[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 22 (Monday, February 3, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4920-4925]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-2083]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
47 CFR Parts 74, 78, and 101

[ET Docket No. 96-35; FCC 97-1]


Flexible Standards for Directional Microwave Antennas

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action amends the performance standards for directional 
microwave antennas of the Commission's Rules in order to permit the use 
of new antenna technology. Specifically, the rule amendments will allow 
licensees to show compliance with the Commission's Rules for antenna 
standards using either minimum antenna gain or maximum radiation 
beamwidth. This action removes an implicit prohibition in the 
Commission's Rules against new types of antennas which have narrow 
beamwidths, but insufficient gains. This action also will encourage 
innovation in antenna technology and will give licensees more options 
in the types of antennas they may employ, without decreasing spectrum 
efficiency or increasing interference.

EFFECTIVE DATE: March 5, 1997.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael J. Marcus, 418-2470 or Tom 
Mooring, 418-2450, Office of Engineering and Technology.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's Report 
and Order, ET Docket 96-35, FCC 97-1, adopted January 2, 1997, and 
released January 17, 1997. The full text of this Commission decision is 
available for inspection and copying during normal business hours in 
the FCC Reference Center (Room 239), 1919 M Street, N.W., Washington, 
D.C., and also may be purchased from the Commission's duplication 
contractor, International Transcription Service, (202) 857-3800, 2100 M 
Street, N.W., Suite 140, Washington, D.C. 20037.

Summary of the Report and Order

    1. By this action, the Commission amends its fixed service 
microwave rules to make them more compatible with certain emerging 
technologies for directional antennas. Specifically, we will permit 
alternative showings that antennas comply with maximum beamwidth 
requirements rather than requirements for minimum antenna gains. The 
Commission believes that this action will preserve the intent of the 
rules to maximize spectrum efficiency and minimize interference. At the 
same time, such changes will provide Commission licensees with 
additional flexibility to use directional antennas employing emerging 
technologies for which, in contrast to conventional antennas, maximum 
antenna beamwidth is not correlated directly with minimum antenna gain. 
Finally, the Commission believes that these amendments promote the 
national policy goals set forth in Section 257 of the Communications 
Act by enabling entrepreneurs and other small businesses to market new 
and innovative antenna technology to providers of telecommunications 
services and information services.
    2. On February 29, 1996, we adopted a Notice of Proposed Rule 
Making (``NPRM'') in this proceeding, 61 FR 11798, March 22, 1996. In 
the NPRM, we proposed to permit licensees to make a showing that the 
antennas employed under Parts 74, 78, and 101 meet minimum antenna 
performance standards through the use of maximum beamwidth requirements 
as an alternative to minimum antenna gain requirements. In addition, we 
proposed to treat all antennas as if they had the mainlobe shape and 
gain of a conventional parabolic dish antenna.
    3. The parties generally support the basic proposal in the NPRM, 
that is, to allow users to show compliance with the minimum antenna 
performance standards using either maximum beamwidth or minimum gain. 
For example, Comsearch states that spectrum efficiency depends upon 
antenna radiation pattern performance (beamwidth, sidelobe suppression, 
and front-to-back ratio), not upon antenna gain, and that thus, there 
is no need for a minimum antenna gain requirement as long as the 
maximum beamwidth and minimum radiation suppression requirements are 
met. Endgate Corporation (``Endgate'') agrees that the adoption of this 
proposal would remove a regulatory impediment to the use of new antenna 
technology and further states that such action would provide 
manufacturers with the flexibility to develop antennas with specific 
performance properties that are appropriate for the application, rather 
than performance limited by pre-existing regulations.
    4. We agree with Comsearch that spectrum efficiency is dependent 
upon antenna radiation pattern performance, that is, the beamwidth, 
sidelobe suppression, and the front-to-back ratio, and not upon antenna 
gain per se. Thus, we find that a showing of maximum beamwidth as an 
alternative to a minimum antenna gain showing can be permitted with no 
impact on spectrum efficiency. Moreover, we believe that such a change 
serves the public interest because it allows a greater choice of 
technologies for licensees. Accordingly, we amend Sections 74.536, 
74.641, 78.105, and 101.115 of the Commission's Rules to permit 
licensees to demonstrate compliance using either minimum gain or 
maximum beamwidth. The table below summarizes these amendments:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Maximum                                 
                               beamwidth                                
         Minimum gain                      Rule  section    Band (GHz)  
                               (degrees)                                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
34 dBi.......................       3.5   101.115 (c)     10.55-10.68   
36 dBi.......................       2.7   101.115 (c)     3.7-4.2       
38 dBi.......................       2.2   101.115 (c)     5.925-6.425   
                               .........  ..............  6.525-6.875   
                               .........  ..............  10.55-10.68   
                               .........  ..............  10.63-10.68   
                               .........  ..............  10.7-11.7     
                               .........  ..............  17.70-18.82   
                               .........  74.536(c)       17.7-19.7     
                               .........  74.641(a) (1)   17.7-19.7     
                               .........  78.105(a) (1)   17.7-19.7     
                               .........  101.115 (c)     18.92-19.70   
                               .........  ..............  21.2-23.6     
                               .........  ..............  Above 31.3    
                               .........  78.105(a) (1)   38.6-40.0     
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    5. In the NPRM, we observed that even with the sidelobe suppression 
required by the existing rules, new types of antennas, such as planar 
array antennas, may differ somewhat from conventional dish and horn 
antennas in the exact shape of the mainlobe. We stated that we do not 
believe that these differences in the shape of the mainlobe would have 
a significant impact on spectrum efficiency and, therefore, we proposed 
to treat all antennas as if they had the mainlobe shape and total gain 
of a conventional parabolic dish antenna.
    6. We agree with Alcatel Network Systems, Inc. (``Alcatel''), 
Comsearch, and National Spectrum Managers Association (``NSMA'') that 
the present requirement that fixed microwave applicants under Part 101 
provide antenna measurement data for coordination should be retained 
without modification because the use of actual

