Goto Section: 25.225 | 25.227 | Table of Contents

FCC 25.226
Revised as of October 1, 2013
Goto Year:2012 | 2014
§  25.226   Blanket Licensing provisions for domestic, U.S. Vehicle-Mounted
Earth Stations (VMESs) receiving in the 10.95-11.2 GHz (space-to-Earth),
11.45-11.7 GHz (space-to-Earth), and 11.7-12.2 GHz (space-to-Earth) bands and
transmitting in the 14.0-14.5 GHz (Earth-to-space) band, operating with
Geostationary Satellites in the Fixed-Satellite Service.

   (a) The following ongoing requirements govern all VMES licensees and
   operations in the 10.95-11.2 GHz (space-to-Earth), 11.45-11.7 GHz
   (space-to-Earth), 11.7-12.2 GHz (space-to-Earth) and 14.0-14.5 GHz
   (Earth-to-space) bands receiving from and transmitting to geostationary
   orbit satellites in the Fixed-Satellite Service. VMES licensees shall
   comply with the requirements in either paragraph (a)(1), (a)(2) or
   (a)(3) of this section and all of the requirements set forth in
   paragraphs (a)(4) through (a)(9) and paragraphs (c), (d), and (e) of
   this section. Paragraph (b) of this section identifies items that shall
   be included in the application for VMES operations to demonstrate that
   these ongoing requirements will be met.

   (1) The following requirements shall apply to a VMES that uses
   transmitters with off-axis EIRP spectral-densities lower than or equal
   to the levels in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section. A VMES, or VMES
   system, operating under this section shall provide a detailed
   demonstration as described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section. The
   VMES transmitter also shall comply with the antenna pointing and
   cessation of emission requirements in paragraphs (a)(1)(ii) and
   (a)(1)(iii) of this section.

   (i) A VMES system shall not exceed the off-axis EIRP spectral-density
   limits and conditions defined in paragraphs (a)(1)(i)(A) through (D) of
   this section.

   (A) The off-axis EIRP spectral-density emitted from the VMES, in the
   plane of the geostationary satellite orbit (GSO) as it appears at the
   particular earth station location, shall not exceed the following
   values:

   15-10log(N)-25logth dBW/4kHz for 1.5DEG <=th <=7DEG

   -6 -10log(N) dBW/4kHz for 7DEG 7.0DEG. For th greater
   than 7.0DEG, the envelope shall be exceeded by no more than 10% of the
   sidelobes, provided no individual sidelobe exceeds the envelope given
   above by more than 3 dB.

   (B) In all directions other than along the GSO, the off-axis EIRP
   spectral-density for co-polarized signals emitted from the VMES shall
   not exceed the following values:

   18 -10log(N) -25logth dBW/4kHz for 3.0DEG <=th <=48DEG

   -24 -10log(N) dBW/4kHz for 48DEG 11.45-11.7 GHz
   (space-to-Earth) frequency bands VMESs shall not claim protection from
   interference from any authorized terrestrial stations to which
   frequencies are either already assigned, or may be assigned in the
   future.

   (8) A VMES terminal receiving in the 10.95-11.2 GHz (space-to-Earth),
   11.45-11.7 GHz (space-to-Earth) and 11.7-12.2 GHz (space-to-Earth)
   bands shall receive protection from interference caused by space
   stations other than the target space station only to the degree to
   which harmful interference would not be expected to be caused to an
   earth station employing an antenna conforming to the referenced
   patterns defined in §  25.209(a) and (b) and stationary at the location
   at which any interference occurred.

   (9) Each VMES terminal shall automatically cease transmitting upon the
   loss of synchronization or within 5 seconds upon loss of reception of
   the satellite downlink signal, whichever is the shorter timeframe.

   (b) Applications for VMES operation in the 14.0-14.5 GHz
   (Earth-to-space) band to GSO satellites in the Fixed-Satellite Service
   shall include, in addition to the particulars of operation identified
   on Form 312, and associated Schedule B, the applicable technical
   demonstrations in paragraphs (b)(1), (2) or (3) of this section and the
   documentation identified in paragraphs (b)(4) through (8) of this
   section.

