[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 127 (Thursday, July 2, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 38316-38390]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-15250]



[[Page 38315]]

Vol. 80

Thursday,

No. 127

July 2, 2015

Part IV





Federal Communications Commission





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47 CFR Parts 2, 15, 80, 90, et al.





WRC-12 Radiocommunication Conference (Geneva 2012); Proposed Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 80 , No. 127 / Thursday, July 2, 2015 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 38316]]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Parts 2, 15, 80, 90, 97, and 101

[ET Docket No. 15-99; FCC 15-50]


WRC-12 Radiocommunication Conference (Geneva 2012)

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: In this document, the Commission proposes to implement certain 
allocation changes from the World Radiocommunication Conference 
(Geneva, 2012) (WRC-12) and to update related service rules. The 
Commission took this action in order to conform its rules, to the 
extent practical, to the decisions that the international community 
made at WRC-12. This action will promote the advancement of new and 
expanded services and provide significant benefits to the American 
people. In addition, the Commission proposes to address several matters 
that pertain to unresolved issues from a previous Conference.

DATES: Comments must be filed on or before August 31, 2015 and reply 
comments must be filed on or before September 30, 2015.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Mooring, Office of Engineering and 
Technology, (202) 418-2450, email: [email protected]., TTY (202) 418-
2989.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by ET Docket No. 15-99, 
by any of the following methods:
     Federal Communications Commission's Web site: http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs//. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Mail: Tom Mooring, Office of Engineering and Technology, 
Room 7-A123, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, 20554.
     People with Disabilities: Contact the FCC to request 
reasonable accommodations (accessible format documents, sign language 
interpreters, CART, etc.) by email: [email protected] or phone: 202-418-
0530 or TTY: 888-835-5322.

    Pursuant to Sections 1.415 and 1.419 of the Commission's rules, 47 
CFR 1.415, 1.419, interested parties may file comments and reply 
comments on or before the dates indicated on the first page of this 
document. Comments may be filed using the Commission's Electronic 
Comment Filing System (ECFS). See Electronic Filing of Documents in 
Rulemaking Proceedings, 63 FR 24121 (1998).

    [ssquf] Electronic Filers: Comments may be filed electronically 
using the Internet by accessing the ECFS: http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs2/.
    [ssquf] Paper Filers: Parties that choose to file by paper must 
file an original and one copy of each filing. If more than one docket 
or rulemaking number appears in the caption of this proceeding, filers 
must submit two additional copies for each additional docket or 
rulemaking number.
    [ssquf] Filings can be sent by hand or messenger delivery, by 
commercial overnight courier, or by first-class or overnight U.S. 
Postal Service mail. All filings must be addressed to the Commission's 
Secretary, Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission.
    [ssquf] All hand-delivered or messenger-delivered paper filings for 
the Commission's Secretary must be delivered to FCC Headquarters at 445 
12th St. SW., Room TW-A325, Washington, DC 20554. The filing hours are 
8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. All hand deliveries must be held together with 
rubber bands or fasteners. Any envelopes and boxes must be disposed of 
before entering the building.
    [ssquf] Commercial overnight mail (other than U.S. Postal Service 
Express Mail and Priority Mail) must be sent to 9300 East Hampton 
Drive, Capitol Heights, MD 20743.
    [ssquf] U.S. Postal Service first-class, Express, and Priority mail 
must be addressed to 445 12th Street SW., Washington DC 20554.
    People with Disabilities: To request materials in accessible 
formats for people with disabilities (braille, large print, electronic 
files, audio format), send an email to [email protected] or call the 
Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530 (voice), 202-
418-0432 (tty).


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's Notice 
of Proposed Rulemaking, ET Docket No. 15-99, FCC 15-50, adopted April 
23, 2015, and released April 27, 2015. The full text of this document 
is available for inspection and copying during normal business hours in 
the FCC Reference Center (Room CY-A257), 445 12th Street SW., 
Washington, DC 20554. The complete text of this document also may be 
purchased from the Commission's copy contractor, Best Copy and 
Printing, Inc., 445 12th Street SW., Room, CY-B402, Washington, DC 
20554. The full text may also be downloaded at: www.fcc.gov. People 
with Disabilities: To request materials in accessible formats for 
people with disabilities (braille, large print, electronic files, audio 
format), send an email to [email protected] or call the Consumer & 
Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530 (voice), 202-418-0432 
(tty).

Summary of Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

    1. In this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (WRC-12 NPRM), the 
Commission proposes to amend parts 2, 15, 80, 90, 97, and 101 of its 
rules to implement allocation decisions from the Final Acts of the 
World Radiocommunication Conference (Geneva, 2012) (WRC-12 Final Acts) 
and make certain related updates to the service rules. Specifically, 
the Commission proposes to:
     Allocate the 8.3-11.3 kHz band to the meteorological aids 
service on a primary basis.
     Allocate the 472-479 kHz band (630 meter band) to the 
amateur service on a secondary basis.
     Amend the amateur service rules to provide for use of the 
135.7-137.8 kHz (2200 meter) and 472-479 kHz (630 meter) bands. Amateur 
stations would share the band with power line carrier (PLC) systems 
operated by electric utilities. Amateur stations would be permitted to 
operate in these bands at fixed locations when separated from electric 
transmission lines by a specified distance.
     Amend part 80 of the Commission's rules to authorize radio 
buoy operations in the 1900-2000 kHz band under a ship station license.
     Limit the use of the 495-505 kHz band to the maritime 
mobile service.
     Allocate seven frequency bands (4.438-4.488 MHz, 5.25-
5.275 MHz, 16.1-16.2 MHz, 24.45-24.65 MHz, 26.2-26.42 MHz, 41.015-
41.665 MHz, and 43.35-44 MHz) to the radiolocation service (RLS) on a 
primary basis for Federal and non-Federal use, allocate the 13.45-13.55 
MHz band to the RLS on a secondary basis for Federal and non-Federal 
use, limit the use of these RLS allocations to oceanographic radars, 
require that these radars not cause harmful interference to, or claim 
protection from, existing and future stations in the incumbent fixed 
and mobile services, and amend part 90 of the Commission's rules 
accordingly.
     Reallocate the 156.7625-156.7875 MHz and 156.8125-156.8375 
MHz bands to the mobile-satellite service (MSS) (Earth-to-space) on a 
primary basis for Federal and non-Federal use to allow for greater 
probability of vessel tracking, with resulting benefits to maritime 
safety and security.
     Extend the aeronautical mobile (route) service (AM(R)S) 
allocation from the 5091-5150 MHz band (adopted in

[[Page 38317]]

the WRC-07 R&O) by also allocating the 5000-5091 MHz range to the 
AM(R)S on a primary basis for Federal and non-Federal use. AM(R)S use 
of the smaller 5000-5030 MHz range would extend the tuning range for 
the Aeronautical Mobile Airport Communications System (AeroMACS), with 
the use of the 5010-5030 MHz band limited to those requirements that 
cannot be met in the 5000-5010 MHz and 5091-5150 MHz bands. AM(R)S use 
of the 5030-5091 MHz band would support line-of-sight control links for 
unmanned aircraft.
     Allocate the 7850-7900 MHz band to the meteorological-
satellite service (space-to-Earth) on a primary basis for Federal use.
     Allocate the 15.4-15.7 GHz band to the RLS on a primary 
basis for Federal use.
     Allocate the 22.55-23.15 GHz band to the space research 
service (SRS) (Earth-to-space) on a primary basis for Federal and non-
Federal use and allocate the 25.5-27 GHz band to the SRS (space-to-
Earth) on a primary basis for non-Federal use.
     Delete the aeronautical mobile service allocation from the 
37-38 GHz band.
     Encourage operators of fixed stations operating in the 81-
86 GHz and 92-94 GHz bands to take all reasonable steps to ensure that 
their unwanted emissions power in the 86-92 GHz band does not exceed 
the levels recommended by WRC-12.

In addition, the Commission sought comment on the ability of Federal/
non-Federal aeronautical mobile telemetry (AMT) stations to share 
spectrum with the incumbent services in the 4400-4940 MHz and 5925-6700 
MHz bands.

Passive Systems for Lightning Detection (8.3-11.3 kHz)

    2. The Commission proposes to allocate the 8.3-9 kHz and 9-11.3 kHz 
bands to the meteorological aids (MetAids) service on a primary basis 
for Federal and non-Federal use, and to limit this MetAids allocation 
to passive use by adding international footnote (RR) 5.54A to the U.S. 
Table. The Commission believes that lightning detection systems provide 
a valuable public benefit and that the adoption of these proposals 
would serve the public interest by providing interference protection to 
these passive lightning detection systems, which operate in the MetAids 
service. The Commission requests comment on these proposals, noting 
that there is no current allocated use of the 8.3-11.3 kHz band in the 
United States.

Radio Buoys Operating in the 1900-2000 kHz Band

    3. The Commission proposes to adopt technical requirements in part 
80 of the rules for the radio buoys based on the existing part 80 rules 
and the characteristics of radio buoys that are currently imported and/
or marketed pursuant to the part 90 rules. Specifically, the Commission 
proposes to authorize buoy stations to transmit on any frequency in the 
1900-2000 kHz band, provided that the output power does not exceed 10 
watts (W) and that the antenna height of the buoy station does not 
exceed 4.6 meters (15 feet) above sea level. Next, the Commission 
proposes rules for the use of ``sel-call buoys'' (i.e., radio buoys 
that transmit only after receiving a selective calling signal from 
their associated ship station). Based on the characteristics of sel-
call equipment, the Commission proposes to authorize ship stations to 
transmit selective calling signals on all frequencies in the 1900-2000 
kHz band, provided that the output power does not exceed 10 W and that 
the station's antenna height not exceed 6 meters (20 feet) above the 
mast of the ship on which it is installed. Finally, the Commission 
proposes to amend footnote NG92 to provide for radio buoys that cannot 
be authorized under the radiolocation service by allocating the 1900-
2000 kHz band to the maritime mobile service on a primary basis in 
Regions 2 and 3, restricted to radio buoy operations on the open sea, 
and to explicitly state that stations in the amateur, maritime mobile, 
and radiolocation services located in Region 2 will be protected from 
harmful interference only to the extent that such radiation exceeds the 
level that would be present if the offending station were operating in 
compliance with the technical rules applicable to the service in which 
it operates. The Commission crafted the proposed footnote to restrict 
operations to the open sea based on the areas where radio buoys appear 
to be in use, and because doing so would provide greater protection for 
amateur stations by excluding radio buoys from ``inland waters.'' 
Parties who believe that this geographic area should be extended to 
include the Chesapeake Bay, Great Lakes, or other inland waters should 
document why such an extension is warranted. The Commission seeks 
comment on these proposals.
    4. The Commission also seeks comment on alternative approaches that 
would accomplish its objective of allowing continued radio buoy use by 
the U.S. high seas fishing fleet. For example, should the Commission 
transition new radio buoy use to another MF band, and, if so, how would 
the costs to manufacturers and operators relate to any benefits that 
amateur operators may realize from such a transition? Should the 
Commission add the 1900-2000 kHz band to Sec.  90.248 of its rules, 
which already authorizes ocean buoy tracking, rather than Sec.  80.375? 
For future radio buoy equipment, would it be beneficial to authorize 
different transmitter output power limits in segments of the 1900-2000 
kHz band for operations near the coastline? Finally, are there any 
additional considerations the Commission should take into account 
regarding radio buoy use in international waters?
    5. The Commission notes that, in the context of the WRC-07 
proceeding, ITM Marine (ITM) requested that the Commission expand the 
frequencies available for radio buoy use, and states that its customers 
have complained that the 1900-2000 kHz band is getting crowded. Based 
on the Commission's survey of international spectrum usage and trends, 
it appears that the proposed designation of 100 kilohertz of MF 
spectrum may be sufficient for the commercial fishing industry's 
requirements. The Commission therefore seeks comment on the level of 
use of the 1900-2000 kHz band for radio buoys, whether additional 
spectrum is required for radio buoys, and if there are specific 
technical measures that will allow the U.S. commercial fishing fleet to 
make more efficient use of the limited spectrum resources. The 
Commission also seeks comment on whether it should establish a 
channeling plan or bandwidth limitations for radio buoys as these may 
provide for more efficient use of the limited available spectrum.
    6. With regard to equipment authorization, the Commission proposes 
to establish a cutoff date after which new applications for equipment 
authorization of radio buoys must meet the new part 80 rules in order 
to receive authorization and that radio buoys authorized under Sec.  
90.103(b) prior to that date may continue to be sold and marketed, 
i.e., this equipment would be grandfathered. The Commission proposes to 
establish the cutoff date as six months from the effective date of the 
Report and Order adopted in response to this WRC-12 NPRM. The 
Commission solicits comment on its proposal.

