[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 10 (Friday, January 15, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2585-2591]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-974]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Parts 2 and 25

[IB Docket No. 97-95; FCC 98-336]


Allocation and Designation of Spectrum for Fixed-Satellite and 
Wireless Services in the 36.0-51.4 GHz Frequency Band, and Allocation 
of Spectrum in the 37.0-38.0 GHz and 40.0-40.5 GHz Band for Government 
Operations

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: By this Report and Order (``Order'') the Commission adopts a 
plan for non-Government operations in the 36.0-51.4 GHz band by 
providing separate primary designations for non-Government wireless and 
fixed-satellite services throughout the band. The Commission's goal is 
to provide an overall framework for commercial development of this band 
and to help such development to occur without the technical constraints 
that result from ubiquitous wireless and satellite services sharing the 
same spectrum on a co-primary basis. The rules adopted in this Order 
revise the U.S. Table of Frequency Allocations to accommodate the band 
plan and to address certain Federal Government operations in the band.

EFFECTIVE DATE: February 16, 1999.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charles Breig, Planning and 
Negotiation Division, International Bureau, (202) 418-2156 or via 
electronic mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's Order, 
(FCC 98-336), adopted December 17, 1998, and released December 23, 
1998. The complete text of this Commission decision is available for 
inspection and copying during the weekday hours of 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. 
in the Commission's Reference Center, Room 239, 1919 M Street, N.W., 
Washington, DC, or copies may be purchased from the Commission's 
duplicating contractor, ITS, Inc., 2131 M Street, N.W., Washington, DC 
20036, phone (202) 857-3800. The complete text is also available under 
the file name fcc98336.txt or fcc98336.wp on the Commission's internet 
site at http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/International/Orders/1998.

Summary of the Report and Order

    1. In the band plan the Commission: (1) designates a total of 4 
gigahertz of spectrum for fixed-satellite services (``FSS'') use on a 
primary basis in the 37.6-38.6 GHz, 40.0-41.0 GHz and 48.2-50.2 GHz 
bands; (2) provides a total of 5.6 gigahertz of spectrum for wireless 
services use on a primary basis, by retaining the existing wireless 
designations in the 38.6-40.0 GHz and 47.2-48.2 GHz bands, and adding 
new wireless designations on a primary basis in the 37.0-37.6 GHz, 
41.0-42.5 GHz, 46.9-47.0 GHz and 50.4-51.4 GHz bands; and (3) retains 
the existing designations for unlicensed commercial vehicular radar in 
the 46.7-46.9 GHz band and for amateur services in the 47.0-47.2 GHz 
band. The 36.0-37.0 GHz, 42.5-46.7 GHz, and 50.2-50.4 GHz bands remain 
undesignated.
    2. This band plan is the same as that proposed in the Notice of 
Proposed Rulemaking (``NPRM'') in this proceeding, 62 FR 16129 (April 
4, 1997), with three exceptions. First, while the NPRM proposed to 
designate the 37.5-37.6 GHz (100 megahertz) and 41.0-41.5 GHz (500 
megahertz) bands for FSS, and the 38.5-38.6 GHz (100 megahertz) and 
40.0-40.5 GHz (500 megahertz) bands for wireless services, in this 
Order the Commission reverses these service designations and instead 
designates the 37.5-37.6 GHz and 41.0-41.5 GHz bands for wireless 
services, and the 38.5-38.6 GHz and 40.0-40.5 GHz bands for FSS. 
Second, while the NPRM proposed to provide separate designations for 
Geostationary Orbit fixed-satellite service (``GSO/FSS'') and Non-
Geostationary Orbit fixed-satellite service (``NGSO/FSS'') operations, 
in this Order the Commission does not make such additional designations 
at this time, because it is not known the extent to which GSO and NGSO 
operations will occupy the bands designated for FSS. Third, while the 
NPRM proposed to allow ``underlay'' licenses, i.e., the licensing of a 
second service in the bands designated for FSS, in this Order the 
Commission finds that underlay licenses could make it more difficult to 
administer the various services and could increase the potential for 
interference between satellite and wireless services. Accordingly, 
underlay licensing is not adopted in this proceeding.
    3. Further, the Order revises the non-Government column of the U.S. 
Table of Frequency Allocations to accommodate the band plan by adding 
primary allocations for FSS in the 37.6-38.6 GHz and 40.5-41.0 GHz 
bands to accommodate the new FSS designations in these bands. In 
addition, the Commission upgrades the fixed and mobile allocations in 
the 41.0-42.5 GHz band from secondary to primary status to accommodate 
the new wireless services designation in this band. The Commission also 
adds a primary allocation for fixed service to the existing mobile 
service allocation in the 46.9-47.0 GHz band, again to accommodate a 
new wireless services designation.
    4. Finally, the Commission revises the U.S. Table of Allocations to 
address Government operations in the 36.0-51.4 GHz band. Specifically, 
at the request of the National Telecommunications and Information 
Administration (``NTIA''), the Order adds the following allocations to 
the Government column of the U.S. Table: (1) space research (space-to-
Earth) on a primary basis in the 37.0-38.0 GHz band; (2) space research 
(Earth-to-space) and Earth exploration-satellite (``EES'') (Earth-to-
space), both on a primary basis, in the 40.0-40.5 GHz band; and (3) EES 
(space-to-Earth) on a secondary basis in the 40.0-40.5 GHz band. These 
allocations will allow certain additional Government operations in the 
band. In addition, the Commission also reallocates the 42.5-43.5 GHz 
band for exclusive Government use, except for radio astronomy, and the 
47.2-48.2 GHz band for exclusive non-Government use to better meet the 
needs of Government and commercial operators in this band.
    5. In the NPRM the Commission proposed a band plan that would 
establish an overall framework for operations in the 36.0-51.4 GHz 
band. The Commission considered such a framework necessary because of 
the various competing proposals involving frequencies in this band, the 
two ongoing rulemaking proceedings, and the difficulties inherent in 
sharing between ubiquitous wireless and satellite services. The 
Commission stated that a band plan would clarify the relationship among 
the various ongoing proceedings, ensure that all proposed uses were 
given due consideration, and help to foster better business planning 
and expeditious development of this spectrum. In the NPRM, the 
Commission proposed to designate 4 gigahertz of spectrum for FSS on a 
primary basis and 5.6 gigahertz for wireless services on a primary 
basis out of a total of 15.4 gigahertz of spectrum

