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Allocations

U.S. Non-Federal-Government Allocations

13.75 - 14 GHz
FIXED-SATELLITE (Earth-to-space) US337
Standard frequency and time signal-satellite (Earth-to-space)
Space research
Radiolocation

US356 US357

FCC Rule Parts:
Satellite Communications (25)
Private Land Mobile (90)

U.S. Federal Government Allocations

13.75 - 14 GHz
RADIOLOCATION G59
Standard frequency and time signal-satellite (Earth-to-space)
Space research US337

US356 US357

ITU Region 1 Allocations

13.75 - 14 GHz
FIXED-SATELLITE (Earth-to-space) 5.484A
RADIOLOCATION
Earth exploration-satellite
Standard frequency and time signal-satellite
Space research

5.499 5.500 5.501 5.502 5.503

ITU Region 2 Allocations

13.75 - 14 GHz
FIXED-SATELLITE (Earth-to-space) 5.484A
RADIOLOCATION
Earth exploration-satellite
Standard frequency and time signal-satellite
Space research

5.499 5.500 5.501 5.502 5.503

ITU Region 3 Allocations

13.75 - 14 GHz
FIXED-SATELLITE (Earth-to-space) 5.484A
RADIOLOCATION
Earth exploration-satellite
Standard frequency and time signal-satellite
Space research

5.499 5.500 5.501 5.502 5.503

SpectrumWiki

Proposed Air-Ground Broadband for Passengers Aboard Aircraft

NASA Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS)

SkyBridge

WRC-27 agenda item regarding FSS uplink antenna sizes

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

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.

5.499 Additional allocation: in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, the band 13.25-14 GHz is also allocated to the fixed service on a primary basis.

5.500 Additional allocation: in Algeria, Angola, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Brunei Darussalam, Cameroon, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Gabon, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Morocco, Mauritania, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, the Syrian Arab Republic, Singapore, Sudan, Chad and Tunisia, the band 13.4-14 GHz is also allocated to the fixed and mobile services on a primary basis.

5.501 Additional allocation: in Azerbaijan, Hungary, Japan, Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, Romania and Turkmenistan, the band 13.4-14 GHz is also allocated to the radionavigation service on a primary basis. (WRC-07)

5.502 In the band 13.75-14 GHz, an earth station of a geostationary fixed-satellite service network shall have a minimum antenna diameter of 1.2 m and an earth station of a non-geostationary fixed-satellite service system shall have a minimum antenna diameter of 4.5 m. In addition, the e.i.r.p., averaged over one second, radiated by a station in the radiolocation or radionavigation services shall not exceed 59 dBW for elevation angles above 2º and 65 dBW at lower angles. Before an administration brings into use an earth station in a geostationary-satellite network in the fixed-satellite service in this band with an antenna diameter smaller than 4.5 m, it shall ensure that the power flux-density produced by this earth station does not exceed:

–115 dB(W/(m² · 10 MHz)) for more than 1% of the time produced at 36 m above sea level at the low water mark, as officially recognized by the coastal State;
–115 dB(W/(m² · 10 MHz)) for more than 1% of the time produced 3 m above ground at the border of the territory of an administration deploying or planning to deploy land mobile radars in this band, unless prior agreement has been obtained.

For earth stations within the fixed-satellite service having an antenna diameter greater than or equal to 4.5 m, the e.i.r.p. of any emission should be at least 68 dBW and should not exceed 85 dBW.

5.503 In the band 13.75-14 GHz, geostationary space stations in the space research service for which information for advance publication has been received by the Bureau prior to 31 January 1992 shall operate on an equal basis with stations in the fixed-satellite service; after that date, new geostationary space stations in the space research service will operate on a secondary basis. Until those geostationary space stations in the space research service for which information for advance publication has been received by the Bureau prior to 31 January 1992 cease to operate in this band:

