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Allocations

U.S. Non-Federal-Government Allocations

11.7 - 12.2 GHz
FIXED-SATELLITE (space-to-Earth) 5.485 5.488 NG55 NG143

FCC Rule Parts:
Satellite Communications (25)

Relevant FCC Auctions:
Auction 53 (Multichannel Video Distribution & Data Service (MVDDS)), $118,721,835
Auction 63 (Multichannel Video Distribution & Data Service (MVDDS)), $133,160
Total net auction bids: $118,854,995

U.S. Federal Government Allocations

11.7 - 12.2 GHz

ITU Region 1 Allocations

11.7 - 12.5 GHz
FIXED
MOBILE except aeronautical mobile
BROADCASTING
BROADCASTING-SATELLITE 5.492

5.487 5.487A

ITU Region 2 Allocations

11.7 - 12.1 GHz
FIXED 5.486
FIXED-SATELLITE (space-to-Earth) 5.484A 5.488
Mobile except aeronautical mobile

5.485

ITU Region 3 Allocations

11.7 - 12.2 GHz
FIXED
MOBILE except aeronautical mobile
BROADCASTING
BROADCASTING-SATELLITE 5.492

5.487 5.487A

SpectrumWiki

Direct Broadcast Satellite TV

DISH Network

Ligado Networks

Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave

Multichannel Video Distribution & Data Service (MVDDS)

Possible new FSS allocations, 2015 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-15) Agenda Item 1.6

SkyBridge

Footnotes

5.484A The use of the bands 10.95-11.2 GHz (space-to-Earth), 11.45-11.7 GHz (space-to-Earth), 11.7-12.2 GHz (space-to-Earth) in Region 2, 12.2-12.75 GHz (space-to-Earth) in Region 3, 12.5-12.75 GHz (space-to-Earth) in Region 1, 13.75-14.5 GHz (Earth-to-space), 17.8-18.6 GHz (space-to-Earth), 19.7-20.2 GHz (space-to-Earth), 27.5-28.6 GHz (Earth-to-space), 29.5-30 GHz (Earth-to-space) by a non-geostationary-satellite system in the fixed-satellite service is subject to application of the provisions of No. 9.12 for coordination with other non-geostationary-satellite systems in the fixed-satellite service. Non-geostationary-satellite systems in the fixed-satellite service shall not claim protection from geostationary-satellite networks in the fixed-satellite service operating in accordance with the Radio Regulations, irrespective of the dates of receipt by the Bureau of the complete coordination or notification information, as appropriate, for the non-geostationary-satellite systems in the fixed-satellite service and of the complete coordination or notification information, as appropriate, for the geostationary-satellite networks, and No. 5.43A does not apply. Non-geostationary-satellite systems in the fixed-satellite service in the above bands shall be operated in such a way that any unacceptable interference that may occur during their operation shall be rapidly eliminated.

5.485 In Region 2, in the band 11.7-12.2 GHz, transponders on space stations in the fixed-satellite service may be used additionally for transmissions in the broadcasting-satellite service, provided that such transmissions do not have a maximum e.i.r.p. greater than 53 dBW per television channel and do not cause greater interference or require more protection from interference than the coordinated fixed-satellite service frequency assignments. With respect to the space services, this band shall be used principally for the fixed-satellite service.

5.486 Different category of service: in Mexico and the United States, the allocation of the band 11.7-12.1 GHz to the fixed service is on a secondary basis (see No. 5.32).

5.487 In the band 11.7-12.5 GHz in Regions 1 and 3, the fixed, fixed-satellite, mobile, except aeronautical mobile, and broadcasting services, in accordance with their respective allocations, shall not cause harmful interference to, or claim protection from, broadcasting-satellite stations operating in accordance with the Regions 1 and 3 Plan in Appendix 30.

