The FCC has released the Report and Order containing the service rules for the new 70, 80 and 90 GHz allocations. The basic rules and uses for these new bands were described in my Oct. 20, 2003 RF Report. Refer to it for a summary of the innovative methods adopted for sharing the spectrum between government and non-government users.
The Report and Order defined some technical specifications not reported in my earlier article. Antennas used for licensed services in these bands will have to have a gain of at least 50 dBi and a maximum 3 dB beamwidth of 0.6 degrees. Maximum allowable EIRP is +55 dBW. For unlicensed operation in the 92-95 GHz band, outdoor antennas are not allowed and the average power density of any emission measured during the transmit interval must not exceed 9 microwatts per centimeter squared, measured 3 meters from the radiating structure. The peak power density is limited to 18 microwatts per centimeter squared at the same distance.
As part of the reallocation of the 75.5 to 76 GHz portion of the millimeter bands, amateur and amateur-satellite services will become secondary in this band and as such will be prohibited from causing interference to fixed services in the band and will not be protected from interference. After Jan. 1, 2006 the 75.5 to 76 GHz segment will be removed from the amateur and amateur-satellite services.