   (1) A VMES applicant proposing to implement a transmitter under
   paragraph (a)(1) of this section shall demonstrate that the transmitter
   meets the off-axis EIRP spectral-density limits contained in paragraph
   (a)(1)(i) of this section. To provide this demonstration, the
   application shall include the tables described in paragraph (b)(1)(i)
   of this section or the certification described in paragraph (b)(1)(ii)
   of this section. The VMES applicant also shall provide the value N
   described in paragraph (a)(1)(i)(A) of this section. A VMES applicant
   proposing to implement a transmitter under paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(A) of
   this section shall provide the certifications identified in paragraph
   (b)(1)(iii) of this section. A VMES applicant proposing to implement a
   transmitter under paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(B) of this section shall provide
   the demonstrations identified in paragraph (b)(1)(iv) of this section.

   (i) Any VMES applicant filing an application pursuant to paragraph
   (a)(1) of this section shall file three tables showing the off-axis
   EIRP level of the proposed earth station antenna in the direction of
   the plane of the GSO; the co-polarized EIRP in the elevation plane,
   that is, the plane perpendicular to the plane of the GSO; and cross
   polarized EIRP. Each table shall provide the EIRP level at increments
   of 0.1DEG for angles between 0DEG and 10DEG off-axis, and at increments
   of 5DEG for angles between 10DEG and 180DEG off-axis.

   (A) For purposes of the off-axis EIRP table in the plane of the GSO,
   the off-axis angle is the angle in degrees from the line connecting the
   focal point of the antenna to the orbital location of the target
   satellite, and the plane of the GSO is determined by the focal point of
   the antenna and the line tangent to the arc of the GSO at the orbital
   position of the target satellite.

   (B) For purposes of the off-axis co-polarized EIRP table in the
   elevation plane, the off-axis angle is the angle in degrees from the
   line connecting the focal point of the antenna to the orbital location
   of the target satellite, and the elevation plane is defined as the
   plane perpendicular to the plane of the GSO defined in paragraph
   (b)(1)(i)(A) of this section.

   (C) For purposes of the cross-polarized EIRP table, the off-axis angle
   is the angle in degrees from the line connecting the focal point of the
   antenna to the orbital location of the target satellite and the plane
   of the GSO as defined in paragraph (b)(1)(i)(A) of this section will be
   used.

   (ii) A VMES applicant shall include a certification, in Schedule B,
   that the VMES antenna conforms to the gain pattern criteria of
   § §  25.209(a) and (b), that, combined with the maximum input power
   density calculated from the EIRP density less the antenna gain, which
   is entered in Schedule B, demonstrates that the off-axis EIRP spectral
   density envelope set forth in paragraphs (a)(1)(i)(A) through (C) of
   this section will be met under the assumption that the antenna is
   pointed at the target satellite. If an antenna proposed for use by the
   applicant does not comply with the antenna performance standards
   contained in §  25.209(a) and (b), the applicant must provide, as an
   exhibit to its application, antenna gain test plots pursuant to
   §  25.132(b)(3).

   (iii) A VMES applicant proposing to implement a transmitter under
   paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(A) of this section shall provide a certification
   from the equipment manufacturer stating that the antenna tracking
   system will maintain a pointing error of less than or equal to 0.2DEG
   between the orbital location of the target satellite and the axis of
   the main lobe of the VMES antenna and that the antenna tracking system
   is capable of ceasing emissions within 100 milliseconds if the angle
   between the orbital location of the target satellite and the axis of
   the main lobe of the VMES antenna exceeds 0.5DEG.

   (iv) A VMES applicant proposing to implement a transmitter under
   paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(B) of this section shall:

   (A) Declare, in its application, a maximum antenna pointing error and
   demonstrate that the maximum antenna pointing error can be achieved
   without exceeding the off-axis EIRP spectral-density limits in
   paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section; and

   (B) Demonstrate that the VMES transmitter can detect if the transmitter
   exceeds the declared maximum antenna pointing error and can cease
   transmission within 100 milliseconds if the angle between the orbital
   location of the target satellite and the axis of the main lobe of the
   VMES antenna exceeds the declared maximum antenna pointing error, and
   will not resume transmissions until the angle between the orbital
   location of the target satellite and the axis of the main lobe of the
   VMES antenna is less than or equal to the declared maximum antenna
   pointing error.

