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Terrestrial Use of the 2473-2495 MHz Band for Low-Power Mobile Broadband Networks; Amendments to Rules for the Ancillary Terrestrial Component of Mobile Satellite Service Systems


Published: 2017-01-31

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Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 19 (Tuesday, January 31, 2017)


[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 19 (Tuesday, January 31, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8814-8819]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-02027]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Part 25

[IB Docket No. 13-213; FCC 16-181]


Terrestrial Use of the 2473-2495 MHz Band for Low-Power Mobile
Broadband Networks; Amendments to Rules for the Ancillary Terrestrial
Component of Mobile Satellite Service Systems

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: In this document, the Federal Communications Commission
(Commission or FCC) modifies its rules on the operation of an Ancillary
Terrestrial Component (ATC) for Mobile-Satellite Service (MSS) systems
operating in the 2483.5-2495 MHz band. This action modifies, inter
alia, existing rules related to ``gating criteria'' for ATC in the
2483.5-2495 MHz band to enable licensees to seek authorization to
deploy a terrestrial low-power system using licensed MSS spectrum. This
document will serve the public interest by expanding terrestrial use of
the 2483.5-2495 MHz frequency band and establishing a framework that
will enable Globalstar, Inc. (Globalstar), the sole MSS licensee in the
band, to utilize its 11.5 megahertz of spectrum to deploy a terrestrial
low-power network.

DATES: Effective March 2, 2017, except for the amendments to Sec.
25.149, which contain information collection

[[Page 8815]]

requirements that have not been approved by the Office of Management
and Budget (OMB). The Commission will publish a document in the Federal
Register announcing such OMB approval and the effective date of these
rule amendments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen Duall, Satellite Division,
International Bureau, at 202-418-1103 or via email at
Stephen.Duall@fcc.gov. For information regarding the information
collection requirements contained in this document, contact Cathy
Williams, Office of Managing Director, at 202-418-2918 or via email at
Cathy.Williams@fcc.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's Report
and Order, FCC 16-181, adopted December 22, 2016. The full text of the
Report and Order is available at https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-16-181A1.pdf. It is also available for inspection and
copying during business hours in the FCC Reference Information Center,
Portals II, 445 12th Street SW., Room CY-A257, Washington, DC 20554. To
request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities,
send an email to FCC504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer & Governmental
Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530 (voice), 202-418-0432 (TTY).

Synopsis

Introduction. By this Report and Order (Order), the Commission
adopts changes to its rules on the operation of an Ancillary
Terrestrial Component (ATC) by licensees in certain Mobile-Satellite
Service (MSS) spectrum. The Order modifies the gating criteria and
other ATC rules to permit expanded terrestrial use of the 2483.5-2495
MHz frequency band and establishes a framework that will enable
Globalstar, the sole MSS licensee at 2483.5-2495 MHz, to apply for a
license to deploy a low-power terrestrial network in the band. This
Order does not address Globalstar's additional request concerning the
deployment of a high power terrestrial service in both the S-band
(2483.5-2495 MHz) and L-band (1610-1617.775 MHz), nor does it address
operations of low-power terrestrial networks in the 2473-2483.5 MHz
band.
Background. In 2003, the Commission adopted rules for licensing and
operating ``ancillary terrestrial components'' or ATCs in conjunction
with MSS, including in the 2483.5-2495 MHz band, which enabled an MSS
operator to request to modify its existing MSS license or grant of
market access to obtain blanket authority for operation of ATC stations
in the United States. The rules also established certain prerequisites,
or ``gating criteria,'' that MSS operators are required to meet in
order to ensure that the provision of ATC would be ancillary to the
provision of MSS.
In 2012, Globalstar petitioned for rulemaking seeking, among other
things, change in the rules governing the use of the 2483.5-2495 MHz
band in which its MSS system is licensed as well as use of the adjacent
unlicensed spectrum from 2473-2483.5 MHz to allow operation of a
terrestrial low-power broadband network. The petition also sought
revisions to the ATC gating criteria for greater flexibility in the
band.
In November 2013, a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was adopted that
addressed Globalstar's proposal for a terrestrial low-power network at
2483.5-2495 MHz and 2473-2483.5 MHz Globalstar revised its proposal in
November 2016, to specify operations of its low-power terrestrial
system in just its licensed MSS spectrum at 2483.5-2495 MHz. Consistent
with Globalstar's revised proposal, the Order does not address a number
of issues discussed in the Notice that are specific to low-power
terrestrial operations in the 2473-2483.5 MHz frequency band.

