[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 229 (Wednesday, November 29, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 69039-69052]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-20167]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Parts 1, 2, 74, 78, and 101

[WT Docket No. 04-143; FCC 06-141]


Rechannelization of the 17.7-19.7 GHz Frequency Band for Fixed 
Microwave Services

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: In this document, the Commission adopts rules that 
rechannelize Fixed Microwave Services (FS) channels in the terrestrial 
18 GHz band. The Commission revises the rules in order to reduce the 
regulatory burden for the 18 GHz band by adding new channel-size 
options for FS operations along with channelization and emission 
flexibility for multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) 
below 18.3 GHz, thereby facilitating the relocation to spectrum at 
17.7-18.3 GHz and 19.3-19.7 GHz. We believe these actions will 
encourage efficient use of the spectrum by all FS licensees and provide 
a regulatory environment that will allow MVPDs to provide competitive 
services while protecting Federal earth stations.

DATES: Effective December 29, 2006

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian Michael Wondrack, (202) 418-
0653, e-mail: [email protected], or via TTY (202) 418-7233, 
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 
Washington, DC 20554.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's Report 
and Order, adopted on September 22, 2006 and released on September 29, 
2006, FCC 06-141. The full text of the Report and Order is available 
for inspection and copying during normal business hours in the FCC 
Reference Information Center, Room CY-A257, 445 12th Street, SW., 
Washington, DC 20554. The complete text may be purchased from the 
Commission's duplicating contractor, Best Copy and Printing, Inc., 
(BCPI), Portals II, 445 12th Street, SW., Room CY-B402, Washington, DC 
20554, 202-488-5300 or 800-387-3160, e-mail at [email protected]. The 
complete text is also available on the Commission's Web site at http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachment/FCC-06-141A1.doc. This full 
text may also be downloaded at: http://wireless.fcc.gov/releases.html. 
Alternative formats (computer diskette, large print, audio cassette, 
and Braille) are available to persons with disabilities by contacting 
Brian Millin at (202) 418-7426, TTY (202) 418-7365, or via e-mail to 
[email protected].

Summary of Report and Order

I. Introduction

    1. In this Report and Order, we revise our rules to reduce 
regulatory burdens for 18 GHz band \1\ terrestrial Fixed Microwave 
Services (FS) licensees that are subject to involuntary relocation from 
the 18.3-19.3 GHz band pursuant to the Commission's reallocation of 
that band for exclusive satellite services use in IB Docket No. 98-
172.\2\ These FS licensees will relocate to spectrum at 17.7-18.3 GHz 
and 19.3-19.7 GHz, where 47 CFR part 101 currently designates channel 
sizes that are too large relative to the needs of some relocating 
point-to-point microwave licensees and too small relative to the needs 
of relocating private cable operators (PCOs) and other multichannel 
video programming distributors (MVPDs). The Report and Order revises 
the rules to add new channel sizes in both bands along with special 
rules for MVPDs within the 17.7-18.3 GHz band, thereby facilitating the 
relocation.
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    \1\ The term ``18 GHz band'' refers to those frequencies between 
17.7 and 19.7 GHz. Herein, we use the term ``terrestrial 18 GHz 
band'' to refer to those frequencies between 17.7-18.3 GHz and 
between 19.3-19.7 GHz that are allocated on a co-primary basis for 
the following terrestrial services: Fixed Microwave Services (FS) 
under part 101, Cable Television Relay Service (``CARS'') under part 
78, and Broadcast Auxiliary Services (``BAS'') under part 74. We 
recognize that 17.7-18.3 GHz and 19.3-19.7 GHz are also allocated on 
a co-primary basis for satellite services; we are using the term 
``terrestrial 18 GHz band'' herein for convenience only given that 
the instant re-channelization concerns terrestrial services under 
part 101.
    \2\ See Redesignation of the 17.7-19.7 GHz Frequency Band, 
Blanket Licensing of Satellite Earth Stations in the 17.7-20.2 GHz 
and 27.5-30.0 GHz Frequency Bands, and the Allocation of Additional 
Spectrum in the 17.3-17.8 GHz and 24.75-25.25 GHz Frequency Bands 
for Broadcast Satellite-Service Use, IB Docket No. 98-172, Report 
and Order, 15 FCC Rcd 13430 (2000) (``18 GHz SAT R&O''), recon. 
granted in part, First Order on Reconsideration, 16 FCC Rcd 19808 
(2001), further recon. granted in part, Second Order on 
Reconsideration, 17 FCC Rcd 24248 (2002) (``Second Order on 
Reconsideration''), further recon. denied, Third Order on 
Reconsideration, 19 FCC Rcd 10777 (2003) (``Third Order on 
Reconsideration'').
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    2. In this Report and Order we adopt the following actions 
regarding FS channels in the terrestrial 18 GHz band:
     We adopt a revised band plan for the FS paired and 
unpaired spectrum from 17.7-18.3 GHz and 19.3-19.7 GHz, consisting of a 
variety of channel bandwidths, primarily narrower bandwidths, and a 
block of unpaired spectrum from 17.7-17.74 GHz.
     We designate a contiguous 600 megahertz block of one-way 
spectrum from 17.7-18.3 GHz for use by MVPDs, who will have flexibility 
within such block to determine the appropriate bandwidths and other 
technical parameters of their MVPD operations.
     In the 17.7-17.8 GHz band, we protect Federal earth 
stations in the fixed-satellite service (space-to-Earth) that may be 
authorized in Denver, Colorado, and Washington, DC, and require all 
MVPD applications (under 47 CFR parts 74, 78, or 101) within the 17.7-
17.8 GHz band near those areas to be coordinated with the Federal 
Government by the Commission before an authorization will be issued.\3\
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    \3\ The National Telecommunications and Information 
Administration (NTIA) filed a letter with the Commission, dated 
March 3, 2006, requesting that we protect certain Federal 
operations. See paragraphs 18-21, infra.
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     We provide channel flexibility to grandfathered MVPDs in 
the 18.3-18.58 GHz band, which was previously designated for non-
primary use by MVPDs.

II. Background

    3. Reallocation from Terrestrial Services to Satellite Services (18 
GHz

[[Page 69040]]

SAT R&O). Previously, in a separate proceeding, the Commission 
reallocated portions of the 18 GHz band to accommodate sharing among 
the terrestrial, Geostationary Satellite Orbit Fixed-Satellite Service 
(``GSO/FSS''), Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit Fixed-Satellite 
Service (``NGSO/FSS''), and Mobile-Satellite Service feeder links 
(``MSS/FL''). As part of that action, the Commission reallocated the 
one thousand megahertz of spectrum from 18.3-19.3 GHz solely to Fixed-
Satellite Service (FSS). The terrestrial services, including FS, 
continue to have shared (co-primary) access to the terrestrial 18 GHz 
band and we revise the FS channel plan, under part 101, to ensure that 
the FS community can effectively and efficiently utilize this spectrum. 
Rechannelization of CARS and BAS, which share the terrestrial 18 GHz 
band with FS (as well as satellite services) will be addressed in a 
separate proceeding. Accordingly, the discussion below focuses on the 
terrestrial Fixed Microwave Services (FS) licensed under part 101, 
except where we address NTIA's request to protect certain Federal 
Government earth stations relative to all applications for new or 
modified MVPD operations whether under parts 74, 78, or 101.
    4. The 18 GHz band currently serves a variety of terrestrial 
communications needs and is an important band for the growth of FS 
services. Prior to the rule changes adopted in the 18 GHz SAT R&O, the 
18 GHz band (two-thousand megahertz of spectrum at 17.7-19.7 GHz) was 
allocated on a co-primary basis for FS, CARS, BAS, and satellite 
services.\4\ In the 18 GHz SAT R&O, the Commission reallocated one-
thousand megahertz of spectrum for FS use as follows: the 17.7-18.3 GHz 
band and the 19.3-19.7 GHz band, both on a co-primary basis with 
satellite services. The 18 GHz SAT R&O also designated the 18.3-18.58 
GHz band as co-primary between FS and GSO/FSS, but the Commission 
subsequently reallocated this sub-band exclusively for satellite 
services use.
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    \4\ See 47 CFR 2.106 (1999); see also 47 CFR parts 21, 25, 74, 
78, and 101. See 18 GHz SAT R&O, 15 FCC Rcd 13430.
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    5. Ten-year relocation reimbursement sunset. Recognizing the 
importance of existing FS systems in the 18 GHz band, the Commission 
adopted a ten-year transition plan that permits FS stations currently 
operating within the one-thousand megahertz of spectrum at 18.3-19.3 
GHz, that was reallocated for exclusive satellite services use, to 
continue operating on a co-primary basis until the applicable sunset 
date.\5\ Under these rules, satellite operators have the option to 
relocate FS stations in the event of interference and, during this ten-
year period, existing FS stations may be relocated in accordance with 
the reimbursement and involuntary relocation procedures set forth in 
Sec.  101.85 and Sec.  101.91of the Commission's rules. After the 
sunset, existing FS stations may continue to operate on a non-
interference basis, but FSS licensees are not required to pay 
relocation costs and may require an incumbent FS licensee to cease 
operations, provided that the FSS licensee intends to turn on a system 
within interference range of the incumbent FS licensee.\6\
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    \5\ 47 CFR 101.85 (Transition of the 18.3-19.3 GHz band from the 
terrestrial fixed services to the fixed-satellite services (FSS)). 
Certain FS operations in the 18.58-19.3 GHz band remain co-primary 
until June 8, 2010, while certain FS operations and low-power 
systems in the 19.26-19.3 GHz band remain co-primary until October 
31, 2011, and certain FS operations in the 18.3-18.58 GHz band 
remain co-primary until November 19, 2012. Id.
    \6\ 47 CFR 101.95 (Sunset provisions for licensees in the 18.30-
19.30 GHz Band). See also 18 GHz SAT R&O, 15 FCC Rcd at 1346 
paragraph 63, First Order on Reconsideration, 16 FCC Rcd at 19821 
paragraph 26.
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    6. The 18 GHz band spectrum available for FS containing the 
narrowest (five megahertz) paired channels (18.76-19.16 GHz band 
frequencies) was reallocated exclusively to satellite services. Under 
current rules, ten megahertz is the smallest channel size available for 
licensing to FS in the terrestrial 18 GHz band. As a result, under the 
existing band plan some FS operators will not be able to relocate to 
replacement channels in the terrestrial 18 GHz band of the same 
bandwidth as their currently licensed channels at 18.76-19.16 GHz. 
Moreover, some FS operators would not be able to be licensed without a 
waiver of the minimum efficiency requirements specified in part 101 of 
our rules. Under the efficiency rules in Sec.  101.141 of the 
Commission's rules, a FS licensee must utilize its channel to the 
required limit. The 18 GHz Rechannelization NPRM (NPRM), 69 FR 40843 
(July 7, 2004), set forth criteria for waiver of the channel-size rules 
pending the outcome of this proceeding. Requiring such licensees to be 
licensed for larger-than-necessary bandwidths would be spectrally 
inefficient.
    7. The Commission recognized in the 18 GHz SAT R&O that the already 
high demand for 18.14-18.58 GHz band will increase and stated that this 
portion of the 18 GHz band is vital to the success of FS relocation 
efforts and the continued viability of wireless cable providers that 
provide direct competition to traditional cable operators. However, 
most of the 18 GHz band spectrum from 18.142-18.58 GHz, which consists 
of six megahertz channels (the standard channel bandwidth used by 
almost all MVPDs to deliver analog channels and digital video streams) 
used mainly by private cable operators (``PCOs'') and other MVPDs, was 
reallocated to satellite services. Accordingly, when the Commission 
reallocated this portion of the 18 GHz band, it noted that PCOs and 
other MVPDs were eligible to use other spectrum either below 18.3 GHz 
in the terrestrial 18 GHz band \7\ or in the CARS (12.7-13.2 GHz) 
band.\8\ Although the Second Order on Reconsideration recognized that 
the CARS Eligibility Order allowed non-cable MVPDs access to the 
terrestrial 18 GHz band, the Commission did not, in those proceedings, 
remove the restriction for video in Sec.  101.603 of the Commission's 
rules, nor amend the size of the channels in the terrestrial 18 GHz 
band below 18.142 GHz to accommodate such use. Rather, the Commission 
explained in the First Order on Reconsideration that it would undertake 
a separate proceeding to rechannelize the terrestrial 18 GHz band to 
facilitate the relocation. Accordingly, on April 19, 2004, the 
Commission released the NPRM.
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    \7\ 18 GHz band spectrum is shared with CARS and BAS. MVPDs are 
eligible for CARS licenses.
    \8\ Second Order on Reconsideration, 17 FCC Rcd at 24250 
paragraph 6. This ``enhanced eligibility'' was the result of the 
Commission's decision in another proceeding. See Amendment of 
Eligibility Requirements in part 78 Regarding 12 GHz Cable 
Television Relay Service, CS Docket No. 99-250, Report and Order, 17 
FCC Rcd 9930, 9930 paragraph 1 (2002) (``CARS Eligibility Order'').
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III. Discussion

