Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Planning 71 76 81 86
Planning 71 76 81 86
Tel: 02 6219 5555 Tel: 03 9963 6800 Tel: 02 9334 7700, 1800 226 667
Fax: 02 6219 5200 Fax: 03 9963 6899 Fax: 02 9334 7799
TTY: 03 9963 6948
The purpose of this paper is to invite comment on the proposed use of the 71-76 GHz and 81-86
GHz bands for wireless point-to-point services including carriage of broadband wireless
technology.
• whether the proposed coordination arrangements are appropriate for the proposed spectrum
use including whether the proposed database recording method, and self-coordination,
arrangements are appropriate;
• which licensing methodology is preferred; and
• any other relevant matters that should be considered.
Manager
Spectrum Engineering Section
Australian Communications and Media Authority
PO Box 78
Belconnen ACT 2616
Fax: 02 6219 5254
Email: freqplan@acma.gov.au
Publication of submissions
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ACMA will consider each claim for confidentiality on a case by case basis. If ACMA accepts a confidentiality claim, it will not
publish the confidential information unless required by law to do so.
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Any submissions provided to ACMA may be released under the Freedom of Information Act 1982. ACMA may also be required to
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other legal means.
4.1 ATTENUATION............................................................................................................. 9
6.2 SUMMARY OF SERVICES ALLOCATION AND USAGE WITHIN THE 71-76 GHz
COMMUNICATION ASSOCIATION............................................................................... 22
9. LICENSING CONSIDERATIONS......................................................................................... 35
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................. 40
A significant difference between fixed wireless point-to-point systems operating in the 71-76 GHz
and 81-86 GHz bands, relative to fixed wireless point-to-point systems operating in lower-
frequency bands, is the availability of antennas with narrower radiation pattern (beamwidth). Thus,
millimetre wave technology could provide minimal interference to other adjacent links except
those lying directly along the intended path. As a consequence, there is potential to relax the
technical criteria for spectral re-use and concentrate on rules governing the spatial extent of the
transmitted beam. Simply put, operations in the band might be parcelled geographically more than
spectrally.
In summary, the propagation characteristics at the 71-76 GHz and 81-86 GHz bands allow for high
capacity broadband transmission and is useful for communication paths of up to 3 km using simple
and relatively cheap technology while providing carrier class performance.
The range of applications for services using the 71-76 and 81-86 GHz bands is wide and evolving
quickly. It includes voice, data, and entertainment services of many kinds. Each user may require
a different mix of services. Traffic flow may be unidirectional, asymmetrical, or symmetrical, and
this balance will change with time and application. These radio systems compete with other wired
and wireless delivery means for “first mile” connections to wired services. Use of radio or wireless
techniques could be beneficial in a number of ways, including rapid deployment and relatively low
establishment costs.
Fibre
Network recovery
In the case of fibre breakage, the temporary service restoration could be delivered more rapidly by
the means of radio backup. The major advantage of this technique is its shorter set-up time in
comparison with the time needed to restore the original fibre link.
~1.5 km
Broken Fibre
POP (Point of
presence) Fibre Hotel
Fibre
Telephone
Central Office
~1.5 km
Remote Data
Desktops Storage
Server Fibre
Wireless backhaul
Wireless broadband technology with its possibility of very high data rate can be used for third
generation (3G) cellular or WiMAX backhaul in dense urban environments. Additionally, portable
and temporary links for high definition video or high definition television (HDTV) transport can
be built by applying this technology.
Cell Phones
WiFi Backhaul
Access Points
WiMax Backhaul
WiFi Hot-Spots
WiMax
Point-to-Multi-point WiMax Point-to-Point
GigaBeam
GigaBeam Company provides multi-gigabit wireless communication solutions for the “entire last
mile". They manufacture, lease, install, and service high-speed point-to-point wireless
communication access system. GigaBeam was instrumental in opening up the 71-76 GHz and 81
86 GHz bands in the USA.
• Antennas: flatplate and parabolic designs, ranging from 12 inches to 24 inches across
(depending on network design requirements)
• Speeds: from 1.25 Gbps to 10 Gbps
• Redundancy: simplex single links to full-duplex auto-failover systems
• Security: multiple encryption levels and network encryption reliance
• Protocols: supporting virtually any protocol, just like a fibre splice
Loea Corporation
Loea Corporation is a designer and manufacturer of ultra broadband fixed wireless
telecommunication equipment operating in the upper millimetre wave spectrum from 71-86 GHz.