Amateur 2200 Meter (135.7-137.8 kHz) and 630 Meter (472-479 kHz) Bands

    7. 472-479 kHz Band Allocation. The Commission proposes to allocate 
the 472-479 kHz band (630 meter band) to

[[Page 38318]]

the amateur service on a secondary basis. The Commission also proposes 
to add RR 5.80A to the band, which would permit it to allow amateur 
stations to transmit with an equivalent isotropically radiated power 
(EIRP) of up to 5 W in most areas of the United States. This proposal 
would bring the Commission's allocations for the band into harmony with 
the international allocations. As with the 135.7-137.8 kHz band, the 
addition of an amateur allocation to this band would provide new 
opportunities for amateur operators to experiment with equipment, 
techniques, antennas, and propagation phenomena but with signals having 
larger bandwidth and higher power. The fact that other allocated 
services make little use of the band also supports allowing amateurs to 
have access to this band. The Commission seeks comment on these 
proposals.
    8. The Commission is cognizant of the functions served by PLC 
systems that operate in the 472-479 kHz band on an unprotected and non-
interference basis, such as tripping protection circuits if a downed 
power line or other fault is detected in the power grid. Nevertheless, 
the Commission proposes to add an amateur allocation because it is 
comfortable that amateur radio and utility PLC systems can successfully 
co-exist in the band. The Commission notes that no reports of harmful 
interference to the allocated radio services or to PLC systems from 
experimental amateur operations have been filed with the Commission or 
with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration 
(NTIA). The Commission therefore proposes to permit amateur operations 
in this 472-479 kHz band in a manner that allows for shared use with 
PLC systems. The Commission seeks comment generally on the sharing of 
the 472-479 kHz band between PLC systems and the amateur service.
    9. Service Rules for the 135.7-137.8 kHz and 472-479 kHz bands. The 
Commission is proposing service rules for the amateur service in the 
135.7-137.8 kHz and 472-479 kHz bands with the principal goal of 
enabling sharing of this spectrum among licensed amateur stations and 
unlicensed PLC systems. As the demand for radio spectrum has continued 
to increase, the Commission has sought to make more efficient use of 
spectrum by providing for sharing of frequency bands for multiple 
purposes. While the Commission recognizes the importance of PLC systems 
to the functioning of the electric power grid, it also believes that 
there are benefits to providing amateurs access to these bands, 
including providing amateurs with new opportunities for 
experimentation. Moreover, PLC systems and the expected amateur use of 
these bands have characteristics that make coexistence possible. PLC 
systems are limited to use on transmissions lines and, consequently, 
are not present in most residential neighborhoods where amateur 
licensees live. The amateur service is expected to use the band mainly 
for experimental purposes and not for routine and widespread 
communications activities common in other bands. These attributes give 
the Commission confidence that, along with appropriate technical rules, 
amateur stations can harmoniously operate on the same frequency bands 
as PLC systems.
    10. The cornerstone of the proposed technical rules is physical 
separation between amateur stations and the transmission lines upon 
which PLC systems may be present. The Commission proposes that amateur 
stations be permitted to operate in these bands when separated from 
transmission lines by a specified distance. Such a separation, in 
conjunction with limits on the amateur stations' transmitted EIRP and 
antenna heights, will enable PLC systems and amateur stations to 
coexist in these bands. In addition, the Commission proposes to limit 
amateur stations to operations at fixed locations only to ensure that 
this separation distance can be maintained reliably. The Commission 
seeks comment on this overall framework.
    11. In order to develop the necessary and appropriate service rules 
to meet its goal of providing for the coexistence of amateur services 
and PLC systems in these bands, the Commission seeks detailed comment 
on the technical characteristics of both the PLC systems and the 
amateur stations. This information will allow the Commission to set an 
appropriate separation distance. Although the Commission in the WRC-07 
NPRM inquired into the technical rules and methods that would assure 
coexistence, commenters provided little in the way of concrete 
information. The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) submitted a 
technical analysis based on an NTIA technical report supporting an 
assertion that PLC systems in the 135.7-137.8 KHz band will be 
sufficiently protected from amateur stations transmitting at an EIRP of 
1 W with a separation distance of 1 kilometer (km) from the 
transmission lines carrying the PLC signals. However, this NTIA 
technical report is from 1985 and therefore does not account for any 
subsequent developments.
    12. To assist it in determining the optimal separation distance, 
the Commission invites commenters to submit information on the 
technical characteristics of PLC systems that are currently being 
operated by utilities or are likely to be deployed in the future. How 
tolerant are these PLC systems of signals received from other stations 
transmitting in the same band? What electric field strength at the 
location of a transmission line will cause a PLC system operating on 
that line to malfunction? What types of malfunctions would the electric 
power grid experience from electrical interference? How many PLC 
systems are currently operating in the 2200 and 630 Meter bands? Can 
these existing PLC systems be modified and could new PLC systems be 
designed to operate in other portions of the 9-490 kHz band, thus 
avoiding co-channel operation with amateur services? At what power do 
these PLC systems operate and how long are the transmission lines over 
which they send signals? At what voltage level do the transmission 
lines upon which these PLC systems are deployed operate and how does 
the PLC systems' tolerance of other signals depend on the voltage 
level? What electric field strengths are produced in the vicinity of 
transmission lines by the PLC signals traveling over the transmission 
lines?
    13. The Commission likewise invites information on the technical 
characteristics of amateur stations that are likely to be deployed or 
have operated under experimental licenses in these two bands. What 
electric field strength generated by PLC systems operating on 
transmission lines would impede the operation of amateur stations? A 
study conducted on a PLC system operating at 1 W at 152 kHz found that 
the PLC system generated an electric field strength of 20 decibels 
relative to 1 microvolt per meter (dB[mu]V/m) at 1 km. Would a signal 
with this field strength interfere with the operation of amateur 
stations? Given that high-voltage transmission lines generate a 
significant level of noise at this frequency range, how close to high-
voltage transmission lines can amateur stations realistically operate? 
In recent years, amateur stations have operated in these bands under 
experimental licenses with most licenses permitting an effective 
radiated power of between 1 to 20 watts. How close did these amateur 
stations operate to transmission lines? Did any of these amateur 
stations receive signals from PLC systems operating on transmission 
lines? Do the experiences of amateur stations and utilities in other 
countries and along the

[[Page 38319]]

United States border with Canada yield any useful information?
    14. If the Commission were to adopt its proposal to permit amateur 
operations only when separated by a specified distance from 
transmission lines, when a new transmission line is built close by an 
amateur station, the station either would have to relocate farther away 
from the transmission line or cease operating. How should the 
Commission's rules address the potential for new transmission lines to 
be constructed closer than the specified distance to pre-existing 
amateur stations? The Commission does not want to inhibit the ability 
of either PLC systems or amateur services to grow and expand without 
imposing unnecessary burdens on either. Is it possible for utilities to 
refrain from geographically expanding their PLC operations within the 
relatively small portion of the 9-490 kHz band that the Commission is 
making available for amateur operations, and is this something 
utilities would do on their own accord, given the part 15 status of PLC 
systems? Should the Commission's rules explicitly prohibit utilities 
from deploying new PLC systems in these bands?
    15. The Commission seeks comment on how changes to the structure 
and design of the electric power system might affect its technical 
analysis. For example, the modernization of the U.S. power system to 
provide a more efficient and stable transmission and distribution 
network, which has been referred to as the ``smart grid,'' requires 
wide-area monitoring of the electric grid, two-way communications, and 
enhanced control functions. These communication needs may be met by 
increased use of PLC systems. Are utilities likely to deploy more PLC 
systems in these bands in the future to meet the communication needs of 
the smart grid? Are the characteristics of these PLC systems likely to 
differ from PLC systems that have been used by utilities in the past? A 
recently adopted IEEE standard (1901.2-2013) is designed for smart grid 
applications over distribution lines below 500 kHz. Because these 
systems operate over the distribution lines to residences and 
businesses rather than over transmission lines, they are considered 
carrier current systems rather than PLC systems under the Commission's 
rules. Unlike PLC systems, carrier current systems may operate on any 
power line and are not limited to the 9-490 kHz band. However, carrier 
current systems are subject to limits on radiated power that do not 
apply to PLC systems. What is the likelihood that carrier current 
systems will be deployed over distribution lines and operate in the two 
frequency bands of concern in this proceeding? Will these systems be 
used for tasks critical to the functioning of the electric grid, or 
will they be used for non-critical purposes such as metering? Are 
amateur stations operating in these bands likely to prevent these 
carrier current systems from operating or receive harmful interference 
from these systems?
    16. The Commission also seeks comment on the applicability of IEEE 
1613-2009--IEEE Standard Environmental and Testing Requirements for 
Communications Networking Devices Installed in Electric Power 
Substations (IEEE 1613-2009) to its analysis. ARRL claims that PLC 
systems complying with IEEE-1613 ``would virtually guarantee that there 
would be no interaction between [a]mateur stations and PLC systems,'' 
and that compliance with the standard has been required by the 
Commission's rules since 2002. As background, the Commission's rules 
require that PLC systems conform to engineering standards promulgated 
by the Commission and adhere to industry approved standards designed to 
enhance the use of PLC systems. Is compliance with this IEEE standard 
required by the Commission's rules (i.e. is this an industry approved 
standard designed to enhance the use of PLC systems)? Would compliance 
of PLC systems with this standard facilitate the sharing of these bands 
between amateur stations and PLC systems? Are there PLC systems 
deployed that do not comply with this standard? Would compliance with 
this standard obviate the need for amateur stations to maintain a 
specific separation distance from transmission lines?
    17. The Commission recognizes that the separation distance required 
for PLC systems and amateur stations to coexist will depend on the 
power at which the amateur stations are permitted to transmit. The 
Commission proposes that amateur stations in the 135.7-137.8 kHz band 
be limited to a maximum EIRP of 1 W, as is required by footnote RR 
5.67A, and which it adopted in the WRC-07 R&O. Is this EIRP limit 
appropriate for facilitating sharing between PLC systems and amateur 
stations? For the 472-479 kHz band, the Commission proposes to adopt 
transmitted power limits consistent with RR 5.80A. Amateur stations 
will be limited to an EIRP of 1 W in the portion of Alaska within 800 
km of the Russian Federation and will be permitted to transmit at up to 
5 W EIRP elsewhere. Is this EIRP limit appropriate for PLC systems and 
amateur stations to share this band? Should amateur stations be 
required to reduce their EIRP below 5 W when close to transmission 
lines and at what distances? The Commission seeks comment on these 
proposals.
    18. The Commission also seeks comment on the practical application 
of a separation distance requirement, and, specifically, what resources 
and information amateur radio operators will need to comply with its 
rules. Amateur licensees will have to determine the location of 
transmission lines in their vicinity to determine if they are permitted 
to operate stations using these frequency bands. The amateur licensees 
will need to differentiate transmission lines from the electric 
distribution lines that connect distribution substations to customer or 
house wiring. High voltage transmission lines are typically attached to 
large steel towers that are easy to identity. However, lower voltage 
transmission lines are typically attached to wooden poles. Although the 
wooden poles used for transmission lines are usually taller than the 
wooden poles used for distribution lines, the Commission recognizes 
that distinguishing the two types may not always be straightforward. 
The Commission seeks comment on whether amateur licensees will be able 
to identify the transmission lines in their locality. If amateur 
licensees are not able to reliably identify transmission lines, should 
the Commission require amateurs or ARRL to affirmatively verify the 
locations of transmission lines with utilities or the Utilities Telecom 
Council (UTC) before an amateur station begins transmitting?
    19. There are several different ways that the Commission could 
specify the separation distance between the amateur stations and the 
transmission lines. The Commission could specify the slant-range 
distance as is defined in the part 15 rules. The slant range distance 
is the diagonal distance measured from the center of the measurement 
antenna to the nearest point of the overhead power line. However, 
calculation of the slant range distance is complicated by the need to 
know the height of the transmission line at the point closest to the 
measurement antenna as well as the height of the center of the 
measurement antenna. For simplicity, the Commission proposes instead to 
specify the separation distance in terms of the horizontal distance 
between the transmission line and the amateur station antenna. This is 
the horizontal (lateral) distance between the center of the amateur 
station antenna and a vertical projection of the overhead transmission 
line down to the