A. Adding Smaller Channels for FS Operations in the Terrestrial 18 GHz 
Band

    8. In the NPRM (based largely on a filing by the Fixed Wireless 
Communications Coalition (FWCC)), the Commission proposed a revised FS 
channel plan for the terrestrial 18 GHz band that included paired and 
unpaired channels from 17.7-18.3 GHz and 19.3-19.7 GHz, as well as a 
variety of channel bandwidths including narrower bandwidths, e.g., 
1.25, 2.5 and 5 megahertz (as well as those of thirty and fifty 
megahertz) and a block of unpaired spectrum from 17.7-17.74 GHz.
    9. All commenters generally support our efforts to provide relief 
to relocated point-to-point microwave FS licensees by modifying the 
existing FS channel plan in the terrestrial 18 GHz band.

[[Page 69041]]

Based on the information available in the record, we conclude that our 
decisions will promote more efficient use of the terrestrial 18 GHz 
band by allowing FS licensees to request the amount of spectrum that 
they need, rather than having to request larger bandwidth channels or 
seek a waiver of the Commission's rules. This in turn promotes access 
to spectrum for FS operations, both by relocating incumbents and new 
entrants.

B. 220 Megahertz Channels

    10. In the NPRM, the Commission recognized that the reallocation of 
the 18 GHz band eliminated portions of all three FS 220 megahertz 
channel pairs, and the Commission sought comments on whether a need 
exists to maintain any 220 megahertz channel pair. Commenters state 
that maintaining 220 megahertz channel pairs is no longer necessary 
because, due to advances in modulation, the services that were provided 
over these channel pairs are no longer used and, accordingly, the 
equipment needed to provide these services is no longer manufactured. 
Moreover, commenters maintain that the proposed assignment would 
effectively block the use of narrower channels for two-way links within 
the terrestrial 18 GHz band. We also note that the Commission's 
licensing records reflect that no incumbents are licensed for a 220 
megahertz channel pair. Based on the record before us, we agree with 
the commenters and find that maintaining a 220 megahertz channel pair 
serves no useful purpose, especially given our decision below regarding 
aggregation. Accordingly, we change our rules to eliminate this size 
channel designation.

C. Aggregation

    11. We also proposed, in the NPRM, to permit applicants to request 
any amount of available spectrum based on their specific needs, on the 
condition that aggregated channels are contiguous channels, except for 
channels that are already licensed to someone else in the area, and are 
thus blocked. Comsearch asks us to clarify whether applicants also may 
skip any segments that would be affected by interference with other 
links. We conclude that allowing aggregation conditioned upon the 
proposed requirement that aggregated channels be contiguous is 
necessary to prevent licensees from spacing their channels in a manner 
that effectively could prevent others from using the remaining spectrum 
in the same area. We also, however, agree with Comsearch that where an 
applicant seeks to operate in a particular segment that is unavailable 
in the relevant area, whether due to co-channel licenses or adjacent 
channel interference as determined under our rules (including 
requirements to comply with any applicable agreements with Canada or 
Mexico in these bands), then it is appropriate to allow the applicant 
to skip that ``blocked'' segment of spectrum.

D. Use of the 17.7-17.74 GHz Sub-band

    12. The NPRM also proposed to permit unpaired use by any FS 
licensee of the 17.7-17.74 GHz sub-band, which was previously paired 
with the 19.26-19.3 GHz sub-band that was reallocated to FSS. We also 
asked whether to allow licensees to pair channels in the 17.7-17.74 GHz 
sub-band with other channels in the terrestrial 18 GHz band where, for 
example, the return pair is already in use and therefore blocked. Only 
one commenter, Independent Multi-Family Communications Council (IMCC), 
addressed these proposals and supported them. We conclude that these 
approaches will provide FS licensees additional operational flexibility 
within the terrestrial 18 GHz band without compromising our efforts to 
facilitate effective and expeditious relocation of those licensees from 
other portions of the 18 GHz band. We accordingly adopt these changes 
to our rules.

E. Multichannel Video Programming Distributors (MVPDs)

1. Background
    13. Prior to the reallocation to satellite services in IB Docket 
No. 98-172, PCOs and other MVPDs had co-primary access to 438 megahertz 
of spectrum (18.142-18.58 GHz) and non-MVPDs had co-primary access to 
442 megahertz of spectrum (17.7-18.142 GHz). Although MVPD and non-MVPD 
each shared spectrum with satellite and other terrestrial services, 
these part 101 licensees did not share with one another. In the NPRM, 
the Commission noted that MVPDs no longer will have primary access to 
the 18.3-18.58 GHz band frequencies, leaving MVPDs subject to 
involuntary relocation and access to only 158 megahertz of spectrum in 
the 18 GHz range. In this connection, the Commission proposed for MVPDs 
a contiguous 500 megahertz block of one-way spectrum, from 17.8-18.3 
GHz, consisting of the 158 megahertz of spectrum at 18.142-18.3 GHz and 
342 megahertz of spectrum immediately below 18.142 GHz which MVPDs and 
non-MVPDs would share. The Commission also proposed removing the 
prohibition on video operations \9\ and allowing MVPDs to be licensed 
for up to all five-hundred megahertz of this spectrum, subject to 
coordination, along with flexibility to channelize contiguous segments 
of licensed spectrum as needed. The Commission further proposed 
emission flexibility for MVPDs within the 17.8 to 18.3 GHz band to 
accommodate and streamline conversions to digital transmissions. The 
NPRM did not propose to designate 17.7-17.8 GHz for MVPDs, which under 
the current rules would leave this one-hundred megahertz of spectrum 
designated for non-MVPDs. We discuss each proposal or issue below.
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    \9\ See 47 CFR 101.603(a)(1), 101.603(b) (prohibiting use of 18 
GHz frequencies, other than 18.142-18.580 GHz, for the final link in 
the chain of transmission of program material).
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2. MVPD Designation at 17.8-18.3 GHz
    14. Alcatel and Fixed Wireless Communications Coalition and the 
National Spectrum Managers Association (FWCC/NSMA) initially opposed 
designating the 17.8-18.3 GHz sub-band for use by MVPDs because MVPDs 
use one-way, hub-and-spoke architecture that these commenters contend 
will effectively block the use of the entire sub-band for more 
efficient two-way FS use in the vicinity of MVPDs systems. FWCC/NSMA 
further contended that the combination of MVPDs' widespread geographic 
dispersion and high occupied bandwidth resulting from low-efficiency 
modulation effectively prevents FS use over the entire bandwidth.
    15. The main difference between non-MVPD use and MVPD use is that 
the latter often utilizes analog video channels, which are typically 
six megahertz, and have a larger amplitude (peak power) at the location 
of the main video carrier. As a result, the power is not spread as 
evenly across the bandwidth as is the case for most non-MVPD 
operations. Typically, MVPDs also use several contiguous channels to 
backhaul their services whereas non-MVPD operators usually meet their 
needs with one or two channels. After taking these differences into 
account, however, we reject any claim that these operational 
differences preclude sharing given that MVPDs are required to 
coordinate with other service providers, and thus will not be able to 
uniformly block or otherwise interfere with other, non-MVPD licensees. 
Moreover, given MVPDs' ``late arrival'' to this band, they will only 
operate where the spectrum is still available, i.e., can be coordinated 
with existing licensees. We also note that in the Second Order on