Part 25 Revisions

Permitting Use of the 2483.5-2495 MHz Band for Low-Power
Terrestrial Networks. The Order concludes that low-power terrestrial
networks in the 2483.5-2495 MHz frequency band, such as that proposed
by Globalstar, are appropriately considered ancillary to licensed MSS
operations and are subject to licensing as ATC under Part 25 rules. It
also concludes that single-licensee control of both MSS and low-power
terrestrial operations in the 2483.5-2495 MHz band is essential to
effect coordination between the space and terrestrial operations and to
ensure the continuation of MSS operations in the 2483.5-2495 MHz band.
Modified ATC Gating Requirements in the 2483.5-2495 MHz Band.
Gating criteria are set forth in section 25.149 of the Commission's
rules and must be met by MSS operators in order to offer ATC. Operators
wishing to provide ATC must demonstrate the provision of ``substantial
satellite service'' in the MSS (that is, the capability of providing
continuous satellite service over the entire geographic area of
satellite coverage required in the Commission's rules, maintenance of
spare satellites to expeditiously replace satellites no longer in
service, and commercial availability throughout the mandatory coverage
area) and must also provide ATC service and MSS on an integrated basis.
The Order modifies the gating criteria rules in section 25.149 so
that an MSS licensee wishing to provide ATC in the 2483.5-2495 MHz band
must demonstrate that it is offering MSS service in the United States
to the general public for a fee, but need not demonstrate that the
satellite system meets the coverage and replacement satellite
requirements that apply to ATC in other frequency bands. The Order also
relaxes the integrated services rule for ATC in the 2483.5-2495 MHz
band. These modifications apply only to low-power ATC in the 2483.5-
2495 MHz band and do not set a precedent for deployment of high power
ATC systems.
Mode of Operations in the 2483.5-2495 MHz Band. The Order amends
section 25.149(a)(1) of the Commission's rules to permit authorization
of ATC in a non-forward-band mode of operations where the equipment
deployed will meet the requirements for low-power ATC systems in the
2483.5-2495 MHz band.
Licensing of ATC in the 2483.5-2495 MHz Band. Before an MSS
operator can provide low-power ATC in the 2483.5-2495 MHz band, it must
apply for modification of its Part 25 license to include such
authority. Modification applications must be filed using FCC Form 312,
accompanied by the appropriate fee, and the applications must include
specific information and certifications describing the ATC facilities,
including that the terrestrial facilities will comply with the
technical restrictions applicable to ATC licensees. Any equipment that
will operate in the low-power terrestrial network will be subject to
equipment certification by the Commission.
Technical Limits for Terrestrial Low-Power Equipment. The Order
adopts the following restrictions in this band.
Total Transmit Power for terrestrial low-power equipment. The total
transmit power for low-power ATC equipment operating in the 2483.5-2495
MHz band is codified under a new section 25.149(c)(4) of the
Commission's rules. Total transmit power is not to exceed 1 watt with a
peak equivalent isotropically radiated power of no more than 6 dBW (4
watts) with a minimum 6 dB bandwidth of 500 kilohertz and a maximum
conducted power spectral density limit of 8 dBm/3 kHz.
Unwanted emissions limits above 2495 MHz. The Order requires
unwanted emissions above 2495 MHz to be attenuated below the
transmitter power (P) measured in watts by a factor

