Quick start guide to 3.65 GHz With information provided by: Michael Anderson, Chairman, Part-15
Contents Introduction... 3 3.65 GHz RedMAX WiMAX Solutions... 3 The Rules... 5 Who is eligible to provide wireless broadband services in 3650 3700?... 5 Licensing who can get a license?... 5 Protection Zones... 5 Cooperation is required with other licensed service providers... 7 What equipment can be used? (Contention based protocol)... 7 Power and antenna limits... 7 Getting started... 8 Step 1: Get your FCC Registration Number (FRN).... 9 Step 2: Apply for the License (Form 601)... 9 Application Information... 11 General Information... 12 Alien Ownership Information... 13 Basic Qualification Information... 14 Submit application and pay fee... 14 When is my license approved?... 14 Step 3: Obtain FCC Approved Equipment... 15 Step 4: Search the ULS Database for nearby stations... 15 Step 5: Register Your Base Stations... 15 Additional references & links... 16 2
Introduction In November of 2007, the FCC began license registration for the 3.65 GHz band. This long awaited new spectrum was made available to create a spectrum environment that will encourage multiple entrants and stimulate the expansion of broadband service to rural and underserved areas. To facilitate rapid deployment in the band, they maintained the previously adopted, non exclusive licensing scheme. Redline Communications has created this guide to help new entrants to the 3.65 GHz band understand the FCC rules quickly and to learn what is required of them, in a step by step fashion. 3.65 GHz RedMAX WiMAX Solutions Redline s RedMAX systems were the first to receive FCC approval for operation in the 3.65 GHz Band in the United States. Since its approval in 2007, the 3.65GHz RedMAX family of solutions have been deployed by operators throughout the United States to bring true WiMAX services to business and consumers that demand the highest quality and most reliable broadband connections. As an operator using RedMAX in the US, you will take advantage of a technology that is tried and tested by hundreds of carriers around the world over the last 2 years. RedMAX is WiMAX Forum Certified, meeting the requirements of the 802.16d IEEE standard. WiMAX offers many advantages, among them, excellent QOS capabilities. The 3.65 GHz RedMAX products deliver the elements operators need to enable the profitable delivery of revenue generating fixed and nomadic wireless broadband services. Redline s 3.65 GHz RedMAX family of products, includes the AN 100U Base Station which offers the benefits of our third generation OFDM technology and highest capacity of all WiMAX Forum Certified base stations. Redline's 3.65 GHz WiMAX offerings also includes the new AN 100UX Macro Base Station, RedMAX SU I indoor subscriber unit and RedMAX SU O outdoor subscriber unit. Figure 1: AN100U base station 3
Figure 2: SU-I and SU-O 4
The Rules Who is eligible to provide wireless broadband services in 3650 3700? Typically in the past, operators using the unlicensed band in the US have deployed equipment in the UNII and ISM bands 900 MHz, 2.4GHz, 5.4GHz, 5.7 GHz. These frequencies are used by many consumer devices such as baby monitors, microwave ovens and cordless phones. The use of equipment is these frequencies is defined by Part 15 of the FCC regulations. However, the rules for wireless broadband services in the 3650 3700 band differ because they are governed by Part 90, the section of FCC rules governing private land mobile radio services. This means that no consumer devices will operate in this band. Part 90 is also unlike Part 15 in that it provides authority for the FCC to intervene on interference issues. Licensing who can get a license? The 3650 3700 MHz band is licensed on the basis of non exclusive