- in the band 13.77-13.78 GHz, the e.i.r.p. density of emissions from any earth station in the fixed-satellite service operating with a space station in geostationary-satellite orbit shall not exceed:

i) 4.7D + 28 dB(W/40 kHz), where D is the fixed-satellite service earth station antenna diameter (m) for antenna diameters equal to or greater than 1.2 m and less than 4.5 m;
ii) 49.2 + 20 log(D/4.5) dB(W/40 kHz), where D is the fixed-satellite service earth station antenna diameter (m) for antenna diameters equal to or greater than 4.5 m and less than 31.9 m;
iii) 66.2 dB(W/40 kHz) for any fixed-satellite service earth station for antenna diameters (m) equal to or greater than 31.9 m;
iv) 56.2 dB(W/4 kHz) for narrow-band (less than 40 kHz of necessary bandwidth) fixed-satellite service earth station emissions from any fixed-satellite service earth station having an antenna diameter of 4.5 m or greater;

- the e.i.r.p. density of emissions from any earth station in the fixed-satellite service operating with a space station in non-geostationary-satellite orbit shall not exceed 51 dBW in the 6 MHz band from 13.772 to 13.778 GHz.

Automatic power control may be used to increase the e.i.r.p. density in these frequency ranges to compensate for rain attenuation, to the extent that the power flux-density at the fixed-satellite service space station does not exceed the value resulting from use by an earth station of an e.i.r.p. meeting the above limits in clear-sky conditions.

US337 In the band 13.75-13.8 GHz, the FCC shall coordinate earth stations in the fixed-satellite service with NTIA on a case-by-case basis in order to minimize harmful interference to the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System’s forward space-to-space link (TDRSS forward link-to-LEO).

US356 In the band 13.75-14 GHz, an earth station in the fixed-satellite service shall have a minimum antenna diameter of 4.5 m and the e.i.r.p. of any emission should be at least 68 dBW and should not exceed 85 dBW. In addition the e.i.r.p., averaged over one second, radiated by a station in the radiolocation service shall not exceed 59 dBW. Receiving space stations in the fixed-satellite service shall not claim protection from radiolocation transmitting stations operating in accordance with the United States Table of Frequency Allocations. ITU Radio Regulation No. 5.43A does not apply.

US357 In the band 13.75-14 GHz, geostationary space stations in the space research service for which information for advance publication has been received by the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau (Bureau) prior to 31 January 1992 shall operate on an equal basis with stations in the fixed-satellite service; after that date, new geostationary space stations in the space research service will operate on a secondary basis. Until those geostationary space stations in the space research service for which information for advance publication has been received by the Bureau prior to 31 January 1992 cease to operate in this band:

a) the e.i.r.p. density of emissions from any earth station in the fixed-satellite service operating with a space station in geostationary-satellite orbit shall not exceed 71 dBW in any 6 MHz band from 13.77 to 13.78 GHz;
b) the e.i.r.p. density of emissions from any earth station in the fixed-satellite service operating with a space station in non-geostationary-satellite orbit shall not exceed 51 dBW in any 6 MHz band from 13.77 to 13.78 GHz.

Automatic power control may be used to increase the e.i.r.p. density in any 6 MHz band in these frequency ranges to compensate for rain attenuation, to the extent that the power flux-density at the fixed-satellite service space station does not exceed the value resulting from use by an earth station of an e.i.r.p. of 71 dBW or 51 dBW, as appropriate, in any 6 MHz band in clear-sky conditions.

G59 In the bands 902-928 MHz, 3100-3300 MHz, 3500-3650 MHz, 5250-5350 MHz, 8500-9000 MHz, 9200-9300 MHz, 13.4-14.0 GHz, 15.7-17.7 GHz and 24.05-24.25 GHz, all Federal non-military radiolocation shall be secondary to military radiolocation, except in the sub-band 15.7-16.2 GHz airport surface detection equipment (ASDE) is permitted on a co-equal basis subject to coordination with the military departments.

SpectrumWiki

Proposed Air-Ground Broadband for Passengers Aboard Aircraft

The FCC has proposed the establishment of a new air-ground mobile broadband service in the 14.0-14.5 GHz band. The current primary allocation is to the Fixed Satellite Service. The FCC proposes to achieve compatibility through “spatial diversity” rules, which would limit the directions in which antennas can point. Since the 14.0-14.5 GHz band is used for sending transmissions from the Earth towards satellites orbiting over the equator, U.S. earth stations all point south, more or less. Antennas in the proposed system would point north (in the case of ground stations) or downwards (in the case of the antennas on the aircraft), which should reduce their interference with satellite users.

