Summary of Proposed Amendments

Introduction

Purpose

Summary of proposed amendments

1.8 GHz band

6 GHz band

6.7 GHz band

8 GHz band

10 GHz band

11 GHz band

13 GHz band

15 GHz band

22 GHz band

28 GHz band

Introduction

Purpose

This report illustrates the amendments to Appendix 1 of the Radiocommunications Assignment and Licensing Instruction (RALI) FX3 Microwave Fixed Services Frequency Coordination[1], as proposed in the discussion paper Proposed changes to channel arrangements for microwave fixed point-to-point links.[2]

Summary of proposed amendments

1.8GHz band

New 7MHz raster (for existing services only).

6 GHz band

Remove interleaved 29.65 MHz raster (grandfathering of existing services).

New 59.3 MHz raster.

6.7 GHz band

Remove interleaved 40 MHz raster.

New 80 MHz raster.

8 GHz band

Remove main 29.65 MHz raster (grandfathering of existing services).

New 59.3 MHz raster.

10 GHz band

Introduce sharing criteria with EESS and passive SRS services.

11 GHz band

Remove interleaved 40 MHz raster.

New 80 MHz raster.

13 GHz band

Allow fixed services to use the 2-2’ channel pair.

15 GHz band

Introduce four new 28 MHz channels

22 GHz band

Remove 3.5 MHz raster.

Remove last four 50 MHz channels (channels 4 to 7).

Introduce seven new 28 MHz channels (channel 5 to 11).

Introduce new 56 MHz raster.

28 GHz band

Introduce new band.

Arrangements to provide 28 MHz, 56 MHz and 112 MHz channels.6 GHz band.

1.8 GHz band

THE 1.8 GHz BAND (1700–1900 MHz)

RF CHANNEL ARRANGEMENTS

ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS

This band is designated for use by low and medium capacity fixed point-to-point links.

THE 1.8 GHz BAND (1700–1900 MHz)

Note:

1.Some channels are not available for assignment (Assignment Restrictions1).

2.Proposed fixed link assignments must be coordinated with spectrum licences operating in 1.8GHz PCS and 2GHz 3G bands (Assignment Restrictions2 and refs.3, 4, 7 & 8).

3.Note potential for interference to/fromfixed services operating in the upper band channelsof the 1.8 GHz band to/from adjacent 2.1GHz band fixed services.

4.Note potential for interference to adjacent Met-Sat services near 1.7GHz from channel1 of the 14 MHz channel raster and channels 1 and 2 of the 7 MHz channel raster.

5.New and existing apparatus licensed assignments in all areas and with emissions in the frequency ranges 1710–1880MHz shall be endorsed with Advisory NoteBL, but see also notes 6 and7 (ref.10).

6.New assignments of all types and in all areas and with emissions in the frequency range 1785–1805MHz are embargoed (ref.9).

7.New apparatus licensed assignments in certain spectrum licensed areas and with emissions in the frequency ranges 1710–1785MHz and 1805–1880MHz are embargoed (ref.5).

8.Prospective new apparatus licensed assignments within specified zones around specified radio astronomy facilities and with emission bandwidths in the frequency range 1250–1780MHz must be notified to CSIRO (ref. 11).

9.The 7 MHz channel raster is to support migration of existing assignments with an emission bandwidth of 7 MHz from the 14 MHz to 7MHz raster. No other services are to be assigned on these channels.

References

1. Rec. ITU-R F.283-5, "Radio-frequency channel arrangements for low and medium capacity analogue or digital radio-relay systems operating in the 2 GHz band".

2.The "1.9 GHz Band Plan", 14 March 1996.

3."Spectrum Re-allocation Declaration No. 3 of 1997".

4."Spectrum Re-allocation Declaration No. 4 of 1997".

5.RALI MS 3, "Spectrum Embargoes", Embargo 26.

6."Radiocommunications (Cordless Telecommunications Devices) Class Licence 2001".

7."Spectrum Re-allocation Declaration No. 2 of 1999".

8."Radiocommunications (Spectrum Re-allocation) Declaration No. 2 of 2000".

9.RALI MS 3, "Spectrum Embargoes", Embargo 38.

10.Issue for comment 41/2012”1800 MHz: a shared strategy”

11.RALI MS 31, "Notification Zones for Apparatus Licensed Services around Radio Astronomy Facilities".

THE 1.8 GHz BAND (1700–1900 MHz)

ASSIGNMENT RESTRICTIONS

1. Channels that may NOT be assigned.

1.11.9 GHz Band Plan Provisions of the 1.9GHz Band Plan (ref. 2) which introduced the cordless telecommunications service (CTS) in the band 1880–1900MHz do not permit additional (new or re-tuned) point-to-point fixed stations in this band.

