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where P denotes the net power delivered to the antenna in [W], and A denotes the physical area of
the aperture in [m
2
].
Considering the practical dimensions of the antennas discussed in Section 3, the smallest antenna
aperture area which will produce the maximum surface power density, for a 30 cm diameter dish is
Australian Communications and Media Authority 33
500 cm
2
. Then the maximum power delivered to the antenna which satisfies the general public
exposure level can be calculated as follows
500 10
4
P =10 W =125mW
4
The calculated value is lower than the maximum transmit power of 1 W (30 dBm) recommended
by overseas regulatory bodies (FCC, ECC and Ofcom) [7,10,11]. When considering possible
regulatory arrangements for the use of this equipment in Australia, the need for proper care should
be noted during the link installation process to meet the occupational and general public exposure
criterion.
Australian Communications and Media Authority 34
9. LICENSING CONSIDERATIONS
9.1 OVERSEAS LICENSING ARRANGEMENTS
The unique characteristics of the links operating in the 71-76 GHz and 81-86 GHz bands provide
an opportunity to utilise more flexible licensing arrangements and several different approaches
have been taken overseas.
Flexible Licensing Approach (USA and possibly Canada)
The FCC has adopted a flexible and innovative regulatory framework for the 71-76 GHz and 81-
86 GHz bands. Rights with regard to specific links are established based upon the date and time of
link registration. Therefore, a first-in-time criterion is adopted in order to protect the first-in-time
registered or incumbent links.
Furthermore, all licensees are required to obtain and submit an interference analysis to a third
party manager as a part of link registration. The aim is to minimise the adverse economic impact
on licensees, including those that are small entities. In adopting the interference-analysis
requirements, the cost and benefits of imposing an interference analysis requirement are
considered, especially for small entities. In an FCC survey, it was found that the cost of
performing such analyses would be relatively small, particularly when compared with the benefits
of preventing harmful interference to existing operations for all licensees. Three database
managers, FFI, Micronet and Comsearch use distinct but centralised databases, offering the choice
to the user community while ensuring a centralised format for available link information.
Light Licensing Approach (UK, possibly Germany and some other European
countries)
The deployment under a licence exempt basis could result in unacceptable interference and would
be unlikely to lead to optimal use of the spectrum, particularly considering the high availability
applications proposed to be used in the bands.
On the other hand, the potential for interference is likely to be small in the bands due to the pencil
beam signal characteristics of the fixed wireless systems. Therefore, a simple mechanism which
enables individual 70/80 GHz links to gain protection from interference can be accomplished by
the implementation of a centralised database with a registration system with a first come first
served data and time record essentially forming the basis for protection.
Fully Licensed Approach (Finland, Switzerland and Estonia)
The 71-76 and 81-86 GHz bands are fully licensed. The coordination is necessary to ensure that
services neither suffer from, nor cause, interference.
Australian Communications and Media Authority 35
9.2 LICENSING OPTIONS IN AUSTRALIA
The Radiocommunications Act 1992 requires that the operation of all radiocommunications
devices must be authorised under one of three licence types: apparatus, class or spectrum licences.
Apparatus licensing
Traditionally, apparatus licences are issued to authorise the operation of fixed point-to-point
services in the microwave bands. Apparatus licences are usually issued over the counter, and
require payment of an annual tax as well as an administrative charge. Apparatus licensing for
point-to-point services also involves detailed frequency coordination.
This framework serves to minimise interference between fixed service users and recovers
economic revenue for the use of the public resource commensurate with spectrum denied to others.
An annual tax is applicable for each apparatus licence. The tax is based on several factors: the
bandwidth access ($ per kHz), the spectrum location and the geographic location. Apparatus
licences also attract an issue charge (to cover the cost of frequency assignment and
administration), and a renewal charge in subsequent years. In the case of high capacity fixed links
the issue charge could, based on the existing fee schedule, work out to several (tens of) thousands
of dollars per link. However, the tax component for some apparatus licences is set at a fixed
amount. Fixed annual fees apply for fixed point-to-point services in both the 5.8 GHz and 58 GHz
bands.
The point-to-point (5.8 GHz band) licensing option authorises the operation of a pair of point-to-
point stations one of two 20 MHz channels centred on 5.745 and 5.785 GHz. These apparatus
licences are issued with a no interference, no protection from interference condition as the
channels lie within a band designated for industrial, scientific and medical use. However, in the
event of interference between the stations licensed by this option, normal licence data precedence
applies. The annual licence fee under this option is currently $30.07 per link.