[[Page 2586]]

in the band. The Commission also proposed to revise the U.S. Table of 
Frequency Allocations, as necessary, to accommodate the proposed 
designations. In response to a request by NTIA, the Commission also 
proposed to adopt new Government allocations in the 37.0-38.0 GHz and 
40.0-40.5 GHz bands.
    6. In developing the proposed band plan, the Commission considered 
the requirements of existing licensees as well as the requirements for 
both wireless and satellite services as stated in pending applications 
and proposals. Furthermore, noting that much of the band is allocated 
on a co-primary basis for both Government and non-Government use, the 
Commission requested comment on the practicality of sharing with 
Government users. The Commission also stated that service and licensing 
rules for specific bands and specific designations for wireless 
services would be the subject of separate ongoing or future rulemaking 
proceedings. The Commission subsequently opened a satellite filing 
window from July 22, 1997 through September 26, 1997 for the 36.0-51.4 
GHz band, during which 15 satellite applications were filed.
    7. On September 24, 1998, NTIA filed a letter proposing that the 
42.5-43.5 GHz band be reallocated for exclusive Government use and the 
47.2-48.2 GHz band be reallocated for exclusive non-Government use. 
NTIA stated that these reallocations would address Government spectrum 
requirements in the 40 GHz band, while assuring commercial bidders that 
the 47 GHz band would remain usable for commercial operations. The 
request was placed on Public Notice and 4 comments were filed. This 
proposal was adopted by the Order.

Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

    8. As required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act (``RFA''),\1\ an 
Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (``IRFA'') was incorporated in 
the Notice of Proposed Rule Making (``NPRM'') in IB Docket No. 97-
95.\2\ The Commission sought written public comment on the proposals in 
the NPRM, including comment on the IRFA. This present Final Regulatory 
Flexibility Analysis (``FRFA'') conforms to the RFA.\3\
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    \1\ See 5 U.S.C. 603. The RFA, see 5 U.S.C. 601 et. seq., has 
been amended by the Contract With America Advancement Act of 1996, 
Pub. L. No. 104-121, 110 Stat. 847 (1996) (CWAAA). Title II of the 
CWAAA is the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 
1996 (SBREFA).
    \2\ See 12 FCC Rcd 10130, 10149 (1997).
    \3\ See 5 U.S.C. 604.
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A. Need for and Objective of the Rules

    9. In this Report and Order the Commission provides a broad plan 
for use of the 36.0-51.4 GHz band that we intend to follow in 
developing domestic services using this spectrum in order to foster 
better business planning and expeditious commercial development of this 
spectrum. We allocate spectrum for fixed-satellite uses, and wireless 
services in a manner that minimizes disruption to existing services.