[[Page 8816]]

of no less than 43 + 10 log (P) dB at the 2495 MHz channel edge, and 55
+ 10 log (P) dB at X megahertz from this channel edge where X is the
greater of 6 megahertz or the actual emissions bandwidth. ATC operators
must also continue to protect the operations of BRS Channel 1 against
harmful interference. If a BRS station finds that it is receiving
harmful interference from an ATC station, section 25.255 of
Commission's rules requires that ATC station to resolve that
interference. The Order also confirms the applicability of the
technical limits and other requirements specified in sections
25.149(c)(4) and (g)(2)-(3) to the continuing operations of the low-
power network. The Order concludes that, for determining compliance
with the section 15.247(d) unwanted emissions limit outside the band of
operation above 2495 MHz, the measurement bandwidth from section
25.254(d) applies (1 percent of the 26 dB emission), and the section
15.247(d) requirement (a measurement bandwidth of 100 kilohertz) does
not apply.
Unwanted emission limit at the lower edge of Globalstar's planned
frequency band. The Order adopts section 25.149(c)(4)(v), which
establishes a revised unwanted emissions limit at the lower band edge
at 2483.5 MHz. Emissions below 2483.5 MHz must be attenuated below the
transmitter power (P) measured in watts by a factor of at least 40 + 10
log (P) dB at the channel edge at 2483.5 MHz, 43 + 10 log (P) dB at 5
MHz from the channel edge, and 55 + 10 log (P) dB at X MHz from the
channel edge, where X is the greater of 6 MHz or the actual emission
bandwidth. The Order also concludes that additional tests to determine
the interference susceptibility of low-power unlicensed use
transmissions in bands adjacent to 2483.5 MHz were unwarranted.

Part 15 Considerations

Continued Applicability of Part 15 Rules to Unlicensed Devices. The
Order confirms the continued applicability of Part 15 of the
Commission's rules to operations of unlicensed devices in the 2400-
2483.5 MHz band, including sections 15.205, 15.209, 15.247, and 15.249.
It also confirms that a licensee or operator of a terrestrial low-power
system in the 2483.5-2495 MHz band may not consent to receive
transmissions above 2483.5 MHz from equipment in unlicensed spectrum at
2400-2483.5 MHz in excess of the emissions otherwise permitted under
sections 15.205, 15.209, and 15.249 of the Commission's rules.
Restricted Band Requirements for Non-Globalstar Devices to Use Wi-
Fi Channels 12 and 13. The Order declines to relax the restricted band
requirements to allow non-Globalstar Wi-Fi and unlicensed devices to
more fully utilize Wi-Fi Channels 12 and 13 because unlicensed
operators using channels 12 and 13 would not be able to coordinate with
Globalstar to prevent interference with MSS operations above 2483.5
MHz.
Proposed access for Part 15 devices to the 2483.5-2495 MHz band.
The Order declines to permit operation of Part 15 unlicensed devices in
the 2483.5-2495 MHz spectrum as requested by some commenters.
Operational Requirements for Terrestrial Low-Power Systems in the
2483.5-2495 MHz band. The Order adopts a new section 25.149(g)(2) that
sets forth operational requirements for terrestrial low-power networks
in the 2483.5-2495 MHz band. Such networks must utilize a Network
Operating System (NOS) consisting of a network management system
located at an operations center or centers. The NOS must have a point
of contact available 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the
technical capability to address and resolve interference issues, with
contact information available publicly on the licensee's Web site. The
NOS must have the capability to control the operation of all low-power
transmitters so that it can address any interference concerns by
whatever means necessary, including but not limited to reducing power
or terminating operations at a particular location or installation.
The Order adopts a new section 25.149(g)(3), which states that
licensees, namely Globalstar, are responsible for controlling
operations of their low-power network access points through the NOS.
Licensees are also responsible for implementing measures to control the
availability of their network to user devices, and will be responsible
for any other measures necessary to prevent unauthorized use of the
2483.5-2495 MHz band. All access points operating in the 2483.5-2495
MHz band must operate only if authorized by the NOS, and all client
devices operating in the 2483.5-2495 MHz band must operate only if
authorized by such access points.
Broadcast Auxiliary Service (BAS) Channels A8-A10. The Order
concludes that no new rules are necessary to protect BAS systems at
this time. It declines to require Globalstar to notify its customers
located in markets where grandfathered TV BAS Channel A10 TV Pickup
stations are located that the low-power ATC network may be subject to
temporary interruption in the event of TV BAS operations. Furthermore,
it finds that relocation of BAS stations is not necessary to protect
such stations from the operations of Globalstar's low-power terrestrial
network.
Equipment Certification. The Order adopts a rule requiring that
applications for equipment authorization of terrestrial low-power
system equipment demonstrate compliance with 25.149(c)(4). Equipment
manufacturers must certify all terrestrial low-power equipment under
modified provisions in section 25.149 of the Commission's rules. The
rules do not distinguish between low-power network access points and
end user terminals or client devices, and require certification for all
low-power network equipment. The Order declines to address all other
proposals regarding equipment certification, including modifications to
existing equipment certifications.
Free Access Points and Public Safety Considerations. The Order
declines to incorporate as requirements in the Commission's rules the
commitments Globalstar made to deploy up to 20,000 low-power ATC access
points ``free-of-charge in the nation's public and non-profit schools,
community colleges and hospitals,'' as well as within federally
declared disaster areas.