[[Page 38320]]

height of the center of the amateur station antenna. This distance 
could be calculated from the coordinates (i.e. latitude and longitude) 
of the amateur station antenna and the coordinates of the nearest point 
on the transmission line without having to know the heights of the 
antenna or the transmission line. The Commission seeks comment on this 
proposal.
    20. Lastly, the Commission seeks comment on additional service and 
operational rules that would be appropriate for amateur operations in 
these bands. According to ARRL, the tallest antenna that should 
reasonably be considered for an amateur station is 200 feet, because 
antennas with greater heights would be required to obtain prior Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA) approval and have to comply with FAA 
painting and lighting requirements. The Commission notes that adopting 
a maximum antenna height for amateur stations in these bands will aid 
in sharing of the spectrum with PLC systems by limiting the number of 
transmission lines that would potentially be in direct line-of-sight of 
amateur station antennas. The Commission seeks comment on what maximum 
antenna height, if any, it should adopt for amateur stations in these 
bands.
    21. The Commission also invites comment on whether to adopt 
transmitter power limits for amateur stations, in addition to the EIRP 
limits it is proposing. If so, the Commission seeks comment on what the 
power limits should be. The Commission observes that, in the 2002 
Amateur Radio NPRM, it proposed to limit the maximum transmitter power 
in the 135.7-137.8 kHz band to 100 W peak envelope power (PEP) because 
of the possible difficulty of measuring the EIRP of an amateur station 
in this frequency range. Also, in 1998, ARRL submitted data for the 
135.7-137.8 kHz band showing that relatively short antennas can only 
produce ranges of EIRP that are well below the ITU's 1 W EIRP limit 
(i.e., 10-40 milliwatts (mW) for a 100 foot antenna and 1-4 mW for a 50 
foot antenna) with a transmitter power output of 200 W PEP. The 
Commission did not consider either power limit at that time, because it 
decided not to adopt an allocation for amateur operations in this band. 
Given that the Commission has adopted such an allocation in the WRC-07 
R&O, do either the 2002 Amateur Radio NPRM or ARRL's 1998 study provide 
a basis for determining transmitter power limits now? These transmitter 
power limits could vary depending on antenna height--e.g. the 
Commission could allow a 200 W PEP limit for antenna heights not 
exceeding 30.5 meters while permitting only 100 W PEP for taller 
antennas. Should the transmitter power limits differ between the 135.7-
137.8 kHz band and the 472-479 kHz bands?
    22. In response to the WRC-07 NPRM, commenters addressed a number 
of steps that could facilitate amateur use of the 135.7-137.8 kHz band. 
Amateur operator John H. Davis (Davis) proposed that no amateur station 
should be automatically controlled to ensure that the amateur operator 
is able to quickly terminate transmissions if necessary. Davis also 
suggested that it may be appropriate to also prohibit software-driven 
modes that determine their own operating frequency without human 
intervention. Should the Commission adopt Davis's suggestions? ARRL 
states that there is no rationale for limiting the occupied bandwidth 
in the 135.7-137.8 kHz band to less than the full 2.1 kilohertz, and 
that a stricter limit would not be conducive to experimentation with 
narrowband data emission modes in the future. Should the Commission 
adopt any bandwidth limitation for either of the frequency bands? In 
the WRC-07 NPRM, the Commission requested comment on whether it should 
limit operating privileges in the 135.7-137.8 kHz band, e.g., to 
Amateur Extra Class licensees. None of the commenters believe that such 
a restriction would better facilitate Amateur/PLC sharing of the band. 
In particular, the Commission notes that ARRL states that it would be 
consistent with Commission policy to make this frequency band available 
to Amateur Extra, Advanced, and General Class licensees. Should the 
Commission limit operating privileges for these bands in accordance 
with ARRL's statement? Should the Commission authorize CW 
(international Morse code telegraphy), RTTY (narrow-band direct-
printing telegraphy), and data emissions throughout the 630 and 2200 
meter bands as the Commission did in its 2200 meter band proposal in 
2002? The Commission also seeks comment on amending Sec.  97.3 by 
adding definitions for the terms effective radiated power, 
isotropically radiated power, and LF.
    23. Other Allocated Uses. Other radio services use the 135.7-137.8 
kHz band. In the U.S. Table, the 130-160 kHz band is allocated to the 
fixed service (FS) and maritime mobile service (MMS) on a primary basis 
for Federal and non-Federal use. While there are no non-Federal 
stations in the FS and MMS that are licensed to operate in the 135.7-
137.8 kHz band, there is limited Federal use of this band. 
Specifically, a Federal coast station located in Dixon, California 
transmits to ships in the Pacific Ocean on two frequencies that overlap 
portions of this band. Given that this coast station also transmits on 
19 other LF frequencies, the Commission has requested that NTIA 
consider whether Federal requirements can be met without operating in 
this narrow (2.1 kilohertz) band. The 126.7-141.7 kHz band is also used 
to track tagged salmon in the Pacific watershed. The Commission seeks 
comment on whether it needs to adopt exclusion zones or use other 
methods to protect these Federal uses of the band. Should the 
Commission delete the unused non-Federal allocations from this band? To 
be consistent with the International Table, the Commission also 
proposes to require that amateur fixed stations operating in the 2200 
meter band not cause harmful interference to stations in the FS and MMS 
that are authorized by other nations and require that these amateur 
stations take any and all corrective action, if harmful interference is 
reported to us. The Commission seeks comment on these proposals.
    24. Finally, the Commission notes that the 472-479 kHz band has 
unused Federal MMS and aeronautical radionavigation service (ARNS) 
allocations. Should the Commission remove these allocations from the 
Federal Table? To be consistent with the International Table, the 
Commission proposes that amateur stations transmitting in the 630 meter 
band not cause harmful interference to, and must accept interference 
from, stations authorized by other nations in the ARNS and MMS and that 
the amateur stations must cause no harmful interference to 490 kHz. 
Should the Commission take any action with regard to the non-Federal 
MMS allocation in the band? The Commission seeks comment on these 
issues.

Maritime Issues and Oceanographic Radars

    25. Maritime Mobile Service Use of the Frequency 500 kHz. The 
Commission proposes to reallocate the 495-505 kHz band to the MMS on a 
primary basis for Federal and non-Federal use. This action is expected 
to provide spectrum for digital broadcasting of maritime safety and 
security related information via automated broadcasts in a manner that 
can coexist with existing services. The Commission requests comment on 
this proposal.
    26. Oceanographic Radar Applications in the 4-44 MHz Range. The 
Commission supports the U.S. objective to provide allocated spectrum 
for the operation of oceanographic

[[Page 38321]]

radars, while minimizing their impact on incumbent fixed and mobile 
service users. The Commission also agrees that allocating the WRC-12 
oceanographic radar bands would better organize and reduce spectrum 
requirements for these operations. The Commission therefore proposes to 
allocate the eight WRC-12 frequency bands in the 4-44 MHz range to the 
RLS for Federal and non-Federal use, limited to oceanographic radar 
applications.
    27. Specifically, the Commission proposes to allocate seven 
frequency bands (4.438-4.488 MHz, 5.25-5.275 MHz, 16.1-16.2 MHz, 24.45-
24.65 MHz, 26.2-26.42 MHz, 41.015-41.665 MHz, and 43.35-44 MHz) to the 
RLS on a primary basis for Federal and non-Federal use and to allocate 
the 13.45-13.55 MHz band to the RLS on a secondary basis for Federal 
and non-Federal use.
    28. To minimize the impact on the incumbent fixed and mobile 
services, the Commission proposes that oceanographic radars may not 
cause harmful interference to, or claim protection from, existing and 
future stations in the incumbent fixed and mobile services. As 
requested by NTIA, the Commission seeks to implement this proposal in 
the U.S. Table by adding: (1) RR 5.132A to four HF bands (4.438-4.488 
MHz, 5.25-5.275 MHz, 13.45-13.55 MHz, and 24.45-24.65 MHz); (2) RR 
5.145A to the 16.1-16.2 MHz band; and, (3) a U.S. footnote (tentatively 
numbered as US132A) to the 26.2-26.42 MHz, 41.015-41.665 MHz, and 
43.35-44 MHz bands. Further, the Commission proposes to raise the 
secondary mobile except aeronautical mobile service allocation in the 
5.25-5.275 MHz band to primary status, so that existing and future 
stations in this service can also be protected from interference from 
oceanographic radars.
    29. The Commission is most concerned about the potential for 
interference from oceanographic radars in the 4.438-4.488 MHz and 26.2-
26.42 MHz bands. Several university-operated stations authorized on 
frequencies in the 4-44 MHz range under experimental licenses were 
required to adjust their operations because of interference caused to 
incumbent stations authorized in the fixed and mobile services. Given 
these incidents, the Commission notes that operators of oceanographic 
radars would be required to cease operations if notified that they are 
causing harmful interference, and operations will not resume until the 
cause of the harmful interference is corrected.
    30. The Commission's proposed rules are based on the conditions 
specified in Resolution 612 (Rev. WRC-12). The Commission proposes to 
amend Sec.  90.103 of its rules to bring the oceanographic radar 
allocations into immediate effect by listing the eight oceanographic 
radar bands in the table within paragraph (b), by limiting the station 
class of these radars to radiolocation land stations, and by 
restricting the use of these bands by adding new Limitation 3, which 
would be codified in new paragraph (c)(3). Specifically, the Commission 
proposes that new paragraph (c)(3) read as follows:

    Operations in this band are limited to oceanographic radars 
using transmitters with a peak equivalent isotropically radiated 
power (EIRP) not to exceed 25 dBW. Oceanographic radars must not 
cause harmful interference to, nor claim protection from 
interference caused by, stations in the fixed or mobile services as 
specified in Sec.  2.106, footnotes 5.132A, 5.145A, and US132A. See 
Resolution 612 of the ITU Radio Regulations for international 
coordination requirements. Operators of oceanographic radars are 
urged to use directional antennas and techniques that allow 
multiples of such radars to operate on the same frequency.