[[Page 4921]]

patterns will maximize spectrum efficiency. Therefore, we are not 
amending the rules in this respect. We also agree with Andrew 
Corporation (``Andrew'') that compliance with the maximum beamwidth 
requirements should be met in both the azimuth and elevation planes. 
Accordingly, we are amending the antenna standards tables in Parts 74, 
78, and 101 by adding a footnote, which states that if a licensee 
chooses to show compliance using maximum beamwidth to 3 dB points, the 
beamwidth limit shall apply in both the azimuth and the elevation 
planes. However, we decline to change the radiation suppression 
limitations because these issues are outside the scope of this 
proceeding.
    7. The Society of Broadcast Engineers (``SBE'') requests that the 
Commission apply the proposed flexible minimum antenna standards to 
receiving antennas as well as transmitting antennas. SBE states that a 
receiving antenna with an unnecessarily broad radiation pattern 
envelope can have just as great a preclusive effect on spectrum 
efficiency as a transmitting antenna with an overly broad pattern.
    8. We observe that under the aural broadcasting auxiliary station 
and fixed microwave service rules, the new flexible minimum antenna 
standards apply to both transmitting and receiving antennas.<SUP>1 
However, under the television broadcast auxiliary station and cable 
television relay service rules, the choice of receiving antennas is 
left to the discretion of the licensee. Further, the licensee is not 
protected from interference that results from the use of antennas with 
poorer performance than identified in the pertinent antenna standards 
table.<SUP>2
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    \1\ See 47 CFR 74.536(b), 101.115(c) (1995).
    \2\ See 47 CFR 74.641(a)(3), 78.105(a)(3) (1995).
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Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