Procedural Matters

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This Order contains new
information collection requirements in section 25.149(c)(4) and (g)(2)-
(3) of the revised rules subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
(PRA), Public Law 104-13. It will be submitted to the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) for review under section 3507(d) of the
PRA. OMB, the general public, and other Federal agencies will be
invited to comment on the new or modified information collection
requirements contained in this proceeding in a separate Federal
Register notice.
Pursuant to the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, Public
Law 107-198, see 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(4), we previously sought specific
comment on how the Commission might further reduce the information
collection burden for small business concerns with fewer than 25
employees. We received no comments on this issue. We have assessed the
effects of the revisions adopted that might impose information
collection burdens on small business concerns, and find that there will
be no change in information collection for businesses with fewer than
25 employees. The information collection will include no policy changes
that might impose information collection

[[Page 8817]]

burdens on small businesses with fewer than 25 employees.
Congressional Review Act. The Commission will send copies of this
Order to Congress and the General Accountability Office pursuant to the
Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A), and will send a copy
including the final regulatory flexibility analysis to the Chief
Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration, in
accordance with section 603(a) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5
U.S.C. 601, et seq. (1981).

Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

As required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, as amended
(RFA), an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) was
incorporated in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). The
Commission sought written public comment on the proposals in the NPRM,
including comment on the IRFA. No comments were received on the IRFA.
This Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (FRFA) conforms to the RFA.
Need for, and Objectives of, the Proposed Rules. This Order adopts
modified rules for the operation of the Ancillary Terrestrial Component
(ATC) of the single Mobile-Satellite Service (MSS) system operating in
the 2483.5-2500 MHz frequency band. The changes will allow Globalstar,
Inc. (Globalstar) to apply for a modification of an existing Commission
license to add authority to operate a low-power network. Under the
rules adopted in this Order, Globalstar would be able to provide low-
power ATC under certain technical restrictions. This Order makes
necessary changes to and relieves Globalstar from certain requirements
in Part 25 of the Commission's rules to provide for the operation of a
low-power network in the 2483.5-2495 MHz band. The rules adopted
include technical rules to limit unwanted emissions that could cause
interference to other services operating above or below the 2483.5-2495
MHz band. In addition, the Order also specifies rules that will apply
to the certification of equipment to operate with Globalstar's proposed
low power network.
Summary of Significant Issues Raised by Public Comments in Response
to the IRFA. No party filing comments in this proceeding responded to
the IRFA, and no party filing comments in this proceeding otherwise
argued that the policies and rules proposed in this proceeding would
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities. The Commission has, nonetheless, considered the potential
impact of the rules proposed in the IRFA on small entities. On balance,
the Commission believes that the economic impact on small entities will
be positive rather than negative.
Response to Comments by the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small
Business Administration. Pursuant to the Small Business Jobs Act of
2010, which amended the RFA, the Commission is required to respond to