Because the power limitation in Resolution 612 is specified in peak 
EIRP, the Commission also proposes to reflect the part 2 definition of 
this term in Sec.  90.7 of the Commission's rules.
    31. Finally, the Commission proposes to require that licensees of 
oceanographic radars that currently operate under part 5 of the rules 
transition their operations to frequencies within an allocated band 
within five years of the adoption of final rules in this proceeding. 
The Commission requests comment on all of its proposals.
    32. Improved Satellite-AIS Capability. The Commission proposes to 
implement NTIA's recommendations regarding satellite monitoring of 
Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) equipped ships as follows. 
First, the Commission proposes to allocate the 156.7625-156.7875 MHz 
(AIS 3) and 156.8125-156.8375 MHz (AIS 4) bands to the MSS (Earth-to-
space) on a primary basis for Federal and non-Federal use. The table 
entries for the MSS allocations would include the parenthetical 
additions ``(Earth-to-space) (AIS 3)'' and ``(Earth-to-space) (AIS 
4),'' which would restrict the use of these MSS allocations to AIS 
emissions and operations in the Earth-to-space direction. This action 
would make 50 kilohertz of spectrum available for ship earth stations 
to transmit maritime AIS messages to space stations in the MSS (Earth-
to-space). Designating these additional channels for satellite 
detection of AIS messages from ship earth stations would improve vessel 
tracking and thereby enhance maritime safety and security.
    33. Second, as requested by NTIA, the Commission proposes to remove 
the primary maritime mobile service allocation from the AIS 3 and AIS 4 
bands. Consequently, the Commission proposes to remove all references 
to the frequencies 156.775 MHz and 156.825 MHz from part 80 of its 
rules. The Commission notes that there is a single licensee, BKEP 
Materials, LLC, authorized to operate private coast stations at three 
locations using these frequencies with an output power of 10 watts. 
During the normal coordination process, the U.S. Coast Guard noted that 
ITU studies show that even a 1 watt station could cause interference to 
satellite reception in these bands. The Commission proposes to 
grandfather this existing MMS use in proposed footnote US52 until the 
expiration date of these authorizations, set for August 26, 2019. 
Therefore, the Commission proposes to require that operations on the 
frequencies 156.775 MHz and 156.825 MHz be terminated upon the 
expiration of the licenses, and to prohibit the license renewal of 
operations on these frequencies. The Commission notes that there are an 
unknown number of ship stations that also operate on these frequencies. 
The Commission requests comment on ship station usage, and on whether 
it should alternatively permit this limited MMS use to continue for a 
longer phase-out period. If so, the Commission alternatively proposes 
to limit ship and coast stations operating on these channels to a 
transmitter output power of 1 W. The Commission requests comment on 
these proposals. In particular, the Commission requests comment on 
whether these private coast station operations should be relocated to 
other maritime mobile frequencies no later than August 26, 2019. If 
such relocation is not attainable by August 26, 2019, what would be the 
appropriate transition period?
    34. Third, the Commission proposes to revise footnote US52 by 
adding new paragraph (b) to restrict the use of the proposed MSS uplink 
allocations to long-range AIS broadcast messages from ship earth 
stations and to codify in the U.S. Table the grandfathering provisions 
discussed above. Specifically, the Commission proposes that new 
paragraph (b) read as follows:

    Except as provided for below, the use of the bands 156.7625-
156.7875 MHz (AIS 3 with center frequency 156.775 MHz) and 156.8125-
156.8375 MHz (AIS 4 with center frequency 156.825 MHz) by the 
mobile-satellite service (Earth-to-space) is restricted

[[Page 38322]]

to the reception of long-range AIS broadcast messages from ships 
(Message 27; see most recent version of Recommendation ITU-R 
M.1371). The frequencies 156.775 MHz and 156.825 MHz may continue to 
be used by non-Federal ship and coast stations for navigation-
related port operations or ship movement until August 26, 2019.

    35. The Commission also notes that satellite reception in the AIS 1 
and AIS 2 bands is not protected from adjacent-band terrestrial 
stations operating in accordance with the terms of their licenses. The 
Commission seeks comment on whether it should add such a requirement to 
the AIS 3 and AIS 4 bands.

Sharing Between AMT and Incumbent Services in the 4400-4940 MHz and 
5925-6700 MHz Bands

    36. In this section, the Commission addressed two additional 
frequency bands that WRC-07 identified for aeronautical mobile 
telemetry (AMT) for flight testing of aircraft use. Specifically, WRC-
07 decided that the mobile service (MS) allocation in the 4400-4940 MHz 
and 5925-6700 MHz bands may be used for AMT flight test transmissions 
from aircraft stations in much of ITU Region 2 by adopting RR 5.440A 
and RR 5.457C. In addition, these international footnotes state that 
AMT use shall be in accordance with Resolution 416 (WRC-07) and shall 
not cause harmful interference to, nor claim protection from, the 
fixed-satellite and fixed services. Resolution 416 places the following 
operational restrictions on AMT use of the 4400-4940 MHz and 5925-6700 
MHz bands: (1) Emissions are limited to transmissions from aircraft 
stations only; (2) AMT is not considered an application of a safety 
service as per ITU Radio Regulations, Article No. 1.59; (3) the peak 
EIRP density of a telemetry transmitter antenna shall not exceed -2.2 
dB(W/MHz); (4) transmissions are limited to designated flight test 
areas, where flight test areas are airspace designated by 
administrations for flight testing; (5) bilateral coordination of 
transmitting AMT aircraft stations with respect to receiving fixed or 
mobile stations is required, if the AMT aircraft station will operate 
within 450 km of the receiving fixed or mobile stations of another 
administration; and (6) require the use of technical and/or operational 
measures where appropriate to facilitate sharing with other services 
and applications in these bands.
    37. Though the Commission did not propose in the WRC-07 NPRM to 
allocate spectrum for AMT use in the nearly exclusive Federal band at 
4400-4940 MHz, or in the exclusive non-Federal band at 5925-6700 MHz, 
it is now seeking comment on the ability of Federal/non-Federal AMT 
stations to share spectrum with the incumbent services in these bands. 
The Commission believes that it is appropriate to examine the sharing 
potential in these bands based on input from NTIA regarding the 
interference mitigation techniques that could be used to promote such 
sharing.
    38. In light of NTIA's concerns and recommendations, the Commission 
specifically requests comment on the proposed allocations for both the 
4400-4940 MHz and 5925-6700 MHz bands. In particular, are there 
technical approaches, coordination procedures, or analytical techniques 
that would ensure compatibility with existing services in these bands? 
What are the costs and benefits and advantages or disadvantages of 
adding AMT allocations to these bands? Is sharing with AMT the highest 
valued use of this spectrum or should the Commission consider other 
potential licensed or unlicensed uses on a shared basis?
    39. 5925-6700 MHz. NTIA recommends that the Commission allocate the 
5925-6700 MHz band to the aeronautical mobile service (AMS) on a 
primary basis for Federal use; allocate the 5925-6425 MHz and 6525-6700 
MHz bands to the AMS on a primary basis for non-Federal use; and add 
the 5925-6700 MHz band to footnote US111. NTIA also recommends that the 
Commission adopt the following U.S. footnote for operational criteria:

    USXX3 [1.5] Use of the band 5925-6700 MHz by aeronautical mobile 
telemetry (AMT) for flight testing by aircraft stations (see No. 
1.83) shall be in accordance with Resolution 416 (WRC 07). Any such 
use does not preclude the use of these bands by other non-federal 
mobile service applications or by other services to which these 
bands are allocated on a co-primary basis and does not establish 
priority. Federal use of the aeronautical mobile service allocation 
in the band 5925-6700 MHz is limited to aeronautical mobile 
telemetry for flight test telemetry transmissions by aircraft 
stations within designated test areas (See US111).

New footnote US111, adopted in the companion WRC-07 R&O, identifies the 
designated flight test areas.

    40. The U.S. Proposals noted that there is a growing need for 
access to spectrum to support AMT operations. They recognized that the 
increased complexity and sophistication of modern aircraft necessitates 
monitoring an ever growing array of sensors and transmitting their data 
in real time for both safety purposes and helping to control the high 
costs of conducting flight tests. Working collaboratively with the 
federal government and AMT stakeholders will allow for identifying 
various ways to support these needs, including exploring possible 
future use of other wireless services to augment the U.S.'s existing 
AMT capabilities.
    41. The Commission notes that the underlying assumptions in the 
U.S. Proposals for WRC-07 included frequency avoidance or other 
measures to ensure compatible operations between AMT and incumbent 
services, such as requiring use of technical and/or operational 
measures on AMT. Accordingly, it would be incumbent on the AMT 
community to develop techniques that will enable sharing without 
causing harmful interference to existing stations. These techniques 
could include frequency coordination, shared network architectures, 
dynamic selection of operating frequencies, or spectrum use only in 
specific geographic areas. It is not necessary at this time to 
determine the technical details for such sharing. It is only necessary 
that the Commission determine whether sharing is feasible. To that end, 
the Commission seeks comment on the underlying assumptions made in 
Report ITU-R M.2119 which concluded that sharing is feasible. Also, the 
Commission solicits comment as to what measures might be necessary to 
ensure the protection from harmful interference of incumbent non-
Federal stations in the band. How may the Commission best facilitate 
collaboration between Federal and non-Federal AMT users and incumbent 
services to determine appropriate technical conditions for sharing? The 
Commission also seeks comment on whether increased sharing among non-
Federal and Federal fixed microwave users in the 6-7 GHz range of 
spectrum could provide greater spectral efficiencies that would enable 
more usable bandwidth for both categories of fixed microwave users and 
for AMT. The Commission observes that other industry-government 
collaboration efforts have led to highly successful outcomes, such as 
in the recent reallocation and sharing of spectrum to support Advanced 
Wireless Service operations in the 1695-1710 MHz and 1755-1780 MHz 
bands.
    42. The NTIA recommendations do not specify how AMT operations 
would share the 6425-6525 MHz band with the non-Federal mobile service. 
The Commission seeks comment on whether sharing this band with AMT is 
feasible. In considering whether to allocate the 6425-6525 MHz band for 
AMT use, the Commission solicits comment on how the current mobile 
service assignments in this band are used. For example, is

[[Page 38323]]

land mobile use of this band generally limited to metropolitan areas? 
Are there any aeronautical mobile applications, e.g., electronic 
newsgathering (ENG) operations from helicopters, in this band?
    43. Finally, the Commission requests comment on several 
coordination issues. First, should the Commission use the existing 
process for coordinating federal authorizations for service with the 
FCC, or should the Commission and NTIA jointly designate a third party 
coordinator to be responsible for coordinating AMT operations in the 
5925-6700 MHz band? Use of a third party coordinator may better protect 
incumbent operations, increase the speed of service, and provide non-
Federal incumbents with an enhanced level of transparency during the 
coordination process. Second, is the information provided in footnote 
US111 with the coordinates for the 17 locations where flight testing 
would occur sufficient to ensure that AMT coordination with existing 
services in the 5925-6700 MHz band would be successful or is additional 
information needed?
    44. 4400-4940 MHz. NTIA recommends that the Commission allocate the 
4400-4940 MHz band to the AMS on a primary basis for non-Federal use, 
amend footnote US111 to add the 4400-4940 MHz band, and add the two 
footnotes shown below to the Allocation Table to ensure compatible 
operations between non-Federal and Federal users in the band.