[[Page 69042]]

Reconsideration, the Commission determined that if PCOs relocate to the 
12.7-13.2 GHz and 17.7-18.3 GHz frequency bands, the geographic 
separation between the incumbent systems and the relocated PCOs would 
result in only rare instances where the frequency paths would intersect 
in a way that would require site shielding or other mitigating measures 
necessary to prevent mutually unacceptable interference. As such, the 
Commission determined in the Second Order on Reconsideration that MVPDs 
could relocate to either the CARS band (12.7-13.2 GHz) or to 17.7-18.3 
GHz. In view of these prior determinations in the allocation 
proceeding, we conclude that it is not within the scope of the instant 
service-rules proceeding to reconsider wholesale determinations 
regarding acceptable designations of terrestrial operations for these 
bands made in IB Docket No. 98-172. In this connection, we note that 
Alcatel and FWCC/NSMA subsequently informed the Commission that they no 
longer oppose expanding 18 GHz spectrum for final video links. As such, 
and in accordance with the determination made in IB Docket No. 98-172 
that terrestrial users, e.g., MVPDs and other FS users, could and would 
share portions of the terrestrial 18 GHz band, we are adopting the 
proposal in the NPRM to allow the 17.8-18.3 GHz sub-band to be used for 
the final radio frequency link to distribute video.
3. MVPD Designation at 17.7-17.8 GHz
    16. MVPD Designation at 17.7-17.8 GHz. As noted, the NPRM did not 
propose to designate for MVPDs the one-hundred megahertz of spectrum at 
17.7-17.8 GHz, which is allocated on a shared, co-primary basis to FS 
(parts 74, 78, and 101) and FSS (Earth-to-space), with the FSS 
allocation limited to feeder links for broadcasting satellite 
service.\10\ Coordination is required between FS and FSS because there 
is a potential for interference from FSS uplinks into receiving FS 
facilities. IMCC contends, however, that to have a reasonably cost 
effective transmission solution to compete with large 
telecommunications and cable companies, PCOs need access to the full 
600 megahertz of spectrum contemplated for MVPDs in the CARS 
Eligibility Order and the Second Order on Reconsideration. This appears 
to be a reasonable assertion as cable systems usually use 550 MHz or 
more of spectrum. Moreover, in a particular location, even the full 600 
megahertz may not be available contiguously due to the presence of 
other users.\11\ Additionally, we acknowledge IMCC's point that the OET 
CARS Study (the Study) that found sufficient capacity (in the 12 GHz 
and the terrestrial 18 GHz bands) to accommodate the relocation of 
terrestrial licensees adopted in IB Docket No. 98-172 included the 100 
megahertz of spectrum at 17.7-17.8 GHz.
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    \10\ See 47 CFR 2.106 (Table of Allocations) and US Footnote 
271.
    \11\ ``Access to the full 600 [megahertz at] 17.7-18.3 GHz is 
necessary * * * if PCOs are to have * * * any chance of managing the 
`patchwork quilt' of unblocked and blocked frequencies * * * as PCO 
services grow * * * and PCOs are forced to abandon use of the 18.3-
18.58 band.'' IMCC Reply Comments at 7.
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    17. As noted above, some commenters initially objected to use of 
spectrum below 18.142 MHz by video providers but these objections were 
subsequently withdrawn. IMCC has persuaded us that providing MVPDs 
access to the full 600 megahertz of spectrum, as contemplated in the 
OET CARS Band Study, is necessary and appropriate to promote 
competition in the video distribution industry.
4. Protection of Federal Government Operations Near Denver, CO, and 
Washington, DC
    18. On March 3, 2006, the National Telecommunications and 
Information Administration (NTIA) filed a letter with the Commission in 
this proceeding stating concerns with the possibility of harmful 
interference to a limited number of Federal Government earth station 
facilities near Denver, Colorado and Washington, DC, from MVPD 
operations in the 17.7-17.8 GHz sub-band.\12\
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    \12\ See Letter from Fredrick R. Wentland, Associate 
Administrator, Office of Spectrum Management, NTIA, U.S. Department 
of Commerce, to Julius Knapp, Deputy Chief, Office of Engineering 
and Technology, FCC, dated March 3, 2006 (NTIA Letter). NTIA 
explains that while the rechannelization proposed in the 18 GHz 
Rechannelization Notice would not adversely impact Federal 
operations, comments in this proceeding from the fixed services 
community request that the Commission allow MVPD operations in the 
17.7-17.8 GHz band. NTIA Letter at 1.
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    19. NTIA requests that if the Commission chooses to permit MVPDs in 
the band, the Commission extend protection of these receiving Federal 
Government earth stations to the band 17.7-17.8 GHz in the geographic 
areas identified in Sec.  1.924(e) of the Commission's rules for the 
17.8-20.2 GHz band.\13\ NTIA avers that this result would be 
implemented with minimum impact on MVPDs through the adoption of the 
following footnote to the Table of Allocations, 47 CFR 2.106, and the 
implementation of associated changes to existing rules in parts 1, 74, 
and 78, and Sec.  101.31, the last by extending to MVPDs at 17.7-17.8 
GHz the existing prohibition on the early commencement of operations at 
17.8-19.7 GHz pending coordination with the Federal Government.
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    \13\ NTIA Leter at 1, n2.

USXXX--In the band 17.7-17.8 GHz, Federal earth stations in the 
fixed-satellite service (space-to-Earth) may be authorized in the 
Denver, CO and Washington, DC areas on a primary basis. Before 
commencement of operations, non-Federal fixed service applications 
supporting Multichannel Video Programming Distributors (MVPD) shall 
be coordinated through the Frequency Assignment Subcommittee of the 
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Interdepartmental Radio Advisory Committee.

    20. NTIA acknowledges that many fixed services with differing 
characteristics already operate in the band 17.7-17.8 GHz without 
coordination with the Federal Government earth stations in the 
specified locations. Accordingly, NTIA emphasizes that it does not seek 
to require coordination of fixed services already authorized in the 
band 17.7-17.8 GHz, for which coordination has not been previously 
required.\14\
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    \14\ Id. at 2-3.
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    21. Based on the record before us, we find that adopting the 
protections that NTIA has requested would serve the public interest. We 
find that NTIA's request is a reasonable mechanism to protect Federal 
Government earth stations that may be authorized in the Denver 
Colorado, and Washington, D.C. areas. Accordingly, we make changes to 
parts 1, 2, 74, 78, and 101 of the Commission's rules to implement 
NTIA's request with respect to applications for new (or major 
modifications to existing) MVPD operations. In this regard, we 
acknowledge that the NPRM stated that rechannelization of Broadcast 
Auxiliary Services (part 74) and Cable Television Relay Service (part 
78) spectrum, which share the terrestrial 18 GHz band with FS (part 
101) would be addressed in a separate proceeding. The Commission also, 
however, gave notice that licensees in parts 74 and 78 could be 
affected because of the shared use of these terrestrial services.\15\ 
Given the important public policy objective of protecting federal 
facilities from interference, we are implementing NTIA's proposal for 
the 17.7-17.8 GHz

[[Page 69043]]