Loea claims to have been the first company to demonstrate a 71-86 GHz radio system in 2001 and
first to achieve certification of a 71-86 GHz transceiver from the FCC in 2005.
Weather performance
Power
Rayawave
Rayawave is a company that manufactures millimetre-wave RF components and designs wireless
systems architecture and antennas for 70/80 GHz outdoor links as well as 60 GHz indoor and
outdoor links.
Their wireless systems design is based on “Convolution Lossless Feeding” technique that enables
deployment at distances up to 5 km and at availability of 99.999% or better.
Endwave
Endwave Corporation designs and manufactures RF modules that enable the transmission,
reception and processing of extremely high-frequency signals (1-100 GHz) in wireless
telecommunications networks. Their transmitter and receiver modules for point-to-point radio
subsystems are based on MMIC technology.
Northrop-Grumman (Velocium)
Velocium Products is a business unit of Northrop Grumman Space Technology. Their production
line encompasses a broad range of products based on MMIC technology for microwave and
millimetre-wave applications. They manufacture amplifiers, mixers and other complementary
components covering DC to 100 GHz frequency band. In addition, Velocium manufactures the
following products for 70/80 GHz links:
• Low Noise Amplifiers
• Power amplifiers
Intel
Intel is a merchant supplier of chips, MMICs and RF sub-assemblies. They are working on CMOS
MMICs for up to 100 GHz.
4.1 ATTENUATION
Free Space Path Loss
The free space path loss model is used to predict received signal strength when the transmitter and
receiver have a clear, unobstructed line-of-sight path between them. Free space path loss LdB at
distance d and frequency f can be calculated by using the following equation
Atmospheric attenuation
Atmospheric attenuation varies significantly with frequency [1] as shown in Figure 6. At lower
microwave frequencies (up to 20 GHz), atmospheric attenuation is reasonably low at a few tenths
of dB/km. A large peak is seen around 60 GHz where absorption by oxygen molecules seriously
limits radio transmission distances. After this peak, however, a large window opens up where
attenuation drops to 0.5 dB/km. After 100 GHz, atmospheric attenuation generally increases as
there are numerous molecular effects including O2 and H2O absorption at higher frequencies. It
can be seen that the spectrum from around 70 GHz to 100 GHz exhibits low atmospheric
attenuation. Therefore, the band is suitable for wireless communication.
20
15
10
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Rain Rate [mm/h]
Figure 8. Rain Attenuation versus Rain Rate for 70/80 GHz links
2.75
2.7
2.65
2.6
Diamater of Rain Cell [km]
2.55
2.5
2.45
2.4
2.35
2.3
2.25
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Rain Rate [mm/h]
In addition, the rain cell diameter is calculated for different rain rates in Figure 9, which will be
required for the interference analysis.
Clouds of ice crystals and snow do not cause appreciable attenuation, even if the rate of fall
exceeds 125 mm/h. This is due to the much-reduced loss of ice compared to water. Similar effect
on the propagation results from dust, sand and other path impairments. For example, thick fog at a
density of 0.1 g/m3 (about 50 m visibility) has just 0.4 dB/km attenuation at 70/80 GHz [3].
Penetration Loss
When millimetre-waves are propagated through various materials, they are more or less strongly
attenuated. Since, the point-to-point links considered in this report are designed for direct line-of
sight applications in an outdoor environment a detailed analysis of penetration loss is not
considered necessary.
P
M N
K N
E E
Availability
In addition, the link distance as a function of rain rate for different antenna dish diameters is
presented in Figure 11 [7].
Figure 11. Link range versus rain rate for various antenna dish diameters [6]
• Antenna shall have a minimum antenna gain of 43 dBi and a maximum 1.2 degree half-
power beamwidth
• The maximum transmit power spectral density shall be 150 mW/100 MHz
• Previously registered links are protected to 1.0 dB of degradation for a baseband signal-to
noise (S/N) ratio for analog modulation. Also, a 1.0 dB receiver threshold-to-interference
(T/I) ratio degradation limit for digital systems is adopted.
Europe
The European Radiocommunications Office (ERO) was established in May 1991 as permanent
office of the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunication Administration (CEPT) to
provide support to the European Communications Committee (ECC) on radio and
telecommunication matters. It represents 47 European spectrum regulators.
ECC/REC (05) 07 [9] defines the channel arrangements for the 71-76 GHz and 81-86 GHz bands.
