FCC Issues Third NPRM on New 37/42 GHz Microwave Rules

In the Third Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding amendment of its Rules regarding the 37.0-38.6 GHz and 38.6-40.0 GHz bands, the commission explained the rules it was proposing to allow for the expansion of 39 GHz type service into the virtually unused 37.0-38.6 GHz band. Point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, and future mobile operations would be allowed under the proposed rules and licensees would have the flexibility to employ antennas other than those meeting FCC Category A standards. The maximum authorized bandwidth proposed for the 37-40 GHz and 42.0-42.5 GHz bands is 50 MHz with a maximum effective isotropic radiated power of +55 dBW. TV Broadcast Auxiliary Service stations are limited to the 38.6-40.0 GHz part of the band.

See the Third Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the proposed rules and areas where the FCC is seeking comments.