any comments filed by the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small
Business Administration (SBA), and to provide a detailed statement of
any change made to the proposed rules as a result of those comments.
The Chief Counsel did not file any comments in response to the proposed
rules in this proceeding.
Description and Estimate of the Number of Small Entities to Which
the Rules May Apply. 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 rules adopted herein. The RFA generally
defines the term ``small entity'' as having the same meaning as the
terms ``small business,'' ``small organization,'' and ``small
governmental jurisdiction.'' In addition, the term ``small business''
has the same meaning as the term ``small business concern'' under the
Small Business Act. 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
Small Business Administration (SBA). Below, we describe and estimate
the number of small entity licensees that may be affected by the
adopted rules.
Satellite Telecommunications and All Other Telecommunications. The
rules adopted in this Order will affect some providers of satellite
telecommunications services, if adopted. Satellite telecommunications
service providers include satellite and earth station operators. Since
2007, the SBA has recognized two census categories for satellite
telecommunications firms: ``Satellite Telecommunications'' and ``Other
Telecommunications.'' Under the ``Satellite Telecommunications''
category, a business is considered small if it had $15 million or less
in average annual receipts. Under the ``Other Telecommunications''
category, a business is considered small if it had $25 million or less
in average annual receipts.
The first category of Satellite Telecommunications ``comprises
establishments primarily engaged in providing point-to-point
telecommunications services to other establishments in the
telecommunications and broadcasting industries by forwarding and
receiving communications signals via a system of satellites or
reselling satellite telecommunications.'' For this category, Census
Bureau data for 2007 show that there were a total of 512 satellite
communications firms that operated for the entire year. Of this total,
464 firms had annual receipts of under $10 million, and 18 firms had
receipts of $10 million to $24,999,999.
The second category of Other Telecommunications is comprised of
entities ``primarily engaged in providing specialized
telecommunications services, such as satellite tracking, communications
telemetry, and radar station operation. This industry also includes
establishments primarily engaged in providing satellite terminal
stations and associated facilities connected with one or more
terrestrial systems and capable of transmitting telecommunications to,
and receiving telecommunications from, satellite systems.
Establishments providing Internet services or voice over Internet
protocol (VoIP) services via client-supplied telecommunications
connections are also included in this industry.'' For this category,
Census Bureau data for 2007 show that there were a total of 2,383 firms
that operated for the entire year. Of this total, 2,346 firms had
annual receipts of under $25 million.
Our rule changes will only impact one Satellite Telecommunications
Service Provider, Globalstar, Inc. (Globalstar). Globalstar reported
$76.3 million in revenue in 2012. Regarding the use of the frequency
bands that are the subject of this rulemaking, the applicable
definition of small entity is the definition under the Small Business
Administration (SBA) rules applicable to Satellite Telecommunications.
Because the rule amendments affect only Globalstar, which cannot be
described as a small entity, and no other satellite telecommunications
service providers, we find that no substantial number of small entities
is potentially affected by our actions.
Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications
Equipment Manufacturing. The rules will pertain to manufacturers of
communications devices. The appropriate small business size standard is
that which the SBA has established for radio and television
broadcasting and wireless communications equipment manufacturing. The
Census Bureau defines this category as follows:

[[Page 8818]]