band for all three rule parts (parts 74, 78 and 101).
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    \15\ See 18 GHz Rechannelization NPRM, 19 FCC Rcd at 7265 
paragraph 8. We also note that in the Second Order on 
Reconsideration, the Commission determined that MVPDs licensed under 
part 101 could relocate to specified bands that are administered 
under part 78 or part 101.
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5. MVPD Flexibility at 17.7-18.3 GHz
    22. In the NPRM, the Commission proposed rules permitting MVPD 
providers to use whatever size channels in contiguous spectrum that 
they deem necessary to accommodate analog or digital transmission 
techniques provided that they have properly coordinated the necessary 
emission designators and power criteria.\16\ We adopt that proposal for 
the entire band 17.7-18.3 GHz for MVPD operators.
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    \16\ As required by 47 CFR 1.924(e), modification of an existing 
station license in this band which would change the frequency, 
power, emission, modulation, polarization, antenna height or 
directivity, or location of such a station, must be coordinated with 
the Federal Government by the Commission before an authorization 
will be issued. Compression techniques can be changed within certain 
emission designations without requiring an application.
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    23. Comsearch disagrees with the Commission's flexibility approach 
and states that cable television distribution and MVPDs are closely 
tied to a 6 megahertz channel plan. Comsearch contends that orderly 
spectrum management demands that a 6 megahertz channel plan should be 
added to this segment to accommodate MVPDs. Comsearch further states 
that PCOs and MVPDs could use either this 6 megahertz plan or any of 
the other plans (5 megahertz, 10 megahertz, etc.), but should not have 
total flexibility to use whatever channels and bandwidth they choose.
    24. We are not persuaded that adopting a six megahertz plan is 
necessary. In furtherance of our spectrum management goals for the 
terrestrial 18 GHz band, we adopt rules for permitting MVPD providers 
to use contiguous blocks of spectrum in order to accommodate their 
video delivery needs. The Commission recognizes that a de-facto six-
megahertz channelization scheme exists because the current availability 
of both analog and digital video processing equipment, in-home set-top 
boxes, and television sets is designed for six megahertz channels. 
However, we do believe that providing MVPDs with channel flexibility 
does not inhibit them from still operating within the existing, de-
facto channelization scheme if they so choose. Adding operational 
flexibility to accommodate operators who wish to use alternate channel 
plans, should the opportunity or need arise, does not prevent the 
continued use of the six megahertz scheme and is therefore in the 
public interest.
6. 18.3-18.58 GHz
    25. We find that it is in the public interest to adopt the proposal 
in the NPRM to retain the 18.3-18.58 GHz sub-band for grandfathered 
MVPDs given its adjacency to the 17.7-18.3 GHz band that we are 
designating for MVPDs today.\17\ We believe this approach is 
appropriate because it preserves the status of the grandfathered 
terrestrial licensees in the 18.3-18.58 GHz sub-band and their ability 
to continue operating. Together with the 17.7-18.3 GHz band, this 
provides MVPDs with access to a total of 880 megahertz (17.7-18.58 
GHz), albeit with 280 megahertz limited to grandfathered licensees that 
operate on a co-primary basis with FSS until 2012, after which they 
will operate on a non-protected and non-interfering basis to FSS.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ The Commission decided in IB Docket No. 98-172 that no 
applications for new part 101 stations in the 18.3-18.58 GHz band 
would be accepted after November 19, 2002. Then-existing part 101 
applications and licenses were grandfathered.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    26. In furtherance of our spectrum management goals of encouraging 
efficient use of spectrum for the 18 GHz band, we adopt rules allowing 
emission and channelization flexibility from 18.3 to 18.58 GHz for 
MVPDs. We find that extending emission and channelization flexibility 
will allow MVPDs to efficiently use spectrum in this sub-band without 
causing unacceptably high levels of interference with other licensees; 
however, certain stations that remain co-primary [in the 18.3-19.3 GHz 
band] may not make modifications to their systems that increase 
interference to satellite earth stations, or result in a facility that 
would be more costly to relocate. In the event that a FSS licensee 
intends to turn on a system within interference range of the incumbent 
licensee, the incumbent licensee would have to cease operations or 
relocate in accordance with our rules. Also, incumbent licensees are 
cautioned that all major modifications and certain extensions of 
existing systems will render those links secondary to FSS operations 
pursuant to Sec.  101.97(a) of the Commissions rules. We believe that 
providing emission and channelization flexibility in the 18.3 to 18.58 
GHz segment, in conjunction with flexible usage rules for the 17.7-18.3 
GHz band, will give MVPD licensees access to large blocks of spectrum 
to more effectively provide video services in an efficient manner for 
the duration of their grandfathered status. We note that IMCC filed 
comments supporting our proposal to extend flexible use to the 18.3-
18.58 GHz sub-band. We conclude, based on the evidence available in the 
record, and the amount of spectrum available to MVPDs licensees, that 
such changes are necessary to fully effectuate the Commission's efforts 
to provide MVPD licensees additional operational flexibility and 
increased access to the terrestrial 18 GHz band.
7. Streamlined Process for MVPD Conversion to Digital Modulation
    27. In furtherance of our goals to provide regulatory relief to 
licensees transitioning to the 18 GHz band and encourage efficient use 
of spectrum, we conclude that MVPD licensees should have flexibility to 
move from analog to digital emissions, choose the size of each channel, 
and use whatever compression techniques they wish. Our licensing 
records reflect that most of the MVPD operations subject to relocation 
are analog systems. As discussed above, we anticipate that many of 
these systems will convert to digital either at the end of their 
analog-equipment lifecycle or in response to market incentives. In this 
connection, we are concerned that MVPDs that must relocate prior to 
converting to digital could incur significant, duplicative costs 
associated with the coordination and licensing process for (1) spectral 
relocation and, later, (2) for digital conversion. To minimize the 
potential for duplicative costs, we conclude that MVPD licensees should 
have the option to specify analog and digital emission designators 
(each of which must be coordinated) on one application. In this 
connection, we are adopting a revision to Sec.  101.63 of the 
Commission's rules to allow MVPD licensees to meet their construction 
requirement and not automatically surrender their license as long as 
they are operating a system using either an authorized analog or 
digital emissions. Accordingly, such MVPD licensees will be authorized 
to operate using one or both modulations, e.g., the licensee can 
operate its analog system and later convert to digital without having 
to file another, coordinated application. Once the licensee has 
completed the transition to digital, the license can remove the unused 
analog emission designator(s) the next time a modification or renewal 
application is filed.\18\ In adopting these measures we reduce the 
regulatory burden on licensees and encourage flexible and more 
efficient use of spectrum.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \18\ Construction of any authorized facility or frequency must 
be completed by the date specified in the license as pursuant to 
Sec.  1.946.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 69044]]

IV. Procedural Matters

    28. Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis. As required by the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, as amended (RFA), an Initial 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) was incorporated in the NPRM in 
WT Docket 04-143. 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. The 
Commission's Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Reference 
Information Center, shall send a copy of this Report and Order, 
including the FRFA, to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small 
Business Administration.

A. Need for, and Objectives of, the Report and Order

    In this Report and Order, we revise our rules to reduce regulatory 
burdens for 18 GHz band terrestrial Fixed Microwave Services (FS) 
licensees that are subject to involuntary relocation from the 18.3-19.3 
GHz band pursuant to the Commission's reallocation of that band for 
exclusive satellite services use in IB Docket No. 98-172. These FS 
licensees will relocate to spectrum at 17.7-18.3 GHz and 19.3-19.7 GHz, 
where part 101 currently designates channel sizes that are too large 
relative to the needs of some relocating point-to-point microwave 
licensees and too small relative to the needs of relocating private 
cable operators (PCOs) and other multichannel video programming 
distributors (MVPDs). The instant Report and Order revises the rules to 
add new channel sizes in both bands along with special rules for MVPDs 
within the 17.7-18.3 GHz band, thereby facilitating the relocation.
    Specifically, we adopt a revised band plan for the FS paired and 
unpaired spectrum at 17.7-18.3 GHz and 19.3-19.7 GHz, consisting of a 
variety of channel bandwidths, primarily by adding narrower bandwidths 
and a block of unpaired spectrum from 17.7-17.74 GHz. In addition, we 
designate a contiguous 600 megahertz block of one-way spectrum from 
17.7-18.3 GHz for use by MVPDs, who will have flexibility within this 
block to determine the appropriate bandwidths and other technical 
parameters of their MVPD operations. We also provide channel 
flexibility to grandfathered MVPDs in the 18.3-18.58 GHz band, which 
was previously designated for non-primary use by MVPDs. In the 17.7-
17.8 GHz band, we protect Federal earth stations in the fixed-satellite 
service (space-to-Earth) that may be authorized in Denver, Colorado, 
and Washington, D.C., and require all MVPD applications (under parts 
74, 78, or 101) within the 17.7-17.8 GHz band near those areas to be 
coordinated with the Federal Government by the Commission before an 
authorization will be issued.

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

    There were no comments filed that specifically addressed the rules 
and policies proposed in the IRFA.

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

    The RFA directs agencies to provide a description of and, where 
feasible, an estimate of the number of entities that will be affected 
by the rules. The RFA defines ``small entity'' as having the same 
meaning as the term ``small business,'' ``small organization,'' and 
``small governmental jurisdiction.'' In addition, the term ``small 
business'' has the same meaning as the term ``small business concern'' 
under the Small Business Act, unless the Commission has developed one 
or more definitions that are appropriate to its activities. Under the 
Small Business Act, a ``small business concern'' is one that: (1) Is 
independently owned and operated; (2) is not dominant in its field of 
operation; and (3) meets any additional criteria established by the 
Small Business Administration (SBA).
    Fixed Microwave Services: The rechannelization will affect all 
common carrier and private operational fixed microwave licensees who 
are authorized under Part 101 of the Commission's rules for use of the 
18 GHz spectrum. Microwave services include common carrier, private-
operational fixed, and broadcast auxiliary radio services. At present, 
there are approximately 36,708 common carrier fixed licensees and 
59,291 private operational-fixed licensees and broadcast auxiliary 
radio licensees in the microwave services. The Commission has not yet 
defined a small business with respect to microwave services. For 
purposes of the FRFA, we will use the SBA's definition applicable to 
Cellular and other Wireless Telecommunications companies--i.e., an 
entity with no more than 1,500 persons. According to Census Bureau data 
for 1997, there were 977 firms in this category, total, that operated 
for the entire year. Of this total, 965 firms had employment of 999 or 
fewer employees, and an additional twelve firms had employment of 1,000 
employees or more. Thus, under this size standard, a majority of firms 
can be considered small. We note that the number of firms does not 
necessarily track the number of licensees. We estimate that all of the 
fixed microwave licensees (excluding broadcast auxiliary licensees) 
would qualify as small entities under the SBA definition.
    Small MVPDs: SBA has developed a small business size standard for 
cable and other program distribution services, which includes all such 
companies generating $13.0 million or less in revenue annually. This 
category includes, among others, cable operators, direct broadcast 
satellite (``DBS'') services, home satellite dish (``HSD'') services, 
multipoint distribution services (``MDS''), multichannel multipoint 
distribution service (``MMDS''), Instructional Television Fixed Service 
(``ITFS''), local multipoint distribution service (``LMDS''), satellite 
master antenna television (``SMATV'') systems and open video systems 
(``OVS''). According to the Bureau of Census, there were 1,311 total 
cable and other pay television service firms that operate throughout 
the year of which 1,180 have less than $10 million in revenue. We will 
address each service individually to provide as precise of an estimate 
of small entities as available data allows.
    Cable Operator: The Commission has developed, with SBA's approval, 
its own definition of a small cable system operator for the purposes of 
rate regulation. Under the Commission's rules, a ``small cable 
company,'' is one serving fewer than 400,000 subscribers nationwide. 
Based on our most recent information, we last estimated that there were 
1,439 cable operators that qualified as small cable companies. Since 
then, some of those companies may have grown to serve over 400,000 
subscribers, and others may have been involved in transactions that 
caused them to be combined with other cable operators. Consequently, we 
estimate that there are fewer than 1,439 small entity cable system 
operators that may be affected by the decisions and rules adopted in 
this Report and Order. The Communications Act of 1934, as amended 
(Communications Act), also contains a definition of a small cable 
system operator, which is ``a cable operator that, directly or through 
an affiliate, serves in the aggregate fewer than one percent of all 
subscribers in the United States and is not affiliated with any entity 
or entities whose gross annual revenues in the aggregate exceed 
$250,000,000.'' The Commission has determined that there are 68,500,000 
subscribers in the United States. Therefore, we found that an operator 
serving fewer than 685,000 subscribers

