS operations 
cease on the 150 MHz allocated for GSO/FSS operations in accordance 
with the order herein.
    8. To ensure the implementation of this band plan, the Commission 
adopted specific inter-service sharing rules for those services 
designated in the same band segment.
    9. The Commission also designated band segments for the associated 
satellite downlink band at 17.7-20.2 GHz. The 17.7-20.2 GHz band 
segmentation plan can be depicted as follows:

                       Downlink Band 17.7-20.2 GHz                      
------------------------------------------------------------------------
   GSO/FSS                                                              
 fixed ngso/    NGSO/FSS      MSS F.L.                                  
  fss  1100    fixed gso/    fixed gso/      GSO/FSS ngso/fss 500 MHz   
     MHz       fss 500 MHz  fss  400 MHz                                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
17.7........        18.80         19.30   19.70 20.20 GHz               
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This plan specifically designates downlinks in the 17.7-18.8 GHz 
band for GSO/FSS uses, the 18.8-19.3 GHz band for NGSO/FSS uses, the 
19.3-19.7 GHz band for NGSO/MSS feeder links, and the 19.7-20.2 GHz 
band for GSO/FSS uses. These designations do not preclude the 
authorized use of these bands by other satellite applications on a 
secondary basis to the primary satellite application designated in the 
band.
    10. GSO/FSS, NGSO/MSS feeder links and NGSO/FSS systems are all 
fixed satellite services. Under current rules, such services share the 
17.7-19.7 GHz band with fixed services on a coequal basis.2 
Current rules require coordination of these services pursuant to the 
requirements in Sec. 25.130(b) of the rules, and under the procedures 
outlined in Sec. 101.103 of the rules. These coordination rules will 
continue to be applied in these bands; however, should the affected 
parties wish to propose slightly modified procedures to facilitate the 
deployment of these services, we would consider such a proposal in the 
future. The record does not indicate that other requirements for 
coordination between non-government satellite systems are necessary at 
this time.3
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    \2\ See 47 CFR 25.202 (a)(1).
    \3\ With respect to government systems, parties should take note 
of footnote US 334 of the Table of Frequency Allocations. See 47 CFR 
2.106.
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Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis of First Report and Order

    11. As required by section 603 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 
U.S.C. 603 (RFA), an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) was 
incorporated in the Third Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in this 
proceeding (Third NPRM), 60 FR 43470 (August 23, 1995). The Commission 
sought written public comments on the proposals in the Third NPRM, 
including on the IRFA. The Commission's Final Regulatory Flexibility 
Analysis (FRFA) in this First Report and Order conforms to the RFA, as 
amended by the Contract With America Advancement Act of 1996, (CWAAA), 
Pub. L. 104-121, 110 Stat. 847 (1996).4
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    \4\ Subtitle II of the CWAAA is ``The Small Business Regulatory 
Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996'' (SBREFA), codified at 5 U.S.C. 
601 et seq.
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Need for and Purpose of this Action

    12. In this decision, the Commission, adopts a band plan 
designating discrete spectrum segments for the Local Multipoint 
Distribution Systems (``LMDS''), Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) systems, 
and feeder links for certain Mobile Satellite Service (``MSS'') systems 
in the 27.5-30.0 GHz band (``28 GHz band''). The Commission also adopts 
rules and procedures intended to facilitate the efficient use of this 
large spectrum segment among these three different types of services. 
The purposes of this action are to help launch two new broadband 
industries well-suited to compete in the domestic and global 
marketplace.

Summary of Issues Raised by the Public Comments in Response to the 
Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

    13. No comments were filed in direct response to the IRFA. In 
general, comments on the Third NPRM, however, the only licensee in the 
band, CellularVision, an LMDS small entity believed that the plan 
proposed in the Third NPRM accommodated all competing interests for 
spectrum in the band. Furthermore, the proposal to grandfather 
CellularVision's existing system in the New York Primary Metropolitan 
Statistical Area was supported by CellularVision as a reasonable plan 
to facilitate its existing operations as it phases into licensing under 
the new band segmentation scheme.