Within each 5 GHz bandwidth, nineteen 250 MHz channels are defined, with a 125 MHz guard
band at the bottom and top of each 5 GHz band. Aggregation of any number of channels, from 1 to
19, is permitted. Furthermore, the specified channels may be used for either time division duplex
(TDD) or frequency division duplex (FDD) systems within the single band, or in combination with
other bands.
The technical requirements for millimetre wave equipment operated in the fixed service in the 71
76 GHz and 81-86 GHz bands are described in [10], and can be summarised as:
• The maximum total output power at antenna port shall not exceed 30 dBm;
• The maximum radio frequency tolerance shall not exceed ±150 ppm.
• Flexible Band Plan is adopted, where a 4.75 GHz block is available in both 71-76 and
81-86 GHz bands, with a 125 MHz guard band at the top and the bottom of each 5 GHz
band to ensure adjacent band compatibility;
• The band will be open on non-exclusive national licence basis. The licence term will be
indefinite with a 5 year notice period for revocation;
• Light licensing arrangement with e-enabled link registration process is adopted. The
online facility will not perform detailed link budget and assignment calculation. It is
expected that the licenses would carry out this functions themselves or employ the
services of a third party to advise them in relation to interference management;
• Links will be self-coordinated i.e. coordinating between links will be the responsibility
of the licence holder. In cases where coordination is not possible, then the earlier
registered link will have priority. If an interference case results, then the later link will
be removed from the register;
• The maximum EIRP for the 71-76 and 81-86 GHz bands shall be equal +55 dBW;
• The maximum total output power at antenna port shall not exceed 0 dBW;
• In order to give as much control as possible to the market, interference criteria will not
be specified by Ofcom. Instead the licensees will have the responsibility to assess the
interference potential to existing links. This together with the ability to self coordinate
gives the licensees the freedom to plan and negotiate with other users of the band based
on their specific systems.
Power spectral density limit Max EIRP for spectrum band Max EIRP for spectrum
band
150 mW/100MHz +55 dBW
+45 dBW
Max transmit power limit (at Max transmit power limit (at
antenna port) antenna port)
+30 dBm +30 dBm
Table 2. Overview of the arrangements for 71-76 and 81-86 GHz links in the USA, UK and
Europe
Fixed-satellite service Bands within the 71-76 GHz spectrum bands have
allocations for space-to-Earth fixed-satellite
services. While bands within the 81-86 GHz band
have allocations for Earth-to-space fixed-satellite
services.
Mobile-satellite service The 71-74 GHz band has allocation for space-to-
Earth mobile-satellite services. While the 81-84
GHz band has allocation for Earth-to-space mobile-
satellite services.
Broadcasting and Broadcasting- The 74-76 GHz band is also allocated for
satellite broadcasting and broadcasting-satellite services.
Space research service The bands 74-76 GHz and 81-84 GHz have
allocations for the space research service (space-to-
Earth), but on the secondary basis.
Table 4. Service allocations within the 71-76 GHz and 81-86 GHz bands
Mobile Service
There is a limited potential for outdoor mobile applications in the 71-74 GHz and 81-84 GHz
bands because of high attenuation and line-of-sight propagation in these bands. Interference from
70/80 GHz point-to-point links to mobile services is highly unlikely due to the use of narrow
beamwidth antennas that are proposed for these applications.
Fixed-Satellite Service
In Australia, fixed-satellite services are primarily delivered within C-band (3.4-4.2 GHz for
downlink and 5.85—6.65 GHz for uplink) and Ku-band (11.45-12.75 GHz downlink and 14-14.5
GHz for uplink), and as such their operations will not be affected by fixed point-to-point services
in 70/80 GHz band. On the other hand, advance notice of the VINASAT-3B2 satellite that will
possibly use the 71-75 GHz band has been submitted to the ITU by the Vietnam Posts and
Telecommunications Group (VNPT). The coverage area of this satellite includes Australia.
However, the first Vietnamese satellite VINASAT-1 is only planned to be launched in 2008, and
there is no available date for the launching VINASAT-3B2, but it is not expected to be in the near
future. Therefore, it is not possible to provide a detailed interference analysis at this stage.
Defence use
Potential future defence interest in the use of 71-74 GHz, 74-76 GHz and 81-84 GHz bands is
indicated by footnote AUS62 [13]. The Department of Defence has been consulted regarding their
potential interest in these bands.
The focus in this section is on unchannelised coordination with the worst-case assumptions, i.e. co
channel interference coordination.
