Date: Thu, 3 Feb 94 04:30:02 PST From: Advanced Amateur Radio Networking Group Errors-To: TCP-Group-Errors@UCSD.Edu Reply-To: TCP-Group@UCSD.Edu Precedence: Bulk Subject: TCP-Group Digest V94 #31 To: tcp-group-digest TCP-Group Digest Thu, 3 Feb 94 Volume 94 : Issue 31 Today's Topics: 219 MHz band plan subscribe Send Replies or notes for publication to: . Subscription requests to . Problems you can't solve otherwise to brian@ucsd.edu. Archives of past issues of the TCP-Group Digest are available (by FTP only) from UCSD.Edu in directory "mailarchives". We trust that readers are intelligent enough to realize that all text herein consists of personal comments and does not represent the official policies or positions of any party. Your mileage may vary. So there. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 2 Feb 1994 13:50:19 -0800 From: brian@nothing.ucsd.edu (Brian Kantor) Subject: 219 MHz band plan To: ham-digital@ucsd.edu [Courtesy of Rick_Whiting@ATK.COM] This report converted from a Word file to ASCII by W0TN to facilitate electronic transmission, thus destroying bold characters, underlines, many indents, etc.. So blame me, not the Committee, for the layout! Draft #5 INTERIM REPORT of the ad hoc 219 MHz COMMITTEE Introduction This ad hoc Committee was created by direction of the Executive Committee of the ARRL Board at its October 30, 1993 meeting in Memphis, TN. The Committee is composed of four members selected from the ARRL Spectrum Committee, and a Chairman selected from the ARRL Directors. Two members of the ARRL staff were assigned as support .The members of the Committee are: J. Gordon Beattie, Jr., N2DSY Tod Olson, K0TO Chairman James Fortney, K6IYK Paul Rinaldo, W4RI Joel Kandel, KI4T Jon Bloom, KE3Z David Prestel, W8AJR This committee was asked to prepare an action plan for initiating Amateur activity on the 219-220 MHz band discussed in the FCC Notice of Proposed Rule Making (ET Docket 93-40/RM- 7747), issued by the FCC March 22, 1993. The comment period for the Docket ended July 15, 1993 and the expectation is that the FCC will issue a Report and Order sometime after March 1994. During the period November 15, 1993 through January 6, 1994, Committee members exchanged preliminary information via mail, FAX, MCI and telephone. On January 8 and 9, 1994, the Committee held an in-person meeting in Cleveland, OH This interim report is based upon the ideas developed during that period. Committee members were encouraged to discuss this topic with anyone they felt might contribute useful information. No attempt was made to restrict the flow of information to the Amateur community before or after the Cleveland meeting since it was the sense of the Committee that disclosure of such information would be not only useful, but essential to drafting a final recommendation. The interim report following is divided into two parts; a background section which summarizes information and a plan for utilization of the band. The background section summarizes the things requested in the ARRL petition for access to this band, the list of requirements for Amateurs as outlined by the FCC in their NPRM; the key expectations of the FCC and WaterCom (an AMTS user) for Amateur use of the band and the expectations for utilization of this frequency band from an Amateur point of view. The plan for utilization of the band includes specific ARRL actions and proposals for a band plan and a coordination procedure. Background The committee reviewed the original ARRL petition for access to the band, RM-7747, the FCC Notice of Proposed Rule Making(NPRM) Docket ET-93-40, the NewsRelease from the FCC at the time the NPRM was issued and comments to the NPRM made by other Amateur groups. The information developed by the Committee from these sources is summarized in the section following. The information is organized into that requested in the ARRL petition to the FCC, the specific Amateur requirements outlined in the NPRM, the expectations for Amateur use of the band as drawn from the NewsRelease and the NPRM, expectations of the primary AMTS organization, WaterCom; and Amateur expectations drawn from the petition, comments and Committee conversations. The ARRL petition for additional 1.25 meter frequencies On June 4, 1991, the ARRL petitioned the FCC for an Amateur service frequency allocation in the 216-220 MHz band. The basis for that petition was the loss of the 220-222 MHz segment by FCC action; which action had blocked evolving Amateur activity that was moving toward creating high-speed inter-city digital links. It had been a part of Amateur plans and expectations that the 220-222 MHz links would be interconnected to achieve a high-speed nationwide communications system funded and maintained by Amateurs. This network would serve Amateur interests in its daily operation, but its emergency preparedness and national defense capabilities would be available when required. In its petition for spectrum in the 216-220 MHz band the ARRL noted that Amateur use of that band would be on a secondary, non-interference basis and specifically for coordinated, high- speed digital point-to-point communication. For Amateurs to do this successfully, it will require not only the frequency coordination between Amateurs which is now a part of Amateur VHF-UHF operations, but will require coordination of frequency and direction of transmission with respect to existing, and future, Primary Users . Further, the ARRL felt it would not be advisable for Amateurs to be able to access the band without prior coordination by a spectrum manager (and)/or database administrator to assure that chances for interference to a Primary User of the band were minimized. The ARRL offered its services in this role and stated its willingness to provide advice to Amateurs wishing to initiate operation in the band as well as providing notice to Amateur users of the band when new, non-Amateur users initiated operation. The ARRL proposed the following changes to the Part 97 rules : Auxiliary station operation be permitted only in the 216- 220 MHz, 431-433 MHz and 435-438 MHz band segments. In the 1.25 m band, the segment 216-220 MHz be used only for point-to-point Amateur fixed operation, and 1. No Amateur station shall cause interference to maritime mobile, fixed stations or other mobile licenses operating in the band. 2. Prior to commencement of operation in the band , Amateur stations are cautioned to contact a database administrator for frequency recommendations. 