Title 47—Telecommunication--Volume 1
PART 22—PUBLIC MOBILE SERVICES
§ 22.917   Emission limitations for cellular equipment.
The rules in this section govern the spectral characteristics of emissions in the Cellular Radiotelephone Service.
(a) Out of band emissions. The power of any emission outside of the authorized operating frequency ranges must be attenuated below the transmitting power (P) by a factor of at least 43 + 10 log(P) dB.
(b) Measurement procedure. Compliance with these rules is based on the use of measurement instrumentation employing a reference bandwidth as follows:
(1) In the spectrum below 1 GHz, instrumentation should employ a reference bandwidth of 100 kHz or greater. In the 1 MHz bands immediately outside and adjacent to the frequency block, a resolution bandwidth of at least one percent of the emission bandwidth of the fundamental emission of the transmitter may be employed. A narrower resolution bandwidth is permitted in all cases to improve measurement accuracy, provided that the measured power is integrated over the full required reference bandwidth ( i.e., 100 kHz or 1 percent of emission bandwidth, as specified). The emission bandwidth is defined as the width of the signal between two points, one below the carrier center frequency and one above the carrier center frequency, outside of which all emissions are attenuated at least 26 dB below the transmitter power.
(2) In the spectrum above 1 GHz, instrumentation should employ a reference bandwidth of 1 MHz.
(c) Alternative out of band emission limit. Licensees in this service may establish an alternative out of band emission limit to be used at specified band edge(s) in specified geographical areas, in lieu of that set forth in this section, pursuant to a private contractual arrangement of all affected licensees and applicants. In this event, each party to such contract shall maintain a copy of the contract in their station files and disclose it to prospective assignees or transferees and, upon request, to the FCC.
(d) Interference caused by out of band emissions. If any emission from a transmitter operating in this service results in interference to users of another radio service, the FCC may require a greater attenuation of that emission than specified in this section.
§ 22.921   [Reserved]
§ 22.923   Cellular system configuration.
Mobile stations communicate with and through base transmitters only. Base transmitters communicate with mobile stations directly or through cellular repeaters. Auxiliary test stations may communicate with base or mobile stations for the purpose of testing equipment.
§ 22.925   Prohibition on airborne operation of cellular telephones.
Cellular telephones installed in or carried aboard airplanes, balloons or any other type of aircraft must not be operated while such aircraft are airborne (not touching the ground). When any aircraft leaves the ground, all cellular telephones on board that aircraft must be turned off. The following notice must be posted on or near each cellular telephone installed in any aircraft:
“The use of cellular telephones while this aircraft is airborne is prohibited by FCC rules, and the violation of this rule could result in suspension of service and/or a fine. The use of cellular telephones while this aircraft is on the ground is subject to FAA regulations.”
§§ 22.927-22.943   [Reserved]
§ 22.946   Construction period for Unserved Area authorizations.
The construction period applicable to new or modified Cellular facilities for which an authorization is granted pursuant to the Unserved Area process is one year, beginning on the date the authorization is granted. To satisfy this requirement, a Cellular system must be providing service to mobile stations operated by subscribers and roamers. The licensee must notify the FCC (FCC Form 601) after the requirements of this section are met. See § 1.946 of this chapter. See also § 22.949.
§ 22.948   Geographic partitioning and spectrum disaggregation; spectrum leasing.
Cellular licensees may apply to partition any portion of their licensed Cellular Geographic Service Area (CGSA) or to disaggregate their licensed spectrum at any time following the grant of their authorization(s). Parties seeking approval for partitioning and disaggregation shall request from the FCC an authorization for partial assignment of a license pursuant to § 1.948 of this chapter. See also paragraph (d) of this section regarding spectrum leasing.
(a) Partitioning, disaggregation, or combined partitioning and disaggregation. Applicants must file FCC Form 603 (“Assignment of Authorization and Transfer of Control”) pursuant to § 1.948 of this chapter, as well as GIS map files and a reduced-size PDF map pursuant to § 22.953 for both the assignor and assignee.
(b) Field strength limit. For purposes of partitioning and disaggregation, Cellular systems must be designed so as to comply with § 22.983.
(c) License term. The license term for a partitioned license area and for disaggregated spectrum will be the remainder of the original license term.