    USXX2 [1.5] Use of the band 4400-4940 MHz by aeronautical mobile 
telemetry (AMT) for flight testing by aircraft stations (see No. 
1.83) shall be in accordance with Resolution 416 (WRC 07). Any such 
AMT use does not preclude the use of these bands by other federal 
mobile service applications or by other services to which these 
bands are allocated on a co-primary basis and does not establish 
priority. Non-federal use of the aeronautical mobile service 
allocation in the band 4400-4940 MHz is limited to aeronautical 
mobile telemetry for flight test telemetry transmissions by aircraft 
stations within designated test areas (See US111).
    USXX4 [1.5] Aeronautical Mobile Telemetry (AMT) operations will, 
as much as practicable, avoid transmitting in the band 4825-4835 
MHz, used for radio astronomy observations of the formaldehyde line, 
when within line-of-sight of radio astronomy observatories included 
in the Table below. AMT operations, conducted within 500 km of a 
radio astronomy observatory other than a Very Long Baseline Array 
(VLBA) station, or within 200 km of a VLBA station will, as much as 
practicable, share their schedule and consult with affected radio 
astronomy observatories through the Electromagnetic Spectrum 
Management office of the National Science Foundation ([email protected]).

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Observatory                Latitude (N)      Longitude (W)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Astronomy and Ionosphere         18[deg] 21'        66[deg] 45'
 Center, Arecibo, Puerto Rico.....
National Radio Astronomy                  38[deg] 26'        79[deg] 50'
 Observatory, Green Bank, W.Va....
National Radio Astronomy                  34[deg] 05'       107[deg] 37'
 Observatory, Socorro, New Mexico.
Allen Telescope Array, Hat Creek,         40[deg] 49'       121[deg] 28'
 Cal..............................
Owens Valley Radio Observatory            37[deg] 14'       118[deg] 17'
 (Cal. Tech.), Big Pine, Cal......
Very Long Baseline Array Stations
 (VLBA), NRAO:
    Brewster, WA..................        48[deg] 08'       119[deg] 41'
    Fort Davis, TX................        30[deg] 38'       103[deg] 57'
    Hancock, NH...................        42[deg] 56'        71[deg] 59'
    Kitt Peak, AZ.................        31[deg] 57'       111[deg] 37'
    Los Alamos, NM................        35[deg] 47'       106[deg] 15'
    Mauna Kea, HI.................        19[deg] 48'       155[deg] 27'
    North Liberty, IA.............        41[deg] 46'        91[deg] 34'
    Owens Valley, CA..............        37[deg] 14'       118[deg] 17'
    Pie Town, NM..................        34[deg] 18'       108[deg] 07'
    Saint Croix, VI...............        17[deg] 45'        64[deg] 35'
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    45. The Commission seeks comment on NTIA's proposals for the 4400-
4940 MHz band. In particular, are there any additional measures that 
the Commission should consider to ensure that AMT stations in the 4400-
4940 MHz band would operate compatibly with public safety fixed and 
mobile operations in the adjacent 4940-4990 MHz band? Finally, if the 
4400-4940 MHz band were allocated for use by non-Federal AMT licensees, 
any non-Federal AMT use would be coordinated with Federal agencies 
through NTIA's Frequency Assignment Subcommittee process. The 
Commission seeks comment on this assumption.

Additional Aviation Services Uses in the 5000-5150 MHz Band

    46. Consistent with NTIA's request, the Commission proposes to 
allocate spectrum to the AM(R)S to support line-of-sight control links 
for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and, as discussed below, to provide 
additional spectrum for AeroMACS. First, the Commission proposes to add 
a primary AM(R)S allocation in the 5030-5091 MHz band for Federal and 
non-Federal use, and to add a reference to RR 5.443C in the U.S. Table, 
as NTIA requested. The Commission expects that addition of this AM(R)S 
allocation will help support the anticipated growth of UAS and promote 
its safe operation. Further, adding RR 5.443C will limit AM(R)S use of 
the 5030-5091 MHz band to internationally standardized aeronautical 
systems and help protect adjacent-band radionavigation-satellite 
service downlinks by limiting the unwanted emissions of AM(R)S stations 
authorized under this allocation to an EIRP density of -75 dBW/MHz in 
the 5010-5030 MHz band.
    47. Second, the Commission proposes to allocate the 5000-5030 MHz 
bands to the AM(R)S on a primary basis for Federal and non-Federal use, 
limited to surface applications at airports that operate in accordance 
with international aeronautical standards (i.e., AeroMACS). Consistent 
with its action in the 5091-5150 MHz band, the Commission proposes to 
permit aeronautical fixed communications that are an integral part of 
the AM(R)S system to be authorized in the 5000-5030 MHz band on a 
primary basis. The Commission would implement these proposals by adding 
an entry for the primary AM(R)S allocation to the 5000-5010 MHz band 
within the U.S. Table and by adding a new U.S. footnote, which it 
tentatively numbers as US115, to the 5000-5010 MHz and 5010-5030 MHz 
bands. Proposed footnote US115 contains the primary AM(R)S allocation 
for the 5010-5030 MHz band, limits the use of this allocation to those 
AeroMACS requirements that cannot be satisfied in the 5000-5010 MHz and 
5091-5150 MHz bands, specifies the additional limitations, and 
authorizes the primary fixed use discussed above. In the WRC-07 R&O, 
the Commission made the 5091-5150 MHz band

[[Page 38324]]

available for AeroMACS. The 5091-5150 MHz band is globally harmonized 
and it is expected to be the main frequency band for deployment of 
AeroMACS. These proposals would extend the tuning range for AeroMACS to 
include the 5000-5010 MHz and 5010-5030 MHz bands in the United States. 
Given that ``ITU-R studies conclude that the total identified spectrum 
requirement to support surface applications at airports is 130 MHz,'' 
the Commission believes that there is a need for this additional 
spectrum.
    48. Third, the Commission proposes to add entries in the U.S. Table 
for the primary AMS(R)S allocation in the frequency range 5000-5150 
MHz. Because these bands are already allocated to the AMS(R)S through 
footnote US367, the Commission would only be highlighting an existing 
allocation. The Commission also proposes to add references to two 
international footnotes (RR 5.443AA, RR 5.443D) in the U.S. Table. The 
Commission notes that both of these footnotes also contain a new 
requirement: the use of the AMS(R)S in the 5000-5150 MHz range would be 
limited to internationally standardized aeronautical systems. The 
Commission seeks comment on its proposals.

Allocating the 22.55-23.15 GHz and 25.5-27 GHz Bands to the Space 
Research Service

    49. Consistent with WRC-12 and NTIA's recommendation, the 
Commission proposes to modify the U.S. Table to allocate the 22.55-
23.15 GHz band to the SRS (Earth-to-space) on a primary basis for both 
Federal and non-Federal use and to add a reference to RR 5.532A in the 
U.S. Table. In addition, the Commission proposes to add a primary non-
Federal SRS (space-to-Earth) allocation to the companion 25.5-27 GHz 
band, which currently is allocated to the SRS (space-to-Earth) only for 
Federal use. The Commission is proposing non-Federal SRS allocations to 
both of these bands in support of the National Space Policy, which 
encourages the development of a robust and competitive commercial space 
sector. This action is consistent with the Commission's proposal to 
make spectrum allocated for Federal exclusive use available for use by 
commercial space launch operators. Finally, the Commission solicits 
comment on whether there is a need for it to expressly state that the 
use of the proposed allocations would be ``at a limited number of 
sites.'' The Commission requests comment on these proposals.

Passive and Weak Signal Issues

    50. Deletion of Aeronautical Mobile Service from the 37-38 GHz 
Band. As requested by NTIA, the Commission proposes to amend the U.S. 
Table by excluding the AMS from the 37-38 GHz band. The Commission 
requests comment on this proposal.
    51. Protecting Passive Sensors in the 86-92 GHz Band. The 
Commission proposes to encourage operators of fixed stations 
transmitting in the 81-86 GHz and 92-94 GHz bands to take all 
reasonable steps to ensure that their unwanted emissions power in the 
86-92 GHz passive band does not exceed WRC-12's non-mandatory unwanted 
emissions levels. The Commission also proposes to combine the text of 
NTIA's recommended U.S. footnotes into a single footnote, which it 
tentatively numbers as US162. The Commission requests comment on these 
proposals.
    52. Passive Use of Bands Above 275 GHz. As requested by NTIA, the 
Commission proposes to extend the ``not allocated'' portion of the U.S. 
Table to 3000 GHz and to add a reference to the WRC-12 version of RR 
5.565 to the new 275-3000 GHz band. This action would update the 
spectrum identified for use by passive spaceborne sensors in the 275-
1000 GHz range.
    53. The Commission observes that, as a result of WRC-12's action, 
565 gigahertz--or 78 percent--of the 725 gigahertz of spectrum in the 
275-1000 GHz range has been identified for passive service applications 
in the International Table. However, the Commission believes that it is 
important to recognize that this frequency range is used and may be 
used more extensively in the future for experimentation with, and 
development of, an array of active service applications. The Commission 
notes that RR 5.565 should not be misconstrued as placing a 
``reservation'' for future passive service allocations in the U.S. 
Table, which would inhibit commercial development of this spectrum. The 
Commission encourages the development of active services in the 275-
3000 GHz range under part 5 of the rules. Accordingly, the Commission 
proposes to adopt the following U.S. footnote:

    US565 International footnote 5.565 does not establish priority 
of use in the United States Table of Frequency Allocations, and does 
not preclude or constrain the allocation of frequency bands in the 
range 275-3000 GHz to active services at a future date.

    The Commission seeks comment on these proposals.

Proposals for New Federal Government Allocations

    54. Allocating the 7850-7900 MHz Band to the Meteorological-
Satellite Service. NTIA recommends that the 7750-7900 MHz band be 
allocated to the fixed service and the meteorological-satellite service 
(MetSat) (space-to-Earth) on a primary basis for Federal use, and that 
RR 5.461B be listed in the Federal Table, thereby limiting MetSat use 
of this band to non-geostationary satellite orbit systems. The 
Commission proposes to modify the U.S. Table to reflect this approach.
    55. Allocating the 15.4-15.7 GHz Band to the Radiolocation Service. 
As requested by NTIA, the Commission proposes to allocate the 15.4-15.7 
GHz band to the RLS on a primary basis for Federal use and to add 
references to RR 5.511E and RR 5.511F to the Federal Table. However, 
because the 15.4-15.7 GHz band is allocated for Federal/non-Federal 
shared use, and in particular because the new Federal RLS allocation 
would be required to protect existing and future non-Federal stations 
in the ARNS from harmful interference, the Commission has reclassified 
footnote G135 as a U.S. footnote, which it tentatively numbered as 
US511E. The Commission has also made minor changes to the text of 
proposed footnote US511E to improve its readability. If adopted, this 
proposal will provide the additional spectrum needed for new advanced 
radar systems and increase the image resolution and range accuracy of 
such systems. The Commission requests comment on these proposals.