   (2) A VMES applicant proposing to implement a transmitter under
   paragraph (a)(2) of this section and using off-axis EIRP
   spectral-densities in excess of the levels in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of
   this section shall provide the following certifications and
   demonstration as exhibits to its earth station application:

   (i) A statement from the target satellite operator certifying that the
   proposed operation of the VMES has the potential to create harmful
   interference to satellite networks adjacent to the target satellite(s)
   that may be unacceptable.

   (ii) A statement from the target satellite operator certifying that the
   power density levels that the VMES applicant provided to the target
   satellite operator are consistent with the existing coordination
   agreements between its satellite(s) and the adjacent satellite systems
   within 6DEG of orbital separation from its satellite(s).

   (iii) A statement from the target satellite operator certifying that it
   will include the power-density levels of the VMES applicant in all
   future coordination agreements.

   (iv) A demonstration from the VMES operator that the VMES system is
   capable of detecting and automatically ceasing emissions within 100
   milliseconds when the transmitter exceeds the off-axis EIRP
   spectral-densities supplied to the target satellite operator.

   (3) A VMES applicant proposing to implement VMES system under paragraph
   (a)(3) of this section and using variable power-density control of
   individual simultaneously transmitting co-frequency VMES earth stations
   in the same satellite receiving beam shall provide the following
   certifications and demonstration as exhibits to its earth station
   application:

   (i) The applicant shall make a detailed showing of the measures it
   intends to employ to maintain the effective aggregate EIRP-density from
   all simultaneously transmitting co-frequency terminals operating with
   the same satellite transponder at least 1 dB below the off-axis
   EIRP-density limits defined in paragraphs (a)(1)(i)(A) through (C) of
   this section. In this context the term "effective" means that the
   resultant co-polarized and cross-polarized EIRP-density experienced by
   any GSO or non-GSO satellite shall not exceed that produced by a single
   VMES transmitter operating at 1 dB below the limits defined in
   paragraphs (a)(1)(i)(A) through (C) of this section. The applicant also
   must demonstrate that an individual transmitter and the entire VMES
   system is capable of automatically ceasing emissions within 100
   milliseconds if the aggregate off-axis EIRP-densities exceed the
   off-axis EIRP-density limits minus 1 dB, as set forth in paragraph
   (a)(3)(i) of this section. The International Bureau will place this
   showing on public notice along with the application.

   (ii) An applicant proposing to implement a VMES under paragraph
   (a)(3)(ii) of this section that uses off-axis EIRP spectral-densities
   in excess of the levels in paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section shall
   provide the following certifications, demonstration and list of
   satellites as exhibits to its earth station application:

   (A) A detailed showing of the measures the applicant intends to employ
   to maintain the effective aggregate EIRP-density from all
   simultaneously transmitting co-frequency terminals operating with the
   same satellite transponder at the EIRP-density limits supplied to the
   target satellite operator. The International Bureau will place this
   showing on public notice along with the application.

   (B) A statement from the target satellite operator certifying that the
   proposed operation of the VMES has the potential to create harmful
   interference to satellite networks adjacent to the target satellite(s)
   that may be unacceptable.

   (C) A statement from the target satellite operator certifying that the
   aggregate power density levels that the VMES applicant provided to the
   target satellite operator are consistent with the existing coordination
   agreements between its satellite(s) and the adjacent satellite systems
   within 6DEG of orbital separation from its satellite(s).

   (D) A statement from the target satellite operator certifying that it
   will include the aggregate power-density levels of the VMES applicant
   in all future coordination agreements.

   (E) A demonstration from the VMES operator that the VMES system is
   capable of detecting and automatically ceasing emissions within 100
   milliseconds when an individual transmitter exceeds the off-axis EIRP
   spectral-densities supplied to the target satellite operator and that
   the overall system is capable of shutting off an individual transmitter
   or the entire system if the aggregate off-axis EIRP spectral-densities
   exceed those supplied to the target satellite operator.