``This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in
manufacturing radio and television broadcast and wireless
communications equipment. Examples of products made by these
establishments are: Transmitting and receiving antennas, cable
television equipment, GPS equipment, pagers, cellular phones, mobile
communications equipment, and radio and television studio and
broadcasting equipment.'' The SBA has developed a small business size
standard for firms in this category, which is: All such firms having
750 or fewer employees. According to Census Bureau data for 2007, there
were a total of 939 establishments in this category that operated for
part or all of the entire year. Of this total, 784 had fewer than 500
employees and 155 had more than 100 employees. Thus, under this size
standard, the majority of firms can be considered small.
We anticipate that the rules will apply to new equipment that will
be manufactured.
Description of Projected Reporting, Recordkeeping, and Other
Compliance Requirements for Small Entities. The rule changes adopted in
this Order will affect the reporting, recordkeeping, and other
compliance requirements for small business equipment manufacturers who
would provide the equipment to be used as part of the contemplated new
system. All devices that will operate in the low-power terrestrial
network will be subject to the certification procedures contained in
Subpart J of Part 2 of the Commission's rules, including certifying
compliance with the relevant rule parts. Parties responsible for
equipment compliance will be required to demonstrate that an authorized
access point device can only operate in the 2483.5-2495 MHz band when
it is operating under the control of a Globalstar Network Operating
Center and that a client device can only operate in the 2483.5-2495 MHz
band when it is operating under the control of an authorized access
point.
Steps Taken to Minimize Significant Economic Impact on Small
Entities, and Significant Alternatives Considered. The RFA requires an
agency to describe any significant alternatives that it has considered
in developing its 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 and
reporting requirements under the rules for such 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 such small
entities.''
The Commission is aware that some of the revisions may impact small
entities. The NPRM sought comment from all interested parties, and
small entities were encouraged to bring to the Commission's attention
any specific concerns they may have with the proposals outlined in the
NPRM. No commenters raised any specific concerns about the impact of
the revisions on small entities.
This Order specifies the equipment certification approach for
equipment that will be able to operate with the proposed low-power
terrestrial network. We conclude that parties responsible for equipment
compliance must demonstrate that an authorized access point device can
only operate in the 2483.5-2495 MHz band when it is operating under the
control of a Globalstar Network Operating System and that a client
device can only operate in the 2483.5-2495 MHz band when it is
operating under the control of an authorized access point. While this
may have an impact on small entities seeking to certify equipment to
operate with the Globalstar low-power terrestrial network, we believe
this demonstration will have less of an impact on small entities than
an alternative proposal in the NPRM that the responsible parties
provide evidence of Globalstar's consent at the time of application.
Report to Congress. The Commission will send a copy of this Order,
including this FRFA, in a report to be sent to Congress pursuant to the
Congressional Review Act. In addition, the Commission will send a copy
of this Order, including this FRFA, to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy
of the SBA. A copy of this Order and FRFA (or summaries thereof) will
also be published in the Federal Register.
Legal Basis. The action is authorized under sections 4(i), 7(a),
302(a), 303(c), 303(e), 303(f), 303(g), 303(j), and 303(r) of the
Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 154(i), 157(a),
302(a), 303(c), 303(e), 303(f), 303(g), 303(j), and 303(r).

Ordering Clauses

Accordingly, it is ordered that, pursuant to sections 4(i), 7(a),
302(a), 303(c), 303(e), 303(f), 303(g), 303(j), and 303(r) of the
Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 154(i), 157(a),
302(a), 303(c), 303(e), 303(f), 303(g), 303(j), and 303(r), that this
Report and Order in IB Docket No. 13-213 is hereby adopted.
It is further ordered that the amendments of Part 25 of the
Commission's rules set forth in Appendix A shall become effective March
2, 2017, except that those rules and requirements which contain new or
modified information collection requirements that require approval by
the Office of Management and Budget under the Paperwork Reduction Act
shall become effective after the Commission publishes a notice in the
Federal Register announcing such approval and the relevant effective
date.
It is further ordered that the International Bureau will issue a
Public Notice announcing the effective date for all of the changes
adopted in this Report and Order.