Description and Estimate of the Small Entities Subject to the Rules

    14. The Commission has not developed a definition of small entities 
applicable to GSO/FSS licensees. Therefore, the applicable definition 
of small entity is the definition under the Small Business 
Administration (SBA) rules applicable to Communications Services, Not 
Elsewhere Classified. This definition provides that a small entity is 
expressed as one with $11.0 million in annual receipts.5
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    \5\ 13 CFR 121.201, Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) 
Code 4899.
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Estimates for GSO/FSS Satellite System Applicants for the 28 GHz 
Band

    15. At present there are no GSO/FSS satellite licensees in the band 
and the Commission has not adopted any final service rules for 
satellite systems proposing to operate in the 28 GHz band. Therefore, 
there are no small businesses currently providing these types of 
broadband interactive services in the band. However, there has been a 
cut-off date for applications to be considered in the first GSO/FSS 
processing round.6 There are a total of thirteen applications 
currently on file proposing to provide GSO/FSS services in the band. 
Eight of these systems propose global systems. Five systems

[[Page 44179]]

propose regional coverage. The Commission acknowledges that a couple of 
these applications are start-up companies and assumes that new 
satellite systems may be developed in this frequency band that may 
qualify as small entities pursuant to the SBA's definition.
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    \6\ See Ka-Band Satellite Applications Accepted For Filing: Cut-
Off Established for Additional Applications, Public Notice, Report 
No. SPB-20, Release No. DA 95-1689, July 28, 1995.
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Estimates for NGSO/FSS System Applicant in the Band

    16. At present there are no NGSO/FSS satellite licensees in the 28 
GHz band and final service rules have not been adopted for such 
satellite systems proposing to operate in the band. Therefore, there 
are no small businesses currently providing these services in the band. 
However, there has been a cut-off date for applications to be 
considered in the first GSO/FSS processing round. Currently, there is 
only one NGSO/FSS application on file. The Commission assumes that new 
satellite systems may be developed in this frequency band that may 
qualify as small entities pursuant to the SBA's definition.

Estimates for NGSO/MSS Systems With Feeder Links in the 28 GHz Band

    17. At present there are two licensed NGSO/MSS systems proposing 
feeder links for their systems in the 28 GHz band. The Commission 
assumes that new satellite systems may be developed in this frequency 
band that may qualify as small entities pursuant to the SBA's 
definition.