(d) Spectrum leasing. Cellular spectrum leasing is subject to all applicable provisions of subpart X of part 1 of this chapter as well as the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section, except that applicants must file FCC Form 608 (“Application or Notification for Spectrum Leasing Arrangement or Private Commons Arrangement”), not FCC Form 603.
§ 22.949   Unserved Area licensing; minimum coverage requirements.
(a) The Unserved Area licensing process described in this section is on-going and applications may be filed at any time, subject to the following coverage requirements:
(1) Applicants for authority to operate a new Cellular system or expand an existing Cellular Geographic Service Area (CGSA) in Unserved Area must propose a CGSA or CGSA expansion of at least 130 contiguous square kilometers (50 contiguous square miles) using the methodology of § 22.911.
(2) Applicants for authority to operate a new Cellular system must not propose coverage of water areas only (or water areas and uninhabited islands or reefs only), except for Unserved Area in the Gulf of Mexico Service Area.
(b) There is no limit to the number of Unserved Area applications that may be granted on each channel block of each CMA that is subject to the procedures of this section. Consequently, Unserved Area applications are mutually exclusive only if the proposed CGSAs would overlap. Mutually exclusive applications are processed using the general procedures under § 22.131.
(c) Unserved Area applications under this section may propose a CGSA covering more than one CMA. Each Unserved Area application must request authorization for only one CGSA and must not propose a CGSA overlap with an existing CGSA.
(d) Settlements among some, but not all, applicants with mutually exclusive applications for Unserved Area (partial settlements) under this section are prohibited. Settlements among all applicants with mutually exclusive applications under this section (full settlements) are allowed and must be filed no later than the date that the FCC Form 175 (short-form) is filed.
§ 22.950   Provision of service in the Gulf of Mexico Service Area (GMSA).
The GMSA has been divided into two areas for licensing purposes, the Gulf of Mexico Exclusive Zone (GMEZ) and the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Zone (GMCZ). This section describes these areas and sets forth the process for licensing facilities in these two respective areas within the GMSA.
(a) The GMEZ and GMCZ are defined as follows:
(1) Gulf of Mexico Exclusive Zone. The geographical area within the Gulf of Mexico Service Area that lies between the coastline line and the southern demarcation line of the Gulf of Mexico Service Area, excluding the area comprising the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Zone.
(2) Gulf of Mexico Coastal Zone. The geographical area within the Gulf of Mexico Service Area that lies between the coast line of Florida and a line extending approximately twelve nautical miles due south from the coastline boundary of the States of Florida and Alabama, and continuing along the west coast of Florida at a distance of twelve nautical miles from the shoreline. The line is defined by Great Circle arcs connecting the following points (geographical coordinates listed as North Latitude, West Longitude) consecutively in the order listed:
(i) 30°16′49″ N 87°31′06″ W
(ii) 30°04′35″ N 87°31′06″ W
(iii) 30°10′56″ N 86°26′53″ W
(iv) 30°03′00″ N 86°00′29″ W
(v) 29°33′00″ N 85°32′49″ W
(vi) 29°23′21″ N 85°02′06″ W
(vii) 29°49′44″ N 83°59′02″ W
(viii) 28°54′00″ N 83°05′33″ W
(ix) 28°34′41″ N 82°53′38″ W
(x) 27°50′39″ N 83°04′27″ W
(xi) 26°24′22″ N 82°23′22″ W
(xii) 25°41′39″ N 81°49′40″ W
(xiii) 24°59′02″ N 81°15′04″ W
(xiv) 24°44′23″ N 81°57′04″ W
(xv) 24°32′37″ N 82°02′01″ W
(b) Service Area Boundary Calculation. The service area boundary of a cell site located within the Gulf of Mexico Service Area is calculated pursuant to § 22.911(a)(2). Otherwise, the service area boundary is calculated pursuant to § 22.911(a)(1) or § 22.911(b).
(c) Gulf of Mexico Exclusive Zone (GMEZ). GMEZ licensees have an exclusive right to provide Cellular service in the GMEZ, and may add, modify, or remove facilities anywhere within the GMEZ without prior FCC approval. There is no Unserved Area licensing procedure for the GMEZ.
(d) Gulf of Mexico Coastal Zone (GMCZ). The GMCZ is subject to the Unserved Area licensing procedures set forth in § 22.949.
§ 22.951   [Reserved]
§ 22.953   Content and form of applications for Cellular Unserved Area authorizations.