B. Summary of Significant Issues Raised by Public Comments in Response 
to the IRFA

    10. No comments were submitted in direct response to the IRFA.

C. Description and Estimates of the Number of Small Entities to Which 
the Rules Will Apply

    11. The RFA generally defines the term ``small entity'' as having 
the same meaning as the terms ``small business,'' ``small 
organization,'' and ``small governmental jurisdiction.'' \4\ In 
addition, the term ``small business'' has the same meaning as the term 
``small business concern'' under the Small Business Act.\5\ A small 
business concern is one which: (1) Is independently owned and operated; 
(2) is not dominant in its field of operation; and (3) satisfies any 
additional criteria established by the Small Business Administration 
(``SBA'').
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    \4\ Id. 601(6).
    \5\ 5 U.S.C. 601(3) (incorporating by reference the definition 
of ``small business concern'' in 15 U.S.C. 632). Pursuant to the 
RFA, the statutory definition of a small business applies ``unless 
an agency, after consultation with the Office of Advocacy of the 
Small Business Administration and after opportunity for public 
comment, establishes one or more definitions of such term which are 
appropriate to the activities of the agency and publishes such 
definition(s) in the Federal Register.'' 5 U.S.C. 601(3).
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    12. The Commission has not developed a definition of small entities 
specifically applicable to 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 one with no more than $11.0 million in annual receipts.\6\ According 
to Census Bureau data, there are 848 firms that fall under the category 
of Communications Services, Not Elsewhere Classified. Of those, 
approximately 775 reported annual receipts of $11 million or less and 
qualify as small entities.\7\ We note that new services will be 
permitted under the adopted designations for FSS, and we are unable at 
this time to provide a more precise estimate of how many potential 
small entities will be providing these services.
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    \6\ 13 CFR 121.201, Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) 
Code 4899.
    \7\ 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 2D, Employment 
Size of Firms: 1992, SIC Code 4899 (issued May 1995).
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    13. As described, the designations we hereby adopt will also permit 
wireless services to use this spectrum. The Commission has not 
developed a definition of small entities applicable to wireless 
services licensees. Therefore, the applicable definition of small 
entity is the definition under the SBA rules applicable to 
radiotelephone (wireless) companies. This provides that a small entity 
is a radiotelephone company employing no more than 1,500 persons.\8\ 
According to the Bureau of the Census, only twelve radiotelephone firms 
out of a total of 1,178 such firms which operated during 1992 had 1,000 
or more employees.\9\ We note that new services will be permitted under 
the adopted designations for wireless services, and we are unable at 
this time to provide a more precise estimate of how many potential 
small entities will be providing these services, or which wireless 
services will be utilized.
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    \8\ 13 CFR 121.201, SIC code 4812.
    \9\ 1992 Census, Series UC92-S-1, at Table 5, SIC code 4812.
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D. Description of Projected Reporting, Recordkeeping and Other 
Compliance Requirements

    14. The Commission has adopted rules in this Order that involve no 
reporting requirements at this time. Final service and licensing rules 
will be proposed at a later date.

E. Steps Taken To Minimize Significant Economic Impact on Small 
Entities, and Significant Alternatives Considered

    15. The NPRM solicited comment on other alternatives such as other 
mechanisms of Government/non-Government sharing in those bands proposed 
primarily for FSS uses. The NPRM also requested comment on whether a 
sufficient amount of spectrum had been designated for wireless and 
satellite services or whether a different split would be better.
    16. This Order should positively impact both large and small 
businesses by providing additional spectrum in which to provide 
services. Our decisions do not displace incumbent operators. We will be 
able to address small business concerns regarding specific sub-bands as 
we proceed to

[[Page 2587]]

establish licensing and service rules for those bands in other 
proceedings.

Report to Congress

    17. The Commission will send a copy of the Report and Order 
including this FRFA, in a report to be sent to Congress pursuant to the 
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, see 5 
U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A). In addition, the Commission will send a copy of 
the Report and Order, including FRFA, to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy 
of the Small Business Administration. A copy of the Report and Order 
and FRFA (or summaries thereof) will also be published in the Federal 
Register. See 5 U.S.C. 604(b).

Ordering Clauses

    18. Accordingly, it is ordered that, pursuant to Sections 1, 4(i), 
301, 302, 303(e), 303(f), 303(g), 303(r), 304, and 307 of the 
Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 154(i), 301, 302, 
303(e), 303(f), 303(g), 303(r), 304, and 307, a Report and Order, as 
described in the complete text of FCC 98-336, is adopted and Parts 2 
and 25 of the Commission's Rules are amended as specified.
    19. It is further ordered that the rule amendments shall be 
effective 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.
    20. Pursuant to the Regulatory Flexibility Act, see 5 U.S.C. 604, a 
Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (``FRFA'') has been performed 
regarding the rules adopted in this Report and Order. It is further 
ordered that the Commission's Office of Public Affairs, Reference 
Operations Division, shall send a copy of this Report and Order, 
including the FRFA, to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small 
Business Administration.

List of Subjects

47 CFR Part 2

    Satellite communications, Mobile, Fixed, Fixed-Satellite.

47 CFR Part 25

    Satellite communications, Frequency bands.

Federal Communications Commission.
Magalie Roman Salas,
Secretary.

Rule Changes

    Parts 2 and 25 of title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations are 
amended as follows:

PART 2--FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS AND RADIO TREATY MATTERS; GENERAL 
RULES AND REGULATIONS

    1. The authority citation for part 2 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 302, 303, 307 and 336, unless 
otherwise noted.

    2. Section 2.106, the Table of Frequency Allocations, is amended by 
removing entries beginning with 36.0-37.0 GHz through 50.4-51.4 GHz and 
adding new entries beginning with 36.0-37.0 GHz through 50.4-51.4 GHz 
to read as follows:


Sec. 2.106  Table of Frequency Allocations.