No point-to-point assignments are to be made Australia wide on the following 1.8GHz band channels:

14 MHz channel raster:

1874.5 MHz (4M') (may be available in some areas if the occupied bandwidth (BW) < 11MHz);

1881.5 MHz (4I');

1888.5 MHz (5M');

1895.5 MHz (5I'); and

1902.5 MHz (6M') (may be available in some areas if the BW < 5MHz).

7 MHz channel raster:

1881.5 MHz (8M’);

1888.5 MHz (9M');

1895.5 MHz (10M’); and

1902.5 MHz (11M') (may be available in some areas if the BW < 5MHz).

1.2Spectrum Licences Apparatus licensing is not permitted in spectrum licensed bands and areas, refer RALI MS 3 Embargo 26 (ref. 5). Therefore, no new assignments are to be made in certain areas in the 1.8GHz PCS bands (1710 to 1785MHz and 1805 to 1880MHz) and the 3G bands (1900 to 1980MHz) due to spectrum licensing (refs. 3, 4, 7 & 8).

1.3Affected Channels See Tables 1 and 2 for details on affected channels.

1. Coordination requirements with PCS and 3G spectrum licenses.

Proposed fixed link assignments must be coordinated with spectrum licences operating in the 1.8GHz PCS (1710 - 1785MHz and 1805 - 1880MHz) and 3G bands (1900 - 1980MHz) in accordance with Appendix 7 of this RALI. Proposed fixed link assignments planned for co-channel operation with respect to spectrum licences in areas adjacent to spectrum licensed areas must be coordinated with spectrum licences if they are within a threshold distance of 200km of the spectrum licence boundary. Proposed fixed link assignments planned for adjacent channel operation with respect to spectrum licences inside or adjacent to spectrum licence boundaries must also be coordinated. The map at page 8 illustrates the geographic boundaries and coordination threshold contours for these coordination requirements for the 1.8GHz PCS spectrum licenses. A similar map for the 3G spectrum licenses is provided at Figure 1 of the 2.1GHz channelling arrangements. Tables 1 and 2 detail the affected channels.

Note: The terms ‘remote, ‘regional’ and ‘major city’ are used to describe areas in the context of 1.8GHz spectrum licensing. Areas defined in the Spectrum Re-allocation Declarations No. 3 of 1997 (ref. 3) for Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney constitute ‘major city’ areas. The areas defined in Spectrum Re-allocation Declarations No. 4 of 1997 (ref. 4) are referred to as ‘regional’ areas, and the remainder of Australia is referred to as ‘remote’. See also the map at page 9.

THE 1.8 GHz BAND (1700–1900 MHz)

1. Coordination requirements with CTS.

The operation of private CTS devices in the 1.9GHz band are authorised by the Radiocommunications (Cordless Telecommunications Devices) Class Licence 2001(ref. 6). Under the class licensing arrangements, CTS devices are not coordinated with other services, as such,existing fixedservices in this band are not protected from CTS transmitter interference.

1. Coordination with existing fixed link assignments.

In addition to the coordination requirements stated above, proposed new assignments must be coordinated with existing fixed link assignments in this band and the 2.1GHz band in accordance with normal FX-3 assignment procedures.

1. Channels available for assignment.

See Tables 2 and 3 for channels available for assignment.

1. Non-standard channelling.

Due to the number of restrictions placed on the 1.8GHz band for fixed services the use of non-standard channel pairing is permitted. The use of non-standard channel centre frequencies will also be permitted where this will lead to improved spectrum productivity.

THE 1.8GHz BAND (1700–1900MHz)

Table 1: Channel Arrangements (Lower Channel Set) — Channel Availability and Restrictions and Inter-Service Coordination

* See refs. 3, 4 & 8 for definition of these areas and the map on page 8.

** See ref. 7 for definition of 2GHz 3G Spectrum Licensed areas. Note: Canberra, Darwin and Hobart of part of the capital city areas for 2GHz 3G Spectrum Licenses.

***Note: the 2GHz 3G Spectrum Licence Areas A and B are slightly different than those of the 1.8GHz PCS Spectrum Licenses, see Figure 1 of 2.1GHz channel arrangements.

#Note: if BW > 5MHz coordination with major city or regional spectrum licences will be required if proposed station is within 200km of the spectrum licence boundary.

##Note: if BW > 11MHz coordination with major city spectrum licences will be required if proposed station is within 200km of the major city spectrum licence boundary.

THE 1.8GHz BAND (1700–1900MHz)

Table 2: Channel Arrangements (Upper Channel Set) — Channel Availability and Restrictions and Inter-Service Coordination.

* See refs. 3, 4 & 8 for definition of these areas and the map on page 8.

** See ref. 7 for definition of 2GHz 3G Spectrum Licensed areas. Note: Canberra, Darwin and Hobart of part of the capital city areas for 2GHz 3G Spectrum Licenses.

***Note: the 2GHz 3G Spectrum Licence Areas A and B are slightly different than those of the 1.8GHz PCS Spectrum Licenses, see Figure 1of 2.1GHz channel arrangements.