Applications for authority to operate a new Cellular system or to modify an existing Cellular system must comply with the specifications in this section.
(a) New Systems. In addition to information required by subpart B of this part and by FCC Form 601, applications for an Unserved Area authorization to operate a Cellular system must comply with all applicable requirements set forth in part 1 of this chapter, including the requirements specified in §§ 1.913, 1.923, and 1.924, and must include the information listed below. Geographical coordinates must be correct to ±1 second using the NAD 83 datum.
(1) Exhibit I—Geographic Information System (GIS) map files. Geographic Information System (GIS) map files must be submitted showing the entire proposed CGSA, the new cell sites (transmitting antenna locations), and the service area boundaries of additional and modified cell sites that extend into Unserved Area being claimed as CGSA. See § 22.911. The FCC will specify the file format required for the GIS map files, which are to be submitted electronically via the Universal Licensing System (ULS).
(2) Exhibit II—Reduced-size PDF map. This map must be 8 1/2 × 11 inches (if possible, a proportional reduction of a 1:500,000 scale map). The map must have a legend, a distance scale, and correctly labeled latitude and longitude lines. The map must be clear and legible. The map must accurately show the entire proposed CGSA, the new cell sites (transmitting antenna locations), the service area boundaries of additional and modified cell sites that extend beyond the CGSA, and the relevant portions of the CMA boundary. See § 22.911.
(3) Exhibit III—Technical Information. In addition, upon request by an applicant, licensee, or the FCC, a Cellular applicant or licensee of whom the request is made shall furnish the antenna type, model, the name of the antenna manufacturer, antenna gain in the maximum lobe, the beam width of the maximum lobe of the antenna, a polar plot of the horizontal gain pattern of the antenna, antenna height to tip above ground level, the height of the center of radiation of the antenna above the average terrain, the maximum effective radiated power, and the electric field polarization of the wave emitted by the antenna when installed as proposed to the requesting party within ten (10) days of receiving written notification.
(4)-(10) [Reserved]
(11) Additional information. The FCC may request information not specified in FCC Form 601 or in paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) of this section as necessary to process an application.
(b) Existing systems—major modifications. Licensees making major modifications pursuant to § 1.929(a) and (b) of this chapter must file FCC Form 601 and comply with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section.
(c) Existing systems—minor modifications. Licensees making minor modifications pursuant to § 1.929(k) of this chapter must file FCC Form 601 or FCC Form 603, provided, however, that a resulting reduction in coverage within the CGSA is not subject to this requirement. See § 1.947(b). See also § 22.169. If the modification involves a contract SAB extension into or from the Gulf of Mexico Exclusive Zone, it must include a certification that the required written consent has been obtained. See §§ 22.912(c) and 22.950.
§§ 22.955-22.957   [Reserved]
§ 22.959   Rules governing processing of applications for initial systems.
Pending applications for authority to operate the first cellular system on a channel block in an MSA or RSA market continue to be processed under the rules governing the processing of such applications that were in effect when those applications were filed, unless the Commission determines otherwise in a particular case.
§ 22.960   Cellular operations in the Chambers, TX CMA (CMA672-A).
This section applies only to Cellular systems operating on channel block A of the Chambers, Texas CMA (CMA672-A).
(a) The geographic boundary of CMA672-A is deemed to be the Cellular Geographic Service Area (CGSA) boundary. This CGSA boundary is not determined using the methodology of § 22.911. The licensee of CMA672-A may not propose an expansion of this CGSA into another CMA unless and until it meets the construction requirement set forth in paragraph (b)(2) of this section.
(b) A licensee that holds the license for CMA672-A must be providing signal coverage and offering service as follows (and in applying these geographic construction benchmarks, the licensee is to count total land area):
(1) To at least 35% of the geographic area of CMA672-A within four years of the grant of such authorization; and
(2) To at least 70% of the geographic area of its license authorization by the end of the license term.
(c) After it has met each of the requirements of paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2), respectively, of this section, the licensee that holds the license for CMA672-A must notify the FCC that it has met the requirement by submitting FCC Form 601, including GIS map files and other supporting documents showing compliance with the requirement. See § 1.946 of this chapter. See also § 22.953.