Estimates for LMDS

    18.The rules adopted in this First Report and Order will apply to 
any company which chooses to apply for a license in the new services. 
In addition, the new rules impact fixed microwave licensees, some of 
whom requested that the Commission institute a channeling plan in the 
28 GHz band to set standards for point-to-point microwave equipment 
manufacturers. With regard to both the traditional point-to-point 
entities and the Local Multipoint Distribution Service (LMDS), the 
Commission has not developed a definition of small entities applicable 
to such licensees. The SBA definitions of small entity for LMDS are the 
definitions applicable to radiotelephone companies and to pay 
television services. The definition of radiotelephone companies 
provides that a small entity is a radiotelephone company employing 
fewer than 1,500 persons.7 The definition of a pay television 
service is one which has annual receipts of less than $11 
million.8 Since the Regulatory Flexibility Act amendments were not 
in effect until the record in this proceeding was closed, the 
Commission was unable to request information regarding the potential 
number of small businesses interested in LMDS and is unable at this 
time to determine the precise number of potential applicants which are 
small businesses.
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    \7\ 13 CFR 121.201, Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) 
Code 4812.
    \8\ Id., SIC Code 4841.
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    19. The size data provided by the SBA does not enable us to make a 
meaningful estimate of the number of telecommunications providers which 
are small entities because it combines all radiotelephone companies 
with 500 or more employees.9 The Commission used the 1992 Census 
of Transportation, Communications, and Utilities, conducted by the 
Bureau of the Census, which is the most recent information available. 
This document shows that only 12 radiotelephone firms out of a total of 
1,178 such firms which operated during 1992 had 1,000 or more 
employees.10 Therefore, a majority of LMDS entities providing 
radiotelephone services could be small businesses under the SBA's 
definition. Likewise, the size data provided by the SBA does not enable 
us to make a meaningful estimate of the number of cable and pay 
television providers which are small entities because it combines all 
such providers with revenues of less than $11 million.11 The 
Commission used the 1992 Census of Transportation, Communications, and 
Utilities (Table 2D), conducted by the Bureau of the Census, which is 
the most recent information available. This document shows that only 36 
of 1,788 firms providing cable and pay television service have a 
revenue of greater than $10 million. Therefore, the vast majority of 
LMDS entities providing video distribution could be small businesses 
under the SBA's definition.
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    \9\ U.S. Small Business Administration 1992 Economic Census 
Employment Report, Bureau of the Census, U.S. Department of 
Commerce, SIC Code 4812 (radiotelephone communications industry data 
adopted by the SBA Office of Advocacy).
    \10\ U.S. Bureau of the Census, U.S. Department of Commerce, 
1992 Census of Transportation, Communications, and Utilities, UC92-
S-1, Subject Series, Establishment and Firm Size, Table 5, 
Employment Size of Firms: 1992, SIC Code 4812 (issued May 1995).
    \11\ Id., SIC 4841.
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    20. However, in the Third NPRM,12 we proposed to define a 
small business as an entity that, together with affiliates and 
attributable investors, has average gross revenues for the three 
preceding years of less than $40 million. We have not yet received 
approval by the SBA for this definition because the service rules for 
LMDS have not been finalized. A definition of small point-to-point 
entities have not yet received approval by the SBA because such 
entities have not as yet been subject to competitive bidding 
procedures.
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    \12\ In the Matter of Rulemaking to Amend parts 1, 2, 21, and 25 
of the Commission's Rules to Redesignate the 27.5-29.5 GHz Frequency 
Band, to Reallocate the 29.5-30.0 GHz Frequency Band, to Establish 
Rules and Policies for Local Multipoint Distribution Service and for 
Fixed Satellite Services and Suite 12 Group Petition for Pioneer's 
Preference, CC Docket No. 92-297, 11 F.C.C. Rcd. 53 (1995) (Third 
NPRM), para. 188.
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    21. The Commission assumes, for purposes of our evaluations and 
conclusions in this FRFA, that nearly all of the LMDS licensees will be 
small entities, as that term is defined by the SBA. Many of the 
competitors using LMDS to compete with LECs or cable companies could be 
small businesses.
    22. With regard to traditional point-to-point microwave entities, 
the same analysis for small radiotelephone entities as made above 
applies to these entities. In the First Report and Order, the 
Commission declines to specify a channeling plan for point-to-point 
entities. It is the Commission's opinion that retaining maximum system 
design flexibility for LMDS licensees within their service areas 
precludes our specifying a point-to-point channeling plan. Entities 
interested in providing point-to-point service may seek other spectrum 
or may become LMDS licensees and configure their systems as they 
choose. In addition, such entities may lease spectrum, or seek 
partitioning or disaggregation opportunities from LMDS licensees. 
Moreover, the traditional point-to-point microwave equipment 
manufacturing industry could seek to establish standards for its 
members to use in the 28 GHz band. Accordingly, this First Report and 
Order does not provide direct relief requested by, e.g., the 
Telecommunications Industry Association, which represents fixed 
microwave entities, the majority of whom may be small businesses.
    23. Another category of small entities affected by this First 
Report and Order are those operating in the 17.5-19.5 GHz frequency 
band. These entities are fixed point-to-point microwave entities of 
many subcategories. The same analysis for these entities as made for 
traditional fixed microwave entities made above applies to these 
entities (a definition of small point-to-point entities has not been 
submitted for approval by the SBA because such entities have not as yet 
been subject to competitive bidding procedures). The First Report and 
Order does not change the Commission's treatment of these entities, but 
it adds

[[Page 44180]]

potential additional satellite operators in the band with which the 
entities will have to coordinate in the future. The Commission has 
coordination procedures in effect; should they prove inadequate in the 
future, we will reconsider the issue at that time.