[[Page 69045]]

shall be deemed a small operator, if its annual revenues, when combined 
with the total annual revenues of all of its affiliates, do not exceed 
$250 million in the aggregate. Based on available data, we find that 
the number of cable operators serving 677,000 subscribers or less 
totals 1,450. Although it seems certain that some of these cable system 
operators are affiliated with entities whose gross annual revenues 
exceed $250,000,000, we are unable at this time to estimate with 
greater precision the number of cable system operators that would 
qualify as small cable operators under the definition in the 
Communications Act.
    Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service (``MMDS''): MMDS 
Systems, often referred to as ``wireless cable,'' transmit video 
programming to subscribers using microwave frequencies. In connection 
with the 1996 MMDS auction, the Commission defined small businesses as 
entities that had annual average gross revenues of less than $40 
million in the previous three calendar years. This definition of a 
small entity in the context of MDS auctions has been approved by the 
SBA. The MDS auctions resulted in 67 successful bidders obtaining 
licensing opportunities for 493 Basic Trading Areas (``BTAs''). Of the 
67 auction winners, 61 met the definition of a small business. 
Information available to us indicates that no MMDS facility generates 
revenue in excess of $11 million annually. We conclude that there are 
approximately 1634 small MMDS providers as defined by the SBA and the 
Commission's auction rules.
    Satellite Master Antenna Television (``SMATV'') Systems: The SBA 
definition of small entities for cable and other program distribution 
services includes SMATV services and, thus, small entities are defined 
as all such companies generating $13.0 million or less in annual 
receipts. Industry sources estimate that approximately 5,200 SMATV 
operators were providing service as of December 1995. Other estimates 
indicate that SMATV operators serve approximately 1.5 million 
residential subscribers as of July 2001. The best available estimates 
indicate that the largest SMATV operators serve between 15,000 and 
55,000 subscribers each. Most SMATV operators serve approximately 
3,000-4,000 customers. Because these operators are not rate regulated, 
they are not required to file financial data with the Commission. 
Furthermore, we are not aware of any privately published financial 
information regarding these operators. Based on the estimated number of 
operators and the estimated number of units served by the largest ten 
SMATVs, we believe that a substantial number of SMATV operators qualify 
as small entities.
    Open Video Systems (``OVS''): Because OVS operators provide 
subscription services, OVS falls within the SBA-recognized definition 
of cable and other program distribution services. This definition 
provides that a small entity is one with $13.0 million or less in 
annual receipts. The Commission has certified 25 OVS operators with 
some now providing service. Affiliates of Residential Communications 
Network, Inc. (RCN) received approval to operate OVS systems in New 
York City, Boston, Washington, DC and other areas. RCN has sufficient 
revenues to assure us that they do not qualify as small business 
entities. Little financial information is available for the other 
entities authorized to provide OVS service but have not yet begun to 
generate revenues, we conclude that at least some of the OVS operators 
qualify as small entities.

 D. Description of Projected Reporting, Recordkeeping, and Other 
Compliance Requirements

    Under the decisions contained in the Report and Order, we are 
effecting a change wherein we will allow 18 GHz band applicants to 
operate on spectrum utilizing different bandwidth channels in addition 
to the ones already in existence. The decisions do not include any 
changes in the language of FCC Forms nor do they require extra filings. 
We are also allowing certain flexibility for some future modifications 
to be achieved without the necessity of filing further applications. To 
protect Federal Government earth stations that may be authorized in the 
Denver, Colorado, and Washington, DC, areas, we adopt provisions 
requested by the National Telecommunications and Information 
Administration (NTIA) whereby the Commission will coordinate through 
the Frequency Assignment Subcommittee of the Interdepartment Radio 
Advisory Committee (IRAC) applications in the 17.7-17.8 GHz band for 
MVPD operations.

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

    The RFA requires an agency to describe any significant alternatives 
that it has considered in reaching its proposed approach, which may 
include the following four alternatives (among others): (1) The 
establishment of differing compliance or reporting requirements or 
timetables that take into account the resources available to small 
entities; (2) the clarification, consolidation, or simplification of 
compliance or reporting requirements under the rule for small entities; 
(3) the use of performance, rather than design, standards; and (4) an 
exemption from coverage of the rule, or any part thereof, for small 
entities.
    In this Report and Order, we revise our rules to reduce regulatory 
burdens for 18 GHz band terrestrial FS licensees that are subject to 
involuntary relocation from the 18.3-19.3 GHz band pursuant to the 
Commission's reallocation of that band for exclusive satellite services 
use in IB Docket No. 98-172. These FS licensees will relocate to 
spectrum at 17.7-18.3 GHz and 19.3-19.7 GHz, where part 101 currently 
designates channel sizes that are too large relative to the needs of 
some relocating point-to-point microwave licensees and too small 
relative to the needs of relocating PCOs and other MVPDs. The instant 
Report and Order revises the rules to add new channel sizes in both 
bands along with special rules for MVPDs within the 17.7-18.3 GHz band, 
thereby facilitating the relocation.
    Specifically, we adopt a revised band plan for the FS paired and 
unpaired spectrum at 17.7-18.3 GHz and 19.3-19.7 GHz, consisting of a 
variety of channel bandwidths, primarily by adding narrower bandwidths, 
and a block of unpaired spectrum from 17.7-17.74 GHz. In addition, we 
permit applicants to request any amount of spectrum available based on 
their specific needs. We find that this flexibility will promote the 
more efficient use of the terrestrial 18 GHz band by allowing FS 
licensees to request the amount of spectrum that they need, rather than 
having to request larger bandwidth channels or seek a waiver of the 
Commission's rules. The additional flexibility and the elimination of 
the regulatory burden of seeking waivers will also promote small 
entities' access to spectrum for FS operations, both as relocating 
incumbents and as new entrants. Further, we find that permitting 
unpaired use by any FS licensee of the 17.7-17.74 GHz sub-band will 
provide additional opportunities for small entities to access spectrum. 
Moreover, licensees will be permitted to pair channels in the 17.7-
17.74 GHz sub-band with other channels in the terrestrial 18 GHz band.
    In addition, the Report and Order designates a contiguous 600 
megahertz block of one-way spectrum from 17.7-18.3 GHz for use by 
MVPDs, who will have flexibility within such block to determine the 
appropriate bandwidths and other technical parameters of their MVPD 
operations. Although the Commission originally proposed to

[[Page 69046]]

designate only a 500 megahertz block for use by MVPDs, we conclude in 
this Report and Order that the additional 100 megahertz of spectrum 
will offer small entities a reasonably cost effective transmission 
solution to compete with large telecommunications and cable companies.
    In this Report and Order, we also provide channel flexibility to 
grandfathered MVPDs in the 18.3-18.58 GHz band, which was previously 
designated for non-primary use by MVPDs. Specifically, we find that it 
is in the public interest to adopt the proposal in the NPRM to retain 
the 18.3-18.58 GHz sub-band for grandfathered MVPDs given its adjacency 
to the 17.7-18.3 GHz band that we are designating for MVPDs today. We 
believe this approach is appropriate because it preserves the status of 
the grandfathered terrestrial licensees in the 18.3-18.58 GHz sub-band, 
many of which are small entities.
    We also adopt a requirement that all MVPD applications (under parts 
74, 78, or 101) seeking authority to operate in the 17.7-17.8 GHz band 
near Denver, Colorado, and Washington, DC be coordinated with the 
Federal Government by the Commission before an authorization will be 
issued in order to protect government satellite operations in those 
areas. The Commission considered requiring applicants to coordinate 
their applications directly with IRAC at the same time of filing their 
applications with the Commission. However, we find that it may be less 
burdensome on small entities if the Commission were to coordinate the 
applications through IRAC rather than requiring applicants to do so. In 
addition, we sought to minimize the potential burden on all entities by 
limiting both the scope of operations and geographical areas that will 
be subject to this requirement.

F. Report to Congress

    The Commission will send a copy of this Report and Order in a 
report to be sent to Congress and the Government Accountability Office 
pursuant to the Congressional Review Act, see 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    29. Paperwork Reduction Analysis. This Report and Order does not 
contain either a proposed or modified information collection.