    9. As required by Section 603 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 
U.S.C. 603 (``RFA''), an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis 
(``IRFA'') was incorporated into the NPRM in this proceeding. The 
Commission sought written public comments on the proposals in the NPRM, 
including the IRFA. The Commission's Final Regulatory Flexibility 
Analysis (``FRFA'') in this Report and Order conforms to the RFA, as 
amended by the Contract With America Advancement Act of 1996 
(``CWAAA''), Public Law 104-121, 110 Stat. 847 (1996).<SUP>3
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    \3\ Subtitle II of the CWAAA is ``The Small Business Regulatory 
Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996'' (``SBREFA''), codified at 5 
U.S.C. 601 et seq.
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    10. Need for and Objectives of the Rules. The rule amendments are 
needed in order to allow licensees to make an alternative showing of 
compliance with the Commission's Rules for antenna standards. The 
objective of the rule amendments is to permit the use of new antenna 
technologies.
    11. Summary of Significant Issues Raised by the Public Comments in 
Response to the IRFA. No comments were submitted in direct response to 
the IRFA. Nonetheless, we have considered the significant economic 
impact of the proposals on small entities.
    12. Description and Estimate of the Number of Small Entities to 
Which Rule Will Apply. The RFA generally defines the term ``small 
business'' as having the same meaning as the term ``small business 
concern'' under the Small Business Act, 15 U.S.C. 632. Based on the 
statutory provision, we will consider a small business concern one 
which: (1) is independently owned and operated; (2) is not dominant in 
its field of operation; and (3) satisfies any additional criteria 
established by the Small Business Administration (``SBA''). The RFA 
SBREFA provisions also apply to nonprofit organizations and to 
governmental organizations.
    13. These rule amendments pertain to licensees providing point-to-
point microwave services. The Commission has not developed a definition 
of small entities applicable to these services. Therefore, we will 
utilize the SBA definition applicable to radiotelephone companies. This 
definition provides that a small entity is a radiotelephone company 
employing fewer than 1,500 persons.<SUP>4 Census Bureau data indicates 
that there are 1,164 radiotelephone companies with fewer than 1,500 
employees, that might qualify as small entities if they are 
independently owned are operated.<SUP>5 Since the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act amendments were not in effect until the record in this 
proceeding was closed, the Commission was unable to request information 
regarding the number of small businesses that would be affected by this 
action. It is unknown how many small entities may be affected. We 
believe that all entities affected by the rule amendments will benefit 
from this action which allows licensees more flexibility in making a 
showing that their antennas meet minimum antenna performance standards.
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    \4\ 13 CFR 121.201, Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) 
Code 4812.
    \5\ U.S. Dept. of Commerce, 1992 Census of Transportation, 
Communications and Utilities: Establishment and Firm Size 10123 (May 
1995).
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    14. Description of Projected Reporting, Recordkeeping and Other 
Compliance Requirements. No new requirements are involved. Licensees 
will be afforded the option of complying with a standard for maximum 
antenna beamwidth as an alternative to complying with the existing 
requirement for minimum antenna gain. Thus, the types of professional 
skills necessary to comply with the rule amendments already exist 
within the effected companies.
    15. Significant Alternatives and Steps Taken by Agency to Minimize 
Significant Economic Impact on a Substantial Number of Small Entities 
Consistent with Stated Objectives. We have considered and rejected 
several significant alternatives. The NPRM raised the question of 
whether new types of antennas should be presumed to be conventional for 
coordination purposes. All the commenting parties opposed such a change 
and stated that the present requirement that licensees provide antenna 
measurement data for coordination should be retained. We agree and are 
keeping all such existing requirements without modification. In 
comments Endgate Corporation proposes that the Commission adopt a 
maximum radiated power envelope in place of the existing rules which 
specify both the maximum transmitter power and the relative sidelobe 
radiation suppression values. This would allow wide antenna beams and 
higher sidelobe levels for licensees that use less than the maximum 
radiated power. Both Comsearch and NSMA oppose Endgate's proposal in 
reply comments. Comsearch points out that since most terrestrial 
microwave systems are licensed below the maximum EIRP limits, this 
proposal would increase the amount of allowed radiated power at angles 
off the main beam which increases interference potential and constrains 
frequency reuse for terrestrial systems. NSMA raised similar concerns. 
Thus we decline to make this change as suggested by Endgate as we find 
that the risk of decreased spectrum efficiency outweighs the benefits 
for microwave licensees, including small entities.
    16. Andrew interprets the existing and proposed rules on beamwidth 
to limit only horizontal beamwidth and asks that the rules clearly 
state that both horizontal and vertical beamwidth and radiation 
suppression be limited. We agree that for antennas to show compliance 
with requirements by meeting a maximum beamwidth that beamwidth must 
apply in both planes. However, we decline to apply this requirement to 
antennas that show compliance with the existing minimum gain 
requirement. If a high gain requirement is met by the antenna, physical 
principals limit the amount of