The point-to-point (58 GHz band) licensing option authorises the operation of fixed point-to-point
links in the 57.2-58.2 GHz band. Detailed frequency coordination by ACMA is not required in this
band. Apparatus licences are required to record device location. Licences in this band are endorsed
with a condition of no interference/no protection with respect to other licensees in the band. The
annual licence fee under this option is currently $180.00 per link.
Class licensing
Radiocommunications devices authorised to operate under the Radiocommunications (Low
Interference Potential Devices) LIPD Class License 2000 are typically low power transmitters
providing short-range communications that do not require individual coordination for interference
management purposes. In such a way, 60 GHz fixed point-to-point services may be operated under
the LIPD class licence as date communication transmitters.
Devices operated under the LIPD class licence are not afforded protection from interference
caused by other radiocommunications devices or services. In general, it is not expected that these
millimetre wave high capacity links will suffer significant interference. However, an individual
low interference potential device may experience, from other radiocommunications devices,
Australian Communications and Media Authority 36
interference arising from the particular circumstances of the devices operation. This has an
impact on the reliability level for services.
Should interference occur, the onus is on the user of a low interference potential device to take
measures to resolve that interference, for example, by re-tuning or ceasing to operate the device.
Class licences do not have to be applied for, and no licence fees are payable, but at the cost of a
potentially lower level of service reliability.
Spectrum licensing
Spectrum licences are a tradeable and technology-neutral spectrum access right for a fixed non-
renewable term. Instead of authorising the use of a specific device, spectrum licences authorise the
use of spectrum space and give licensees the freedom to deploy any device from any site within
their spectrum space, provided that the device is compatible with the core conditions of the licence
and the technical framework for the bands.
Although fixed wireless services operate under a spectrum licence in the 3.425-3.4425 GHz and
3.475-3.4925 GHz bands, the deployment of the fixed point-to-point 70/80 GHz links under a
spectrum licence option might significantly reduce spectrum efficiency as the potentially very high
link capacity and spatially very high re-use factor would need to be subdivided into lots. The
existing spectrum licence geographic grid is not well-suited to the short distances covered by these
links. This restricts the potential gains of spectrum licensing through market trading. Additionally,
the associated cost of the wide bandwidth utilisation under the spectrum licence may result in
inefficient usage of the available spectrum.
In summary, the optimisation of interference management frameworks for microwave fixed
services and high level of radio spectrum efficiency could not be achieved under spectrum
licensing for the fixed point-to-point 70/80 GHz links, and hence this option is not recommended.
Australian Communications and Media Authority 37
10. DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
10.1 DISCUSSION
The introduction of regulatory arrangements supporting the use of the 71-76 and 81-86 GHz bands
would facilitate the use of a range of new high bandwidth short range services. However the use
of traditional coordinated bandwidth based fee and licence structure would unnecessarily hinder
deployment of these new services.
There are number of factors that have a bearing on potential licensing structures in the 71-76 and
81-86 GHz bands.
Utilisation of an antenna with very narrow beamwidth, with its inherent spectral efficiency and the
ability to deploy links without the need for detailed frequency planning suggest that the traditional
bandwidth based fee structure might not be appropriate for these bands.
The type of licence and access cost for these bands under the proposed management framework
would be influenced by a number of factors:
The nature of propagation in the millimetre wave bands and the possibility of employing
highly directional pencil beam signal characteristics mean that applications can be
implemented with minimal interference concerns, allowing a potentially highly efficient re-
use of the spectrum. Thus, reducing co-ordination requirements.
The availability of wide bandwidths supporting large capacity data rates, with sufficient
bandwidth for terrestrial links to compete with or complement fibre optic based access
networks.
Operating path lengths of 1-3 km with high (>99.9%) availability.
Availability of RADCOM database for the self-coordination purposes. The RADCOM
database would hold and make available the relevant information required to enable
licensees to plan and self-coordinate links in the 71-76 and 81-86 GHz bands. The
RADCOM database would also serve as the reference point for the data and time a link is
registered, thereby establishing the time priority of links. Further issues associated with the
RADCOM database implementation for the purposes of the 71-76 and 81-86 GHz band
link registration might require further investigation.
The degree to which the ACMA would become involved in any interference mediation.
Australian Communications and Media Authority 38
10.2 RECOMMENDATIONS
1. The 71-76 and 81-86 GHz bands should be opened for the point-to-point fixed service in
Australia with no explicit channel plan, but with 125 MHz guard band at the top and
bottom of each 5 GHz band.
2. A licensing framework based on a link registration system should be adopted recognising
the value and high spectrum reuse potential of the bands.