5.487A Additional allocation: in Region 1, the band 11.7-12.5 GHz, in Region 2, the band 12.2-12.7 GHz and, in Region 3, the band 11.7-12.2 GHz, are also allocated to the fixed-satellite service (space-to-Earth) on a primary basis, limited to non-geostationary systems and subject to application of the provisions of No. 9.12 for coordination with other non-geostationary-satellite systems in the fixed-satellite service. Non-geostationary-satellite systems in the fixed-satellite service shall not claim protection from geostationary-satellite networks in the broadcasting-satellite service operating in accordance with the Radio Regulations, irrespective of the dates of receipt by the Bureau of the complete coordination or notification information, as appropriate, for the non-geostationary-satellite systems in the fixed-satellite service and of the complete coordination or notification information, as appropriate, for the geostationary-satellite networks, and No. 5.43A does not apply. Non-geostationary-satellite systems in the fixed-satellite service in the above bands shall be operated in such a way that any unacceptable interference that may occur during their operation shall be rapidly eliminated.

5.488 The use of the band 11.7-12.2 GHz by geostationary-satellite networks in the fixed-satellite service in Region 2 is subject to application of the provisions of No. 9.14 for coordination with stations of terrestrial services in Regions 1, 2 and 3. For the use of the band 12.2-12.7 GHz by the broadcasting-satellite service in Region 2, see Appendix 30.

5.492 Assignments to stations of the broadcasting-satellite service which are in conformity with the appropriate regional Plan or included in the Regions 1 and 3 List in Appendix 30 may also be used for transmissions in the fixed-satellite service (space-to-Earth), provided that such transmissions do not cause more interference, or require more protection from interference, than the broadcasting-satellite service transmissions operating in conformity with the Plan or the List, as appropriate.

Could not find NG55

NG143 In the band 11.7-12.2 GHz, protection from harmful interference shall be afforded to transmissions from space stations not in conformance with ITU Radio Regulation No. 5.488 only if the operations of such space stations impose no unacceptable constraints on operations or orbit locations of space stations in conformance with No. 5.488.

SpectrumWiki

Direct Broadcast Satellite TV

In the U.S., the band 12.2-12.7 GHz is used for satellite TV, such as DISH Network and DIRECTV. These high-power emissions are designed to be received directly by consumers using small (18") satellite dishes.

Each satellite typically carries 16 to 32 transponders, each with a bandwidth of 27 MHz. Each transponder carries multiple television and audio channels. The transponder signals are transmitted in one of two orthoganal polarizations, which allows the transponder signals to overlap in frequency.

As an example, the Echostar 12 satellite in GEO orbit at 61.5 deg W longitude (one of the satellites used by DISH Network) has the following set of transponders:

Center Frequency (MHz)	Polarization (Left/Right Circular)
12224	R
12239	L
12253	R
12266	L
12282	R
12311	R
12326	L
12341	R
12355	L
12370	R
12399	R
12414	L
12428	R
12443	L
12472	L
12486	R
12501	L
12516	R
12530	L
12545	R
12559	L
12574	R
12603	R
12632	R
12647	L
12661	R
12676	L

Various Internet sites list the transponders used by each satellite, and even map the specific TV stations carried on each transponder (see the references).

An attached plot shows the 12.2-12.7 GHz band as observed at a radio astronomy site in West Virginia. The individual transponders are clearly visible, and multiple satellites are visible as the receiving antenna sweeps along the geostationary arc.

Frequency Bands
Band	Use	Service	Table
12.2 - 12.7 GHz	Direct Broadcast Satellite TV	BS	N

External Links:

List of satellite transponders by company & satellite (SATHINT)

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DISH Network

DISH network uses the 12.2-12.7 GHz band for its direct broadcast satellite TV service. This is the band received by customers who subscribe to the DISH Network service. The satellites also transmit relatively narrowband (300 kHz-1 MHz) telemetry, tracking, and control (TT&C) signals in this band, primarily in the lower and upper few MHz of the band.

DISH uses 17.3-17.8 GHz for feeder links (uploading the TV signals from the ground to the satellites), from earth stations located in Cheyenne, WY, and Gilbert, AZ. It also sends relatively narrowband (36 kHz-800 kHz) telemetry, tracking, and control signals to the satellites from these earth stations, primarily in the lower and upper few MHz of the band.