[[Page 4922]]

trade off between vertical and horizontal beamwidth that is possible. 
Also, we clearly stated in the NPRM that we did not intend to modify 
requirements for existing antennas which met our minimum gain 
requirement.
    17. SBE requests that the Commission apply the proposed flexible 
minimum antenna standards to receiving antennas as well as to 
transmitting antennas. Since the NPRM addressed explicitly the 
alternative minimum gain requirement only, we will not consider SBE's 
request in this proceeding. SBE also requests that the Commission issue 
an updated list of ``frequency congested areas'' in which Category A 
antennas would be required. However, SBE submitted no data indicating 
which areas should be so designated. Since we have no record to base a 
decision on, we decline to act at this time.
    18. Alcatel proposes that antenna standards for the 10 GHz band be 
relaxed to allow continued use of 2 foot antennas after 1997 as opposed 
to the 4 foot antennas required by present rules. Alcatel was supported 
in reply comments by TIA. Similarly, INNOVA proposes that requirements 
for 37-40 GHz antennas be relaxed. These two proposals were outside the 
scope of the original notice and we feel that there is insufficient 
record to adopt them at this time.
    19. Report to Congress: The Commission shall send a copy of this 
Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis, along with this Report and 
Order, in a report to Congress pursuant to the Small Business 
Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, 5 U.S.C. 801 (a)(1)(A).

List of Subjects

47 CFR Part 74

    Radio, Television.

47 CFR Part 78

    Cable television, Communications equipment, Radio.

47 CFR Part 101

    Communications common carriers, Communications equipment, Radio.

Federal Communications Commission.
William F. Caton,
Acting Secretary.

Rule Changes

    Parts 74, 78, and 101 of the Code of Federal Regulations are 
amended as follows:

PART 74--EXPERIMENTAL RADIO, AUXILIARY, SPECIAL BROADCAST AND OTHER 
PROGRAM DISTRIBUTIONAL SERVICES

    1. The authority citation for Part 74 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Secs. 4, 303, 48 Stat. 1066, as amended, 1082, as 
amended; 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, 554.

    2. In Section 74.536, paragraphs (b) and (c) are revised to read as 
follows:


Sec. 74.536  Directional antenna required.

* * * * *
    (b) An aural broadcast STL or intercity relay station operating in 
the 17.7-19.7 GHz band shall employ an antenna that meets the 
performance standards for Category A, except that in areas not subject 
to frequency congestion, antennas meeting standards for Category B may 
be employed. However, the Commission may require the replacement, at 
the licensee's expense, of any antenna or periscope antenna system of a 
permanent fixed station that does not meet performance Standard A, 
which is specified in the table in paragraph (c) of this section, upon 
a showing that said antenna causes or is likely to cause interference 
to (or receive interference from) any other authorized or proposed 
station; provided that an antenna meeting performance Standard A is 
unlikely to involve such interference.
    (c) Licensees shall comply with the antenna standards table shown 
in this paragraph in the following manner:
    (1) With either the maximum beamwidth to 3 dB points requirement or 
with the minimum antenna gain requirement; and
    (2) With the minimum radiation suppression to angle requirement.

                                                                    Antenna Standards                                                                   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Maximum                      Minimum radiation suppression to angle in degrees from     
                                                               beamwidth                               centerline of main beam in decibels              
                                                                to 3 dB      Minimum   -----------------------------------------------------------------
           Frequency (GHz)                    Category          points <SUP>1     antenna                                                                    
                                                               (included    gain (dbi)   5 deg.  10 deg.  15 deg.  20 deg.   30 deg.  100 deg.  140 deg.
                                                                angle in                 to 10    to 15    to 20    to 30    to 100    to 140    to 180 
                                                                degrees)                  deg.     deg.     deg.     deg.     deg.      deg.      deg.  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17.7 to 19.7.........................  A                              2.2           38       25       29       33       36        42        55        55
                                       B                              2.2           38       20       24       28       32        35        36        36
31.0 to 31.3 <SUP>2.......................  n/a                          <SUP>3 4.0           38      n/a      n/a      n/a      n/a       n/a       n/a       n/a
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<SUP>1 If a licensee chooses to show compliance using maximum beamwidth to 3 dB points, the beamwidth limit shall apply in both the azimuth and the elevation
  planes.                                                                                                                                               
<SUP>2 Mobile, except aeronautical mobile, stations need not comply with these standards.                                                                    
<SUP>3 The minimum front-to-back ratio shall be 38 dBi.                                                                                                      

    3. In Section 74.641, paragraph (a)(1) is revised to read as 
follows:


Sec. 74.641  Antenna systems.