List of Subjects

47 CFR Part 1

    Administrative practice and procedure, Communications common 
carriers, Environmental impact statements, Radio, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Telecommunications.

47 CFR Part 2

    Communications equipment, Radio, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Telecommunications, Television, Wiretapping and 
electronic surveillance.

47 CFR Part 74

    Communications equipment, Education, Radio, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Research, Television.

47 CFR Part 78

    Cable television, Communications equipment, Radio, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

47 CFR Part 101

    Communications equipment, Radio, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements.

Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene H. Dortch,
Secretary.

Final Rules

0
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Federal Communications 
Commission hereby amends 47 CFR parts 1, 2, 74, 78, and 101 as follows:

PART 1--PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

0
1. The authority citation for part 1 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 15 U.S.C. 79 et seq.; 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i), 154(j), 
155, 157, 225, and 303(r).


0
2. Section 1.924 is amended by adding a new paragraph (e)(4) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  1.924  Quiet zones.

* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (4) In the band 17.7-17.8 GHz, fixed service applications, under 
parts 74, 78, or 101 of this chapter, supporting Multichannel Video 
Programming Distributors shall be coordinated with the Federal 
Government by the Commission before an authorization will be issued if 
the station or proposed station is located in whole or in part within 
any of the areas defined in paragraphs (e)(1) or (e)(2) of this 
section.
* * * * *

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

0
3. The authority citation for part 2 continues to read as follows:

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


0
4. Section 2.106, the Table of Frequency Allocations, is amended as 
follows:
0
a. Revise page 49.
0
b. In the list of United States (US) footnotes, add footnote US401.


Sec.  2.106  Table of Frequency Allocations.

    The revisions and additions read as follows:
* * * * *
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P

[[Page 69047]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR29NO06.000

BILLING CODE 6712-01-C

[[Page 69048]]

* * * * *

UNITED STATES (US) FOOTNOTES

* * * * *
    US401 In the band 17.7-17.8 GHz, Federal earth stations in the 
fixed-satellite service (space-to-Earth) may be authorized in the 
Denver, CO and Washington, DC areas on a primary basis. Before 
commencement of operations, non-Federal fixed service applications 
supporting Multichannel Video Programming Distributors (MVPD) shall be 
coordinated through the Frequency Assignment Subcommittee of the 
Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee.
* * * * *

PART 74--EXPERIMENTAL RADIO, AUXILIARY, SPECIAL BROADCAST AND OTHER 
PROGRAM DISTRIBUTIONAL SERVICES

0
5. The authority citation for part 74 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, 307, 336(f), 336(h) and 554.


0
6. Section 74.25 is amended by revising paragraph (c) (3) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  74.25  Temporary conditional operating authority.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (3) If operated on frequencies in the 17.8-19.7 GHz band for any 
services or on frequencies in the 17.7-17.8 GHz band for MVPD 
operations, the station site does not lie within any of the areas 
identified in Sec.  1.924 of this chapter.
* * * * *

0
7. Section 74.32 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  74.32  Operation in the 17.7-17.8 GHz and 17.8-19.7 GHz bands.

    (a) To minimize or avoid harmful interference to Federal Government 
Satellite Earth Stations located in the Denver, Colorado and 
Washington, DC areas, any application for a new station license to 
provide MVPD operations in the 17.7-17.8 GHz band or to operate in the 
17.8-19.7 GHz band for any service, or for modification of an existing 
station license in these bands which would change the frequency, power, 
emission, modulation, polarization, antenna height or directivity, or 
location of such a station, must be coordinated with the Federal 
Government by the Commission before an authorization will be issued, if 
the station or proposed station is located in whole or in part within 
any of the areas defined by the following rectangles or circles:

Denver, CO Area

Rectangle 1:
    41[deg]30'00'' N. Lat. on the north
    103[deg]10'00'' W. Long. on the east
    38[deg]30'00'' N. Lat. on the south
    106[deg]30'00'' W. Long. on the west
Rectangle 2:
    38[deg]30'00'' N. Lat. on the north
    105[deg]00'00'' W. Long. on the east
    37[deg]30'00'' N. Lat. on the south
    105[deg]50'00'' W. Long. on the west
Rectangle 3:
    40[deg]08'00'' N. Lat. on the north
    107[deg]00'00'' W. Long. on the east
    39[deg]56'00'' N. Lat. on the south
    107[deg]15'00'' W. Long. on the west

Washington, DC Area

Rectangle:
    38[deg]40'00'' N. Lat. on the north
    78[deg]50'00'' W. Long. on the east
    38[deg]10'00'' N. Lat. on the south
    79[deg]20'00'' W. Long. on the west

     or
    (b) Within a radius of 178 km of 38[deg]48'00'' N. Lat./
76[deg]52'00'' W. Long.
    (c) In addition, no application seeking authority for MVPD 
operations in the 17.7-17.8 GHz band or to operate in the 17.8-19.7 GHz 
band for any service will be accepted for filing if the proposed 
station is located within 20 km of the following coordinates:

Denver, CO area: 39[deg]43'00'' N. Lat./104[deg]46'00'' W. Long.

Washington, DC area: 38[deg]48'00'' N. Lat./ 76[deg]52'00'' W. Long.

    Note to Sec.  74.32: The coordinates cited in this section are 
specified in terms of the ``North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83)'' 
with an accuracy of 30 meters with respect to the ``National Spacial 
Reference System''.

PART 78--CABLE TELEVISION RELAY SERVICE

0
8. The authority citation for part 78 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Secs. 2, 3, 4, 301, 303, 307, 308, 309, 48 Stat., as 
amended, 1064, 1065, 1066, 1081, 1082, 1083, 1084, 1085; 47 U.S.C. 
152, 153, 154, 301, 303, 307, 308, 309.


0
9. Section 78.19 is amended by revising paragraphs (f) introductory 
text and (f)(2) introductory text to read as follows:


Sec.  78.19  Interference.

* * * * *
    (f) Protection to the Federal Government's receive earth station 
operations in the Denver, Colorado and Washington D.C. areas in the 
17,700 to 19,700 MHz band.
* * * * *
    (2) To minimize or avoid harmful interference to Government 
Satellite Earth Stations located in the Denver, Colorado and 
Washington, DC areas, any application for a new station license for 
MVPD operations in the 17.7-17.8 GHz band or to operate in the 17.8-
19.7 GHz band for any service, or for modification of an existing 
station license in these bands which would change the frequency, power, 
emission, modulation, polarization, antenna height or directivity, or 
location of such a station, must be coordinated with the Federal 
Government by the Commission before an authorization will be issued, if 
the station or proposed station is located in whole or in part within 
any of the areas defined by the following rectangles or circles:
* * * * *

PART 101--FIXED MICROWAVE SERVICES

0
10. The authority citation for part 101 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 303.

0
11. Section 101.31 is amended by revising paragraphs (a)(3) and 
(b)(1)(v) to read as follows:


Sec.  101.31  Temporary and conditional authorizations.

    (a) * * *
    (3) Operations in the 17.8-19.7 GHz band for any services and in 
the 17.7-17.8 GHz band for MVPD operations are prohibited in the areas 
defined in Sec.  1.924 of this chapter. Operations proposed in the 
areas defined in Sec.  1.924 of this chapter may not commence without 
prior specific notification to, and authorization from, the Commission.
    (b) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (v) The station site does not lie within 56.3 kilometers of any 
international border, within areas identified in Sec. Sec.  1.924(a) 
through (d) of this chapter unless the affected entity consents in 
writing to conditional operation or, if for any services on frequencies 
in the 17.8-19.7 GHz band and for MVPD operations in the 17.7-17.8 GHz 
band, within any of the areas identified in Sec.  1.924 of this 
chapter;
* * * * *

0
12. Section 101.63 is amended by adding paragraph (g) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  101.63  Period of construction; certification of completion of 
construction.

* * * * *
    (g) MVPD licensees which have both analog and digital emissions 
designators specified on the license and which already have, or may 
transition from analog to digital operations, or a combination of both, 
meet their

[[Page 69049]]

completion of construction requirements and do not automatically 
surrender their license provided they are using either set of 
emissions. If the licensee has completed the transition to digital, the 
license can remove the unused analog emission designators the next time 
a modification or renewal application is filed.

0
13. Section 101.147 is amended by revising paragraph (r) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  101.147  Frequency assignments.