   (F) An identification of the specific satellite or satellites with
   which the VMES system will operate.

   (iii) The applicant shall acknowledge that it will maintain sufficient
   statistical and technical information on the individual terminals and
   overall system operation to file a detailed report, one year after
   license issuance, describing the effective aggregate EIRP-density
   levels resulting from the operation of the VMES system.

   (4) There shall be an exhibit included with the application describing
   the geographic area(s) in which the VMESs will operate.

   (5) Any VMES applicant filing for a VMES terminal or system and
   planning to use a contention protocol shall include in its application
   a certification that will comply with the requirements of paragraph
   (a)(4) of this section.

   (6) The point of contact referred to in paragraph (a)(5) of this
   section shall be included in the application.

   (7) Any VMES applicant filing for a VMES terminal or system shall
   include in its application a certification that will comply with the
   requirements of paragraph (a)(6) of this section.

   (8) All VMES applicants shall submit a radio frequency hazard analysis
   determining via calculation, simulation, or field measurement whether
   VMES terminals, or classes of terminals, will produce power densities
   that will exceed the Commission's radio frequency exposure criteria.
   VMES applicants with VMES terminals that will exceed the guidelines in
   §  1.1310 of this chapter for radio frequency radiation exposure shall
   provide, with their environmental assessment, a plan for mitigation of
   radiation exposure to the extent required to meet those guidelines. All
   VMES licensees shall ensure installation of VMES terminals on vehicles
   by qualified installers who have an understanding of the antenna's
   radiation environment and the measures best suited to maximize
   protection of the general public and persons operating the vehicle and
   equipment. A VMES terminal exhibiting radiation exposure levels
   exceeding 1.0 mW/cm 2 in accessible areas, such as at the exterior
   surface of the radome, shall have a label attached to the surface of
   the terminal warning about the radiation hazard and shall include
   thereon a diagram showing the regions around the terminal where the
   radiation levels could exceed 1.0 mW/cm 2 . All VMES applicants shall
   demonstrate that their VMES terminals are capable of automatically
   ceasing transmissions upon the loss of synchronization or within 5
   seconds upon loss of reception of the satellite downlink signal,
   whichever is the shorter timeframe.

   (9) Except for VMES systems operating pursuant to paragraphs (a)(2) and
   (a)(3)(ii) of this section, VMES systems authorized pursuant to this
   section shall be eligible for a license that lists ALSAT as an
   authorized point of communication.

   (c)(1) Operations of VMESs in the 14.0-14.2 GHz (Earth-to-space)
   frequency band within 125 km of the NASA TDRSS facilities on Guam
   (latitude 13DEG36'55'' N, longitude 144DEG51'22'' E) or White Sands,
   New Mexico (latitude 32DEG20'59'' N, longitude 106DEG36'31'' W and
   latitude 32DEG32'40'' N, longitude 106DEG36'48'' W) are subject to
   coordination with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
   (NASA) through the National Telecommunications and Information
   Administration (NTIA) Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC).
   Licensees shall notify the International Bureau once they have
   completed coordination. Upon receipt of such notification from a
   licensee, the International Bureau will issue a public notice stating
   that the licensee may commence operations within the coordination zone
   in 30 days if no party has opposed the operations.

   (2) When NTIA seeks to provide similar protection to future TDRSS sites
   that have been coordinated through the IRAC Frequency Assignment
   Subcommittee process, NTIA will notify the Commission's International
   Bureau that the site is nearing operational status. Upon public notice
   from the International Bureau, all Ku-band VMES licensees shall cease
   operations in the 14.0-14.2 GHz band within 125 km of the new TDRSS
   site until the licensees complete coordination with NTIA/IRAC for the
   new TDRSS facility. Licensees shall notify the International Bureau
   once they have completed coordination for the new TDRSS site. Upon
   receipt of such notification from a licensee, the International Bureau
   will issue a public notice stating that the licensee may commence
   operations within the coordination zone in 30 days if no party has
   opposed the operations. The VMES licensee then will be permitted to
   commence operations in the 14.0-14.2 GHz band within 125 km of the new
   TDRSS site, subject to any operational constraints developed in the
   coordination process.