    (a) * * *
    (1) Fixed TV broadcast auxiliary stations shall use directional 
antennas that meet the performance standards indicated in the following 
table. Upon adequate showing of need to serve a larger sector, or more 
than a single sector, greater beamwidth or multiple antennas may be 
authorized. Applicants shall request, and authorization for stations in 
this service will specify, the polarization of each transmitted signal. 
Booster station antennas having narrower beamwidths and reduced 
sidelobe radiation may be required in congested areas, or to resolve 
interference problems.
    (i) Stations must employ an antenna that meets the performance 
standards for Category B. In areas subject to frequency congestion, 
where proposed facilities would be precluded by continued use of a 
Category B antenna, a Category A antenna must be employed. The 
Commission may require the use of a high performance antenna where 
interference problems can be resolved by the use of such antennas.
    (ii) Licensees shall comply with the antenna standards table shown 
in this paragraph in the following manner:
    (A) With either the maximum beamwith to 3 dB points requirement or 
with the minimum antenna gain requirement; and

[[Page 4923]]

    (B) With the minimum radiation suppression to angle requirement.

                                                                    Antenna Standards                                                                   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     Maximum                 Minimum radiation suppression to angle in degrees from     
                                                                    beamwidth                          centerline of main beam in decibels              
                                                                     to 3 dB   Minimum -----------------------------------------------------------------
             Frequency (MHz)                      Category           points <SUP>1  antenna                                                                  
                                                                    (included    gain    5 deg.  10 deg.  15 deg.  20 deg.   30 deg.  100 deg.  140 deg.
                                                                     angle in   (dbi)    to 10    to 15    to 20    to 30    to 100    to 140    to 180 
                                                                     degrees)             deg.     deg.     deg.     deg.     deg.      deg.      deg.  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,990 to 2,110..........................  A.......................       5.0       n/a       12       18       22       25        29        33        39
                                          B.......................       8.0       n/a        5       18       20       20        25        28        36
6,875 to 7,125..........................  A.......................       1.5       n/a       26       29       32       34        38        41        49
                                          B.......................       2.0       n/a       21       25       29       32        35        39        45
12,700 to 13,250........................  A.......................       1.0       n/a       23       28       35       39        41        42        50
                                          B.......................       2.0       n/a       20       25       28       30        32        37        47
17,700 to 19,700........................  A.......................       2.2        38       25       29       33       36        42        55        55
                                          B.......................       2.2        38       20       24       28       32        35        36        36
31,000 to 31,300 <SUP>2......................  n/a.....................     <SUP>3 4.0        38      n/a      n/a      n/a      n/a       n/a       n/a       n/a
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<SUP>1 If a licensee chooses to show compliance using maximum beamwith to 3 dB points, the beamwidth limit shall apply in both the azimuth and the elevation 
  planes.                                                                                                                                               
<SUP>2 Mobile, except aeronautical mobile, stations need not comply with these standards.                                                                    
<SUP>3 The minimum front-to-back ratio shall be 38 dBi.                                                                                                      

* * * * *


PART 78--CABLE TELEVISION RELAY SERVICE

    1. The authority citation for Part 78 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Secs. 2, 3, 4, 301, 303, 307, 308, 309, 48 Stat., as 
amended, 1064, 1065, 1066, 1081, 1082, 1083, 1084, 1085; 47 U.S.C. 
152, 153, 154, 301, 303, 307, 308, 309.

    2. In Section 78.105, paragraph (a)(1) is revised to read as 
follows:


Sec. 78.105  Antenna systems.

    (a) * * *
    (1) Fixed CARS stations shall use directional antennas that meet 
the performance standards indicated in the following table.
    (i) Stations must employ an antenna that meets the performance 
standards for Category B. In areas subject to frequency congestion, 
where proposed facilities would be precluded by continued use of a 
Category B antenna, a Category A antenna must be employed. The 
Commission may require the use of a high performance antenna where 
interference problems can be resolved by the use of such antennas.
    (ii) Upon adequate showing of need to serve a larger sector, or 
more than a single sector, greater beamwidth or multiple antennas may 
be authorized. Applicants shall request and authorization for stations 
in this service will specify the polarization of each transmitted 
signal.
    (iii) Licensees shall comply with the antenna standards table shown 
in this paragraph in the following manner:
    (A) With either the maximum beamwidth to 3 dB points requirement or 
with the minimum antenna gain requirement; and
    (B) With the minimum radiation suppression to angle requirement.