List of Subjects in 47 CFR Part 25

Ancillary terrestrial component, Communications equipment, Radio,
Satellites.

Federal Communications Commission.
Katura Howard,
Federal Register Liaison. Office of the Secretary.

For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Federal
Communications Commission amends 47 CFR part 25 as follows:

PART 25--SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS

0
1. The authority citation for part 25 continues to read as follows:

Authority: Interprets or applies 47 U.S.C. 154, 301, 302, 303,
307, 309, 310, 319, 332, 605, and 721, unless otherwise noted.


0
2. Section 25.149 is amended by revising paragraph (a)(1), the note to
paragraph (a)(1), paragraph (c)(3); adding paragraph (c)(4); revising
paragraph (e); redesignating paragraph (g) as paragraph (h); and adding
new paragraph (g) to read as follows:


Sec. 25.149 Application requirements for ancillary terrestrial
components in the Mobile-Satellite Service networks operating in the
1.5/1.6 GHz and 1.6/2.4 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service.

(a) * * *
(1) ATC shall be deployed in the forward-band mode of operation
whereby the ATC mobile terminals transmit in the MSS uplink bands and
the ATC base stations transmit in the MSS downlink bands in portions of
the 1626.5-1660.5 MHz/1525-1559 MHz bands (L-band) and the 1610-1626.5
MHz/2483.5-2500 MHz bands.

Note to paragraph (a)(1): An L-band MSS licensee is permitted to
apply for ATC authorization based on a non-forward-band mode of
operation provided it is able to demonstrate that the use of a non-
forward-

[[Page 8819]]

band mode of operation would produce no greater potential
interference than that produced as a result of implementing the
rules of this section. A 1.6/2.4 GHz band licensee is permitted to
apply for ATC authorization on a non-forward-band mode of operation
where the equipment deployed will meet the requirements of paragraph
(c)(4) of this section.

* * * * *
(c) * * *
(3) Licensees and manufacturers are subject to the radiofrequency
radiation exposure requirements specified in Sec. Sec. 1.1307(b),
2.1091, and 2.1093 of this chapter, as appropriate. ATC base stations
must comply with the requirements specified in Sec. 1.1307(b) of this
chapter for PCS base stations. ATC mobile stations must comply with the
requirements specified for mobile and portable PCS transmitting devices
in Sec. 1.1307(b) of this chapter. ATC mobile terminals must also
comply with the requirements in Sec. Sec. 2.1091 and 2.1093 of this
chapter for Satellite Communications Services devices. Applications for
equipment authorization of ATC mobile or portable devices operating
under this section must contain a statement confirming compliance with
these requirements for both fundamental emissions and unwanted
emissions. Technical information showing the basis for this statement
must be submitted to the Commission upon request.
(4) Applications for equipment authorization of terrestrial low-
power system equipment that will operate in the 2483.5-2495 MHz band
shall demonstrate the following:
(i) The transmitted signal is digitally modulated;
(ii) The 6 dB bandwidth is at least 500 kHz;
(iii) The maximum transmit power is no more than 1 W with a peak
EIRP of no more than 6 dBW;
(iv) The maximum power spectral density conducted to the antenna is
not greater than 8 dBm in any 3 kHz band during any time interval of
continuous transmission;
(v) Emissions below 2483.5 MHz are attenuated below the transmitter
power (P) measured in watts by a factor of at least 40 + 10 log (P) dB
at the channel edge at 2483.5 MHz, 43 + 10 log (P) dB at 5 MHz from the
channel edge, and 55 + 10 log (P) dB at X MHz from the channel edge
where X is the greater of 6 MHz or the actual emission bandwidth.
(vi) Emissions above 2495 MHz are attenuated below the transmitter
power (P) measured in watts by a factor of at least 43 + 10 log (P) dB
on all frequencies between the channel edge at 2495 MHz and X MHz from
this channel edge and 55 + 10 log (P) dB on all frequencies more than X
MHz from this channel edge, where X is the greater of 6 MHz or the
actual emission bandwidth;
(vii) Compliance with these rules is based on the use of
measurement instrumentation employing a resolution bandwidth of 1 MHz
or greater. However, in the 1 MHz bands immediately above and adjacent
to the 2495 MHz a resolution bandwidth of at least 1 percent of the
emission bandwidth of the fundamental emission of the transmitter may
be employed. If 1 percent of the emission bandwidth of the fundamental
emission is less than 1 MHz, the power measured must be integrated over
the required measurement bandwidth of 1 MHz. A resolution bandwidth
narrower than 1 MHz is permitted to improve measurement accuracy,
provided the measured power is integrated over the full required
measurement bandwidth (i.e., 1 MHz). The emission bandwidth of the
fundamental emission of a transmitter is defined as the width of the
signal between two points, one below the carrier center frequency and
one above the carrier center frequency, outside of which all emissions
are attenuated at least 26 dB below the transmitter power. When an
emission outside of the authorized bandwidth causes harmful
interference, the Commission may, at its discretion, require greater
attenuation than specified in this section; and