(d) Failure to meet the construction requirements set forth in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section by each of the applicable deadlines will result in automatic termination of the license for CMA672-A and its return to the Commission for future re-licensing subject to competitive bidding procedures. The licensee that fails to meet each requirement of this section by the applicable deadline set forth in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) shall be ineligible to regain the license for CMA672-A.
§ 22.961   Cellular licenses subject to competitive bidding.
(a) The following applications for Cellular licensed area authorizations are subject to competitive bidding:
(1) Mutually exclusive applications for Unserved Area filed after July 26, 1993; and
(2) Mutually exclusive applications for the initial authorization for CMA672-A (Chambers, TX).
(b) The competitive bidding procedures set forth in § 22.229 and the general competitive bidding procedures set forth in subpart Q of part 1 of this chapter will apply.
§§ 22.962-22.969   [Reserved]
§ 22.970   Unacceptable interference to part 90 non-cellular 800 MHz licensees from cellular radiotelephone or part 90-800 MHz cellular systems.
(a) Definition. Except as provided in 47 CFR 90.617(k), unacceptable interference to non-cellular part 90 licensees in the 800 MHz band from cellular radiotelephone or part 90-800 MHz cellular systems will be deemed to occur when the below conditions are met:
(1) A transceiver at a site at which interference is encountered:
(i) Is in good repair and operating condition, and is receiving:
(A) A median desired signal of −104 dBm or higher, as measured at the R.F. input of the receiver of a mobile unit; or
(B) A median desired signal of −101 dBm or higher, as measured at the R.F. input of the receiver of a portable i.e. hand-held unit; and, either
(ii) Is a voice transceiver:
(A) With manufacturer published performance specifications for the receiver section of the transceiver equal to, or exceeding, the minimum standards set out in paragraph (b) of this section, below; and;
(B) Receiving an undesired signal or signals which cause the measured Carrier to Noise plus interference (C/(I + N)) ratio of the receiver section of said transceiver to be less than 20 dB, or,
(iii) Is a non-voice transceiver receiving an undesired signal or signals which cause the measured bit error rate (BER) (or some comparable specification) of the receiver section of said transceiver to be more than the value reasonably designated by the manufacturer.
(2) Provided, however, that if the receiver section of the mobile or portable voice transceiver does not conform to the standards set out in paragraph (b) of this section, then that transceiver shall be deemed subject to unacceptable interference only at sites where the median desired signal satisfies the applicable threshold measured signal power in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section after an upward adjustment to account for the difference in receiver section performance. The upward adjustment shall be equal to the increase in the desired signal required to restore the receiver section of the subject transceiver to the 20 dB C/(I + N) ratio of paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(B) of this section. The adjusted threshold levels shall then define the minimum measured signal power(s) in lieu of paragraphs (a)(1)(i) of this section at which the licensee using such non-compliant transceiver is entitled to interference protection.
(b) Minimum receiver requirements. Voice transceivers capable of operating in the 806-824 MHz portion of the 800 MHz band shall have the following minimum performance specifications in order for the system in which such transceivers are used to claim entitlement to full protection against unacceptable interference (See paragraph (a) (2) of this section).
(1) Voice units intended for mobile use: 75 dB intermodulation rejection ratio; 75 dB adjacent channel rejection ratio; −116 dBm reference sensitivity.
(2) Voice units intended for portable use: 70 dB intermodulation rejection ratio; 70 dB adjacent channel rejection ratio; −116 dBm reference sensitivity.
§ 22.971   Obligation to abate unacceptable interference.
(a) Strict Responsibility. Any licensee who, knowingly or unknowingly, directly or indirectly, causes or contributes to causing unacceptable interference to a non-cellular part 90 of this chapter licensee in the 800 MHz band, as defined in § 22.970, shall be strictly accountable to abate the interference, with full cooperation and utmost diligence, in the shortest time practicable. Interfering licensees shall consider all feasible interference abatement measures, including, but not limited to, the remedies specified in the interference resolution procedures set forth in § 22.972(c). This strict responsibility obligation applies to all forms of interference, including out-of-band emissions and intermodulation.
(b) Joint and several responsibility. If two or more licensees knowingly or unknowingly, directly or indirectly, cause or contribute to causing unacceptable interference to a non-cellular part 90 of this chapter licensee in the 800 MHz band, as defined in § 22.970, such licensees shall be jointly and severally responsible for abating interference, with full cooperation and utmost diligence, in the shortest practicable time.