THE 1.8 GHz BAND (1700–1900 MHz)

PROTECTION RATIOS

1. Protection ratios required between digital systems.

1. Protection ratios required between digital and analogue systems.

1. Protection ratios between analogue systems.

Notes:

1. Protection ratios are based on a 60km path length and PL (Percentage of time that the average refractivity gradient in the lowest 100m of the atmosphere is less than or equal to -100 N units/km) of 20. For other path lengths and PL values refer to the appropriate protection ratio correction factors graph on the following page.

THE 1.8 GHz BAND (1700–1900 MHz)

PROTECTION RATIO CORRECTION FACTORS

MULTI PATH

PL:Percentage of time that the average refractivity gradient in the lowest 100 m of the atmosphere is less than or equal to -100 N units/km.

For further details refer to Annex A to Appendix 1.

THE 1.8 GHz BAND (1700–1900 MHz)

1.8 GHz Spectrum Licensed Area Boundaries and Coordination Threshold Contours

6 GHz band

THE 6 GHz BAND (5925–6425 MHz)

RF CHANNEL ARRANGEMENTS

ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS

This band is designated for use by medium and high capacity fixed point-to-point links.

Note:

1. Proposed links need to be coordinated with licensed earth stations operating in this band.

2. The channel raster known previously as the interleaved raster is grandfathered. No new assignments are to be made; existing services may continue to operate.

Reference

1.Rec. ITU-R F.383-9, Radio-frequency channel arrangements for high capacity fixed wireless systems operating in the lower 6 GHz (5925 to 6425 MHz) band.

THE 6 GHz BAND (5925–6425 MHz)

PROTECTION RATIOS

1. Protection ratios required between digital systems.

1. Protection ratios required between digital and analogue systems.

1. Protection ratios between analogue systems.

Notes:

1. Protection ratio for digital systems is based on a 50 km path length and PL (Percentage of time that the average refractivity gradient in the lowest 100 m of the atmosphere is less than or equal to -100 N units/km) of 20. For other path lengths and PL values refer to the appropriate protection ratio correction factors graph on the following page.

THE 6 GHz BAND (5925–6425 MHz)

PROTECTION RATIO CORRECTION FACTORS

MULTI PATH

PL: Percentage of time that the average refractivity gradient in the lowest 100 m of the atmosphere is less than or equal to -100 N units/km.

For further details refer to Annex A to Appendix 1.

6.7 GHz band

THE 6.7 GHz BAND (6425–7110 MHz)

RF CHANNEL ARRANGEMENTS

ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS

This band is designated for use by digital high capacity fixed point-to-point links.

Note:

1. Proposed links need to be coordinated with licensed earth stations operating in this band.

2. The channel raster known previously as the interleaved raster has been removed. No new assignments are to be made.

Reference

1.Rec. ITU-R F.384-11, Radio-frequency channel arrangements for medium and high capacity digital fixed wireless systems operating in the 6 425–7125 MHz band.

THE 6.7 GHz BAND (6425–7110 MHz)

PROTECTION RATIOS

Note:

1. Protection ratios for digital systems are based on a 50 km path length and PL (Percentage of time that the average refractivity gradient in the lowest 100 m of the atmosphere is less than or equal to -100 N units/km) of 20. For other path lengths and PL values refer to the protection ratio correction factors graph on the following page.

THE 6.7 GHz BAND (6425–7110 MHz)

PROTECTION RATIO CORRECTION FACTORS

MULTI PATH

PL: Percentage of time that the average refractivity gradient in the lowest 100 m of the atmosphere is less than or equal to -100 N units/km.

For further details refer to Annex A to Appendix 1

8 GHz band

THE 8 GHz BAND (7725–8275 MHz)

RF CHANNEL ARRANGEMENTS

ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS

This band is designated for use by medium and high capacity fixed point-to-point links.

Notes:

1.No assignments shall be made on channels 7 and 8, except in cases where the availability of other channels in the band is precluded through unsuccessful coordination.

2. The channel raster known previously as the main raster is grandfathered. No new assignments are to be made; existing services may continue to operate.

Reference

1.Rec. ITU-R F.386-9, Radio-frequency channel arrangements for fixed wireless systems operating in the 8 GHz (7725 to 8500 MHz) band.

THE 8 GHz BAND (7725– 8275 MHz)

PROTECTION RATIOS

1. Protection ratios required between digital systems.

1. Protection ratios required between digital and analogue systems.

1. Protection ratios between analogue systems.

Notes:

1. Protection ratio for digital systems are based on a 50 km path length and PL (Percentage of time that the average refractivity gradient in the lowest 100 m of the atmosphere is less than or equal to -100 N units/km) of 20. For other path lengths and PL values refer to the appropriate protection ratio correction factors graph on the following page.

THE 8 GHz BAND (7725–8275 MHz)

PROTECTION RATIO CORRECTION FACTORS

MULTI PATH

PL: Percentage of time that the average refractivity gradient in the lowest 100 m of the atmosphere is less than or equal to -100 N units/km.

For further details refer to Annex A to Appendix 1.

10 GHz band

THE 10 GHz BAND (10.55–10.68 GHz)

RF CHANNEL ARRANGEMENTS