* * * * *

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 International table                        United States table          FCC use designators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Government        Non-
                      Region 2--        Region 3--    ---------------   Government
    Region 1--      allocation GHz    allocation GHz                 ---------------     Rule       Special-use
  allocation GHz                                         Allocation     Allocation     part(s)      frequencies
                                                            GHz            GHz
(1)                (2)               (3)               (4)            (5)            (6)          (7)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        *                  *                 *               *              *             *              *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
36.0-37.0          36.0-37.0         36.0-37.0         36.0-37.0      36.0-37.0      ...........  ..............
EARTH EXPLORATION- EARTH             EARTH             EARTH          EARTH          ...........  ..............
 SATELLITE          EXPLORATION-      EXPLORATION-      EXPLORATION-   EXPLORATION-
 (passive)          SATELLITE         SATELLITE         SATELLITE      SATELLITE
                    (passive)         (passive)         (passive)      (passive)
FIXED              FIXED             FIXED             FIXED          FIXED          ...........  ..............
MOBILE             MOBILE            MOBILE            MOBILE         MOBILE         ...........  ..............
SPACE RESEARCH     SPACE RESEARCH    SPACE RESEARCH    SPACE          SPACE          ...........  ..............
 (passive)          (passive)         (passive)         RESEARCH       RESEARCH
                                                        (passive)      (passive)
S5.149             S5.149            S5.149            US263 US342    US263 US342    ...........  ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
37.0-37.5          37.0-37.5         37.0-37.5         37.0-37.5      37.0-37.5      ...........  ..............
FIXED              FIXED             FIXED             FIXED          FIXED          ...........  ..............
MOBILE             MOBILE            MOBILE            MOBILE         MOBILE         ...........  ..............
SPACE RESEARCH     SPACE RESEARCH    SPACE RESEARCH    SPACE          .............  ...........  ..............
 (space-to-Earth)   (space-to-        (space-to-        RESEARCH
                    Earth)            Earth)            (space-to-
                                                        Earth)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
37.5-37.6          37.5-37.6         37.5-37.6         37.5-37.6      37.5-37.6      ...........  ..............
FIXED              FIXED             FIXED             FIXED          FIXED          ...........  ..............
FIXED-SATELLITE    FIXED-SATELLITE   FIXED-SATELLITE   MOBILE         MOBILE         ...........  ..............
 (space-to-Earth)   (space-to-        (space-to-
                    Earth)            Earth)
MOBILE             MOBILE            MOBILE            SPACE          .............  ...........  ..............
                                                        RESEARCH
                                                        (space-to-
                                                        Earth)
SPACE RESEARCH     SPACE RESEARCH    SPACE RESEARCH    .............  .............  ...........  ..............
 (space-to-Earth)   (space-to-        (space-to-
                    Earth)            Earth)
Earth Exploration- Earth             Earth
 Satellite (space-  Exploration-      Exploration-
 to-Earth)          Satellite         Satellite
                    (space-to-        (space-to-
                    Earth)            Earth)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
37.6-38.0          37.6-38.0         37.6-38.0         37.6-38.0      37.6-38.0

[[Page 2588]]