nationwide licenses. Non exclusive means that there may be others with a license in your service area. The fee for the license is $210. This is valid for 10 years, from the date of your first registered base station. Though nationwide, there are coordination zones where Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) operate. Note that there are restrictions on who qualifies for a license. If you have been convicted of a state or federal felony or if you are an alien, representative of an alien, representative of a foreign government, or if more than 1/5 th of the stock of your corporation is controlled by aliens, their representatives or foreign governments, you must seek special permission. For more details on this, please contact the FCC. Coordination/ Protection Zones Originally, the 3.65 GHz band was allocated for the operation of fixed satellite services (FSS). The map below shows the location of these zones. The protection zones consist: 1. 150km radius around FSS stations 2. 80km radius around Federal government radiolocations 3. 8km from US borders (facing opposite to the border) 4. 56 km from US borders (facing the border) 5
The existence of a zone does not necessarily exclude wireless broadband operation. The FCC will allow terrestrial WISP operations within the protected zones as long as they negotiate with the FSS operator. For example, in some cases the WISP may co exist as close as 25km away from the FSS operator, as long as the WISP is not within + or 15 degree arch of any of the FSS operators main antenna beam. The complete list of grandfathered earth stations can be found here on the FCC site: http://www.fcc.gov/ib/sd/3650/ We have also copied the list into this document, it can be found in Appendix A. 6
Cooperation is required with other licensed service providers The benefit of licensing and the registration of base stations is the readily available information on the other service providers in your area. You can search the FCC database http://wwwwireless/fcc.gov/uls to find out who else has registered equipment and thus contact the provider to discuss coordination to avoid interference. Under Part 90 licensees are required to examine the database before seeking authorization for a base station. Remember too, that new operators may enter the market after you have already deployed. What equipment can be used? (Contention based protocol) Only equipment that has been approved for use by the FCC in the 3.65 GHz band may be used. Equipment must use a contention based protocol which means that the system must have the ability to recognize the other systems, react and adjust to them to minimize interference. Secondly, there are two types of certified equipment: those certified as unrestricted or restricted. Contention based protocols will allow multiple users to share the same spectrum by defining the events that must occur when two or more devices attempt to simultaneously access the same channel and establishing rules by which each device is provided a reasonable opportunity to operate. Unrestricted contention protocols are broadly compatible and function to prevent interference even with other, dissimilar contention technologies on the market. Equipment using an unrestricted protocol can operate on all 50 megahertz (3650 3700 MHz). Restricted contention protocols can prevent interference only with other devices incorporating the same or similar protocols. Equipment using a restricted protocol can operate only on the lower 25 megahertz (3650 3675 MHz). As of June 2008, the FCC has not determined what the requirements will be to operate in the upper 25 MHz and thus only using restricted contention protocols has been approved by the FCC. Power and antenna limits Base and fixed stations are limited