                                                                    Antenna Standards                                                                   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Maximum                      Minimum radiation suppression to angle in degrees from     
                                                               beamwidith                              centerline of main beam in decibels              
                                                                to 3 dB      Minimum   -----------------------------------------------------------------
           Frequency (MHz)                    Category         points \1\    antenna                                                                    
                                                               (included    gain (dbi)   5 deg.  10 deg.  15 deg.  20 deg.   30 deg.  100 deg.  140 deg.
                                                                angle in                 to 10    to 15    to 20    to 30    to 100    to 140    to 180 
                                                                degrees)                  deg.     deg.     deg.     deg.     deg.      deg.      deg.  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12,700 to 13,250.....................  A                              1.0          n/a       23       28       35       39        41        42        50
                                       B                              2.0          n/a       20       25       28       30        32        37        47
17,700 to 19,700.....................  A                              2.2           38       25       29       33       36        42        55        55
                                       B                              2.2           38       20       24       28       32        35        36        36
31,000 to 31,300 \2\.................  n/a                        \3\ 4.0           38      n/a      n/a      n/a      n/a       n/a       n/a       n/a

[[Page 4924]]

                                                                                                                                                        
38,600 to 40,000.....................  A                              2.2           38       25       29       33       36        42        55        55
                                       B                              2.2           38       20       24       28       32        35        36        36
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ If a licensee chooses to show compliance using maximum beamwidth to 3 dB points, the beamwidth limit shall apply in both the azimuth and the        
  elevation planes.                                                                                                                                     
\2\ Mobile, except aeronautical, mobile, stations need not comply with these standards.                                                                 
\3\ The minimum front-to-back ratio shall be 38 dBi.                                                                                                    

PART 101--FIXED MICROWAVE SERVICES

    1. The authority citation for Part 101 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 303.

    2. In Section 101.115, paragraph (c) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 101.115  Directional antennas.

* * * * *
    (c) Fixed stations (other than temporary fixed stations and DEMS 
nodal stations) operating at 932.5 MHz or higher must employ 
transmitting and receiving antennas (excluding second receiving 
antennas for operations such as space diversity) meeting the 
appropriate performance Standard A indicated below, except that in 
areas not subject to frequency congestion, antennas meeting performance 
Standard B may be used, subject to the requirements set forth in 
paragraph (d) of this section. Licensees shall comply with the antenna 
standards table shown in this paragraph in the following manner:
    (1) With either the maximum beamwidth to 3 dB points requirement or 
with the minimum antenna gain requirement; and
    (2) With the minimum radiation suppression to angle requirement.

                                                                    Antenna Standards                                                                   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Maximum                  Minimum radiation suppression to angle in degrees from centerline
                                                             beamwidth                                     of main beam in decibels                     
                                                              to 3 dB      Minimum   -------------------------------------------------------------------
           Frequency (MHz)                  Category         points \1\    antenna                                                                      
                                                             (included    gain (dbi)    5 deg.   10 deg.  15 deg.  20 deg.   30 deg.  100 deg.  140 deg.
                                                              angle in                to10 deg.   to 15    to 20    to 30    to 100    to 140    to 180 
                                                              degrees)                             deg.     deg.     deg.     deg.      deg.      deg.  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
932.5 to 935........................  A                            14.0          n/a       n/a         6       11       14        17        20        24
                                      B                            20.0          n/a       n/a       n/a        6       10        13        15        20
941.5 to 944........................  A                            14.0          n/a       n/a         6       11       14        17        20        24
                                      B                            20.0          n/a       n/a       n/a        6       10        13        15        20
952 to 960 <SUP>2, <SUP>3.....................  A                            14.0          n/a       n/a         6       11       14        17        20        24
                                      B                            20.0          n/a       n/a       n/a        6       10        13        15        20
1,850 to 2,500 \4\..................  A                             5.0          n/a        12        18       22       25        29        33        39
                                      B                             8.0          n/a         5        18       20       20        25        28        36
3,700 to 4,200......................  A                             2.7           36        23        29       33       36        42        55        55
                                      B                             2.7           36        20        24       28       32        32        32        32
5,925 to 6,425 \5\..................  A                             2.2           38        25        29       33       36        42        55        55
                                      B                             2.2           38        21        25       29       32        35        39        45
5,925 to 6,425 \6\..................  A                             2.2           38        25        29       33       36        42        55        55
                                      B                             2.2           38        20        24       28       32        35        36        36
6,525 to 6,875 \5\..................  A                             2.2           38        25        29       33       36        42        55        55
                                      B                             2.2           38        21        25       29       32        35        39        45
6,525 to 6,875 \6\..................  A                             1.5          n/a        26        29       32       34        38        41        49
                                      B                             2.0          n/a        21        25       29       32        35        39        45
10,550 to 10,680 <SUP>5, <SUP>7...............  A                             2.2           38        25        29       33       36        42        55        55
                                      B                             2.2           38        20        24       28       32        35        35        39
10,550 to 10,680 \6\................  A                             3.4           34        20        24       28       32        35        55        55
                                      B                             3.4           34        20        24       28       32        35        35        39
10,565 to 10,615....................  n/a                           360          n/a       n/a       n/a      n/a      n/a       n/a       n/a       n/a
10,630 to 10,680\8\.................  n/a                           3.5           34        20        24       28       32        35        36        36
10,700 to 11,700 \5\................  A                             2.2           38        25        29       33       36        42        55        55
                                      B                             2.2           38        20        24       28       32        35        36        36
12,200 to 13,250 \9\................  A                             1.0          n/a        23        28       35       39        41        42        50
                                      B                             2.0          n/a        20        25       28       30        32        37        47
17,700 to 18,820....................  A                             2.2           38        25        29       33       36        42        55        55
                                      B                             2.2           38        20        24       28       32        35        36        36
18,920 to 19,700 \10\...............  A                             2.2           38        25        29       33       36        42        55        55
                                      B                             2.2           38        20        24       28       32        35        36        36
21,200 to 23,600 \11\...............  A                             2.2           38        25        29       33       36        42        55        55
                                      B                             2.2           38        20        24       28       32        35        36        36
31,000 to 31,300 <SUP>12, <SUP>13.............  n/a                           4.0           38       n/a       n/a      n/a      n/a       n/a       n/a       n/a