Frequency Bands
Band	Use	Service	Table
12.2 - 12.7 GHz	DISH Network direct broadcast TV service & affiliated TT&C signals	BS	N
17.3 - 17.8 GHz	DISH Network feeder links and TT&C signals	Fixed-satellite	N

External Links:

DISH Network's Cheyenne, WY, earth station facility (Google Maps)

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Ligado Networks

Ligado Networks, formerly LightSquared, formerly Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV), operates space- and ground-based wireless services. The space services were originally provided using the MSAT-1 and MSAT-2 satellites in geostationary orbit, but now uses the Skyterra-1 satellite, also in GSO at the 101 deg W orbital slot. A second satellite, Skyterra-2, was planned, but is on hold due to the earlier LightSquared bankruptcy.

MSAT-1 was launched in 1996 operated by U.S. and Canadian companies, while MSAT-2, also referred to as AMSC-1 (for American Mobile Satellite Consortium), was launched in 1995 and operated by American companies. MSAT-1 was located at 106.5 W, and MSAT-2 was located at 101 W.

LightSquared originally desired to supplement its mobile-satellite service with an Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC) network comprised of up to 40,000 base stations in their 1525-1559 MHz band. However, concern over interference to the embedded base of GPS receivers operating just above 1559 MHz scuttled that idea after it had already been approved by the FCC. Lawsuits and bankruptcy soon followed. In 2016, Ligado filed a plan with the FCC, agreeing to move its ATC operations to the lower part of the band at

Frequency Bands
Band	Use	Service	Table
1530 - 1544 MHz	LightSquared MSAT-2 Satellite (space-to-Earth)	Mobile-satellite	N
1545 - 1559 MHz	LightSquared MSAT-2 Satellite (space-to-Earth)	Mobile-satellite	N
1631.5 - 1645.5 MHz	LightSquared MSAT-2 Satellite (Earth-to-space)	Mobile-satellite	N
1646.5 - 1660.5 MHz	LightSquared MSAT-2 Satellite (Earth-to-space)	Mobile-satellite	N
13 - 13.15 GHz	LightSquared MSAT-2 Satellite Feeder Links (Earth-to-space)	Fixed-satellite	N
13.2 - 13.25 GHz	LightSquared MSAT-2 Satellite Feeder Links (Earth-to-space)	Fixed-satellite	N

Frequencies
Frequency	Bandwidth	Use	Service	Table
11.7005 GHz	-	LightSquared MSAT-2 Satellite TT&C (space-to-Earth)	Fixed-satellite	N
11.701 GHz	-	LightSquared MSAT-2 Satellite TT&C (space-to-Earth)	Fixed-satellite	N
14.005 GHz	-	LightSquared MSAT-2 Satellite TT&C (Earth-to-space)	Fixed-satellite	N
14.4995 GHz	-	LightSquared MSAT-2 Satellite TT&C (Earth-to-space)	Fixed-satellite	N

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Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave

These bands are permitted for use by common carrier fixed point-to-point microwave systems under Part 101, Subparts C & I of the FCC rules.

Frequency Bands
Band	Use	Service	Table
2450 - 2500 MHz	Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave	Fixed	N
3700 - 4200 MHz	Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave (max bandwidth 20 MHz)	Fixed	N
5925 - 6425 MHz	Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave (max bandwidth 30 MHz)	Fixed	N
6425 - 6525 MHz	Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave (max bandwidth 25 MHz)	Fixed	N
6525 - 6875 MHz	Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave (max bandwidth 30 MHz)	Fixed	N
10.55 - 10.68 GHz	Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave	Fixed	N
10.7 - 11.7 GHz	Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave (max bandwidth 40 MHz)	Fixed	N
13.2 - 13.25 GHz	Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave (max bandwidth 25 MHz)	Fixed	N
17.7 - 18.58 GHz	Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave (max bandwidth 220 MHz)	Fixed	N
18.58 - 18.82 GHz	Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave (max bandwidth 20 MHz)	Fixed	N
18.82 - 18.92 GHz	Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave (max bandwidth 10 MHz)	Fixed	N
18.92 - 19.16 GHz	Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave (max bandwidth 20 MHz)	Fixed	N
19.16 - 19.26 GHz	Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave (max bandwidth 10 MHz)	Fixed	N
19.26 - 19.7 GHz	Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave (max bandwidth 220 MHz)	Fixed	N
21.2 - 23.6 GHz	Common Carrier Fixed Point-to-Point Microwave (max bandwidth 50 MHz)	Fixed	N