Other Matters

    56. The 72-73 MHz and 75.4-76 MHz bands are allocated to the fixed 
and mobile services on a primary basis for non-Federal use. Footnote 
NG49 identifies 30 frequencies from 72.02 MHz to 75.60 MHz as being 
available to former part 90 radio services, subject to the condition 
that no interference is caused to TV channels 4 and 5 reception. These 
radio services are now part of the consolidated Industrial/Business 
Radio Pool. Moreover, all 30 frequencies are listed in the Industrial/
Business Pool Frequency Table, which is codified in Sec.  90.35 of the 
Commission's rules. The Commission proposes to update and simplify 
footnote NG49 and to renumber this footnote as NG16. Specifically, the 
Commission proposes to no longer list the individual frequencies within 
the footnote. In addition, while the footnote describes pool-specific 
geographic limitations for all 30 frequencies (e.g., manufacturing 
facilities, railroad yards

[[Page 38325]]

and mills), the Industrial/Business Pool Frequency Table places 
geographic limits only on the 10 frequencies from 72.44 MHz to 75.60 
MHz, and uses the more generalized concept of ``the licensee's business 
premises.'' The Commission proposes to remove the geographic 
restriction from footnote NG49, but retain the existing part 90 rules. 
Thus, the effect of the Commission's proposal is to make the Allocation 
Table consistent with the existing service rules. The revised footnote, 
NG16, would read as follows: In the bands 72-73 MHz and 75.4-76 MHz, 
frequencies may be authorized for mobile operations in the Industrial/
Business Radio Pool, subject to the condition that no interference is 
caused to the reception of television stations operating on channels 4 
and 5. The Commission seeks comment on this proposal.
    57. The Commission proposes to amend Sec.  2.100 of the rules to 
state that the ITU Radio Regulations, Edition of 2012, have been 
incorporated to the extent practicable in part 2.

Ex Parte

    58. This proceeding shall be treated as a ``permit-but-disclose'' 
proceeding in accordance with the Commission's ex parte rules.\1\ 
Persons making ex parte presentations must file a copy of any written 
presentation or a memorandum summarizing any oral presentation within 
two business days after the presentation (unless a different deadline 
applicable to the Sunshine period applies). Persons making oral ex 
parte presentations are reminded that memoranda summarizing the 
presentation must: (1) List all persons attending or otherwise 
participating in the meeting at which the ex parte presentation was 
made; and (2) summarize all data presented and arguments made during 
the presentation. If the presentation consisted in whole or in part of 
the presentation of data or arguments already reflected in the 
presenter's written comments, memoranda, or other filings in the 
proceeding, the presenter may provide citations to such data or 
arguments in his or her prior comments, memoranda, or other filings 
(specifying the relevant page and/or paragraph numbers where such data 
or arguments can be found) in lieu of summarizing them in the 
memorandum. Documents shown or given to Commission staff during ex 
parte meetings are deemed to be written ex parte presentations and must 
be filed consistent with rule 1.1206(b). In proceedings governed by 
rule 1.49(f) or for which the Commission has made available a method of 
electronic filing, written ex parte presentations and memoranda 
summarizing oral ex parte presentations, and all attachments thereto, 
must be filed through the electronic comment filing system available 
for that proceeding and must be filed in their native format (e.g., 
.doc, .xml, .ppt, searchable .pdf). Participants in this proceeding 
should familiarize themselves with the Commission's ex parte rules.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 47 CFR 1.1200 et seq.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

    59. As required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA),\2\ the 
Commission has prepared this present Initial Regulatory Flexibility 
Analysis (IFRA) of the possible significant economic impact on small 
entities by the policies and rules proposed in this WRC Notice of 
Proposed Rule Making (WRC NPRM). Written public comments are requested 
on this IRFA. Comments must be identified as responses to the IRFA and 
must be filed by the deadlines for comments provided on the first page 
of the WRC-12 NPRM. The Commission will send a copy of this WRC-12 
NPRM, including this IRFA, to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the 
Small Business Administration (SBA).\3\
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    \2\ See 5 U.S.C. 603. The RFA, see 5 U.S.C. 601--612, has been 
amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 
1996 (SBREFA), Public Law 104-121, Title II, 110 Stat. 857 (1996).
    \3\ See 5 U.S.C. 603(a).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

A. Need for, and Objectives of, the Proposed Rules

    60. In the WRC-12 NPRM, the Commission proposes to amend parts 2, 
15, 80, 90, 97, and 101 of its rules to implement certain of the 
allocation decisions from the World Radiocommunication Conference 
(Geneva, 2012) (WRC-12) in the Commission's Table of Frequency 
Allocations, and to make certain updates to its service rules. If 
adopted, these proposals would conform the Commission's rules, to the 
extent practical, to the decisions that the international community 
made at WRC-12 and would promote the advancement of new and expanded 
services and provide significant benefits to the American public.

B. Legal Basis

    61. The proposed action is authorized under Sections 4(i), 301, 
303(c), 303(f), and 303(r) of the Communications Act of 1934, as 
amended, 47 U.S.C. 154(i), 301, 303(c), 303(f), and 303(r).

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

    62. The RFA directs agencies to provide a description of and, where 
feasible, an estimate of the number of small entities that may be 
affected by the proposed rules, if adopted.\4\ The RFA generally 
defines the term ``small entity'' as having the same meaning as the 
terms ``small business,'' ``small organization,'' and ``small 
governmental jurisdiction.'' \5\ In addition, the term ``small 
business'' has the same meaning as the term ``small business concern'' 
under the Small Business Act.\6\ A small business concern is one which: 
(1) Is independently owned and operated; (2) is not dominant in its 
field of operation; and (3) satisfies any additional criteria 
established by the SBA.\7\
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    \4\ 5 U.S.C. 603(b)(3).
    \5\ 5 U.S.C. 601(6).
    \6\ 5 U.S.C. 601(3) (incorporating by reference the definition 
of ``small business concern'' in 15 U.S.C. 632). Pursuant to the 
RFA, the statutory definition of a small business applies ``unless 
an agency, after consultation with the Office of Advocacy of the 
Small Business Administration and after opportunity for public 
comment, establishes one or more definitions of such term which are 
appropriate to the activities of the agency and publishes such 
definition(s) in the Federal Register.'' 5 U.S.C. 601(3).
    \7\ Small Business Act, 15 U.S.C. 632 (1996).
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    Small Businesses, Small Organizations, and Small Governmental 
Jurisdictions. The Commission's action may, over time, affect small 
entities that are not easily categorized at present. The Commission 
therefore describes here, at the outset, three comprehensive, statutory 
small entity size standards.\8\ First, nationwide, there are a total of 
28.2 million small businesses, according to the SBA.\9\ In addition, a 
``small organization'' is generally ``any not-for-profit enterprise 
which is independently owned and operated and is not dominant in its 
field.'' \10\ Nationwide, as of 2012, there were approximately 
2,300,000 small organizations.\11\ Finally, the term ``small 
governmental jurisdiction'' is defined generally as ``governments of 
cities, towns, townships, villages, school districts, or special 
districts, with a population of less than fifty thousand.'' \12\ Census 
Bureau data for 2012 indicate that there were 90,056 local governments 
in the

[[Page 38326]]

United States.\13\ Thus, the Commission estimates that most 
governmental jurisdictions are small.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ See 5 U.S.C. 601(3)-(6).
    \9\ See SBA, Office of Advocacy, ``Frequently Asked Questions,'' 
http://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/FAQ_March_2014_0.pdf (last 
visited May 2, 2014; figures are from 2011).
    \10\ 5 U.S.C. 601(4).
    \11\ National Center for Charitable Statistics, The Nonprofit 
Almanac (2012).
    \12\ 5 U.S.C. 601(5).
    \13\ U.S. Census Bureau, Government Organization Summary Report: 
2012 (rel. Sep. 26, 2013), http://www2.census.gov/govs/cog/g12_org.pdf (last visited May 2, 2014).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Amateur Radio Service. Because ``small entities,'' as defined in 
the RFA, are not persons eligible for licensing in the amateur service, 
this proposed rule does not apply to ``small entities.'' Rather, it 
applies exclusively to individuals who are the control operators of 
amateur radio stations.
    Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except satellite). This 
industry comprises establishments engaged in operating and maintaining 
switching and transmission facilities to provide communications via the 
airwaves. Establishments in this industry have spectrum licenses and 
provide services using that spectrum, such as cellular phone services, 
paging services, wireless Internet access, and wireless video 
services.\14\ The appropriate size standard under SBA rules is for the 
category Wireless Telecommunications Carriers. The size standard for 
that category is that a business is small if it has 1,500 or fewer 
employees.\15\ Under the present and prior categories, the SBA has 
deemed a wireless business to be small if it has 1,500 or fewer 
employees.\16\ For this category, census data for 2007 show that there 
were 11,163 firms that operated for the entire year.\17\ Of this total, 
10,791 firms had employment of 999 or fewer employees and 372 had 
employment of 1,000 employees or more.\18\ Thus under this category and 
the associated small business size standard, the Commission estimates 
that the majority of wireless telecommunications carriers (except 
satellite) are small entities that may be affected by its proposed 
action.\19\
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    \14\ See http://www.census.gov/cgi-bin/sssd/naics/naicsrch?code=517210&search=2007%20NAICS%20Search.
    \15\ 13 CFR 121.201, NAICS code 517210.
    \16\ 13 CFR 121.201, NAICS code 517210. The now-superseded, pre-
2007 CFR citations were 13 CFR 121.201, NAICS codes 517211 and 
517212 (referring to the 2002 NAICS).
    \17\ U.S. Census Bureau, Subject Series: Information, Table 5, 
``Establishment and Firm Size: Employment Size of Firms for the 
United States: 2007 NAICS Code 517210'' (issued Nov. 2010).
    \18\ Id. Available census data do not provide a more precise 
estimate of the number of firms that have employment of 1,500 or 
fewer employees; the largest category provided is for firms with 
``100 employees or more.''
    \19\ See http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ECN_2007_US_51SSSZ2&prodType=table.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

    63. The WRC-12 NPRM does not propose to establish any new reporting 
or recordkeeping requirements for small entities. The WRC-12 NPRM 
proposes to establish ``other'' compliance requirement for applicants/
licensees. The compliance requirements proposed in the WRC-12 NPRM are 
the same for small and large entities.
    64. The WRC-12 NPRM proposes that frequencies in the 1900-2000 kHz 
band be authorized for radio buoy operations under a ship station 
license provided: (1) The use of these frequencies is related to 
commercial fishing operations on the open sea. This use is not 
permitted within the exclusive economic area or territorial waters of a 
foreign country (unless provided for by an international agreement); 
and (2) The output power does not exceed 10 watts and the station 
antenna height does not exceed 4.6 meters (15 feet) above sea level in 
a buoy station or 6 meters (20 feet) above the mast of the ship on 
which it is installed.
    65. The WRC-12 NPRM proposes to limit radiolocations service 
operations in the 4438-4488 kHz, 5250-5275 kHz, 13.45-13.55 GHz, 16.10-
16.20 MHz, 24.45-24.65 MHz, 26.20-26.42 MHz, 41.015-41.665 MHz, 43.35-
44 MHz to oceanographic radars using transmitters with a peak 
equivalent isotropically radiated power that do not exceed 25 dBW. The 
WRC-12 NPRM also proposes that oceanographic radars must not cause 
harmful interference to, nor claim protection from interference caused 
by, stations in the incumbent fixed or mobile services. In addition, 
the proposed rules provide a cross reference to Resolution 612 of the 
ITU Radio Regulations for the international coordination requirements. 
These requirements state that each oceanographic radar station shall 
transmit a station identification (call sign) on the assigned 
frequency, in international Morse code at manual speed, at the end of 
each data acquisition cycle, but at an interval of no more than 20 
minutes; and that the separation distances between an oceanographic 
radar and the border of other countries shall be between 80 and 920 
kilometers. Finally, the WRC-12 NPRM proposes to require that licensees 
of oceanographic radars that currently operate under part 5 of the 
rules transition their operations to frequencies within an allocated 
band within 5 years of the adoption of final rules in this proceeding.