(1) This joint and several responsibility rule requires interfering licensees to consider all feasible interference abatement measures, including, but not limited to, the remedies specified in the interference resolution procedures set forth in § 22.972(c). This joint and several responsibility rule applies to all forms of interference, including out-of-band emissions and intermodulation.
(2) Any licensee that can show that its signal does not directly or indirectly, cause or contribute to causing unacceptable interference to a non-cellular part 90 of this chapter licensee in the 800 MHz band, as defined in this chapter, shall not be held responsible for resolving unacceptable interference. Notwithstanding, any licensee that receives an interference complaint from a public safety/CII licensee shall respond to such complaint consistent with the interference resolution procedures set forth in this chapter.
§ 22.972   Interference resolution procedures.
(a) Initial notification. (1) Cellular Radiotelephone licensees may receive initial notification of interference from non-cellular part 90 of this chapter licensees in the 800 MHz band pursuant to § 90.674(a) of this chapter.
(2) Cellular Radiotelephone licensees, in conjunction with part 90 ESMR licensees, shall establish an electronic means of receiving the initial notification described in § 90.674(a) of this chapter. The electronic system must be designed so that all appropriate Cellular Radiotelephone licensees and part 90 ESMR licensees can be contacted about the interference incident with a single notification. The electronic system for receipt of initial notification of interference complaints must be operating no later than February 22, 2005.
(3) Cellular Radiotelephone licensees must respond to the initial notification described in § 90.674(a) of this chapter, as soon as possible and no later than 24 hours after receipt of notification from a part 90 public safety/CII licensee. This response time may be extended to 48 hours after receipt from other part 90 non-cellular licensees provided affected communications on these systems are not safety related.
(b) Interference analysis. Cellular Radiotelephone licensees—who receive an initial notification described in § 90.674(a) of this chapter—shall perform a timely analysis of the interference to identify the possible source. Immediate on-site visits may be conducted when necessary to complete timely analysis. Interference analysis must be completed and corrective action initiated within 48 hours of the initial complaint from a part 90 of this chapter public safety/CII licensee. This response time may be extended to 96 hours after the initial complaint from other part 90 of this chapter non-cellular licensees provided affected communications on these systems are not safety related. Corrective action may be delayed if the affected licensee agrees in writing (which may be, but is not required to be, recorded via e-mail or other electronic means) to a longer period.
(c) Mitigation steps. (1) All Cellular Radiotelephone and part 90 of this chapter—800 MHz cellular system licensees who are responsible for causing unacceptable interference shall take all affirmative measures to resolve such interference. Cellular Radiotelephone licensees found to contribute to unacceptable interference, as defined in § 22.970, shall resolve such interference in the shortest time practicable. Cellular Radiotelephone licensees and part 90 of this chapter—800 MHz cellular system licensees must provide all necessary test apparatus and technical personnel skilled in the operation of such equipment as may be necessary to determine the most appropriate means of timely eliminating the interference. However, the means whereby interference is abated or the cell parameters that may need to be adjusted is left to the discretion of the Cellular Radiotelephone and/or part 90 of this chapter—800 MHz cellular system licensees, whose affirmative measures may include, but not be limited to, the following techniques:
(i) Increasing the desired power of the public safety/CII signal;
(ii) Decreasing the power of the part 90 ESMR and/or Cellular Radiotelephone system signal;
(iii) Modifying the part 90 ESMR and/or Cellular Radiotelephone system antenna height;
(iv) Modifying the part 90 ESMR and/or Cellular Radiotelephone system antenna characteristics;
(v) Incorporating filters into part 90 ESMR and/or Cellular Radiotelephone transmission equipment;
(vi) Permanently changing part 90 ESMR and/or Cellular Radiotelephone frequencies; and
(vii) Supplying interference-resistant receivers to the affected public safety/CII licensee(s). If this technique is used, in all circumstances, Cellular Radiotelephone and/or part 90 of this chapter ESMR licensees shall be responsible for all costs thereof.
(2) Whenever short-term interference abatement measures prove inadequate, the affected part 90 of this chapter non-cellular licensee shall, consistent with but not compromising safety, make all necessary concessions to accepting interference until a longer-term remedy can be implemented.