Summary of Projected Reporting, Recordkeeping and Other Compliance 
Requirements

    24. There are some reporting requirements imposed by the First 
Report and Order. In some instances, it is likely that the entities 
filing the reports will require no professional skills for the 
preparation of such requests. In other cases, the services of persons 
with technical or engineering expertise may be required to prepare the 
reports. First, in one band segment, a satellite licensee is required 
to notify the one existing licensed LMDS operator, CellularVision, of 
its launch date six months prior to the satellite's launch date. It is 
also required to provide, upon CellularVision's request, updates on the 
satellite's status. Such a request is reasonable of CellularVision. At 
this time, it is not clear how many potential GSO/FSS licensees this 
will effect. Second, in another shared band segment, LMDS licensees are 
required to serve copies of their application on all NGSO/MSS 
applicants. At this time, it is not clear how many LMDS entities will 
be participating. Currently there are only two NGSO/MSS licensees who 
will be using this band for feeder links. Feeder links for a third 
NGSO/MSS system could possibly also be accommodated in this band. 
Third, NGSO/MSS feeder link earth stations are required to specify a 
set of geographic coordinates for the location of these earth stations, 
15 days after the release of a public notice announcing the 
commencement of LMDS auctions. Finally, one NGSO/MSS licensee is 
required to provide its feeder link earth station locations to the GSO/
FSS licensees. At this time, it is not clear how many potential GSO/FSS 
licensees this will effect.

Steps Taken to Minimize the Economic Impact on Small Entities

    25. The Commission adopts a band plan that facilitates the 
accommodation of all proposed systems in the 28 GHz band. It believes 
this plan is a reasonable accommodation of all competing interests in 
this new band segment, including small entities. The band plan along 
with the Fourth Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the 31 GHz band 
provides both small entities and larger businesses the same opportunity 
to develop and operate viable systems within the band, and initiate 
competitive services. The band plan also accords, CellularVision, the 
only licensee in the band, flexibility during the implementation phase 
of the band plan.

Significant Alternatives Considered and Rejected

    26. The Commission considered and rejected several alternatives to 
the band plan adopted.13 The Commission considered various band 
segmentation plans over the last several months with the goal of 
accommodating the various divergent proposals made in response to the 
band plan proposed in the Third NPRM.14 For example, the 
Commission considered plans which ultimately proved to require 
difficult inter-service sharing rules and to not completely support 
interactivity of LMDS systems.15 The Commission also considered a 
band plan that designated 1000 MHz each for GSO/FSS and LMDS service. 
That plan, however, would have divided LMDS among three non-contiguous 
spectrum segments.16 This option was not acceptable to the 
potential LMDS service providers, including small providers, because, 
they argued, it would have significantly decreased spectrum efficiency 
for LMDS, resulting in increased cost and delay in offering both 
subscriber and hub equipment.17 The Commission also considered two 
band plans that designated GSO/FSS systems with less than 1000 
MHz.18 These options were unacceptable to the GSO/FSS applicants 
because, they argued, any of these plans would result in a significant 
loss of system capacity and revenue.19 Such loss and capacity 
could affect potential small entities. Another plan, resulting from a 
GSO/FSS applicant's proposal, was also considered. It would have 
designated a total of 1010 MHz to GSO/FSS applicants and 985 MHz to 
LMDS, but required sharing of 135 MHz between GSO/FSS and LMDS.20 
However, the mutually acceptable sharing principles required to 
implement this plan were not developed by the LMDS and GSO/FSS 
parties.21 The Commission staff was also unable to successfully 
propose sharing criteria.
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    \13\ See First Report and Order at Paras. 38-40.
    \14\ See ex parte submission filed by the International Bureau 
to William F. Caton, Acting Secretary (Feb. 6, 1996), for diagrams 
of Commission Band Plan Options 1, 2, 2A, 2B, 3(a), 4 and 5.
    \15\ See First Report and Order note 76.
    \16\ Id. note 77.
    \17\ Id. note 78.
    \18\ Id. note 79.
    \19\ Id. note 80.
    \20\ Id. note 81.
    \21\ Id. note 82.
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    27. In March 1996, NASA was also asked to undertake an immediate 
study to assess whether its space services and LMDS could share 
spectrum below 27.5 GHz.22 NASA concluded three weeks later that 
no rules acceptable to all parties could be drafted which would 
guarantee protection of NASA space services from harmful 
interference.23 NASA also concluded that coordination with other 
space service systems in the band from other administrations would make 
this a difficult option to implement effectively.
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    \22\ Id. note 83.
    \23\ Id. note 84.
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    28. One alternative of not adopting a band segmentation plan for 
this spectrum is the preclusion of LMDS service or satellite service in 
the 28 GHz band. In the Third NPRM, the Commission tentatively 
concluded that denying one or the other of the proposed services for 
the band was not in the public interest and that both proposed services 
bring the promise of competition and innovative services to the 
nation's infrastructure. Moreover, preclusion of either service 
potentially affects small businesses on both the satellite side and the 
LMDS side.