 
FIXED              FIXED             FIXED             FIXED          FIXED          ...........  ..............
FIXED-SATELLITE    FIXED-SATELLITE   FIXED-SATELLITE   MOBILE         MOBILE         ...........  ..............
 (space-to-Earth)   (space-to-        (space-to-
                    Earth)            Earth)
MOBILE             MOBILE            MOBILE            SPACE          FIXED-         SATELLITE
                                                        RESEARCH       SATELLITE      COMMUNICAT
                                                        (space-to-     (space-to-     IONS (25)
                                                        Earth)         Earth)
SPACE RESEARCH     SPACE RESEARCH    SPACE RESEARCH    .............  .............  ...........  ..............
 (space-to-Earth)   (space-to-        (space-to-
                    Earth)            Earth)
Earth Exploration- Earth             Earth
 Satellite (space-  Exploration-      Exploration-
 to-Earth)          Satellite         Satellite
                    (space-to-        (space-to-
                    Earth)            Earth)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
38.0-38.6          38.0-38.6         38.0-38.6         38.0-38.6      38.0-38.6      ...........  ..............
FIXED              FIXED             FIXED             FIXED          FIXED          ...........  ..............
FIXED-SATELLITE    FIXED-SATELLITE   FIXED-SATELLITE   MOBILE         FIXED-         SATELLITE    ..............
 (space-to-Earth)   (space-to-        (space-to-                       SATELLITE      COMMUNICAT
                    Earth)            Earth)                           (space-to-     ION (25)
                                                                       Earth)
MOBILE             MOBILE            MOBILE            .............  MOBILE         ...........  ..............
Earth Exploration- Earth             Earth
 Satellite (space-  Exploration-      Exploration-
 to-Earth)          Satellite         Satellite
                    (space-to-        (space-to-
                    Earth)            Earth)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
38.6-39.5          38.6-39.5         38.6-39.5         38.6-39.5      38.6-39.5      ...........  ..............
FIXED              FIXED             FIXED             .............  FIXED          FIXED        ..............
                                                                                      MICROWAVE
                                                                                      SERVICES
                                                                                      (101)
FIXED-SATELLITE    FIXED-SATELLITE   FIXED-SATELLITE   .............  FIXED-         Auxiliary    ..............
 (space-to-Earth)   (space-to-        (space-to-                       SATELLITE      Broadcasti
                    Earth)            Earth)                           (space-to-     ng (74)
                                                                       Earth)
MOBILE             MOBILE            MOBILE            .............  MOBILE         ...........  ..............
Earth Exploration- Earth             Earth             US291          US291
 Satellite (space-  Exploration-      Exploration-
 to-Earth)          Satellite         Satellite
                    (space-to-        (space-to-
                    Earth)            Earth)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
39.5-40.0          39.5-40.0         39.5-40.0         39.5-40.0      39.5-40.0      ...........  ..............
FIXED              FIXED             FIXED             FIXED-         FIXED          FIXED        ..............
                                                        SATELLITE                     MICROWAVE
                                                        (space-to-                    SERVICES
                                                        Earth)                        (101)
FIXED-SATELLITE    FIXED-SATELLITE   FIXED-SATELLITE   MOBILE-        FIXED-         Auxiliary    ..............
 (space-to-Earth)   (space-to-        (space-to-        SATELLITE      SATELLITE      Broadcasti
                    Earth)            Earth)            (space-to-     (space-to-     ng (74)
                                                        Earth)         Earth)
MOBILE             MOBILE            MOBILE            .............  MOBILE         ...........  ..............
MOBILE-SATELLITE   MOBILE-SATELLITE  MOBILE-SATELLITE  .............  MOBILE-        ...........  ..............
 (space-to-Earth)   (space-to-        (space-to-                       SATELLITE
                    Earth)            Earth)                           (space-to-
                                                                       Earth)
Earth Exploration- Earth             Earth             US291 G117     US291          ...........  ..............
 Satellite (space-  Exploration-      Exploration-
 to-Earth)          Satellite         Satellite
                    (space-to-        (space-to-
                    Earth)            Earth)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
40.0-40.5          40.0-40.5         40.0-40.5         40.0-40.5      40.0-40.5      SATELLITE    ..............
                                                                                      COMMUNICAT
                                                                                      IONS (25)
EARTH EXPLORATION- EARTH             EARTH             EARTH          FIXED-         ...........  ..............
 SATELLITE (space-  EXPLORATION-      EXPLORATION-      EXPLORATION-   SATELLITE
 to-Earth)          SATELLITE         SATELLITE         SATELLITE      (space-to-
                    (Earth-to-        (Earth-to-        (Earth-to-     Earth)
                    space)            space)            space)
FIXED              FIXED             FIXED             FIXED-         MOBILE-        ...........  ..............
                                                        SATELLITE      SATELLITE
                                                        (space-to-     (space-to-
                                                        Earth)         Earth)
FIXED-SATELLITE    FIXED-SATELLITE   FIXED-SATELLITE   MOBILE-        .............  ...........  ..............
 (space-to-Earth)   (space-to-        (space-to-        SATELLITE
                    Earth)            Earth)            (space-to-
                                                        Earth)
MOBILE             MOBILE            MOBILE            .............  .............  ...........  ..............
MOBILE-SATELLITE   MOBILE-SATELLITE  MOBILE-SATELLITE  SPACE          .............  ...........  ..............
 (space-to-Earth)   (space-to-        (space-to-        RESEARCH
                    Earth)            Earth)            (Earth-to-
                                                        space)

[[Page 2589]]