(3) Discontinuing operations when clear imminent danger exists. When a part 90 of this chapter public safety licensee determines that a continuing presence of interference constitutes a clear and imminent danger to life or property, the licensee causing the interference must discontinue the associated operation immediately, until a remedy can be identified and applied. The determination that a continuing presence exists that constitutes a clear and imminent danger to life or property, must be made by written statement that:
(i) Is in the form of a declaration, notarized affidavit, or statement under penalty or perjury, from an officer or executive of the affected public safety licensee;
(ii) Thoroughly describes the basis of the claim of clear and imminent danger;
(iii) Was formulated on the basis of either personal knowledge or belief after due diligence;
(iv) Is not proffered by a contractor or other third party; and
(v) Has been approved by the Chief of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau or other designated Commission official. Prior to the authorized official making a determination that a clear and imminent danger exists, the associated written statement must be served by hand-delivery or receipted fax on the applicable offending licensee, with a copy transmitted by the fastest available means to the Washington, DC office of the Commission's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau.
§ 22.973   Information exchange.
(a) Prior notification. Public safety/CII licensees may notify a part 90 ESMR or cellular radiotelephone licensee that they wish to receive prior notification of the activation or modification of part 90 ESMR or cellular radiotelephone cell sites in their area. Thereafter, the part 90 ESMR or cellular radiotelephone licensee must provide the following information to the public safety/CII licensee at least 10 business days before a new cell site is activated or an existing cell site is modified:
(1) Location;
(2) Effective radiated power;
(3) Antenna height;
(4) Channels available for use.
(b) Purpose of prior notification. The prior coordination of cell sites is for informational purposes only. Public safety/CII licensees are not afforded the right to accept or reject the activation of a proposed cell or to unilaterally require changes in its operating parameters. The principal purposes of notification are to:
(1) Allow a public safety licensee to advise the part 90 of this chapter ESMR or Cellular Radiotelephone licensee whether it believes a proposed cell will generate unacceptable interference;
(2) Permit Cellular Radiotelephone or part 90 of this chapter ESMR licensees to make voluntary changes in cell parameters when a public safety licensee alerts them to possible interference; and
(3) Rapidly identify the source if interference is encountered when the cell is activated.
§ 22.983   Field strength limit.
(a) Subject to paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, a licensee's predicted or measured median field strength limit must not exceed 40 dBµV/m at any given point along the Cellular Geographic Service Area (CGSA) boundary of a neighboring licensee on the same channel block, unless the affected licensee of the neighboring CGSA on the same channel block agrees to a different field strength. This also applies to CGSAs partitioned pursuant to § 22.948.
(b) Gulf of Mexico Service Area. Notwithstanding the field strength limit provision set forth in paragraph (a) of this section, licensees in or adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico Exclusive Zone are subject to § 22.912(c) regarding service area boundary extensions. See § 22.912(c).
(c) Cellular licensees shall be subject to all applicable provisions and requirements of treaties and other international agreements between the United States government and the governments of Canada and Mexico, notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section.
§ 22.1001   Scope.
The rules in this subpart govern the licensing and operation of offshore radiotelephone stations. The licensing and operation of these stations and systems is also subject to rules elsewhere in this part that apply generally to the public mobile services. However, in case of conflict, the rules in this subpart govern.
§ 22.1003   Eligibility.
Any eligible entity (see § 22.7) may apply for central station license(s) and/or offshore subscriber licenses under this subpart.
§ 22.1005   Priority of service.
Facilities in the Offshore Radiotelephone Service are intended primarily for rendition of public message service between offshore subscriber and central stations. However, they may also be used to render private leased line communication service, provided that such usage does not reduce or impair the extent or quality of communication service which would be available, in the absence of private leased line service, to the general public receiving or subsequently requesting public message service from an offshore central station.
§ 22.1007   Channels for offshore radiotelephone systems.
The channels listed in this section are allocated for paired assignment to transmitters located in the specified geographical zones that provide offshore radiotelephone service. All channels have a bandwidth of 20 kHz and are designated by their center frequencies in MegaHertz.
(a) Zone A—Southern Louisiana. The geographical area in Zone A is bounded as follows:
From longitude W.87°45′ on the East to longitude W.94°00′ on the West and from the 4.8 kilometer (3 mile) limit along the Gulf of Mexico shoreline on the North to the limit of the Outer Continental Shelf on the South.