Note to paragraph (c)(4): Systems meeting the requirements set
forth in this section are deemed to have also met the requirements
of Sec. 25.254(a) through (d). No further demonstration is needed
for these systems with respect to Sec. 25.254(a)-(d).

* * * * *
(e) Except as provided for in paragraphs (f) and (g) of this
section, no application for an ancillary terrestrial component shall be
granted until the applicant has demonstrated actual compliance with the
provisions of paragraph (b) of this section. Upon receipt of ATC
authority, all ATC licensees shall ensure continued compliance with
this section and Sec. Sec. 25.253 or 25.254, as appropriate.
* * * * *
(g) Special provisions for terrestrial low-power systems in the
2483.5-2495 MHz band. (1) An operational MSS system that applies for
authority to deploy ATC in the 2483.5-2495 MHz band for terrestrial
low-power operations satisfying the equipment certification
requirements of paragraph (c)(4) of this section is not required to
demonstrate compliance with paragraph (b) of this section, except to
demonstrate the commercial availability of MSS, without regard to
coverage requirements.
(2) An ATC licensee seeking to modify its license to add authority
to operate a terrestrial low-power network shall certify in its
modification application that its operations will utilize a Network
Operating System (NOS), consisting of a network management system
located at an operations center or centers. The NOS shall have the
technical capability to address and resolve interference issues related
to the licensee's network operations by reducing operational power;
adjusting operational frequencies; shutting off operations; or any
other appropriate means. The NOS shall also have the ability to resolve
interference from the terrestrial low-power network to the licensee's
MSS operations and to authorize access points to the network, which in
turn may authorize access to the network by end-user devices. The NOS
operations center shall have a point of contact in the United States
available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with a phone number and
address made publicly-available by the licensee.
(3) All access points operating in the 2483.5-2495 MHz band shall
only operate when authorized by the ATC licensee's NOS, and all client
devices operating in the 2483.5-2495 MHz band shall only operate when
under the control of such access points.
* * * * *

0
3. Section 25.254 is amended by adding paragraph (e) to read as
follows:


Sec. 25.254 Special requirements for ancillary terrestrial components
operating in the 1610-1626.5 MHz/2483.5-2500 MHz bands.

* * * * *
(e) Licensees of terrestrial low-power systems operating in the
2483.5-2495 MHz band shall operate consistent with the technical limits
and other requirements specified in Sec. 25.149(c)(4) and (g)(2)-(3).

[FR Doc. 2017-02027 Filed 1-30-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P