 
SPACE RESEARCH     SPACE RESEARCH    SPACE RESEARCH    Earth          .............  ...........  ..............
 (Earth-to-space)   (Earth-to-        (Earth-to-        Exploration-
                    space)            space)            Satellite
                                                        (space-to-
                                                        Earth)
Earth Exploration- Earth             Earth             G117
 Satellite (space-  Exploration-      Exploration-
 to-Earth)          Satellite         Satellite
                    (space-to-        (space-to-
                    Earth)            Earth)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
40.5-41.0          40.5-41.0         40.5-41.0         40.5-41.0      40.5-41.0      ...........  ..............
BROADCASTING-      BROADCASTING-     BROADCASTING-     .............  BROADCASTING-  SATELLITE    ..............
 SATELLITE          SATELLITE         SATELLITE                        SATELLITE      COMMUNICAT
                                                                                      IONS (25)
BROADCASTING       BROADCASTING      BROADCASTING      .............  BROADCASTING   ...........  ..............
Fixed              Fixed             Fixed             .............  FIXED-         ...........  ..............
                                                                       SATELLITE
                                                                       (space-to-
                                                                       Earth)
Mobile             Mobile            Mobile            .............  Fixed          ...........  ..............
                   ................  ................  US211          US211          ...........  ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
41.0-42.5          41.0-42.5         41.0-42.5         41.0-42.5      41.0-42.5      ...........  ..............
BROADCASTING-      BROADCASTING-     BROADCASTING-     .............  BROADCASTING-  ...........  ..............
 SATELLITE          SATELLITE         SATELLITE                        SATELLITE
BROADCASTING       BROADCASTING      BROADCASTING      .............  BROADCASTING   ...........  ..............
Fixed              Fixed             Fixed             .............  Fixed          ...........  ..............
Mobile             Mobile            Mobile            .............  Mobile         ...........  ..............
                   ................  ................  US211          US211          ...........  ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
42.5-43.5          42.5-43.5         42.5-43.5         42.5-43.5      42.5-43.5      ...........  ..............
FIXED              FIXED             FIXED             FIXED          RADIO          ...........  ..............
                                                                       ASTRONOMY
FIXED-SATELLITE    FIXED-SATELLITE   FIXED-SATELLITE   FIXED-         .............  ...........  ..............
 (Earth-to-space)   (Earth-to-        (Earth-to-        SATELLITE
 S5.552             space) S5.552     space) S5.552     (Earth-to-
                                                        space)
MOBILE except      MOBILE except     MOBILE except     MOBILE except  .............  ...........  ..............
 aeronautical       aeronautical      aeronautical      aeronautical
 mobile             mobile            mobile            mobile
RADIO ASTRONOMY    RADIO ASTRONOMY   RADIO ASTRONOMY   RADIO          .............  ...........  ..............
                                                        ASTRONOMY
S5.149             S5.149            S5.149            US342
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
43.5-45.5          43.5-45.5         43.5-45.5         43.5-45.5      43.5-45.5      ...........  ..............
MOBILE S5.553      MOBILE S5.553     MOBILE S5.553     FIXED-         .............  ...........  ..............
                                                        SATELLITE
                                                        (Earth-to-
                                                        space)
MOBILE-SATELLITE   MOBILE-SATELLITE  MOBILE-SATELLITE  MOBILE-        .............  ...........  ..............
                                                        SATELLITE
                                                        (Earth-to-
                                                        space)
RADIONAVIGATION    RADIONAVIGATION   RADIONAVIGATION   .............  .............  ...........  ..............
RADIONAVIGATION-   RADIONAVIGATION-  RADIONAVIGATION-  .............  .............  ...........  ..............
 SATELLITE          SATELLITE         SATELLITE
S5.554             S5.554            S5.554            G117           .............  ...........  ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
45.5-46.9          45.5-46.9         45.5-46.9         45.5-46.9      45.5-46.9      ...........  ..............
MOBILE S5.553      MOBILE S5.553     MOBILE S5.553     MOBILE         MOBILE         RADIO        ..............
                                                                                      FREQUENCY
                                                                                      DEVICES
                                                                                      (15)
MOBILE-SATELLITE   MOBILE-SATELLITE  MOBILE-SATELLITE  MOBILE-        MOBILE-        ...........  ..............
                                                        SATELLITE      SATELLITE
                                                        (Earth-to-     (Earth-to-
                                                        space)         space)
RADIONAVIGATION    RADIONAVIGATION   RADIONAVIGATION   .............  .............  ...........  ..............
RADIONAVIGATION-   RADIONAVIGATION-  RADIONAVIGATION-  RADIONAVIGATI  RADIONAVIGATI  ...........  ..............
 SATELLITE          SATELLITE         SATELLITE         ON-SATELLITE   ON-SATELLITE
S5.554             S5.554            S5.554            S5.554         S5.554         ...........  ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 2590]]