The primary source of interference for narrow-beam 70/80 GHz links is line-of-sight power
directed into the main lobe or a sidelobe of a victim receive antenna. Other effects such as
multipath and atmospheric stratification are not significant for operation in this band due to the
extremely narrow beams in which the radiation propagates.
In [15], the interference analysis is based on threshold-to-interference (T/I) ratio. It is
recommended that successful path coordination should guarantee that interference could never
cause carrier-to-interference (C/I) level to be less than the manufacturer recommended T/I level
(Figure 12), except in special cases (such as very short link path lengths) where the service
availability of the affected receiver will always remain acceptable despite the interference.
C/N
Unfaded Inference Level IUF
Thermal Noise Level
T/I
Figure 12. Signal level diagram relating receiver carrier, threshold, and noise floor levels with
faded and unfaded interference objectives levels [15]
The advantages of using T/I-based criteria are that the difference in thresholds, due to bit rate,
modulation technique (transmission efficiency), coding gain and noise figure, are all taken into
account, and that the absolute level of allowable interference can be easily determined by
subtracting the T/I ratio from the static threshold (defined for bit-error-rate equal to 10-6) of
particular digital receiver.
angle θ
r
d
Rain cell
1
Data on the spatial correlation of the rain event is scant. However, a rudimentary model can be based on work published in [16].
The following examples are given to facilitate determination of the possible worst-case scenario
under different weather conditions. The criterion (4) has to be satisfied in the following cases:
C / I Actual ≥ T / I Required (4)
1. The victim link carrier level to reach the static threshold
2. The victim link ATPC (Adaptive Transmit Power Control) to begin to increase the transmitter
power
3. The interfering link ATPC to reach maximum power
Example 1
Approximately Collinear Desired and Interfering Propagation Paths
A Rain B
Figure 14. Rain fading geometry – ATPC power increase at A does not increase interference at
D
If the interference path from interfering transmitter to victim receiver is within the included angle
θ, as illustrated in Fig. 13, then the interference at D from transmitter A under clear-air conditions
is the highest that will occur. Under clear-air conditions, transmitter A will be using its reduced
ATPC power.
A D
Rain
Figure 15. Rain fading geometry – desired signal fading equal to interference signal fading
A rain cell that affects the desired signal path (C-D link) attenuates the desired signal, and
attenuates the interference signal by an equal amount.
A D
Rain
Figure 16. Rain fading geometry – desired signal fades less than interfering signal
A rain cell that occurs beyond the desired link may attenuate the interference signal while not
affecting the desired signal.
Therefore, the interference level and C/I ratio that are calculated under clear-air conditions are
worst–case values that will not be degraded by the rain.
A D
Rain
B
Figure 17. Rain fading geometry – equal rate-of-fading of interference and desired signals
In this case, C/I analysis is recommended. Based on the minimum 2km rain cell diameter, the
analysis is recommended when the interfering link, the victim link, and the path of inference are
located within 1km of the victim receiver. For example, the calculation is done for 9dB/km of the
rain attenuation, and it seems that the lighter rain regime could be more critical causing the link to
fail [15].
The Paul Wild and Mopra observatories operate in the band 75-115 GHz. Part of the band, 76-86
GHz is protected with the ITU footnote 149. But, only 81-86 GHz band is potentially subject to
interference from the high capacity fixed point-to-point links. Hence the protection of the radio
astronomy services within the band 81-86 GHz will be the focus of analysis in this section.
Spectral power
Location Latitude/Longitude Frequency band flux-density
(GHz) (dB(W/(m2⋅Hz)))
In [18], notification zones are defined for apparatus licensed services around radio astronomy
facilities. The purpose was to prescribe a process for notification of prospective frequency
assignment to apparatus licensed services that might impede or degrade the operation of radio
astronomy facilities. However, considering that the 81-86 GHz band is not taken into consideration
in [18] it is necessary to calculate the notification zone radius for the 81-86 GHz band that would
be adequate to avoid possible interference arising from the use of the fixed point-to-point links in
the 71-76 and 81-86 GHz bands.
Based on the Recommendation ITU-R RA.1031-1 [19], transmission loss can be calculated as
Lb ( p ) = Pt + Gt + Gr − Pr ( p )
In this analysis, transmission loss comprises free-space propagation loss and atmospheric
absorption loss.
2
Spectral power flux density is determined based on the Recommendation ITU-R RA.769 [17] for the 81-86 GHz band.
3
Antenna gain is taken as typical from the manufacturer’s product specification lists (Section 3).