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

    66. 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.\20\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \20\ See 5 U.S.C. 603(c).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    67. The WRC-12 NPRM proposes to authorize commercial fishing 
vessels to operate radio buoys in the 1900-2000 kHz band under a ship 
station license. This action is expected to have a positive non-
burdensome impact on commercial fishing vessels, many of which are 
owned by small businesses, by authorizing these entities to operate 
radio buoys under a ship station license instead of obtaining separate 
licenses for the radio buoys.
    68. The WRC-12 NPRM proposes that the 156.7625-156.7875 MHz and 
156.8125-156.8375 MHz bands may continue to be used by non-Federal ship 
and coast stations for navigation-related port operations or ship 
movement until August 26, 2019. Because of the proposed delayed 
transition date, the Commission believes that it has minimized the 
impact on a small business that operates coast stations in these bands 
to extent practicable.

F. Federal Rules That May Duplicate, Overlap, or Conflict With the 
Proposed Rule

    69. None.

Paperwork Reduction Act Analysis

    70. This document does not contain proposed information 
collection(s) subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), 
Public Law 104-13. In addition, therefore, it does not contain any new 
or modified ``information collection burden for small business concerns 
with fewer than 25 employees,'' pursuant to the Small Business 
Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, Public Law 107-198, see 44 U.S.C. 
3506(c)(4).

Ordering Clauses

    71. Pursuant to Sections 1, 4, 301, 302, and 303 of the 
Communications

[[Page 38327]]

Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 151, 154, 301, 302a, and 303, and 
Sec.  553(b)(B) of the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 
553(b)(B), this notice of proposed rulemaking is hereby adopted.
    72. The Commission's Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, 
Reference Information Center, shall send a copy of this notice of 
proposed rulemaking, including the Initial Regulatory Flexibility 
Analyses, to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business 
Administration.
    73. Pursuant to applicable procedures set forth in sections 1.415 
and 1.419 of the Commission's rules, 47 CFR 1.415, 1.419, interested 
parties may file comments on this WRC-12 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking 
on or before August 31, 2015, and reply comments on or before September 
30, 2015.

List of Subjects in Parts 2, 15, 80, 90, 97, and 101

    Communications equipment, Radio.

Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene H. Dortch,
Secretary.
    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Federal 
Communications Commission proposes to amend 47 CFR parts 2, 15, 80, 90, 
97, and 101 as follows:

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

0
1. 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
2. Section 2.100 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  2.100  International regulations in force.

    The ITU Radio Regulations, Edition of 2012, have been incorporated 
to the extent practicable in this part.
0
3. Section 2.106, the Table of Frequency Allocations, is revised as 
follows:
0
a. Pages 1-2, 4-5, 7-8, 11-13, 15-16, 18-20, 23, 42, 45, 51, 53-54, 57, 
62-63, and 67-68 are revised.
0
b. In the list of United States (US) Footnotes, footnotes US52 and 
US565 are revised; footnotes US115, US132A, US162, and US511E are 
added; and footnote US367 is removed.
0
c. In the list of non-Federal Government (NG) Footnotes, footnote NG16 
is added, footnote NG49 is removed, and footnote NG92 is revised.


Sec.  2.106  Table of Frequency Allocations.

    The revisions and additions read as follows:
* * * * *
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United States (US) Footnotes

* * * * *
    US52 In the VHF maritime mobile band (156-162 MHz), the following 
provisions shall apply:
    (a) Except as provided for below, the use of the bands 161.9625-
161.9875 MHz (AIS 1 with center frequency 161.975 MHz) and 162.0125-
162.0375 MHz (AIS 2 with center frequency 162.025 MHz) by the maritime 
mobile and mobile-satellite (Earth-to-space) services is restricted to 
Automatic Identification Systems (AIS). The use of these bands by the 
aeronautical mobile (OR) service is restricted to AIS emissions from 
search and rescue aircraft operations. Frequencies in the AIS 1 band 
may continue to be used by non-Federal base, fixed, and land mobile 
stations until March 2, 2024.
    (b) Except as provided for below, the use of the bands 156.7625-
156.7875 MHz (AIS 3 with center frequency 156.775 MHz) and 156.8125-
156.8375 MHz (AIS 4 with center frequency 156.825 MHz) by the mobile-
satellite service (Earth-to-space) is restricted to the reception of 
long-range AIS broadcast messages from ships (Message 27; see most 
recent version of Recommendation ITU-R M.1371). The frequencies 156.775 
MHz and 156.825 MHz may continue to be used by non-Federal ship and 
coast stations for navigation-related port operations or ship movement 
until August 26, 2019.
    (c) The frequency 156.3 MHz may also be used by aircraft stations 
for the purpose of search and rescue operations and other safety-
related communication.
    (d) Federal stations in the maritime mobile service may also be 
authorized as follows: (1) Vessel traffic services under the control of 
the U.S. Coast Guard on a simplex basis by coast and ship stations on 
the frequencies 156.25, 156.55, 156.6 and 156.7 MHz; (2) Inter-ship use 
of the frequency 156.3 MHz on a simplex basis; (3) Navigational bridge-
to-bridge and navigational communications on a simplex basis by coast 
and ship stations on the frequencies 156.375 and 156.65 MHz; (4) Port 
operations use on a simplex basis by coast and ship stations on the 
frequencies 156.6 and 156.7 MHz; (5) Environmental communications on 
the frequency 156.75 MHz in accordance with the national plan; and (6) 
Duplex port operations use of the frequencies 157 MHz for ship stations 
and 161.6 MHz for coast stations.
* * * * *
    US115 In the bands 5000-5010 MHz and 5010-5030 MHz, the following 
provisions shall apply:
    (a) In the band 5000-5010 MHz, systems in the aeronautical mobile 
(R) service (AM(R)S) shall be operated in accordance with international 
aeronautical standards and are limited to surface applications at 
airports (i.e., AeroMACS).
    (b) The band 5010-5030 MHz is also allocated on a primary basis to 
the AM(R)S, limited to surface applications at airports that operate in 
accordance with international civil aviation standards. In making 
assignments for this band, attempts shall first be made to satisfy the 
AM(R)S requirements in the bands 5000-5010 MHz and 5091-5150 MHz. 
AM(R)S systems used in the band 5010-5030 MHz shall be designed and 
implemented to be capable of operational modification if receiving 
harmful interference from the radionavigation-satellite service. 
Finally, notwithstanding Radio Regulation No. 4.10, stations in the 
AM(R)S operating in this band shall be designed and implemented to be 
capable of operational modification to reduce throughput and/or 
preclude the use of specific frequencies in order to ensure protection 
of radionavigation-satellite service systems operating in this band.
    (c) Aeronautical fixed communications that are an integral part of 
the AeroMACS system in the bands 5000-5010 MHz and 5010-5030 MHz are 
also authorized on a primary basis.
* * * * *
    US132A In the bands 26.2-26.42 MHz, 41.015-41.665 MHz, and 43.35-44 
MHz, applications of radiolocation service are limited to oceanographic 
radars operating in accordance with ITU Resolution 612 (Rev. WRC-12). 
Oceanographic radars shall not cause harmful interference to, or claim 
protection from, non-Federal stations in the land mobile service in the 
bands 26.2-26.42 MHz and 43.69-44 MHz, Federal stations in the fixed or 
mobile services in the band 41.015-41.665 MHz, and non-Federal stations 
in the fixed or land mobile services in the band 43.35-43.69 MHz.
* * * * *
    US162 In the bands 81-86 GHz and 92-94 GHz, operators of stations 
in the fixed service are encouraged to take all reasonable steps to 
ensure that unwanted emission power in any 100 MHz bandwidth in the 
band 86-92 GHz, measured at the antenna port, does not exceed the 
following levels:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      Maximum levels  (where f in GHz is
                Band                    the center frequency of any 100
                                                     MHz)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
81-86 GHz...........................  -41-14(f-86) dBW for 86.05 <= f <=
                                       87 GHz and -55 dBW for 87 <= f <=
                                       91.95 GHz.
92-94 GHz...........................  -41-14(92-f) dBW for 91 <= f <=
                                       91.95 GHz and -55 dBW for 86.05
                                       <= f <= 91 GHz.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
    US511E The use of the band 15.4-15.7 GHz by the radiolocation 
service is limited to Federal systems requiring a necessary bandwidth 
greater than 1600 MHz that cannot be accommodated within the band 15.7-
17.3 GHz except as described below. In the band 15.4-15.7 GHz, stations 
operating in the radiolocation service shall not cause harmful 
interference to, nor claim protection from, radars operating in the 
aeronautical radionavigation service. Radar systems operating in the 
radiolocation service shall not be developed solely for operation in 
the band 15.4-15.7 GHz. Radar systems requiring use of the band 15.4-
15.7 GHz for testing, training, and exercises may be accommodated on a 
case-by-case basis.
* * * * *
    US565 International footnote 5.565 does not establish priority of 
use in the United States Table of Frequency Allocations, and does not 
preclude or constrain the allocation of frequency bands in the range 
275-3000 GHz to active services at a future date.
* * * * *

Non-Federal Government (NG) Footnotes

* * * * *
    NG16 In the bands 72-73 MHz and 75.4-76 MHz, frequencies may be 
authorized for mobile operations in the Industrial/Business Radio Pool, 
subject to the condition that no interference is caused to the 
reception of television stations operating on channels 4 and 5.
* * * * *
    NG92 The band 1900-2000 kHz is also allocated on a primary basis to 
the maritime mobile service in Regions 2 and 3 and to the radiolocation 
service in Region 2, and on a secondary basis to the radiolocation 
service in Region 3. The use of these allocations is restricted to 
radio buoy operations on the open sea. Stations in the amateur, 
maritime mobile, and radiolocation services located in Region 2 shall 
be protected from harmful interference only to the extent that such 
radiation exceeds the level which would be present if the offending 
station were operating in compliance with the technical rules

[[Page 38387]]

applicable to the service in which it operates.
* * * * *

PART 15--RADIO FREQUENCY DEVICES

0
4. The authority citation for part 15 is amended to read as follows:

    Authority:  47 U.S.C. 154, 302a, 303, 304, 307, 336, 544a, and 
549.

0
5. Section 15.113 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  15.113  Power Line Carrier Systems

* * * * *
    (a) A power utility operating a power line carrier system shall 
submit the details of proposed new systems or changes to existing 
systems to an industry-operated entity as set forth in Sec.  90.35(g) 
of this chapter. No notification to the FCC is required.
* * * * *

PART 80--STATIONS IN THE MARITIME SERVICES

0
6. The authority citation for part 80 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  Secs. 4, 303, 307(e), 309, and 332, 48 Stat. 1066, 
1082, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, 307(e), 309, and 332, unless 
otherwise noted. Interpret or apply 48 Stat. 1064-1068, 1081-1105, 
as amended; 47 U.S.C. 151-155, 301-609; 3 UST 3450, 3 UST 4726, 12 
UST 2377.

0
7. Section 80.215 is amended by removing note 13 from paragraph (e)(1) 
and by removing and reserving paragraph (g)(3).


Sec.  80.215  Transmitter power.

* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (1) Ship stations 156-162 MHz--25 W\6\
* * * * *
    (g) * * *
* * * * *
    (3) [Reserved]
* * * * *
0
8. Section 80.373 is amended by revising the portion of the table in 
paragraph (f) that is titled ``Port Operations'' by removing the 
entries for channel designator 75 (156.775 MHz) and channel designator 
76 (156.825 MHz) and by removing note 18.


Sec.  80.373  Private communications frequencies.