   (d)(1) Operations of VMESs in the 14.47-14.5 GHz (Earth-to-space)
   frequency band in the vicinity of radio astronomy service (RAS)
   observatories observing in the 14.47-14.5 GHz band are subject to
   coordination with the National Science Foundation (NSF). The
   appropriate NSF contact point to initiate coordination is
   Electromagnetic Spectrum Manager, NSF, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1045,
   Arlington VA 22203, fax 703-292-9034, e-mail esm@nsf.gov . Licensees
   shall notify the International Bureau once they have completed
   coordination. Upon receipt of the coordination agreement from a
   licensee, the International Bureau will issue a public notice stating
   that the licensee may commence operations within the coordination zone
   in 30 days if no party has opposed the operations.

   (2) Table 1 provides a list of each applicable RAS site, its location,
   and the applicable coordination zone.

   Table 1--Applicable Radio Astronomy Service (RAS) Facilities and
   Associated Coordination Distances
   Observatory Latitude (north) Longitude (west) Radius (km) of
   coordination zone
   Arecibo, Observatory, Arecibo, PR 18DEG20'37'' 66DEG45'11'' Island of
   Puerto Rico.
   Green Bank, WV 38DEG25'59'' 79DEG50'23'' 160.
   Very Large Array, near Socorro, NM 34DEG04'44'' 107DEG37'06'' 160.
   Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, Rosman, NC 35DEG11'59''
   82DEG52'19'' 160.
   U of Michigan Radio Astronomy Observatory, Stinchfield Woods, MI
   42DEG23'56'' 83DEG56'11'' 160.
   Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) stations:
   Owens Valley, CA 37DEG13'54'' 118DEG16'37'' 160*.
   Mauna Kea, HI 19DEG48'05'' 155DEG27'20'' 50.
   Brewster, WA 48DEG07'52'' 119DEG41'00''
   Kitt Peak, AZ 31DEG57'23'' 111DEG36'45''
   Pie Town, NM 34DEG18'04'' 108DEG07'09''
   Los Alamos, NM 35DEG46'30'' 106DEG14'44''
   Fort Davis, TX 30DEG38'06'' 103DEG56'41''
   North Liberty, IA 41DEG46'17'' 91DEG34'27''
   Hancock, NH 42DEG56'01'' 71DEG59'12''
   St. Croix, VI 17DEG45'24'' 64DEG35'01''

   * Owens Valley, CA operates both a VLBA station and single-dish
   telescopes.

   (3) When NTIA seeks to provide similar protection to future RAS sites
   that have been coordinated through the IRAC Frequency Assignment
   Subcommittee process, NTIA will notify the Commission's International
   Bureau that the site is nearing operational status. Upon public notice
   from the International Bureau, all Ku-band VMES licensees shall cease
   operations in the 14.47-14.5 GHz band within the relevant geographic
   zone (160 kms for single-dish radio observatories and Very Large Array
   antenna systems and 50 kms for Very Long Baseline Array antenna
   systems) of the new RAS site until the licensees complete coordination
   for the new RAS facility. Licensees shall notify the International
   Bureau once they have completed coordination for the new RAS site and
   shall submit the coordination agreement to the Commission. Upon receipt
   of such notification from a licensee, the International Bureau will
   issue a public notice stating that the licensee may commence operations
   within the coordination zone in 30 days if no party opposed the
   operations. The VMES licensee then will be permitted to commence
   operations in the 14.47-14.5 GHz band within the relevant coordination
   distance around the new RAS site, subject to any operational
   constraints developed in the coordination process.

   (e) VMES licensees shall use Global Positioning Satellite-related or
   other similar position location technology to ensure compliance with
   paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section.

   [ 74 FR 57099 , Nov. 4, 2009, as amended at  78 FR 8429 , Feb. 6, 2013;  78 FR 9604 , Feb. 11, 2013]

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Goto Section: 25.225 | 25.227

Goto Year: 2012 | 2014
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