to 25 watts per 25 MHz equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP). In any event, the peak EIRP power density shall not exceed 1 Watt in any one megahertz slice of spectrum. Therefore, the maximum power limit is defined by the channel sizes you use. Power limit for Base Stations & Fixed CPE: 1 MHz channel size = 1 Watt max EIRP (30dBm) 3.5 MHz channel size = 3.5 Watts max EIRP (35.44dBm) 7 MHz channel size = 7 Watts max EIRP (38.45dBm 10 MHz channel size = 10 Watts max EIRP (40dBm) Even though these are maximum limits allowed by the FCC, other manufacturers have not necessarily been approved to operate at the maximum power. Therefore operators should check for maximum approved power for each manufacturer s equipment. 7
In Redline s case, there are two channel sizes available, 3.5 MHz and 7 MHz. These channel sizes are ideal to allow you to maximize your usage of the 25 MHz with frequency planning. For example, it allows you to deploy 3 sectors using a 7Mhz channel with 120 sector antennas. The maximum EIRP is 38.5 dbm for the 7 MHz channel and 35.4 dbm for the 3.5 MHz channel. In Redline s case, our AN100U and AN100UX will fall under the category of base stations. Our outdoor fixed CPE, the SUO, falls under the category of fixed station. Therefore, all of those devices must be registered. Mobile and Portable Stations The maximum power allowed for mobile and portable stations is: 1 Watt for 25 MHz If your Base Station is restricted to the lower portion of the spectrum (3650 3675 = 25 MHz), then your CPE is limited to 1 Watt. Mobile and portable stations do not have to be registered with the FCC. Getting started There are five key steps involved in obtaining authority to operate a base or fixed station: 1. Register with the FCC to get an FCC Registration Number (FRN) 2. Obtain a nationwide, non exclusive license using ULS. 3. Obtain FCC certified equipment (fixed, base and mobile equipment operating in the band must incorporate a "contention based protocol"). 4. Before registering a station, examine ULS for nearby stations. 5. Register each fixed CPE and base station using ULS. These steps are explained in further detail in the following sections. 8
Step 1: Get your FCC Registration Number (FRN). Before you can apply for a license, you will need to register with the FCC database called CORES (the Commission Registration System). https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/coresweb/publichome.do You will receive your FRN immediately once you have completed everything. Print a copy for your records. Step 2: Apply for the License (Form 601) Log in to the ULS License Manager, entering your FRN and password. The ULS License manager is found here: http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/index.htm?job=home Most of the application is straightforward but we have explained some of the trickier sections in the following pages. Help Filling Forms 1-888-CALL-FCC 9
Choose Apply for a New License. You will see a dropdown list with various options. Choose Radio Service Code is: NN 10
The next sections are for Applicant and Contact Information. These are straightforward. Application Information Under the section Application Information, you are asked a series of questions. Note that WISPs generally are NOT exempt from FCC fees. However, many government entities are exempt and should investigate this before completing the form. Help Filling Forms 1-888-CALL-FCC 11
General Information Notes: WISPs are usually Fixed but can also apply for Mobile. WISPs also generally fall under the category of Non Common Carrier. 12
Alien Ownership Information In this section, you are required to answer there the individual or organization applying for a license is foreign or foreign owned. If you are uncertain about any of the answers, you should contact the FCC. Help Filling Forms 1-888-CALL-FCC 13