(1) These channels may be assigned for use by offshore central (base/fixed) or subscriber stations (fixed, temporary fixed, surface and/or airborne mobile) as indicated, for voice-grade general communications:
(2) These channels may be assigned for use by offshore central (base/fixed) or subscriber stations (fixed, temporary fixed, surface and/or airborne mobile) as indicated, for voice-grade general communications and private line service:
(3) These channels may be assigned for use by relay stations in systems where it would be impractical to provide offshore radiotelephone service without the use of relay stations.
(4) These channels may be assigned for use by offshore central (base/fixed) or subscriber stations (fixed, temporary fixed, surface and/or airborne mobile) as indicated, for emergency communications involving protection of life and property.
(5) These channels may be assigned for use by offshore central (base/fixed) or subscriber stations (fixed, temporary fixed, surface and/or airborne mobile) as indicated, for emergency auto alarm and voice transmission pertaining to emergency conditions only.
(6) These channels may be assigned for use by offshore central (base/fixed) or subscriber stations (fixed, temporary fixed, surface and/or airborne mobile) as indicated, for emergency shut-off remote control telemetry, environmental data acquisition and disseminations, or facsimile transmissions.
(7) These channels may be assigned for use by offshore central (base/fixed) or subscriber stations (fixed, temporary fixed, surface and/or airborne mobile) as indicated, for private line service:
(8) Interstitial channels. Interstitial channels are those with center frequencies offset by ±12.5 kHz from the listed center frequencies. The FCC may assign interstitial channels to offshore stations in Zone A subject to the following conditions:
(i) Offshore stations transmitting on interstitial channels must be located east of W.92° longitude.
(ii) Operations on interstitial channels are considered to be secondary to operations on channels with the listed center frequencies.
(iii) Offshore stations operating on interstitial channels must be used only for voice grade general communications or to provide for private line service.
These channels are contained in UHF TV Channel 17.
(b) Zone B—Southern Louisiana—Texas. (1) The geographical area in Zone B is bounded as follows:
From longitude W.87°45′ on the East to longitude W.95°00′ on the West and from the 4.8 kilometer (3 mile) limit along the Gulf of Mexico shoreline on the North to the limit of the Outer Continental Shelf on the South.
(2) These channels may be assigned for use by offshore central (base/fixed) or subscriber stations (fixed, temporary fixed, surface and/or airborne mobile) as indicated, for voice-grade general communications and private line service:
These channels are contained in UHF TV Channel 16.
(c) Zone C—Southern Texas. The geographical area in Zone C is bounded as follows:
Longitude W.94°00′ on the East, the 4.8 kilometer (3 mile) limit on the North and West, a 282 kilometer (175 mile) radius from the reference point at Linares, N.L., Mexico on the Southwest, latitude N.26°00′ on the South, and the limits of the outer continental shelf on the Southeast.
(1) These channels may be assigned for use by offshore central (base/fixed) or subscriber stations (fixed, temporary fixed, surface and/or airborne mobile) as indicated, for emergency auto alarm and voice transmission pertaining to emergency conditions only.
(2) These channels may be assigned for use by offshore central (base/fixed) or subscriber stations (fixed, temporary fixed, surface and/or airborne mobile) as indicated, for voice-grade general communications and private line service:
§ 22.1009   Transmitter locations.
The rules in this section establish limitations on the locations from which stations in the Offshore Radiotelephone Service may transmit.
(a) All stations. Offshore stations must not transmit from locations outside the boundaries of the appropriate zones specified in § 22.1007. Offshore stations must not transmit from locations within 241 kilometers (150 miles) of any full-service television station that transmits on the TV channel containing the channel on which the offshore station transmits.
(b) Airborne subscriber stations. Airborne subscriber stations must not transmit from altitudes exceeding 305 meters (1000 feet) above mean sea level. Airborne mobile stations in Zone A must not transmit from locations within 129 kilometers (80 miles) of Lake Charles, Louisiana. Airborne mobile stations in Zone B must not transmit from locations within 129 kilometers (80 miles) of Lafayette, Louisiana. Airborne mobile stations in Zone C must not transmit from locations within 129 kilometers (80 miles) of Corpus Christi or locations within 129 kilometers (80 miles) of Houston, Texas.
§ 22.1011   Antenna height limitations.