[[Page 4925]]

                                                                                                                                                        
Above 31,300........................  A                             2.2           38        25        29       33       36        42        55        55
                                      B                             2.2           38        20        24       28       32        35        36        36
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ If a licensee chooses to show compliance using maximum beamwidth to 3 dB points, the beamwidth limit shall apply in both the azimuth and the        
  elevation planes.                                                                                                                                     
\2\ Except for Multiple Address System frequencies listed in Secs.  101.147(b)(1) through (b)(4), where omnidirectional antennas may be used.           
\3\ Antennas used at outlying stations as part of a central protection alarm system need conform to only the following 2 standards:                     
(i) The minimum on-beam forward gain must be at least 10 dBi, and                                                                                       
(ii) The minimum front-to-back ratio must be at least 20 dB.                                                                                            
\4\ Omnidirectional antennas may be authorized in the band 2150-2160 MHz.                                                                               
\5\ These antenna standards apply to all point-to-point stations authorized after June 1, 1997. Existing licensees and pending applicants on that date  
  are grandfathered and need not comply with these standards.                                                                                           
\6\ These antenna standards apply to all point-to-point stations authorized on or before June 1, 1997.                                                  
\7\ Except for antennas between 140 deg. and 180 deg. authorized or pending on January 1, 1989, in the band 10,550 to 10,565 MHz for which minimum      
  radiation suppression to angle (in degrees) from centerline of main beam is 36 decibels.                                                              
\8\ These antenna standards apply only to DEMS User Stations licensed, in operation, or applied for prior to July 15, 1993.                             
\9\ Except for temporary-fixed operations in the band 13200-13250 MHz with output powers less than 250 mW and as provided in Sec.  101.147(q).          
\10\ DEMS User Station antennas in this band must meet performance Standard B and have a minimum antenna gain of 34 dBi. The maximum beamwidth          
  requirement does not apply to DEMS User Stations. DEMS Nodal Stations need not comply with these standards.                                           
\11\ Except as provided in Sec.  101.147(t).                                                                                                            
Note to footnote 11: Stations must employ an antenna that meets the performance standards for Category A, except that in areas not subject to frequency 
  congestion, antennas meeting standards for Category B may be employed. Note, however, that the Commission may require the use of high performance     
  antennas where interference problems can be resolved by the use of such antennas.                                                                     
\12\ The minimum front-to-back ratio shall be 38 dBi.                                                                                                   
\13\ Mobile, except aeronautical mobile, stations need not comply with these standards.                                                                 

* * * * *
[FR Doc. 97-2083 Filed 1-31-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P