AMSAT-UK

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AMSAT Files Comments Opposing Deletion of 3.4 GHz Band

Posted: 23 Feb 2020 11:40 AM PST
https://amsat-uk.org/2020/02/23/amsa...-3-4-ghz-band/


AMSAT has filed comments on the Federal Communications Commissions Notice
of Proposed Rulemaking which proposes to delete the 3.3 3.5 GHz (9 cm)
amateur band, including the 3.40 3.41 GHz amateur satellite service
allocation.

In the comments, AMSAT opposes the deletion of this allocation and
emphasizes the necessity of adequate microwave spectrum for future amateur
satellite projects, including AMSATs GOLF program and the Lunar Gateway.

AMSAT further notes that the most desirable allocations for use as uplinks
are the allocations between 2.4 and 5.67 GHz. These allocations total 80
MHz. The most desirable allocation for downlink use is the 10.45 10.50 GHz
allocation, totaling 50 MHz.

As many of the proposed uses include amateur television and high-speed data
transmission with satellites in high earth orbit or lunar orbit, these
allocations may quickly become inadequate. AMSAT also notes that the 2.4
and 5.67 GHz allocations are widely used for ISM and consumer devices, such
as WiFi and Bluetooth-enabled devices. The 3.4 GHz allocation is shared
between amateur use and other non-federal and federal licensees, but is
free from the unpredictable interference of consumer devices.

While acknowledging that the 3.4 GHz amateur satellite service allocation
is not currently used by any amateur satellites and that it is unsuitable
for worldwide communication since it is not available in ITU Region 1,
AMSAT identifies a number of potential future uses for the band as
worldwide usage of the other available allocations increases. These
potential uses include a future amateur satellite in geostationary orbit
above the Americas.

In the comments, AMSAT also noted several non-amateur satellite uses of the
broader 3.3 3.5 GHz amateur service allocation, including its wide use in
mesh networking, EME communications, and contesting.

The full text of the comments as filed can be downloaded at
https://tinyurl.com/ANS-054-FCC

Interested parties may file reply comments on or before March 22, 2020 at
https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/

The proceeding is WT Docket No. 19-348.

Source AMSAT News Service (ANS)