* * * * *
    (f) * * *

                                       Frequencies in the 156-162 MHz Band
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Carrier frequency  Carrier frequency  Points of communication (intership and
        Channel designator              (MHz) ship        (MHz) coast          between coast and ship unless
                                         transmit           transmit               otherwise indicated)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 Port Operations
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
01A\1\............................            156.050            156.050
63A\1\............................            156.175            156.175
05A\2\............................            156.250            156.250
65A...............................            156.275            156.275
66A...............................            156.325            156.325
12\3\.............................            156.600            156.600
73................................            156.675            156.675
14\3\.............................            156.700            156.700
74................................            156.725            156.725
77\4\.............................            156.875                     Intership only.
20A\12\...........................            157.000                     Intership only.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       Navigational (Bridge-to-Bridge) \5\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

0
9. Section 80.375 is amended by adding paragraph (f) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  80.375  Radiodetermination frequencies.

* * * * *
    (f) Radiodetermination frequencies for commercial fishing vessels. 
Frequencies in the 1900-2000 kHz band are authorized for radio buoy 
operations under a ship station license provided:
    (1) The use of these frequencies is related to commercial fishing 
operations on the open sea. This use is not permitted within the 
exclusive economic area or territorial waters of a foreign country 
(unless provided for by an international agreement); and
    (2) The output power does not exceed 10 watts and the station 
antenna height does not exceed 4.6 meters (15 feet) above sea level in 
a buoy station or 6 meters (20 feet) above the mast of the ship on 
which it is installed.

    Note:  Frequencies in the 1900-2000 kHz band may also be used to 
transmit data related to commercial fishing and by radio buoy 
systems that do not use radio direction-finding to locate the radio 
buoys.

0
10. Section 80.871 is amended by revising the table in paragraph (d) to 
remove the entries for channel designator 75 (156.775 MHz) and channel 
designator 76 (156.825 MHz).


Sec.  80.871  VHF radiotelephone station.

* * * * *
    (d) * * *

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Transmitting frequencies
                                                          (MHz)
             Channel  designators              -------------------------
                                                    Ship        Coast
                                                  station      station
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                * * * * *
15............................................      156.750      156.750
16............................................      156.800      156.800
17............................................      156.850      156.850
 
                                * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

PART 90--PRIVATE LAND MOBILE RADIO SERVICES

0
11. The authority citation for part 90 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  Sections 4(i), 11, 303(g), 303(r), and 332(c)(7) of 
the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 154(i), 161,

[[Page 38388]]

303(g), 303(r), and 332(c)(7), and Title VI of the Middle Class Tax 
Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, Public Law 112-96, 126 Stat. 
156.

0
12. Section 90.7 is amended by adding the following term and definition 
in alphabetical order to read as follows:


Sec.  90.7  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power (EIRP). The product of the 
power supplied to the antenna and the antenna gain in a given direction 
relative to an isotropic antenna (absolute or isotropic gain).
* * * * *
0
13. Section 90.103 is amended by adding and revising the following 
entries to the table in paragraph (b) and by adding paragraph (c)(3) to 
read as follows:


Sec.  90.103  Radiolocation Service.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *

                  Radiolocation Service Frequency Table
------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Frequency or band          Class  of station(s)    Limitation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Kilohertz
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                              * * * * * * *
4438 to 4488......................  Radiolocation land..               3
5250 to 5275......................  ......do............               3
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Megahertz
------------------------------------------------------------------------
13.45 to 13.55....................  ......do............               3
16.10 to 16.20....................  ......do............               3
24.45 to 24.65....................  ......do............               3
26.20 to 26.42....................  ......do............               3
41.015 to 41.665..................  ......do............               3
43.35 to 44.00....................  ......do............               3
420 to 450........................  Radiolocation land                21
                                     or mobile.
2450 to 2500......................  ......do............       9, 22, 23
 
                              * * * * * * *
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (c) * * *
    (3) Operations in this band are limited to oceanographic radars 
using transmitters with a peak equivalent isotropically radiated power 
(EIRP) not to exceed 25 dBW. Oceanographic radars must not cause 
harmful interference to, nor claim protection from interference caused 
by, stations in the fixed or mobile services as specified in Sec.  
2.106, footnotes 5.132A, 5.145A, and US132A. See Resolution 612 of the 
ITU Radio Regulations for international coordination requirements. 
Operators of oceanographic radars are urged to use directional antennas 
and techniques that allow multiples of such radars to operate on the 
same frequency.
* * * * *

PART 97--AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE

0
14. The authority citation for part 97 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  48 Stat. 1066, 1082, as amended; 47 U.S.C. 154, 303. 
Interpret or apply 48 Stat. 1064-1068, 1081-1105, as amended; 47 
U.S.C. 151-155, 301-609, unless otherwise noted.

0
15. Section 97.3(b) is amended by revising the definitions to read as 
follows:


Sec.  97.3  Definitions.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (1) EHF (extremely high frequency). The frequency range 30-300 GHz.
    (2) EIRP (equivalent isotropically radiated power). The product of 
the power supplied to the antenna and the antenna gain in a given 
direction relative to an isotropic antenna (absolute or isotropic 
gain).

    Note:  Divide EIRP by 1.64 to convert to effective radiated 
power.

    (3) ERP (effective radiated power) (in a given direction). The 
product of the power supplied to the antenna and its gain relative to a 
half-wave dipole in a given direction.

    Note:  Multiply ERP by 1.64 to convert to equivalent 
isotropically radiated power.

    (4) HF (high frequency). The frequency range 3-30 MHz.
    (5) Hz. Hertz.
    (6) LF (low frequency). The frequency range 30-300 kHz.
    (7) m. Meters.
    (8) MF (medium frequency). The frequency range 300-3000 kHz.
    (9) PEP (peak envelope power). The average power supplied to the 
antenna transmission line by a transmitter during one RF cycle at the 
crest of the modulation envelope taken under normal operating 
conditions.
    (10) RF. Radio frequency.
    (11) SHF (super high frequency). The frequency range 3-30 GHz.
    (12) UHF (ultra high frequency). The frequency range 300-3000 MHz.
    (13) VHF (very high frequency). The frequency range 30-300 MHz.
    (14) W. Watts.
* * * * *
0
16. Section 97.15 is amended by adding paragraph (c) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  97.15  Station antenna structures.

* * * * *
    (c) Antennas used to transmit in the 2200 m and 630 m bands must 
not exceed 60.96 meters (200 feet) in height above ground level.
0
17. Section 97.301 is amended by revising the kHz portion of the tables 
in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) to read as follows:


Sec.  97.301  Authorized frequency bands.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *

[[Page 38389]]



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   Sharing
                                                                                               requirements see
        Wavelength band             ITU Region 1        ITU Region 2        ITU Region 3        Sec.   97.303
                                                                                                 (paragraph)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               LF                        kHz                 kHz                 kHz
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2200 m.........................  135.7-137.8.......  135.7-137.8.......  135.7-137.8.......  (a), (g).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               MF                        kHz                 kHz                 kHz
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
630 m..........................  472-479...........  472-479...........  472-479...........  (g).
160 m..........................  1810-1850.........  1800-2000.........  1800-2000.........  (a).
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (c) * * *

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   Sharing
                                                                                               requirements see
        Wavelength band             ITU Region 1        ITU Region 2        ITU Region 3        Sec.   97.303
                                                                                                 (paragraph)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               LF                        kHz                 kHz                 kHz
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2200 m.........................  135.7-137.8.......  135.7-137.8.......  135.7-137.8.......  (a), (g).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               MF                        kHz                 kHz                 kHz
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
630 m..........................  472-479...........  472-479...........  472-479...........  (g).
160 m..........................  1810-1850.........  1800-2000.........  1800-2000.........  (a).
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (d) * * *

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   Sharing
                                                                                               requirements see
        Wavelength band             ITU Region 1        ITU Region 2        ITU Region 3        Sec.   97.303
                                                                                                 (paragraph)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               LF                        kHz                 kHz                 kHz
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2200 m.........................  135.7-137.8.......  135.7-137.8.......  135.7-137.8.......  (a), (g).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               MF                        kHz                 kHz                 kHz
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
630 m..........................  472-479...........  472-479...........  472-479...........  (g).
160 m..........................  1810-1850.........  1800-2000.........  1800-2000.........  (a).
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
0
18. Section 97.303 is amended by adding paragraph (g) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  97.303  Frequency sharing requirements.

* * * * *
    (g) In the 2200 m and 630 m bands:
    (1) Power line carrier (PLC) systems are authorized in accordance 
with 47 CFR 15.113 to operate in the 9-490 kHz range on transmission 
lines that deliver electric power from generation plants to 
distribution substations. Amateur stations are restricted to use at 
permanent fixed locations. The transmitting antenna of amateur fixed 
stations must be located at a horizontal distance of least [separation 
distance] km ([separation distance] mile) from any electric power 
transmission line. Electric power transmission lines do not include 
those electric lines which connect the distribution substation to the 
customer or house wiring.
    (2) Amateur stations transmitting in the 2200 m band must not cause 
harmful interference to, and must accept interference from, stations 
authorized by the United States (NTIA and FCC) and other nations in the 
fixed and maritime mobile services, and for amateur stations located in 
ITU Region 3, this requirement also includes stations authorized by 
other nations in the radionavigation service. Amateur stations 
transmitting in the 2200 m band must make all necessary adjustments--
including temporary or permanent termination of transmission--if 
harmful interference is caused.
    (3) Amateur stations transmitting in the 630 m band must not cause 
harmful interference to, and must accept interference from, stations 
authorized by the FCC in the maritime mobile service and stations 
authorized by the United States Government and other nations in the 
maritime mobile and aeronautical radionavigation services. In 
particular, amateur stations must ensure that no harmful interference 
is caused to the frequency 490 kHz. Amateur stations transmitting in 
the 630 m band must make all necessary adjustments--

[[Page 38390]]

including temporary or permanent termination of transmission--if 
harmful interference is caused.
* * * * *
0
19. Section 97.313 is amended by adding paragraphs (k) and (l) to read 
as follows.


Sec.  97.313  Transmitter power standards.

* * * * *
    (k) No station may transmit in the 2200 m band with an equivalent 
isotropically radiated power (EIRP) exceeding 1 W (0.61 W ERP).
    (l) No station may transmit in the 630 m band with an equivalent 
isotropically radiated power (EIRP) exceeding 5 W (3.049 W ERP). In 
Alaska, stations in the 630 m band located within 800 kilometers (497 
miles) of the Russian Federation may not transmit with an EIRP 
exceeding 1 W (0.61 W ERP).

PART 101--FIXED MICROWAVE SERVICES

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

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

0
21. Section 101.111 is amended by revising paragraph (d) and adding 
paragraph (d)(5) to read as follows:


Sec.  101.111  Emission limitations.

* * * * *
    (d) Interference to passive sensors. These limitations are 
necessary to minimize the probability of harmful interference to 
reception in the 10.6-10.68 GHz, 31-31.3 GHz, and 86-92 GHz bands 
onboard space stations in the Earth exploration-satellite service 
(passive).
* * * * *
    (5) In the 81-86 GHz and 92-94 GHz bands, licensees of stations in 
the fixed service are encouraged to take all reasonable steps to ensure 
that unwanted emission power in any 100 MHz bandwidth in the band 86-92 
GHz, measured at the antenna port, does not exceed the following 
levels:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Maximum levels (where f in GHz is the
              Band                   center frequency of any 100 MHz)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
81-86 GHz......................  -41-14(f-86) dBW for 86.05 <= f <= 87
                                  GHz and -55 dBW for 87 <= f <= 91.95
                                  GHz.
92-94 GHz......................  -41-14(92-f) dBW for 91 <= f <= 91.95
                                  GHz and -55 dBW for 86.05 <= f <= 91
                                  GHz.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[FR Doc. 2015-15250 Filed 7-1-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6712-01-P