3. The RADCOM database should be the basis for the registration system.
4. To encourage commercial development and efficient use of the 71-76 and 81-86 GHz
bands, a fixed fee approach, similar to that applied for 58 GHz point-to-point links, should
be adopted for the licence fee determination.
5. To avoid spectrum hoarding made possible by the low fee structure, a rollout obligation
should be attached to licences and a 12 month time limit for achieving the rollout goal
might be proposed. A similar arrangement was implemented for apparatus licences
intended for broadband wireless access in the 1900-1920 MHz and 2010-2025 MHz bands
[24]. The FCC recommended a similar arrangement based on a construction period of 12
months, commencing on the date of link registration, for fixed point-to-point 71-76 and 81-
86 GHz band wireless links [7].
Australian Communications and Media Authority 39
REFERENCES
[1] ITU-R P.676-6, Attenuation by Atmospheric Gases, 2005.
[2] ITU-R P.838-3, Specific Attenuation model for Rain for Use in Prediction Methods,
2005.
[3] ITU-R P.840-3, Attenuation Due to Clouds and Fog, 1999.
[4] CCIR Report 236-2, Foliage loss
[5] ITU-R P-837-4, Characteristics of Precipitation for Propagation Modelling 2003.
[6] ELVA-Link, PPC Series Wireless Series Link, May 2004.
[7] FCC 03-248, Allocation and Service Rules for the 71-76GHz, 81-86GHz and 92-95GHz
Bands, federal Communication Commission, Nov. 2003.
[8] DGTP-001-05,Consultation on a renewed spectrum Policy Framework for Canada and
Continued Advancement in Spectrum Managements, Sep. 2005.
[9] CEPT/ECC/REC (05) 07: Radio frequency channel arrangements for fixed Services
Systems operating in the bands 71-76 GHz and 81-86 GHz, Oct. 2005.
[10] ETSI TS 102 524 v1.1.1 Fixed Radio Systems; radio equipment and antennas for use in
Point-to-Point Millimetre wave applications in the Fixed Services (mmwFS) frequency
bands 71 GHz to 76 GHz and 81 GHz to 86 GHz, J uly 2006.
[11] Ofcom Making Spectrum Available for the 71-78 GHz and 81-86 GHz Bands, Nov.
2006.
[12] ITU-R RA.314-10, Preferred frequency bands for radio astronomical measurements ,
2003.
[13] Australian radiofrequency spectrum plan, Australian Communication Authority, J an.
2005.
[14] ACMA, Radiocommunications Licence Conditions (Amateur Licence) Determination No.
1 of 1997,
http://www.acma.gov.au/acmainterwr/aca_home/legislation/radcomm/acts/consolidations/r
adam_1of97.pdf
[15] WCA-PCG-7080-1, Path Coordination Guide for the 71-76 and 81-86 GHz Millimetre
Wave Bands, WCA+60 Committee, version 1.0, J une 2004
[16] Crane, Robert K., Electromagnetic Wave Propagation through Rain Wiley Interscience,
1996.
[17] ITU-R RA-769-1, Protection Criteria used for Radioastronomical measurements, 1995.
[18] RALI MS 31 ACMA, Notification zones for Apparatus Licensed Services around Radio
Astronomy Facilities, Aug. 2006.
[19] ITU-R RA-1031-1, Protection of the radioastronomy service in frequency bands shared
with other services, 1995.
Australian Communications and Media Authority 40
[20] Vehicle Radar System (47 C.F.R. Section 15.253), FCC REPORT AND ORDER
December 15, 1995.
[21] ETSI EN 302 091-1 v1.3.3, Part 1: Technical characteristics and test methods for radar
equipment operating in the 76 GHz to 77 GHz range, May 2006.
[22] AS/NZS 4268:2003, Radio equipment and system Short range devices Limits and
methods of measurements, Australian/ New Zealand Standard, Dec. 2003.
[23] Allocations and Service Rules for the 71-76 GHz, 81-86 GHz, and 92-95 GHz Bands and
Loea Communications Corporation Petition for Rulemaking, Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking (NPRM), FCC 02-180, 67 Fed. Reg. 59036 (2002).
[24] RALI FX 19, Frequency Coordination and Licensing procedures for apparatus licensed
Broadband Wireless Access services in 1900-1920 and 2010-2025 MHz bands, Apr.
2005.
[25] The ECC decisions ECC/DEC(04)10 (24 GHz SRR) and ECC/DEC(04)03 (79 GHz SRR)
are available in the Internet: ERO-homepage
Australian Communications and Media Authority 41