External Links:

FCC NPRM and NOI on Backhaul (FCC 10-146)

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Multichannel Video Distribution & Data Service (MVDDS)

According to the FCC:

Multichannel Video Distribution and Data Service (MVDDS) provides consumers with TV programming and Internet connectivity from terrestrial transmitters, under exacting technical arrangements that permit it to share the spectrum with satellites (Direct Broadcast Satellites Service). MVDDS is licensed for market areas on the basis of MVDs. See PN DA 04-1717.

Each licensee receives one spectrum block of 500 megahertz per geographic area that can be partitioned into any size channels. Disaggregation is not allowed.
MVDDS licensees may use spectrum in the 12.2 – 12.7 GHz band for any digital fixed non-broadcast service including one-way direct-to-home/office wireless service. Mobile and aeronautical services are not authorized.

The FCC held Multichannel Video Distribution and Data Service (MVDDS) auctions in January 2004 (Auction 53) and in December 2005 (Auction 63).

The FCC requires most wireless telecommunications services licensees 1) to construct their authorized system or meet specific coverage requirements within a given time period and 2) to notify the Commission that the requirement has been met. This time period varies depending on the radio service in which the license is held.

Frequency Bands
Band	Use	Service	Table
12.2 - 12.7 GHz	Multichannel Video Distribution & Data Service (MVDDS)	Fixed	N

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Possible new FSS allocations, 2015 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-15) Agenda Item 1.6

1.6 to consider possible additional primary allocations:

1.6.1 to the fixed-satellite service (Earth-to-space and space-to Earth) of 250 MHz in the range between 10 GHz and 17 GHz in Region 1

1.6.2 to the fixed-satellite service (Earth-to-space) of 250 MHz in Region 2 and 300 MHz in Region 3 within the range 13-17 GHz;

and review the regulatory provisions on the current allocations to the fixed-satellite service within each range, taking into account the results of ITU-R studies, in accordance with Resolutions COM6/4 (WRC-12) and COM6/5 (WRC-12), respectively

Frequency Bands
Band	Use	Service	Table
10000 MHz - 17 GHz	Agenda Item 1.6.1 (Region 1)	Fixed-satellite	-
13 - 17 GHz	Agenda Item 1.6.2 (Regions 2 & 3)	Fixed-satellite	-

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SkyBridge

SkyBridge LLC filed in 1997 with the FCC to provide fixed-satellite service operations from a network of 80 non-GSO satellites, operating 4 satellites per plane in 20 planes, inclined 53 deg. The satellites would be in circular orbits at an altitude of 1469.3 km. The FCC granted launch and operation authority to SkyBridge in 2005 (DA 05-2037), but SkyBridge was never launched.

In 2014, a company registered/operating under the names L5 and WorldVu, based in the Channel Islands, acquired SkyBridge's Ku-band spectrum rights at the ITU. According to a May 30, 2014, Space News article, WorldVu would consist of 360 small satellites operating at between 800 and 950 km altitude at an inclination of 88.2 deg (near polar orbit). Space News quotes the filing as indicating the satellite system would come into use in 2019 or 2020.

WorldVu/L5 is reportedly backed by Google.

Frequency Bands
Band	Use	Service	Table
10.7 - 12.7 GHz	SkyBridge downlink	Fixed-satellite	-
12.7 - 12.75 GHz	SkyBridge downlink (outside Western Hemisphere)	Fixed-satellite	-
12.75 - 13.25 GHz	SkyBridge uplink	Fixed-satellite	-
13.75 - 14.5 GHz	SkyBridge uplink	Fixed-satellite	-
17.3 - 18.1 GHz	SkyBridge uplink (outside U.S.; non-harmful interference basis)	Fixed-satellite	-

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Add New...

