January 29, 2024 – The Federal Communications Commission recently adopted new regulations It supports 70/80/90 gigahertz spectrum bands to expand broadband access on board aircraft and passenger ships.
These regulations, adopted Wednesday, update existing rules for the 71-76 GHz, 81-86 GHz, 92-94 GHz, and 94.1-95 GHz bands. The changes allow certain point-to-point connections to mobile endpoints within the 70 GHz and 80 GHz bands and are intended to enhance the use of these frequencies for in-flight and maritime broadband services.
“Satellite carriers recognize the real potential of these bands to expand the capacity of their satellite broadband networks,” said the FCC Commissioner. Jeffrey Starks in a statement. At the same time, “companies are turning to these bands to provide faster and cheaper alternatives to satellites on aircraft, ships, and offshore platforms.”
To facilitate more intensive use of spectrum in the 70 GHz and 80 GHz bands, including the use of backhaul to deploy 5G wireless, the Commission will make several changes to antenna standards in these bands. Rules were also adopted.
In a nutshell, these changes improve the way the antenna listens, speaks, and interacts, making communication in the 70/80/90 GHz bands more efficient.
The FCC adopted a proposal to increase the antenna’s maximum beamwidth from 1.2 degrees to 2.2 degrees. This allows the antenna to “hear” from a wider angle and capture signals more effectively.
Technically speaking, the new antenna rule “reduces the minimum antenna gain from 43 dBi to 38 dBi while maintaining the proportional EIRP reduction requirement.” In layman’s terms, this change eliminates the need for the antenna to be as loud, reducing the minimum volume requirement from 43 to 38. However, the rule of not being too quiet when needed is maintained.
The rule “eliminates like-polarity and relaxes requirements for different-polarity identification at angles less than 5 degrees,” which the FCC says will prevent some antennas from being overly cautious when communicating with each other at certain angles. means that you have deleted the rule. Think of this as allowing better conversation between antennas that are closer to each other.
The rule “revises the same-polarity and unlike-polarity identification requirements at angles between 5 degrees and 180 degrees” and updates how antennas communicate with each other at various angles. Imagine adjusting the way you speak depending on whether the person is right in front of you or slightly to the side.
Finally, the new antenna rules “permit minor changes in registration in the 70/80/90 GHz bands without loss of first-come-first-served rights.” This means that the FCC will make it easier for companies to make small changes to their communications settings without losing priority.
“We are trying to make the most of these bands by making them available for smaller-scale applications as well. “Low-cost antennas that can support 5G backhaul,” the FCC chairman wrote. jessica rosenworcel in a statement. “In addition to expanding connectivity opportunities on the move, we are also expanding opportunities to use these bands in locations where other backhaul efforts have proven difficult.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if very short wavelengths down to the 70/80/90 GHz band end up serving as the backbone of America’s communications networks,” Starks said. Ta.
The Commission coordinated with NTIA before adopting regulations affecting Federal users in this proceeding.
In the 70 GHz and 80 GHz bands, fixed, mobile, and broadcast services must not interfere with the operation of fixed satellite services at 28 military installations. Additionally, in the 80 GHz band, 92-94 GHz and 94.1-95 GHz bands, licensees proposing registration of links in the vicinity of 18 radio observatories must ensure that the proposed link is closely connected to those observatories to prevent interference. need to be adjusted.
Frequencies between 94 and 94.1 GHz are designated for federal use, specifically for Earth exploration satellites, radiolocation, and space research, as well as non-federal use for radiolocation. In addition, the adjacent 86-92 GHz band is allocated to both Federal and non-Federal Earth exploration satellites, space research, and radio astronomy services.
in Further Notice Regarding Proposed Rulemakingthe Commission is soliciting public comment on the possibility of incorporating ship-to-aerostat transmissions into maritime operations and the inclusion of fixed satellite service earth stations in the band’s optical licensing regime.
F.C.C. The NPRM was unanimously adopted. Seeking Comments on the Adoption of New Rules Under Former FCC Chairman to Facilitate Non-Federal Use of the 70/80/90 GHz Band Ajit Pai In June 2020.