Report to Congress

    29. The Commission shall send a copy of this Final Regulatory 
Flexibility Analysis, along with this First Report and Order, in a 
report to Congress pursuant to the Small Business Regulatory 
Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A). A copy of this 
FRFA will also be published in the Federal Register.

Ordering Clause

    30. Accordingly, it is ordered that part 25 and part 101 of the 
Commission's rules are amended as specified below, effective October 
28, 1996.

List of Subjects

47 CFR Part 25

    Satellites.

47 CFR Part 101

    Communications equipment, Radio, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

Federal Communications Commission.
William F. Caton,
Acting Secretary.

Rule Changes

    Parts 25 and 101 of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations are 
amended as follows:

[[Page 44181]]

PART 25--SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS

    1. The authority citation for part 25 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Secs. 101-404, 76 Stat. 419-427; 47 U.S.C. 701-744, 
Sec. 4, 48 Stat. 1066, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 154. Interprets or 
applies sec. 303, 48 Stat. 1082, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 303.

    2. Section 25.203 is amended by adding paragraph (h) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 25.203  Choice of sites and frequencies.

* * * * *
    (h) Sites and frequencies for GSO and NGSO earth stations, 
operating in a frequency band where both have a co-primary allocation, 
shall be selected to avoid earth station antenna mainlobe-to-satellite 
antenna mainlobe coupling, between NGSO systems and between NGSO and 
GSO systems, in order to minimize the possibility of harmful 
interference between these services. Prior to filing an earth station 
application, in bands with co-primary allocations to NGSO and GSO earth 
stations, the applicant shall coordinate the proposed site and 
frequency usage with existing earth station licensees and with current 
earth station authorization applicants.
* * * * *
    3. A new Sec. 25.250 is added to subpart C to read as follows:


Sec. 25.250   Sharing between NGSO MSS Feeder links Earth Stations in 
the 19.3-19.7 GHz and 29.1-29.5 GHz Bands.

    (a) NGSO MSS applicants shall be licensed to operate in the 29.1-
29.5 GHz band for Earth-to-space transmissions and 19.3-19.7 GHz for 
space-to-Earth transmissions from feeder link earth station complexes. 
A ``feeder link earth station complex'' may include up to three (3) 
earth station groups, with each earth station group having up to four 
(4) antennas, located within a radius of 75 km of a given set of 
geographic coordinates provided by NGSO-MSS licensees or applicants.
    (b) Licensees of NGSO MSS feeder link earth stations separated by 
800 km or less are required to coordinate their operations, see 
Sec. 25.203. The results of the coordination shall be reported to the 
Commission.
    4. A new Sec. 25.257 is added to subpart C to read as follows:


Sec. 25.257  Special requirements for operations in the band 29.1-29.25 
GHz between NGSO MSS and LMDS.