Related Documents, Links, and Multimedia:

FCC Proceeding (1)

FCC Earth Stations Aboard Aircraft (ESAA) Order and NPRM

Summary of FCC 12-161:

This Report and Order implements ESAA as an application of the FSS. The FSS involves communication between satellites in orbit and earth stations in fixed locations. Advancing technology, however, has made it possible for mobile platforms to maintain antenna pointing accuracy sufficient to keep an earth station antenna focused on a satellite while maintaining communications and preventing interference with adjacent satellites. There are currently two mobile applications in the FSS: Earth Stations on board Vessels (ESV) and Vehicle-Mounted Earth Stations (VMES), which provide satellite communications with vessels and land vehicles respectively. ESAA is the “third leg” of mobile applications in the FSS. By means of satellite antennas mounted on the exterior of aircraft, satellites will be able to communicate with mobile devices used by passengers and crew of those aircraft. The satellite antenna will carry the signal to and from the aircraft, and mobile technologies such as Wi-Fi will provide communications within the aircraft’s hull.

Since 2001, we have authorized, on an ad hoc basis, the use of GSO FSS space stations to provide wireless connectivity to airborne aircraft. These authorizations allow the provision of broadband services to passengers on a non-harmful interference basis, and several airlines are operating under the terms of those authorizations.

This Report and Order formalizes ESAA as a licensed application in the FSS by:

- Allocating ESAA on a primary basis in the 11.7-12.2 GHz (space-to-Earth) band,

- Allocating ESAA on an unprotected basis in the 10.95-11.2 GHz and 11.45-11.7 GHz (space-to-Earth) bands,

- Allocating ESAA on a secondary basis in the 14.0-14.5 GHz band (Earth-to-space),

- Requiring ESAA licensees to coordinate their operations with stations in the Space Research Service and the Radioastronomy Service to prevent interference,

- Adopting technical rules for the operation of ESAA systems to ensure that ESAA systems do not interfere with other FSS users or terrestrial Fixed Service (FS) users,

- Adopting licensing requirements and operational requirements for ESAA for both U.S.-registered aircraft and for non-U.S.-registered aircraft operating in U.S. airspace,

- Requiring ESAA licensees to operate consistently with the Communications Assistance to Law Enforcement Act (CALEA), and

- Declining at this time to extend certain requirements concerning 1.5/1.6 GHz safety services to other frequency bands, including those used by ESAA.

This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking requests comment on a proposal to elevate the
allocation status of ESAA in the 14.0-14.5 GHz band from secondary to primary, which would make the ESAA allocation equal to the allocations of ESV and VMES. This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Report and Order implements ESAA as an application whose allocation status and technical and licensing rules are consistent with those of ESV and VMES. ESAA will allow licensees to bring broadband service to an underserved sector: passengers and crew aboard aircraft in flight.

Frequencies/Bands

10.95 - 11.2 GHz

11.45 - 12.2 GHz

14 - 14.5 GHz

Document type and status: FCC proceeding (Current)
Document date or date of hyperlink query: January 28, 2013
Fcc Docket(s): IB Docket No. 12-376, IB Docket No. 05-20

FCC Earth Stations Aboard Aircraft (ESAA) Order and NPRM

Edit...

Legislation (1)

Engineering Data

	Lower Frequency	Center Frequency	Upper Frequency
Frequency	11.7 GHz	12.1 GHz	12.5 GHz
Wavelength	2.6 cm	2.5 cm	2.4 cm
Band designator(s)	SHF; X-band (IEEE)	SHF; Ku-band (IEEE)	SHF; Ku-band (IEEE)
Isotropic collecting area	0.5 cm²	0.5 cm²	0.5 cm²
Free space loss (1 m)	53.8 dB	54.1 dB	54.2 dB
Free space loss (1 km)	113.8 dB	114.1 dB	114.2 dB
Free space loss (10 km)	133.8 dB	134.1 dB	134.2 dB
Free space loss (100 km)	153.8 dB	154.1 dB	154.2 dB
Free space loss (1000 km)	173.8 dB	174.1 dB	174.2 dB
Free space loss (35,786 km = GEO orbit)	204.9 dB	205.2 dB	205.3 dB
Free space loss (378,370 km = Moon)	225.4 dB	225.7 dB	225.7 dB