Basic Qualification Information This section is important because if you answer yes to any question, you will be required to provide further information. Submit application and pay fee You will be given an opportunity to review your application and make corrections. By electronically signing the application, you enter into a legally binding agreement with the FCC. Once you have submitted your application, you will be required to pay the fee. It is advisable to pay the fee online using a credit card. When is my license approved? You can quickly determine the status of your application through ULS Application Search or the status of your license through ULS License Search. Both search engines can be accessed from the ULS Home. http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/index.htm?job=home Applications saved during the current business day will not appear in ULS Application search. Redline customers have told us that it has take between 4 and 6 weeks for their license applications to be approved. Help Filling Forms 1-888-CALL-FCC 14
Step 3: Obtain FCC Approved Equipment Contact Redline or your Redline Certified Partner to purchase the RedMAX 3.65 GHz system. http://www.redlinecommunications.com/about_us/contact.html Toll Free in North America: 1.866.OFDM.NOW (633.6669) or 1 905 479 8344. Step 4: Search the ULS Database for nearby stations http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/index.htm?job=home Step 5: Register Your Base Stations Log into the ULS database with your FRN. http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/index.htm?job=home At this point you must have equipment and you will require the equipment data from the manufacturer. The Redline Equipment Data for Schedule M is as follows: Manufacturers FCC ID Number QC8 AN100UA Lower/Center Frequency 3650.00 MHz Upper Frequency 3675.00 MHz EIRP 37 dbm Emission Designator 6M25DXW Modulation Scheme 64QAM Transmission Method/ Protocol Restricted or Unrestricted? Restricted Transmission Method or Protocol Description 802.16 2004 A licensee cannot operate a fixed or base station before registering it under its license and licensees must delete registrations for unused fixed and base stations (base stations and fixed CPE). Portable and mobile CPE are not required to be registered. 15
Additional references & links http://www.redlinecommunications.com Title 47 Telecommunications, FCC, Part 90 Private Land Mobile Radio Services http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_00/47cfr90_00.html FRN Registration http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls Equipment Grantee Search https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/granteesearch.cfm Equipment Authorization Search https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/genericsearch.cfm License Registration http://wireless.fcc.gov/uls/index.htm?job=home WISP Industry associations: http://www.part 90.org Copies of FCC NPRM, orders and other documents http://www.part 15.org Discussion Lists (for 3650) http://www.part 15.org/public/lists.htm Suggested Reading Wireless Broadband Services in the 3650 3700 MHz Band WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU ANNOUNCES START DATEFOR LICENSING AND REGISTRATION PROCESS FOR THE 3650 3700 MHz BAND DA 07 4605A1.pdf Report and Order and Memorandum Opinion and Order (FCC 05 56) Interactive Google Map of Grandfathered FSS Stations 16