 
46.9-47.0          46.9-47.0         46.9-47.0         46.9-47.0      46.9-47.0      ...........  ..............
FIXED
MOBILE S5.553      MOBILE S5.553     MOBILE S5.553     MOBILE         MOBILE         ...........  ..............
MOBILE-SATELLITE   MOBILE-SATELLITE  MOBILE-SATELLITE  MOBILE-        MOBILE-        ...........  ..............
                                                        SATELLITE      SATELLITE
                                                        (Earth-to-     (Earth-to-
                                                        space)         space)
RADIONAVIGATION    RADIONAVIGATION   RADIONAVIGATION   .............  .............  ...........  ..............
RADIONAVIGATION-   RADIONAVIGATION-  RADIONAVIGATION-  RADIONAVIGATI  RADIONAVIGATI  ...........  ..............
 SATELLITE          SATELLITE         SATELLITE         ON-SATELLITE   ON-SATELLITE
S5.554             S5.554            S5.554            S5.554         S5.554         ...........  ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
47.0-47.2          47.0-47.2         47.0-47.2         47.0-47.2      47.0-47.2      ...........  ..............
AMATEUR            AMATEUR           AMATEUR           .............  AMATEUR        AMATEUR      ..............
                                                                                      (97)
AMATEUR-SATELLITE  AMATEUR-          AMATEUR-          AMATEUR-
                    SATELLITE         SATELLITE         SATELLITE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
47.2-48.2          47.2-48.2         47.2-48.2         47.2-48.2      47.2-48.2      ...........  ..............
FIXED              FIXED             FIXED             .............  FIXED          ...........  ..............
FIXED-SATELLITE    FIXED-SATELLITE   FIXED-SATELLITE   .............  FIXED-         ...........  ..............
 (Earth-to-space)   (Earth-to-        (Earth-to-                       SATELLITE
 S5.552             space) S5.552     space) S5.552                    (Earth-to-
                                                                       space)
MOBILE             MOBILE            MOBILE            .............  MOBILE         ...........  ..............
                   ................  ................  .............  S5.555 US264   ...........  ..............
                                                                       US297
S5.149 S5.340      S5.149 S5.340     S5.149 S5.340     .............  US342          ...........  ..............
 S5.555             S5.555            S5.555
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
48.2-50.2          48.2-50.2         48.2-50.2         48.2-50.2      48.2-50.2      ...........  ..............
FIXED              FIXED             FIXED             FIXED          FIXED          SATELLITE    ..............
                                                                                      COMMUNICAT
                                                                                      IONS (25)
FIXED-SATELLITE    FIXED-SATELLITE   FIXED-SATELLITE   FIXED-         FIXED-         ...........  ..............
 (Earth-to-space)   (Earth-to-        (Earth-to-        SATELLITE      SATELLITE
 S5.552             space) S5.552     space) S5.552     (Earth-to-     (Earth-to-
                                                        space)         space)
MOBILE             MOBILE            MOBILE            MOBILE         MOBILE         ...........  ..............
                   ................  ................  S5.555 US264   S5.555 US264   ...........  ..............
                                                        US297          US297
S5.149 S5.340      S5.149 S5.340     S5.149 S5.340     US342          US342          ...........  ..............
 S5.555             S5.555            S5.555
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
50.2-50.4          50.2-50.4         50.2-50.4         50.2-50.4      50.2-50.4      ...........  ..............
EARTH EXPLORATION- EARTH             EARTH             EARTH          EARTH          ...........  ..............
 SATELLITE          EXPLORATION-      EXPLORATION-      EXPLORATION-   EXPLORATION-
 (passive)          SATELLITE         SATELLITE         SATELLITE      SATELLITE
                    (passive)         (passive)         (passive)      (passive)
FIXED              FIXED             FIXED             FIXED          FIXED          ...........  ..............
MOBILE             MOBILE            MOBILE            MOBILE         MOBILE         ...........  ..............
SPACE RESEARCH     SPACE RESEARCH    SPACE RESEARCH    SPACE          SPACE          ...........  ..............
 (passive)          (passive)         (passive)         RESEARCH       RESEARCH
                                                        (passive)      (passive)
                   ................  ................  US263          US263          ...........  ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
50.4-51.4          50.4-51.4         50.4-51.4         50.4-51.4      50.4-51.4      ...........  ..............
FIXED              FIXED             FIXED             FIXED          FIXED          ...........  ..............
FIXED-SATELLITE    FIXED-SATELLITE   FIXED-SATELLITE   FIXED-         FIXED-         ...........  ..............
 (Earth-to-space)   (Earth-to-        (Earth-to-        SATELLITE      SATELLITE
                    space)            space)            (Earth-to-     (Earth-to-
                                                        space)         space)
MOBILE             MOBILE            MOBILE            MOBILE         MOBILE         ...........  ..............
Mobile-Satellite   Mobile-Satellite  Mobile-Satellite  Mobile-        Mobile-        ...........  ..............
 (Earth-to-space)   (Earth-to-        (Earth-to-        Satellite      Satellite
                    space)            space)            (Earth-to-     (Earth-to-
                                                        space)         space)
                   ................  ................  G117           .............  ...........  ..............
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        *                  *                 *               *              *             *              *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 2591]]

    3. In the International Footnotes under heading I. New ``S'' 
Numbering Scheme, add footnotes S5.340, S5.552, S5.553, S5.554, and 
S5.555 in numerical order to read as follows:
International Footnotes
* * * * *
I. New ``S'' Numbering Scheme
* * * * *
    S5.340  All emissions are prohibited in the following bands:

1400-1427 MHz,
2690-2700 MHz except those provided for by Nos. S5.421 and S5.422,
10.68-10.7 GHz except those provided for by No. S5.483,
15.35-15.4 GHz except those provided for by No. S5.511,
23.6-24 GHz,
31.3-31.5 GHz,
31.5-31.8 GHz in Region 2,
48.94-49.04 GHz from airborne stations,
51.4-54.25 GHz,
58.2-59 GHz,
64-65 GHz,
86-92 GHz,
105-116 GHz,
140.69-140.98 GHz from airborne stations and from space stations in the 
space-to-Earth direction,
182-185 GHz except those provided for by No. S5.563,
217-231 GHz.
* * * * *
    S5.552  The allocation of the spectrum for the fixed-satellite 
service in the bands 42.5-43.5 GHz and 47.2-50.2 GHz for Earth-to-space 
transmission is greater than that in the band 37.5-39.5 GHz for space-
to-Earth transmission in order to accommodate feeder links to 
broadcasting satellites. Administrations are urged to take all 
practicable steps to reserve the band 47.2-49.2 GHz for feeder links 
for the broadcasting-satellite service operating in the band 40.5-42.5 
GHz.
    S5.553  In the bands 43.5-47 GHz, 66-71 GHz, 95-100 GHz, 134-142 
GHz, 190-200 GHz and 252-265 GHz, stations in the land mobile service 
may be operated subject to not causing harmful interference to the 
space radiocommunication services to which these bands are allocated 
(see No. S5.43).
    S5.554  In the bands 43.5-47 GHz, 66-71 GHz, 95-100 GHz, 134-142 
GHz, 190-200 GHz and 252-265 GHz, satellite links connecting land 
stations at specified fixed points are also authorized when used in 
conjunction with the mobile-satellite service or the radionavigation-
satellite service.
    S5.555  Additional allocation: the bands 48.94-49.04 GHz, 97.88-
98.08 GHz, 140.69-140.98 GHz, 144.68-144.98 GHz, 145.45-145.75 GHz, 
146.82-147.12 GHz, 250-251 GHz and 262.24-262.76 GHz are also allocated 
to the radio astronomy service on a primary basis.
* * * * *
    4. In the International Footnotes under heading II. Old Numbering 
Scheme, remove footnotes 898, 899, 900, and 901.
    5. In the United States (US) Footnotes Add footnote US342 as 
follows:
United States (US) Footnotes
* * * * *
    US342  In making assignments to stations of other services to which 
the bands:

13360-13410 kHz
37.5-38.25 MHz
322-328.6 MHz*
1330-1400 MHz*
1610.6-1613.8 MHz*
1660-1670 MHz
3260-3267 MHz*
3332-3339 MHz*
3345.8-3352.5 MHz*
4825-4835 MHz*
14.47-14.5 GHz*
22.01-22.21 GHz*
22.21-22.5 GHz
22.81-22.86 GHz*
23.07-23.12 GHz*
31.2-31.3 GHz
36.43-36.5 GHz*
42.5-43.5 GHz
48.94-49.04 GHz*
97.88-98.08 GHz*
140.69-140.98 GHz*
144.68-144.98 GHz*
145.45-145.75 GHz*
146.82-147.12 GHz*
262.24-262.76 GHz*
265-275 GHz

are allocated (* indicates radio astronomy use for spectral line 
observations), all practicable steps shall be taken to protect the 
radio astronomy service from harmful interference. Emissions from 
spaceborne or airborne stations can be particularly serious sources of 
interference to the radio astronomy service (see Nos. 343/S4.5 and 344/
S4.6 and Article 36/S29 of the ITU Radio Regulations).
* * * * *

PART 25--SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS

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

    Authority: 47 U.S.C. 701-744. Interprets or applies sec. 303, 47 
U.S.C. 303. 47 U.S.C. sections 154, 301, 302, 303, 307, 309, and 
332, unless otherwise noted.

    2. The table and footnotes in paragraph 25.202(a)(1) are revised to 
read as follows:


Sec. 25.202  Frequencies, frequency tolerance and emission limitations.

    (a)(1) Frequency bands. The following frequencies are available for 
use by the fixed-satellite service. Precise frequencies and bandwidths 
of emission shall be assigned on a case-by-case basis.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Space-to-Earth (GHz)                 Earth-to-space (GHz)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  3.7-4.2 1                             1 5.925-6.425
  1,2 10.95-11.2                        4 13.75-14.0
  1,2 11.45-11.7                        5 14.0-14.2
  11.7-12.2 3                           14.2-14.5
  17.7-19.7 1                           1 27.5-29.5
  19.7-20.2                             29.5-30.0
  37.6-38.6                             48.2-50.2
  40.0-41.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ This band is shared coequally with terrestrial radiocommunication
  services.
\2\ Use of this band by the fixed-satellite service is limited to
  international systems, i.e., other than domestic systems.
\3\ Use of this band by the fixed-satellite service in Region 2 is
  limited to national and subregional systems. Fixed-satellite
  transponders may be used additionally for transmissions in the
  broadcasting-satellite service.
\4\ This band is shared on an equal basis with the Government
  radiolocation service, grandfathered space stations in the Tracking
  and Data Relay Satellite System, and until January 1, 2000, spaceborne
  sensors.
\5\ In this band, stations in the radionavigation service shall operate
  on a secondary basis to the fixed-satellite service.

* * * * *
[FR Doc. 99-974 Filed 1-14-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-U