3. The licensee of the Amateur station must make all necessary adjustments (including termination of transmission) if harmful interference is caused. Transmitter power be limit to 25 watts PEP when the control operator is a Novice Class licensee and 50 watts PEP for higher license classes. Amateur requirements for operation as specified in the FCC NPRM Amateurs will be required to operate on a secondary basis in the frequency band of 219-220 MHz Operation will be Amateur auxiliary stations or as other Amateur fixed point-to-point operations. Maximum symbol rate of 56 Kilo Baud for codes specified in part 97.309(a) and a maximum of 100 KHz bandwidth for codes not specified in 97.309(a) Prior to initiation of operation, Amateurs within 50 miles of an AMTS station will be required to obtain written approval from the AMTS allowing them to operate. Prior to initiation of operation, Amateurs further than 50 miles but within 150 miles of an AMTS station must provide official notification of intention to begin operation at least 14 days prior to the start. Amateurs must operate in a fashion that does not interfere with US. Navy SPASUR no matter where the Amateur station is located. FCC expectations for Amateur operation in this band. Effective utilization of this band by Amateurs is anticipated to require technological innovation on the part of the Amateurs. New technology as it arrives may provide cause to consider amendment to the rules. WaterCom (and other AMTS licensees) are expected to develop procedures to effectively exchange data about their operations with Amateurs so that their operations may be adjusted to avoid interference to the AMTS. Frequencies will be used for inter-city wide band digital communication links. To avoid interference to Primary Users (and to each other), Amateur links will utilize highly directional antennas, will employ operational flexibility, and will be coordinated. As has been the case to this point, the FCC does not expect to mandate frequency coordination, but instead expects Amateurs to cooperate and coordinate on their own. WaterCom expectations for Amateur secondary use of this band. Amateurs are expected to perform the necessary "engineering" to assure non-interference prior to initiating operation in the band. A single point of contact will exist for WaterCom to communicate interference notices and information about WaterCom operations. Amateur expectations for utilization of this band. This band is probably the only band in which a terrestrial nationwide network is feasible. Two meter regulations do not permit wide band, high data rate transmissions, and 70 cm does not have as favorable propagation characteristics. The 219-220 MHz meter band has good mid-range propagation, has relatively little adjacent channel use, and there is no existing use by Amateurs. For these reasons, we can structure its use from the outset toward high speed digital point to point links which can be assembled into a nationwide network. At this point equipment for high speed digital links is not readily available to Amateurs. Some 56 Kilobit half-duplex modems are in use, but there are very few in operation at present. Some 19.2 Kilobit links on UHF are in place. Overall, equipment and other technology which would support data rates greater than 150 Kilobits/sec running full duplex remain to be developed for Amateur links. Achieving these high rates in a nationwide network would position amateurs to be able to send "snippets" of voice, audio and video as well as the person to person text messages, DX spotting information and data files that are common today. Proposed Plan for 219 MHz It is recommended that this band be used to establish a high speed nationwide digital data network by linking inter-city point-to-point Amateur stations. The Committee estimates that 700-800 individual links will be required to achieve a true, nationwide network and may take five to ten years to reach that stage. Use A proposal for a 219-220 MHz Band Plan has been prepared and is attached as Appendix A . It is expected that in populated areas, to compensate for the loss of 220-222 MHz, there may be a desire to utilize the 219- 220 MHz band immediately with whatever technology may be at hand. We believe this would be self-defeating. Strong encouragement on the part of Local Coordinating Bodies(LCB), the ARRL, and other groups of Amateurs to carefully coordinate the use of this band will pay big dividends. An effective, high-speed network will make handling of packet messages via local bulletin board and messaging systems more productive. An end result will be to reduce pressure on some of the 2 meter links now in use as a message network. Since it is very difficult to "adjust" the use of a band or portion of a band after use has begun, we recommend that a technical threshold be established for individual links, assuring the success of a high speed nationwide network. At this point, it means that no point-to-point links of 1200, 2400, 9600 or even 19,200 baud should be created. Point-to-point transmissions on this band should be a contiguous stream of bits with header frames for routing. The equipment associated with the transmission between links should not be required to be cognizant of any special attribute or content of the bits being transmitted. Data from all sources should be handled in a uniform manner, impartial as to source and content. Technology and protocol should be developed to manage data buffering to smoothly transition from the high-speed link to lower speed network nodes with eventual delivery of data to the individual Amateur. Coordination A proposed procedure for use by Local Coordinating Bodies is in Appendix B attached. Coordination of stations that use this band is imperative. We will be a Secondary User. Our use will be dependent upon successfully engineering link installations to avoid interference to the Primary Users. More than that, coordination offers the best opportunity to effect orderly and efficient entry into the band in a way that enables Amateurs to link stations into a