Appendix A: Grandfathered FSS Earth Stations in 3.65 GHz State City Latitude Longitude NAD* Call Sign Filenumber Licensee CA Chatsworth 34 14'20.70"N 118 34'11.50"W 83 E000326 SESMOD2000112902256 CA Livermore 37 45'40.00"N 121 47'53.00"W n/s KA232 SESLIC1997103001576 McKibben Communications Sprint Communications CA Malibu 34 4'52.60"N 118 53'52.90"W 83 E980066 SESMOD2000112902218 AT&T Corp. CA Malibu 34 4'50.30"N 118 53'46.40"W n/s KA273 SESRWL2000072401194 AT&T Corp. CA Malibu 34 4'49.70"N 118 53'43.90"W 27 KA91 SESMOD1998081701067 AT&T Corp. CA Malibu 34 4'51.00"N 118 53'44.00"W 27 KB32 SESMOD1998081701066 AT&T Corp. CA CA Mountain House 37 45'0.70"N 121 35'37.80"W 83 KA206 SESMOD2000022200272 Mountain House 37 45'1.70"N 121 35'38.80"W 83 KA86 SESMOD2000022200265 Pacific Satellite Connection, Inc. Pacific Satellite Connection, Inc. CA Salt Creek 38 56'20.20"N 122 8'48.00"W n/s KA371 SESRWL1999101201864 AT&T Corp. CA Salt Creek 38 56'21.00"N 122 8'49.20"W 27 KA372 SESRWL2003103101527 AT&T Corp. CA Salt Creek 38 56'22.30"N 122 8'49.60"W n/s KA373 SESRWL2000121502350 AT&T Corp. Sprint CA San Ramon 37 45'39.70"N 121 47'56.80"W 83 E6241 SESMOD2000112902270 Communications CA Somis 34 19'31.00"N 118 59'41.00"W 27 KA318 SESRWL2002030500275 SES Americom, Inc. CA Sylmar 34 18'55.00"N 118 29'12.00"W 83 E6148 SESRWL2004102901607 CA Sylmar 34 19'4.00"N 118 29'0.00"W 27 KA274 SESRWL1999022500279 CA Three Peaks 38 8'51.90"N 122 47'38.00"W 83 E950208 SESMOD2001032600656 FL Medley 25 51'19.00"N 80 19'52.00"W n/s E960068 SESLIC1995120700087 FL Medley 25 50'26.00"N 80 19'3.00"W 27 E960406 SESMOD1999042201041 FiberSat Global Services, LLC Globecast North America Incorporated Loral Spacecom Corporation Teleport Of The Americas, Inc. Globecast North America Incorporated FL Melbourne 28 5'10.00"N 80 38'10.00"W n/s E950276 SESMOD2003051500668 Harris Corporation Melbourne FL Melbourne 28 2'25.00"N 80 35'48.00"W 27 KA354 SESLIC1995032300008 International FL Miami 25 55'33.30"N 80 13'16.20"W 83 E980299 SESMOD2000072101188 USA Teleport, Inc. FL Miami 25 48'35.00"N 80 21'10.00"W 83 KA407 SESRWL2004030500317 FL Miami 25 48'35.00"N 80 21'11.00"W n/s KA412 SESRWL2004042200574 FL Miramar 25 58'32.00"N 80 17'0.00"W n/s E960105 SESLIC1995122600010 FL Orlando 28 25'29.00"N 81 7'21.00"W 27 KA280 SESRWL2000101902129 GU Pulantat 13 25'0.00"N 144 44'57.00"E n/s KA28 SESLIC1997081401122 Americasky Corporation Americasky Corporation GEMS International Television Sprint Communications 17
State City Latitude Longitude NAD* Call Sign Filenumber Licensee GU Pulantat 13 25'5.20"N 144 45'5.70"E 83 KA326 SESMOD2000120102250 HI Haleiwa 21 40'14.60"N 158 2'3.10"W 83 KA25 SESMOD2003051300642 Intelsat LLC HI Paumalu 21 40'27.00"N 158 2'16.00"W 27 KA265 SESMOD2002040500579 Intelsat LLC HI Paumalu 21 40'15.50"N 158 2'6.10"W 83 KA266 SESMOD2004081801190 Intelsat LLC HI Paumalu 21 40'14.10"N 158 2'6.10"W 83 KA267 SESMOD2004081801191 Intelsat LLC HI Paumalu 21 40'25.00"N 158 2'16.00"W 27 KA268 SESMOD2002040500583 Intelsat LLC HI Paumalu 21 40'24.00"N 158 2'16.00"W 27 KA269 SESMOD2004042900611 Intelsat LLC HI Paumalu 21 40'24.00"N 158 2'16.00"W 27 KA270 SESMOD2004011300031 Intelsat LLC MD Clarksburg 39 13'5.60"N 77 16'12.40"W 27 KA259 SESMOD2002040500569 Intelsat LLC MD Clarksburg 39 13'5.00"N 77 16'12.00"W 27 KA260 SESMOD2002040500571 Intelsat LLC MD Clarksburg 39 13'2.60"N 77 16'10.90"W 83 KA261 SESMOD2003040200453 Intelsat LLC MD Clarksburg 39 13'1.80"N 77 16'11.40"W 83 KA262 SESMOD2003040200454 Intelsat LLC MD Clarksburg 39 13'4.40"N 77 16'13.90"W 83 KA263 SESMOD2004040800539 Intelsat LLC MD Clarksburg 39 13'5.20"N 77 16'13.90"W 83 KA264 SESMOD2004040800538 Intelsat LLC MD Clarksburg 39 13'7.00"N 77 16'12.00"W 83 KA275 SESMOD2003051300641 Intelsat LLC ME Andover 44 38'1.20"N 70 41'51.30"W 83 E000306 SESLIC2000062201004 ME Andover 44 38'1.20"N 70 41'51.30"W 83 E000700 SESLIC2000113002229 ME Andover 44 37'58.00"N 70 41'54.00"W n/s KA349 SESMOD1997060300716 ME Andover 44 37'58.20"N 70 41'55.30"W 83 KA386 SESRWL2003102101443 ME Andover 