    (a) Non-geostationary mobile satellite service (NGSO MSS) operators 
shall be licensed to use the 29.1-29.25 GHz band for Earth-to-space 
transmissions from feeder link earth station complexes. A ``feeder link 
earth station complex'' may include up to three (3) earth station 
groups, with each earth station group having up to four (4) antennas, 
located within a radius of 75 km of a given set of geographic 
coordinates provided by a NGSO MSS licensees or applicants pursuant to 
Sec. 101.147.
    (b) A maximum of seven (7) feeder link earth station complexes in 
the contiguous United States, Alaska and Hawaii may be placed into 
operation, in the largest 100 MSAs, in the band 29.1-29.25 GHz in 
accordance with Sec. 25.203 and Sec. 101.147 of this chapter.
    (c) One of the NGSO MSS operators licensed to use the 29.1-29.25 
GHz band may specify geographic coordinates for a maximum of eight 
feeder link earth station complexes that transmit in the 29.1-29.25 GHz 
band. The other NGSO MSS operator licensed to use the 29.1-29.25 GHz 
band may specify geographic coordinates for a maximum of two feeder 
link earth station complexes that transmit in the 29.1-29.25 GHz band.
    (d) Additional NGSO MSS operators may be licensed in this band if 
the additional NGSO MSS operator shows that its system can share with 
the existing NGSO MSS systems.
    (e) All NGSO MSS operators shall cooperate fully and make 
reasonable efforts to identify mutually acceptable locations for feeder 
link earth station complexes. In this connection, any single NGSO MSS 
operator shall only identify one feeder link earth station complex 
protection zone in each category identified in Sec. 101.147(c)(2) of 
this chapter until the other NGSO MSS operator has been given an 
opportunity to select a location from the same category.
    5. A new Sec. 25.258 is added to subpart C to read as follows:


Sec. 25.258  Sharing between NGSO MSS Feeder links Stations and GSO FSS 
services in the 29.25-29.5 GHz Bands.

    (a) Operators of NGSO MSS feeder link earth stations and GSO FSS 
earth stations in the band 29.25 to 29.5 GHz where both services have a 
co-primary allocation shall cooperate fully in order to coordinate 
their systems. During the coordination process both service operators 
shall exchange the necessary technical parameters required for 
coordination.
    (b) Licensed GSO FSS systems shall, to the maximum extent possible, 
operate with frequency/polarization selections, in the vicinity of 
operational or planned NGSO MSS feeder link earth station complexes, 
that will minimize instances of unacceptable interference to the GSO 
FSS space stations.
    (c) NGSO MSS satellites operating in this frequency band shall 
compensate for nodal regression due to the oblate shape of the Earth, 
and thus maintain constant successive sub-satellite ground tracks on 
the surface of the Earth.
    (d) NGSO MSS systems applying to use the 29.25-29.5 GHz band, for 
feeder link earth station uplink, will have to demonstrate that their 
system can share with the authorized U.S. GSO/FSS systems operating in 
this band.

PART 101--FIXED MICROWAVE SERVICES

    1. The authority citation for part 101 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 202, unless otherwise noted.