The antenna height of offshore stations must not exceed 61 meters (200 feet) above mean sea level. The antenna height of offshore surface mobile stations must not exceed 10 meters (30 feet) above the waterline.
§ 22.1013   Effective radiated power limitations.
The effective radiated power (ERP) of transmitters in the Offshore Radiotelephone Service must not exceed the limits in this section.
(a) Maximum power. The ERP of transmitters in this service must not exceed 1000 Watts under any circumstances.
(b) Mobile transmitters. The ERP of mobile transmitters must not exceed 100 Watts. The ERP of mobile transmitters, when located within 32 kilometers (20 miles) of the 4.8 kilometer (3 mile) limit, must not exceed 25 Watts. The ERP of airborne mobile stations must not exceed 1 Watt.
(c) Protection for TV Reception. The ERP limitations in this paragraph are intended to reduce the likelihood that interference to television reception from offshore radiotelephone operations will occur.
(1) Co-channel protection. The ERP of offshore stations must not exceed the limits in Table I-1 of this section. The limits depend upon the height above mean sea level of the offshore transmitting antenna and the distance between the antenna location of the offshore transmitter and the antenna location of the main transmitter of the nearest full-service television station that transmits on the TV channel containing the channel on which the offshore station transmits.
(2) Adjacent channel protection. The ERP of offshore stations located within 128.8 kilometers (80 miles) of the main transmitter antenna of a full service TV station that transmits on a TV channel adjacent to the TV channel which contains the channel on which the offshore station transmits must not exceed the limits in the Table I-2 of § 22.1015. The limits depend upon the height above mean sea level of the offshore transmitting antenna and the distance between the location of the offshore transmitter and the 4.8 kilometer (3 mile) limit.
Table I-1—Maximum ERP (Watts)
§ 22.1015   Repeater operation.
Offshore central stations may be used as repeater stations provided that the licensee is able to maintain control of the station, and in particular, to turn the transmitter off, regardless of whether associated subscriber stations are transmitting at the time.
Table I-2—Maximum ERP (Watts)
§ 22.1025   Permissible communications.
Offshore central stations must communicate only with subscriber stations (fixed, temporary-fixed, mobile and airborne). Offshore subscriber stations must normally communicate only with and through offshore central stations. Stations in the Offshore Radiotelephone Service may communicate through relay stations authorized in this service.
§ 22.1031   Temporary fixed stations.
The FCC may, upon proper application therefor, authorize the construction and operation of temporary fixed stations in the Offshore Radiotelephone service to be used only when the service of permanent fixed stations is disrupted by storms or emergencies or is otherwise unavailable.
(a) Six month limitation. If it is necessary for a temporary fixed station to remain at the same location for more than six months, the licensee of that station must apply for authorization to operate the station at the specific location at least 30 days before the end of the six month period.
(b) International communications. Communications between the United States and Mexico must not be carried using a temporary fixed station without prior authorization from the FCC. Licensees desiring to carry such communications should apply sufficiently in advance to allow for the time necessary to coordinate with Canada or Mexico.
§ 22.1035   Construction period.
The construction period (see § 22.142) for offshore stations is 18 months.
§ 22.1037   Application requirements for offshore stations.
Applications for new Offshore Radiotelephone Service stations must contain an exhibit showing that:
(a) The applicant has notified all licensees of offshore stations located within 321.8 kilometers (200 miles) of the proposed offshore station, by providing the following data, at least 30 days before filing the application:
(1) The name, business address, channel coordinator, and telephone number of the applicant;
(2) The location and geographical coordinates of the proposed station;
(3) The channel and type of emission;
(4) The height and type of antenna;
(5) The bearing of the main lobe of the antenna; and,
(6) The effective radiated power.
(b) The proposed station will not interfere with the primary ORS channels by compliance with the following separations:
(1) Co-channel to a distance of 241.4 kilometers (150 miles).
(2) If interstitial channels are used, adjacent channels (±12.5 kHz) to a distance of 80.5 kilometers (50 miles).
(3) Third order intermodulation channels (±12.5 kHz) to a distance of 32.2 kilometers (20 miles).
(4) If the proposed transmitting antenna site is located west of longitude W.93°40′, and within 32.2 kilometers (20 miles) of the shoreline, and proposed use of the channels listed in § 22.1007(b), no third-order intermodulation interference would be caused to any base or mobile station using the channels between 488 and 494 MHz.