* * * * *
    (r) 17,700 to 19,700 and 24,250 to 25,250 MHz: Operation of 
stations using frequencies in these bands is permitted to the extent 
specified in this paragraph. Until November 19, 2012, stations 
operating in the band 18.3-18.58 GHz that were licensed or had 
applications pending before the Commission as of November 19, 2002 
shall operate on a shared co-primary basis with other services under 
parts 21, 25, 74, and 78 of this chapter. Until October 31, 2011, 
operations in the band 19.26-19.3 GHz and low power systems operating 
pursuant to paragraph (r)(10) of this section shall operate on a co-
primary basis. Until June 8, 2010, stations operating in the band 
18.58-18.8 GHz that were licensed or had applications pending before 
the Commission as of June 8, 2000 may continue those operations on a 
shared co-primary basis with other services under parts 21, 25, 74, and 
78 of this chapter. Until June 8, 2010, stations operating in the band 
18.8-19.3 GHz that were licensed or had applications pending before the 
Commission as of September 18, 1998 may continue those operations on a 
shared co-primary basis with other services under parts 21, 25, 74, and 
78 of this chapter. After November 19, 2012, stations operating in the 
band 18.3-18.58 GHz are not entitled to protection from fixed-satellite 
service operations and must not cause unacceptable interference to 
fixed-satellite service station operations. After June 8, 2010, 
operations in the 18.58-19.30 GHz band are not entitled to protection 
from fixed-satellite service operations and must not cause unacceptable 
interference to fixed-satellite service station operations. After 
November 19, 2002, no applications for new stations for 47 CFR part 101 
licenses will be accepted in the 18.3-18.58 GHz band. After June 8, 
2000, no applications for new stations for 47 CFR part 101 licenses 
will be accepted in the 18.58-19.3 GHz band. Licensees, except 24 GHz 
band licensees, may use either a two-way link or one frequency of a 
frequency pair for a one-way link and must coordinate proposed 
operations pursuant to the procedures required in Sec.  101.103 of this 
subpart. (Note, however, that stations authorized as of September 9, 
1983, to use frequencies in the band 17.7-19.7 GHz may, upon proper 
application, continue to be authorized for such operations, consistent 
with the above conditions related to the 18.58-19.3 GHz band.) 
Applicants for one-way spectrum from 17.7-18.58 GHz for multichannel 
video programming distribution are governed by paragraph (r)(6) of this 
section. Licensees are also allowed to use one-way (unpaired) channels 
in the 17.7-17.74 GHz sub-band to pair with other channels in the FS 
portions of the 18 GHz band where, for example, the return pair is 
already in use and therefore blocked or in TDD systems. Stations used 
for MVPD operations in the 17.7-17.8 GHz band must coordinate with the 
Federal Government before operating in the zones specified in Sec.  
1.924(e) of this chapter.
    (1) 1.25 Megahertz maximum authorized bandwidth channels:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Receive
                  Transmit (receive) (MHz)                    (transmit)
                                                                (MHz)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
17700.625..................................................           NA
17701.875..................................................           NA
17703.125..................................................           NA
17704.375..................................................           NA
17705.625..................................................           NA
17706.875..................................................           NA
17708.125..................................................           NA
17709.375..................................................           NA
17710.625..................................................           NA
17711.875..................................................           NA
17713.125..................................................           NA
17714.375..................................................           NA
17715.625..................................................           NA
17716.875..................................................           NA
17718.125..................................................           NA
17719.375..................................................           NA
17721.625..................................................           NA
17722.875..................................................           NA
17723.125..................................................           NA
17724.375..................................................           NA
17725.625..................................................           NA
17726.875..................................................           NA
17728.125..................................................           NA
17729.375..................................................           NA
17730.625..................................................           NA
17731.875..................................................           NA
17733.125..................................................           NA
17734.375..................................................           NA
17735.625..................................................           NA
17736.875..................................................           NA
17738.125..................................................           NA
17739.375..................................................           NA
18060.625..................................................    19620.625
18061.875..................................................    19621.875
18063.125..................................................    19623.125
18064.375..................................................    19624.375
18065.625..................................................    19625.625
18066.875..................................................    19626.875
18068.125..................................................    19628.125
18069.375..................................................    19629.375
18070.625..................................................    19630.625
18071.875..................................................    19631.875
18073.125..................................................    19633.125
18074.375..................................................    19634.375
18075.625..................................................    19635.625
18076.875..................................................    19636.875
18078.125..................................................    19638.125
18079.375..................................................    19639.375
18080.625..................................................    19640.625
18081.875..................................................    19641.875
18083.125..................................................    19643.125
18084.375..................................................    19644.375
18085.625..................................................    19645.625
18086.875..................................................    19646.875
18088.125..................................................    19648.125
18089.375..................................................    19649.375
18090.625..................................................    19650.625
18091.875..................................................    19651.875
18093.125..................................................    19653.125
18094.375..................................................    19654.375
18095.625..................................................    19655.625
18096.875..................................................    19656.875
18098.125..................................................    19658.125
18099.375..................................................    19659.375
18100.625..................................................    19660.625
18101.875..................................................    19661.875
18103.125..................................................    19663.125
18104.375..................................................    19664.375
18105.625..................................................    19665.625
18106.875..................................................    19666.875
18108.125..................................................    19668.125
18109.375..................................................    19669.375
18110.625..................................................    19670.625
18111.875..................................................    19671.875
18113.125..................................................    19673.125
18114.375..................................................    19674.375
18115.625..................................................    19675.625
18116.875..................................................    19676.875
18118.125..................................................    19678.125
18119.375..................................................    19679.375
18120.625..................................................    19680.625
18121.875..................................................    19681.875
18123.125..................................................    19683.125
18124.375..................................................    19684.375
18125.625..................................................    19685.625
18126.875..................................................    19686.875
18128.125..................................................    19688.125
18129.375..................................................    19689.375
18130.625..................................................    19690.625
18131.875..................................................    19691.875
18133.125..................................................    19693.125
18134.375..................................................    19694.375
18135.625..................................................    19695.625
18136.875..................................................    19696.875
18138.125..................................................    19698.125
18139.375..................................................    19699.375
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) 2 Megahertz maximum authorized bandwidth channel:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Receive
                  Transmit (receive) (MHz)                    (transmit)
                                                                (MHz)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
18141.0....................................................          N/A
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (3) 2.5 Megahertz maximum authorized bandwidth channels:

[[Page 69050]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Receive
                  Transmit (receive) (MHz)                    (transmit)
                                                                (MHz)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
17701.25...................................................          N/A
17703.75...................................................          N/A
17706.25...................................................          N/A
17708.75...................................................          N/A
17711.25...................................................          N/A
17713.75...................................................          N/A
17716.25...................................................          N/A
17718.75...................................................          N/A
17721.25...................................................          N/A
17723.75...................................................          N/A
17726.25...................................................          N/A
17728.75...................................................          N/A
17731.25...................................................          N/A
17733.75...................................................          N/A
17736.25...................................................          N/A
17738.75...................................................          N/A
18061.25...................................................     19621.25
18063.75...................................................     19623.75
18066.25...................................................     19626.25
18068.75...................................................     19628.75
18071.25...................................................     19631.25
18073.75...................................................     19633.75
18076.25...................................................     19636.25
18078.75...................................................     19638.75
18081.25...................................................     19641.25
18083.75...................................................     19643.75
18086.25...................................................     19646.25
18088.75...................................................     19648.75
18091.25...................................................     19651.25
18093.75...................................................     19653.75
18096.25...................................................     19656.25
18098.75...................................................     19658.75
18101.25...................................................     19661.25
18103.75...................................................     19663.75
18106.25...................................................     19666.25
18108.75...................................................     19668.75
18111.25...................................................     19671.25
18113.75...................................................     19673.75
18116.25...................................................     19676.25
18118.75...................................................     19678.75
18121.25...................................................     19681.25
18123.75...................................................     19683.75
18126.25...................................................     19686.25
18128.75...................................................     19688.75
18131.25...................................................     19691.25
18133.75...................................................     19693.75
18136.25...................................................     19696.25
18138.75...................................................     19698.75
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (4) 5 Megahertz maximum authorized bandwidth channels:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Receive
                  Transmit (receive) (MHz)                    (transmit)
                                                                (MHz)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
340 Megahertz Separation (* channels are no longer available on a
 primary basis)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
18762.5*...................................................     19102.5*
18767.5*...................................................     19107.5*
18772.5*...................................................     19112.5*
18777.5*...................................................     19117.5*
18782.5*...................................................     19122.5*
18787.5*...................................................     19127.5*
18792.5*...................................................     19132.5*
18797.5*...................................................     19137.5*
18802.5*...................................................     19142.5*
18807.5*...................................................     19147.5*
18812.5*...................................................     19152.5*
18817.5*...................................................     19157.5*
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (5) 5 Megahertz maximum authorized bandwidth channels:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Receive
                  Transmit (receive) (MHz)                    (transmit)
                                                                (MHz)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        1560 Megahertz Separation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
17702.5....................................................          N/A
17707.5....................................................          N/A
17712.5....................................................          N/A
17717.5....................................................          N/A
17722.5....................................................          N/A
17727.5....................................................          N/A
17732.5....................................................          N/A
17737.5....................................................          N/A
18062.5....................................................      19622.5
18067.5....................................................      19627.5
18072.5....................................................      19632.5
18077.5....................................................      19637.5
18082.5....................................................      19642.5
18087.5....................................................      19647.5
18092.5....................................................      19652.5
18097.5....................................................      19657.5
18102.5....................................................      19662.5
18107.5....................................................      19667.5
18112.5....................................................      19672.5
18117.5....................................................      19677.5
18122.5....................................................      19682.5
18127.5....................................................      19687.5
18132.5....................................................      19692.5
18137.5....................................................      19697.5
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (6) MVPD use: Multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) 
can use any size channels for one-way operations in the 17.7-18.58 GHz 
band for any permissible communications specified for this band in 
Sec.  101.603 provided that they have coordinated the appropriate 
emission designators and power, but must request contiguous spectrum 
(minus spectrum that is already licensed or prior coordinated in the 
area and thus blocked). MVPD systems must meet the efficiency 
requirements of Sec.  101.141. Spectrum at 18.3-18.58 GHz is only 
available for grandfathered stations. See Sec.  101.85.
    (7) 10 Megahertz maximum authorized bandwidth channels:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Receive
                 Transmit (receive) (MHz)                    (transmit)
                                                                (MHz)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
   1560 Megahertz Separation (* channels are no longer available on a
                             primary basis)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
17705.0...................................................      19265.0*
17715.0...................................................      19275.0*
17725.0...................................................      19285.0*
17735.0...................................................      19295.0*
17745.0...................................................      19305.0
17755.0...................................................      19315.0
17765.0...................................................      19325.0
17775.0...................................................      19335.0
17785.0...................................................      19345.0
17795.0...................................................      19355.0
17805.0...................................................      19365.0
17815.0...................................................      19375.0
17825.0...................................................      19385.0
17835.0...................................................      19395.0
17845.0...................................................      19405.0
17855.0...................................................      19415.0
17865.0...................................................      19425.0
17875.0...................................................      19435.0
17885.0...................................................      19445.0
17895.0...................................................      19455.0
17905.0...................................................      19465.0
17915.0...................................................      19475.0
17925.0...................................................      19485.0
17935.0...................................................      19495.0
17945.0...................................................      19505.0
17955.0...................................................      19515.0
17965.0...................................................      19525.0
17975.0...................................................      19535.0
17985.0...................................................      19545.0
17995.0...................................................      19555.0
18005.0...................................................      19565.0
18015.0...................................................      19575.0
18025.0...................................................      19585.0
18035.0...................................................      19595.0
18045.0...................................................      19605.0
18055.0...................................................      19615.0
18065.0...................................................      19625.0
18075.0...................................................      19635.0
18085.0...................................................      19645.0
18095.0...................................................      19655.0
18105.0...................................................      19665.0
18115.0...................................................      19675.0
18125.0...................................................      19685.0
18135.0...................................................      19695.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        340 Megahertz Separation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
18585.0*..................................................      18925.0*
18595.0*..................................................      18935.0*
18605.0*..................................................      18945.0*
18615.0*..................................................      18955.0*
18625.0*..................................................      18965.0*
18635.0*..................................................      18975.0*
18645.0*..................................................      18985.0*
18655.0*..................................................      18995.0*
18665.0*..................................................      19005.0*
18675.0*..................................................      19015.0*
18685.0*..................................................      19025.0*
18695.0*..................................................      19035.0*
18705.0*..................................................      19045.0*
18715.0*..................................................      19055.0*
18725.0*..................................................      19065.0*
18735.0*..................................................      19075.0*
18745.0*..................................................      19085.0*
18755.0*..................................................      19095.0*
18765.0*..................................................      19105.0*
18775.0*..................................................      19115.0*
18785.0*..................................................      19125.0*
18795.0*..................................................      19135.0*
18805.0*..................................................      19145.0*
18815.0*..................................................      19155.0*
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (8) 20 Megahertz maximum authorized bandwidth channels:

[[Page 69051]]



 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Receive
                 Transmit (receive) (MHz)                    (transmit)
                                                                (MHz)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
   1560 Megahertz Separation (* channels are no longer available on a
                             primary basis)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
17710.0...................................................      19270.0*
17730.0...................................................      19290.0*
17750.0...................................................      19310.0
17770.0...................................................      19330.0
17790.0...................................................      19350.0
17810.0...................................................      19370.0
17830.0...................................................      19390.0
17850.0...................................................      19410.0
17870.0...................................................      19430.0
17890.0...................................................      19450.0
17910.0...................................................      19470.0
17930.0...................................................      19490.0
17950.0...................................................      19510.0
17970.0...................................................      19530.0
17990.0...................................................      19550.0
18010.0...................................................      19570.0
18030.0...................................................      19590.0
18050.0...................................................      19610.0
18070.0...................................................      19630.0
18090.0...................................................      19650.0
18110.0...................................................      19670.0
18130.0...................................................      19690.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        340 Megahertz Separation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
18590.0*..................................................      18930.0*
18610.0*..................................................      18950.0*
18630.0*..................................................      18970.0*
18650.0*..................................................      18990.0*
18670.0*..................................................      19010.0*
18690.0*..................................................      19030.0*
18710.0*..................................................      19050.0*
18730.0*..................................................      19070.0*
18750.0*..................................................      19090.0*
18770.0*..................................................      19110.0*
18790.0*..................................................      19130.0*
18810.0*..................................................      19150.0*
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (9) 30 Megahertz maximum authorized bandwidth channels:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Receive
                  Transmit (receive) (MHz)                    (transmit)
                                                                (MHz)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        1560 Megahertz Separation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
17715.0....................................................          N/A
17755.0....................................................      19315.0
17785.0....................................................      19345.0
17815.0....................................................      19375.0
17845.0....................................................      19405.0
17875.0....................................................      19435.0
17905.0....................................................      19465.0
17935.0....................................................      19495.0
17965.0....................................................      19525.0
17995.0....................................................      19555.0
18025.0....................................................      19585.0
18055.0....................................................      19615.0
18085.0....................................................      19645.0
18115.0....................................................      19675.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (10) 40 Megahertz maximum authorized bandwidth channels:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Receive
                 Transmit (receive) (MHz)                    (transmit)
                                                                (MHz)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
   1560 Megahertz Separation (* channels are no longer available on a
                             primary basis)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
17720.0...................................................      19280.0*
17760.0...................................................      19320.0
17800.0...................................................      19360.0
17840.0...................................................      19400.0
17880.0...................................................      19440.0
17920.0...................................................      19480.0
17960.0...................................................      19520.0
18000.0...................................................      19560.0
18040.0...................................................      19600.0
18080.0...................................................      19640.0
18120.0...................................................      19680.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (11) 50 Megahertz maximum authorized bandwidth channels:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Receive
                  Transmit (receive) (MHz)                    (transmit)
                                                                (MHz)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        1560 Megahertz Separation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
17765.0....................................................      19325.0
17815.0....................................................      19375.0
17865.0....................................................      19425.0
17915.0....................................................      19475.0
17965.0....................................................      19525.0
18015.0....................................................      19575.0
18065.0....................................................      19625.0
18115.0....................................................      19675.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (12) 80 Megahertz maximum authorized bandwidth channels:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Receive
                 Transmit (receive) (MHz)                    (transmit)
                                                                (MHz)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
   1560 Megahertz Separation (* channels are no longer available on a
                             primary basis)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
17740.0...................................................      19300.0*
17820.0...................................................      19380.0
17900.0...................................................      19460.0
17980.0...................................................      19540.0
18060.0...................................................      19620.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Nodal station     User station
             Channel No.               frequency band    frequency band
                                        (MHz) limits      (MHz) limits
------------------------------------------------------------------------
         (* channels are no longer available on a primary basis)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
25..................................     18,820-18,830    19,160-19,170*
26..................................     18,830-18,840    19,170-19,180*
27..................................     18,840-18,850    19,180-19,190*
28..................................     18,850-18,860    19,190-19,200*
29..................................     18,860-18,870    19,200-19,210*
30..................................     18,870-18,880    19,210-19,220*
31..................................     18,880-18,890    19,220-19,230*
32..................................     18,890-18,900    19,230-19,240*
33..................................     18,900-18,910    19,240-19,250*
34..................................     18,910-18,920    19,250-19,260*
35..................................     24,250-24,290    25,050-25,090
36..................................     24,290-24,330    25,090-25,130
37..................................     24,330-24,370    25,130-25,170
38..................................     24,370-24,410    25,170-25,210
39..................................     24,410-24,450    25,210-25,250
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (14) Special provision for low power systems in the 17,700-19,700 
MHz band: Notwithstanding other provisions in 47 CFR part 101 and 
except for specified areas around Washington, DC, and Denver, Colorado, 
licensees of point-to-multipoint channel pairs 25-29 identified in 
paragraph (r)(13) of this section may continue to operate in accordance 
with the requirements of Sec.  101.85 and may operate multiple low 
power transmitting devices within a defined service area. Operations 
are prohibited within 55 km when used outdoor and within 20 km when 
used indoor of the coordinates 38 deg.48[min] N/76 deg.52[min] W 
(Washington, DC area) and 39 deg.43[min] N/104 deg.46[min] W (Denver, 
Colorado area). The service area will be a 28 kilometer omni 
directional radius originating from specified center reference 
coordinates. The specified center coordinates must be no closer than 56 
kilometers from any co-channel nodal station or the specified center 
coordinates of another co-channel system. Applicants/licensees do not 
need to specify the location of each individual transmitting device 
operating within their defined service areas. Such operations are 
subject to the following requirements on the low power transmitting 
devices:
    (i) Power must not exceed one watt EIRP and 100 milliwatts 
transmitter output power;
    (ii) A frequency tolerance of 0.001% must be maintained; and
    (iii) The mean power of emissions shall be attenuated in accordance 
with the following schedule:
    (A) In any 4 kHz band, the center frequency of which is removed 
from the center frequency of the assigned channel by more than 50 
percent of the

[[Page 69052]]

channel bandwidth and is within the bands 18,820-18,870 MHz or 19,160-
19,210 MHz:

A = 35 + .003 (F-0.5B) dB

or,

80 dB (whichever is the lesser attenuation).

Where:

A = Attenuation (in decibels) below output power level contained within 
the channel for a given polarization.
B = Bandwidth of channel in kHz.
F = Absolute value of the difference between the center frequency of 
the 4 kHz band measured at the center frequency of the channel in kHz.

    (B) In any 4 kHz band the center frequency of which is outside the 
bands 18.820-18.870 GHz: At least 43 + 10 log P (mean output power in 
watts) decibels.
    (iv) Low power stations authorized in the band 18.8-19.3 GHz after 
June 8, 2000, are restricted to indoor use only. No new licenses will 
be authorized for applications received after April 1, 2002.
* * * * *

0
14. Section 101.603 is amended by revising paragraphs (a)(2) and (b)(3) 
to read as follows:


Sec.  101.603  Permissible communications.

    (a) * * *
    (2) In the frequency bands 6425-6525 MHz, 17,700-18,580 MHz, and on 
frequencies above 21,200 MHz, licensees may deliver any of their own 
products and services to any receiving location;
* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (3) Be used to provide the final RF link in the chain of 
transmission of program material to multichannel video programming 
distributors, except in the frequency bands 6425-6525 MHz and 17,700-
18,580 MHz and on frequencies above 21,200 MHz.

[FR Doc. E6-20167 Filed 11-28-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P