44 38'0.00"N 70 41'55.00"W 27 WA20 SESRWL2003091701297 ME Andover #6 44 37'58.20"N 70 41'55.30"W 83 E930190 SESRWL2003062400894 NC West Jefferson 36 25'50.00"N 81 23'45.00"W n/s E970334 SESLIC1997052700684 NJ Carpentersville 40 38'39.00"N 75 11'29.00"W 27 E7541 SESMOD2000113002268 Infotel International Services, Inc. Lockheed Martin Corporation NJ Carteret 40 34'44.70"N 74 13'0.50"W 83 E950361 SESMOD2000080801394 All Mobile Video, Inc. NJ Carteret 40 34'45.40"N 74 12'59.50"W 83 E950372 SESMOD2000080801390 All Mobile Video, Inc. NJ Franklin 41 7'4.00"N 74 34'33.00"W n/s E6777 SESLIC1999031200365 Sprint Communications NJ Franklin 41 7'4.00"N 74 34'33.00"W n/s KA231 SESRWL1997062300835 US Sprint Communications NY Hauppauge 40 49'15.40"N 73 15'48.40"W 83 E950436 SESMOD2002030700321 Reuters America, Inc. 18
State City Latitude Longitude NAD* Call Sign Filenumber Licensee NY Hauppauge 40 48'53.60"N 73 14'18.40"W 83 E970361 SESMOD2000112202201 OR Moores Valley 45 20'32.40"N 123 17'19.40"W 83 KA365 SESLIC2003100201362 Globecomm Systems, Inc. Neptune Pacific License Corporation PA Catawissa 40 53'39.00"N 76 26'21.00"W 27 E980493 SESMOD2000112902217 AT&T Corp PA Hawley 41 27'51.00"N 75 7'47.90"W 27 E950209 SESMOD1996073100731 Loral Spacecom Corporation PA Roaring Creek 40 53'35.90"N 76 26'22.60"W n/s KA444 SESRWL2002041800608 AT&T Corp. PA Roaring Creek 40 53'37.50"N 76 26'21.80"W 27 WA33 SESRWL2004032300452 AT&T Corp. PR Carolina 18 26'0.00"N 65 59'35.00"W 27 KA377 SESRWL2003071000942 Americom Government Services, PR Humacao 18 9'5.00"N 65 47'20.00"W n/s E872647 SESRWL2000091201765 Telecommunicaciones Ultramarinas de PR San Juan 18 26'47.00"N 66 3'58.00"W 27 KA466 SESLIC1995030600004 Telecommunicaciones Ultramarinas de TN Nashville 36 14'5.70"N 86 45'21.40"W n/s E960050 SESLIC1995101100315 TN Nashville 36 14'5.70"N 86 45'21.40"W n/s E960073 SESLIC1995101700295 TN Nashville 36 14'6.20"N 86 45'20.40"W n/s E970010 SESLIC1996100800361 Northstar Studios, Inc. Northstar Studios, Inc. Northstar Studios, Inc. TX Desoto 32 37'48.00"N 96 50'32.00"W n/s KA306 SESRWL2002030300266 Megastar Inc VA Alexandria 38 47'38.00"N 77 9'46.00"W 27 E970267 SESMOD2004070200978 SES Americom, Inc. VA Alexandria 38 47'36.00"N 77 9'59.00"W 27 KA81 SESMOD1998071701970 SES Americom, Inc. VA Bristow 38 47'1.60"N 77 34'24.30"W 83 E000152 SESMOD2004020900202 VA Bristow 38 47'2.40"N 77 34'21.90"W 83 E000696 SESMOD2003102801506 VA Quicksburg 38 43'45.40"N 78 39'25.10"W 83 E000589 SESLIC2000082401509 VA Quicksburg 38 43'45.40"N 78 39'25.10"W 83 E010140 SESLIC2000113002478 VA Quicksburg 38 43'45.40"N 78 39'24.20"W 83 E990175 SESMOD2000113002226 VA Reston 38 57'0.00"N 77 22'40.00"W n/s E950406 SESLIC1995062900762 New Skies Networks, Inc. New Skies Networks, Inc. Sprint Communications WA Brewster 48 8'51.00"N 119 41'29.00"W n/s E960222 SESLIC1996022101766 SES Americom, Inc. WA Brewster 48 8'49.00"N 119 41'28.00"W 27 KA20 SESRWL2002110601960 SES Americom, Inc. WA Brewster 48 8'51.00"N 119 41'29.00"W n/s KA294 SESRWL2003072201015 SES Americom, Inc. WA Yacolt 45 51'46.40"N 122 23'44.30"W 83 KA221 SESMOD1999082001537 WA Yacolt 45 51'45.50"N 122 23'43.80"W 83 KA323 SESMOD1999082001536 WV Albright 39 34'7.00"N 79 34'45.00"W 27 KA413 SESRWL2004060800805 AT&T Corp. WV Etam 39 16'50.00"N 79 44'13.00"W n/s KA378 SESRWL2001060801039 AT&T Corp. 19
State City Latitude Longitude NAD* Call Sign Filenumber Licensee WV Etam 39 16'48.00"N 79 44'14.00"W 27 WA21 SESRWL2001060801038 AT&T Corp. WV Rowlesburg 39 16'52.10"N 79 44'10.70"W n/s KA351 SESRWL2002092301654 AT&T Corp WY Cheyenne 41 7'56.00"N 104 44'10.50"W 27 E950253 SESMOD2000050500706 WY Cheyenne 41 7'55.70"N 104 44'11.50"W 27 E980118 SESMOD2001111402151 Echostar North America Corporation Echostar North America Corporation 20