    2. Section 101.3 is amended by adding the following definitions, in 
alphabetical order, to read as follows:


Sec. 101.3  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Local Multipoint Distribution Service Backbone Link. A point-to-
point radio service link in a Local Multipoint Distribution Service 
System that is used to interconnect Local Multipoint Distribution 
Service Hub Stations with each other or with the public switched 
telephone network.
    Local Multipoint Distribution Service Hub Station. A fixed point-
to-multipoint radio station in a Local Multipoint Service System that 
provides one-way or two-way communication with Local Multipoint 
Distribution Service Subscriber Stations.
    Local Multipoint Distribution Service Subscriber Station. Any one 
of the fixed microwave radio stations located at users' premises, lying 
within the coverage area of a Local Multipoint Distribution Service Hub 
Station, capable of receiving one-way communications from or providing 
two-way communications with the Local Multipoint Distribution Service 
Hub Station.
    Local Multipoint Distribution Service System. A fixed point to-
multipoint radio system consisting of Local Multipoint Distribution 
Service Hub Stations and their associated Local Multipoint Distribution 
Service Subscriber Stations.
* * * * *
    3. Section 101.109 is amended by removing the entry for 27,500 MHz 
to 29,500 MHz and adding the entries for 27,500 to 28,350 MHz and 
29,100 to 29,250 MHz in the table in paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec. 101.109  Bandwidth.

* * * * *

[[Page 44182]]

    (c) * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Frequency band (MHz)             Maximum authorized bandwidth
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        
                                                                        
                  *        *        *        *        *                 
27,500 to 28,350 MHz......................  850 MHz.                    
29,100 to 29,250 MHz......................  150 MHz.                    
                                                                        
                  *        *        *        *        *                 
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    4. Section 101.113 is amended by removing the entry for 27,500 to 
29,500 MHz and adding new entries 27,500 to 28,350 MHz and 29,100 to 
29,250 MHz in the table in paragraph (a) and by adding a new paragraph 
(c) to read as follows:


Sec. 101.113  Transmitter power limitations.

    (a) *  *  *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Maximum allowable 
                                                           EIRP \1\     
                Frequency band (MHz)                --------------------
                                                       Fixed     Mobile 
                                                       (dBW)      (dBW) 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
27,500 to 28,350...................................        55   ........
29,100 to 29,250...................................     (\7\)   ........
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Per polarization.                                                   
\7\ See Sec.  101.113(c).                                               

* * * * *
    (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:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR28AU96.732

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.

                               Table 1 \1\                              
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       e.i.r.p. Spectral Density (Clear 
            Climate zone                  Air) (dBW/MHz-km \2\) \2\     
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1..................................                      -23            
2..................................                      -25            
3,4,5..............................                      -26            
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ 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 20/30 GHz MSS          
  providers.                                                            
\2\ See Sec.  21.1007(c)(i) for the population density of the BTA.      

    (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:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR28AU96.733

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 deg.) 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 deg. and 8 deg., and average levels will be used for angles beyond 
8 deg., where average levels will be calculated by sampling the antenna 
patterns in each 1 deg. interval between 8 deg. and 9015, dividing by 
83.

                                 Table 2                                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Relative e.i.r.p. density 
            Elevation angle (a)                   (dBW/MHz-km \2\)      
------------------------------------------------------------------------
0 deg.  a  4.0 deg..  e.i.r.p.(a) = e.i.r.p.(0    
                                             deg.) + 20 log (sinx)(1/x) where x 
                                             = (a + 1)/7.5 deg..        
4.0 deg. < a  7.7 deg..........  e.i.r.p.(a) = e.i.r.p.(0    
                                             deg.) - 3.85a + 7.7.       
a > 7.7 deg...............................  e.i.r.p.(a) = e.i.r.p.(0    
                                             deg.) - 22.                
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (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

[[Page 44183]]

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.
    5. Section 101.133 is amended by adding new paragraph (d) to read 
as follows:


Sec. 101.133  Limitations on use of transmitters.

* * * * *
    (d) LMDS Subscriber Transmissions: LMDS licensees shall not operate 
transmitters from subscriber locations in the 29.1-29.25 GHz band.
    6. Section 101.147 is amended by adding new paragraph (y) to read 
as follows:


Sec. 101.147  Frequency assignments.

* * * * *
    (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 Sec. 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.

[FR Doc. 96-21795 Filed 8-27-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P