The following information is edited from the FCC's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking,FCC 13-66:

We propose to establish a new, terrestrial-based air-ground mobile broadband service with aircraft in the 14.0-14.5 GHz band. The service would provide multi-gigabit broadband connectivity to aircraft flying within the contiguous United States. The service is intended for the business and personal use of passengers aboard aircraft, and will have no role in aeronautical operations or as a safety of life and property service.

The 14.0-14.5 GHz band is allocated on a primary basis to the FSS as an uplink (Earth-to-space) band for geostationary orbit (GSO) FSS operations. The air-ground mobile broadband service would operate on a secondary basis to GSO satellite systems and future non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite systems, and on a co-secondary basis with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) that operates under a Federal Fixed Service (FS) and Mobile Service (MS) allocation. In addition to coordinating with NASA TDRSS in the 14.0-14.2 GHz band, we propose that air-ground mobile broadband would also be required to coordinate with Radio Astronomy Service (RAS) users in the 14.47-14.5 GHz band, in accordance with the procedures set forth for other services in this band. To implement this service, we propose to amend Part 2 of the rules to add a secondary allocation in the non-Federal Aeronautical Mobile Service (AMS) for air-ground mobile broadband in the 14.0-14.5 GHz band.

We propose that under the rules we implement for the 14.0-14.5 GHz band to support the new allocation, we would require a licensee to use this spectrum for air-ground mobile broadband only. We also seek comment regarding the appropriate regulatory framework for the proposed provision of service. We seek comment on our proposal to classify the services as Commercial Mobile Radio Service (CMRS) given the proposed air-ground use of the spectrum. With respect to whether and how to apportion the spectrum, we seek comment on Qualcomm’s proposal to create two 250 megahertz licenses as well as on alternate approaches such as licensing the entire 500 megahertz of spectrum to a single licensee or dividing the spectrum into more than two blocks. Given the proposed air-ground use of the band, we propose to license the spectrum on a nationwide basis. We also seek comment on whether to adopt an open eligibility standard and whether to adopt any specific aggregation limits applicable to the initial licensing of the band.

To the extent that we adopt a geographic licensing scheme for the 14.0-14.5 GHz band, and permit the filing of mutually exclusive applications, we seek comment on a number of proposals relating to competitive bidding. We propose that the Commission conduct an auction in conformity with the general competitive bidding rules set forth in Part 1, Subpart Q, of the Commission’s rules, and seek comment regarding bidding credits for small businesses.

Frequency Bands
Band	Use	Service	Table
14 - 14.5 GHz	-	ARMR	N

External Links:

FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

CommLawBlog posting

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NASA Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS)

According to NASA:

The Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS) comprise the communication satellite component of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS). TDRSS is a communication signal relay system which provides tracking and data aquisition services between low-earth orbiting spacecraft and control and/or data processing facilities. The system is capable of transmitting to and receiving data from spacecraft over at least 85% of the spacecraft's orbit.

The TDRSS space segment consists of six on-orbit Tracking and Data Relay Satellites located in geosynchronous orbit. Three TDRSs are available for operational support at any given time. The operational spacecraft are located at 41°, 174° and 275° West longitude. The other TDRSs in the constellation provide ready backup in the event of a failure to an operational spacecraft and, in some specialized cases, resources for target of opportunity activities.

The TDRSS ground segment is located near Las Cruces, New Mexico, known as the White Sands Complex. Forward data is uplinked from the ground segment to the TDRS and from the TDRS to the spacecraft. Return data is downlinked from the spacecraft via the TDRS to the ground segment and then on to the designated data collection location.

The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) Project is providing follow-on and replacement spacecraft necessary to maintain and expand the Space Network. The contract to build three additional TDRS spacecraft, known as TDRS K, L, and M, was awarded to Boeing Space Systems in December 2007. TDRS K launched January 30, 2013, and TDRS L launched January 23, 2014. TDRS M's launch readiness date is scheduled for 2015. The contract also has options for one additional spacecraft, TDRS N. In addition to building the TDRS K, L, and M spacecraft, the contract also includes the modifications to the White Sands Complex (WSC) ground system required to support these new spacecraft.

