Robert Horvitz <rh@well.sf.ca.us> (02/10/90)
FCC AMENDS PRIVATE OPERATIONAL FIXED MICROWAVE SERVICE RULES
TO FOSTER RADIO LANS
8 February 1990 PR Docket 88-191
The Federal Communications Commission has amended its rules governing
the use of the 10.6 and 18 GHz bands by licensees in the Private
Operational Fixed Microwave Service (POFMS).
Among the changes intended to promote more use of these channels, the
FCC decided to allow 18 GHz licensees to operate multiple low-power
transmitters (radio LANs), instead of one high-power transmitter
serving a number of remote stations, within their defined coverage
areas; removed the "digital only" restriction from the 10.6 and 18 GHz
bands (however, "video entertainment" can't be distributed in the 18
GHz channels); changed the application procedure so licenses can be
issued on a "first come, first served" basis; set a 35 mile separation
standard for co-channel systems (instead of 50 miles as before); and
eliminated the need for detailed interference analyses as part of most
POFMS applications. Under the new rules, applicants must notify the
operators of nearby systems assigned to the adjacent channels and
prepare an interference analysis only if one of them objects to the
proposed facility.
Under the new rules for radio LANs, a licensee would specify a
coordinate as the geographic center of the proposed network, with the
right to put multiple low-power devices within a certain radius from
that reference point without the need for additional coordination.
The 35-mile standard would apply to the central coordinates of radio
LANs operating in the same channel. According to an FCC news release,
"the 35 miles separation standard would provide an adequate service
area of approximately 12 miles and will better accommodate new station
entry."
During the question period, FCC Commissioner Marshall asked Ralph
Haller, chief of the Private Radio Bureau, if he expected a lot of
people to apply for 18 GHz radio LAN licenses. "I certainly do expect
that the band may be widely used for that, and there has been some
expression of interest already in that kind of operation," he replied.
News media contact: Patricia A. Chew (202-632-5050)
Private Radio Bureau contact: Michael Lewis (202-632-6940)
[This posting from Capital OnLine's "Airwaves Conference."