4
Based on the Recommendation ITU-R RA.769 [17], for the assessment of interference to radioastronomy from transmitter used for terrestrial
radiocommunications, a value of 0 dBi is adopted for the gain of the radioastronomy antenna in the direction of the horizon.
5
Many radioastronomy measurements can tolerate levels of interference from a shared service which exceed these thresholds for 10% of the time.
Maximum permissible interference power is found from spectral power flux density [19] for the 81-86 GHz band.
In this section, we will discuss interference risk from the out-of-band and spurious emissions from
vehicle radar operating in the 76 GHz to 77 GHz range on fixed wireless point-to-point link
operating in the 71-76 and 81-86 GHz band.
Firstly, we define out-of-band emissions and spurious emissions. Out-of-band emissions are
residual emissions related to the intentional emissions radiated by the antennas on the frequencies
immediately outside the permitted range of frequencies which may result from the modulation
process. Spurious emissions are emissions radiated by the antenna or the transmitter cabinet on a
frequency, or frequencies, outside the permitted range of frequencies occupied by the transmitter.
Spurious emissions include harmonic emissions, parasitic emissions, intermodulation products, but
exclude out-of-band emissions
While there is no specific requirement for the minimal level of spurious and out-of-band emissions
from the vehicular radar operating in the 76-77 GHz band that has been specified by the ACMA,
for the purposes of the interference risk analysis, the FCC and ETSI recommended levels [20,21]
will be used. The ACMA may consider including such requirements, or impose more rigorous
ones, within a future revision of the low interference potential device (LIPD) class licence to
minimize the risk of interference in adjacent spectrum.
The recommendations for vehicle radar system operation within the band 76-77 GHz are defined
in the FCC report and order [21]. It is specified that the power density of any emission outside the
operating band shall be considered to consist solely of spurious emissions. Furthermore, the limits
for radiated emissions outside the operating band and between 40 GHz and 200 GHz, measured at
a distance of 3 m from the exterior surface of the radiating structure, shall not exceed the limits
given in the Table 7 [21].
73.5 -76 0
77 – 79.5 0
40 – 100 -30
NF [dB] 8
In this section, we will discuss potential interference to and from adjacent bands and propose a
solution to minimise the risk of interference to and from fixed point-to-point and other services in
the millimetre band.
Firstly, in the previous section, the potential interference risk from the spurious and out-of-band
emissions from vehicular radar operating in the 76-77 GHz band has been discussed. Although,
the minimum level of spurious and out-of-band emissions was not specified by ACMA, the out-of
band emissions are implicitly restricted by defining transmitter “99% power” emission bandwidth
[22]. Namely, the occupied bandwidth is defined as the band which leaves 0.5% of the signal
power above and 0.5% of the signal power below the bandwidth limits. In such a way, the band
contains 99% of the signal power.
By applying the transmitter “99% power” emission bandwidth and taking into account that the
maximum permissible EIRP emitted by the vehicle radar within the 76-77 GHz band is 25 W, the
emissions in the 125 MHz adjacent bands may achieve the significant level given in Table 8, also
recommended by the ETSI [21].
Secondly the adjacent 86-92 GHz band is allocated to the Radio Astronomy, Earth-Exploration
Satellite and Space Research Services. It has been proposed in this paper to protect the radio
astronomy service through the application of notification zones. While the Earth-Exploration
Satellite and Space Research Services are allocated in the Australian Radiofrequency Spectrum
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers – Standards Association (IEEE-SA) has not
issued any particular standards for operation within the 71-76 GHz and 81-86 GHz bands.
However, the IEEE 802.18 Radio Regulatory Technical Advisory group has commenced work
towards such standards based on FCC WT Docket No. 02-146 [23].
Power density limitation for general safety requirements are specified in Radio Protection
Standards issued by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA).
In frequency range above 6 GHz and up to 300 GHz, basic restrictions are provided on both
instantaneous and time averaged incident power flux density (Table 11.) to prevent excessive
heating in tissue at or near the body surface and to protect against effects associated with
extremely high level pulsed fields.
Table 11. Basic restriction for time averaged and instantaneous incident power flux density
The maximum power flux density expected in the radiating near field can be estimated using the
following equation
4P ⎡ W ⎤
Surface power denisty = ⎢⎣ m 2 ⎥⎦
A
where P denotes the net power delivered to the antenna in [W], and A denotes the physical area of
the aperture in [m2].
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
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.
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.
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.
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,
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.
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.
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].
2003.