The TDRS Project, established in 1973, is responsible for the development, launch, and on-orbit test and calibration of TDRS spacecraft. There have been four procurements of TDRS spacecraft, which include the Basic Program (TDRS F1-F6), the Replacement Program (TDRS F7), the TDRS H,I,J Program, and the TDRS K,L,M Program. TDRS Flight 7 was a replacement for Flight 2, which was lost aboard Challenger in 1986. The first seven spacecraft (TDRS F1-F7) are referred to as the First Generation, the H,I,J series are called the Second Generation, and the K,L,M series are known as the Third Generation. TDRS F1-7 spacecraft were built by TRW (now Northrop Grumman) in Redondo Beach, CA. The TDRS F8-10 (H,I,J) spacecraft were built by Hughes (now Boeing) in El Segundo, CA.

The NASA Space Network consists of the on-orbit telecommunications TDRS satellites, placed in geosynchronous orbit, and the associated TDRS ground stations, located in White Sands, New Mexico and Guam. The TDRS constellation is capable of providing nearly continuous high bandwidth (S, Ku, and Ka band) telecommunications services for expandable launch vehicles and user spacecraft in low Earth orbit. Examples include: the Hubble Space Telescope, the Earth Observig Fleet and the International Space Station. The TDRS System is a basic agency capability and a critical national resource.

Paired Frequency Bands
Paired Bands	Use	Service	Table
2025.8 - 2117.9 MHz	S-band Single Access (TDRS transmit)	Space Operation	F
2200 - 2300 MHz	S-band Single Access (TDRS receive)	Space Research (space-to-Earth)	F
2103.4 - 2109.4 MHz	S-band Multiple Access (TDRS transmit)	Space Operation	F
2285 - 2290 MHz	S-band Multiple Access (TDRS receive)	Space Operation (space-to-Earth)	F
13.4 - 14.05 GHz	TDRS downlink	Space Research	F
14.6 - 15.25 GHz	TDRS uplink	Space Research (Earth-to-space)	F
13.75 - 13.8 GHz	Ku-band Single Access (TDRS transmit)	Space Operation	F
14.891 - 15.116 GHz	Ku-band Single Access (TDRS receive)	Space Research (space-to-Earth)	F

Frequencies
Frequency	Bandwidth	Use	Service	Table
2036 MHz	-	TDRS command uplink	Space Operation	F
2211 MHz	-	TDRS telemetry downlink	Space Operation	F
13.731 GHz	-	TDRS telemetry downlink	Space Operation	F
14.785 GHz	-	TDRS command uplink	Space Operation	F
15.15 GHz	-	TDRS reference frequency signal uplink	Space Operation	F

Frequency Bands
Band	Use	Service	Table
25.25 - 27.5 GHz	Ka-band Single Access (TDRS receive)	Space Research	F

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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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WRC-27 agenda item regarding FSS uplink antenna sizes

According to WRC-27 agenda item 1.2:

to consider possible revisions of sharing conditions in the frequency band 13.75-14 GHz to allow the use of uplink fixed-satellite service earth stations with smaller antenna sizes, in accordance with Resolution 129 (WRC-23)

Frequency Bands
Band	Use	Service	Table
13.75 - 14 GHz	WRC-27 agenda item regarding FSS uplink antenna sizes	Fixed-satellite	-

External Links:

WRC-27 Agenda (see Annex 1)

Resolution 129 (WRC-23)

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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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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

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Engineering Data

	Lower Frequency	Center Frequency	Upper Frequency
Frequency	13.75 GHz	13.875 GHz	14 GHz
Wavelength	2.2 cm	2.2 cm	2.1 cm
Band designator(s)	SHF; Ku-band (IEEE)	SHF; Ku-band (IEEE)	SHF; Ku-band (IEEE)
Isotropic collecting area	0.4 cm²	0.4 cm²	0.4 cm²
Free space loss (1 m)	55.2 dB	55.3 dB	55.4 dB
Free space loss (1 km)	115.2 dB	115.3 dB	115.4 dB
Free space loss (10 km)	135.2 dB	135.3 dB	135.4 dB
Free space loss (100 km)	155.2 dB	155.3 dB	155.4 dB
Free space loss (1000 km)	175.2 dB	175.3 dB	175.4 dB
Free space loss (35,786 km = GEO orbit)	206.3 dB	206.4 dB	206.4 dB
Free space loss (378,370 km = Moon)	226.8 dB	226.9 dB	226.9 dB