high-speed digital network. Having learned from the problems of growth of digital communications in heavily populated VHF bands, this untouched band affords an opportunity to employ our hard won knowledge as we plan our links. Role of the ARRL Administrative support The ARRL should develop and maintain a database of current assignments to other services in this band. This information may include information about users adjacent to the band as well as those operating directly in the band. The ARRL should develop a database of amateur links established in the band. This list will aid the coordination process for amateurs and provide a database for reference in the event of interference complaints. The ARRL should establish an operating relationship with WaterCom and other AMTS users so that a single point of contact to handle interference complaints can be created. Also, through this relationship, a database of AMTS users can be acquired to assist in the designing and coordination of Amateur links. The ARRL should prepare and distribute upon request, a procedure for engineering a link installation including handling the required AMTS approval or notification. Technical support The ARRL should develop worksheets to assist Amateurs in planning, engineering, and coordinating their links. A model will be required to investigate the interference potential of Amateur operation in a particular location. Power, antenna orientation, terrain and location of AMTS or other Primary Users will affect the outcome. The ARRL should assign staff and/or sponsor studies which will clarify the technical requirements for RF propagation performance and the technical requirements for modulation/bandwidth performance. The band plan in Appendix A and the Coordination Procedure outlined in Appendix B are predicated on several technical assumptions which require validation. The ARRL should spearhead the Identification of manufacturers of Amateur and/or commercial equipment which can meet the high performance requirements of this network. These manufacturers should be encouraged to develop systems and components which can be used by Amateurs to create the high speed links. The ARRL should stimulate and support the definition of new protocols for use in the high-speed network. This appears to be an appropriate task for the ARRL Future Systems Committee. Standards of all types will have to be defined and agreed to by members of the Amateur community. We need to be able to smoothly couple the existing BBS systems and links to the inter-city links. The ARRL Digital Committee should be asked to contribute to this effort. A network topology will need to be created which will support the integration of diverse existing local networks. It is not clear at this time just how this can be effectively supported by the ARRL. We will comment further in our final report. Information Support The task of assembling a nationwide network from a series of individually engineered and owned building blocks will require a great amount of information interchange. The ARRL should establish a newsletter directed toward information exchange with respect to equipment, software, coordination activity, protocols, network topology, etc. The emphasis here is not "professional product" but current information that can help others. The newsletter actually need not be published in the classic sense. We are able to utilize existing modes of dissemination, e.g. Internet, HIRAM, MCI, CompuServe, etc. The critical component is an information "gatekeeper" and/or editor assigned to receive, organize and perhaps index the information. The ARRL should provide copies of this interim report to existing coordinating groups, appropriate equipment manufacturers and other interested parties making inquiry. Copies of this report and such other information as may be available at that time should be offered at the ARRL Booth at the Dayton Hamvention next April. The ARRL should provide a session at the Digital Symposium this year devoted to discussion of the proposed nationwide network. Extension of 219 Committee Assignment The 219 Committee is an ad hoc Committee which will dissolve after it has prepared a plan for utilization of the 219-220 MHz and presented it for consideration by the ARRL Board. Under our current charter, we expect to issue a final report approximately 45 days after an FCC Report and Order creating the band. This interim report recommends that the ARRL encourage and support the creation of point-to-point high-speed digital links in this band in a form which permits them to be linked into a network. The multiplicity of tasks which are a part of providing the ARRL support and leadership in the establishment of the network, suggests some sort of "Project Management" would be beneficial. Monitoring the various ARRL support activities will help assure that everything is "fitting" together. When the time comes that adjustments to the current plan must be made, the existence of a monitoring group can facilitate those adjustments. We suggest that the Board authorize the existing 219 Committee to assume the role of "Project Manager", and to perform that function for at least one year following establishment of the 219-220 MHz band. APPENDIX A 219-220 MHz Band Plan Local Coordinating Bodies should coordinate this band such that ten 100-KHz Primary channels are created centered on the following frequencies: Channel A 219.050 Channel F 219.550 Channel B 219.150 Channel G 219.650 Channel C 219.250 Channel H 219.750 Channel D 219.350 Channel I 219.850 Channel E 219.450 Channel J 219.950 Use of two of these channels in combination to achieve a full duplex environment is desirable. Since the use of the band is for point-to -point fixed operation with a maximum of 50 watts PEP, and non-interference with Primary Users of the band is mandatory, highly directional antennas with horizontal polarization are recommended. Because the plan for this band is use for inter-city links which can be assembled into a nationwide high-speed digital network, allocation of channels to point-to-point pairs running less than 56 Kilobits duplex should be discouraged. No matter what the bandwidth of the transmissions coordinated into a channel, they should be centered in the channel. The long term objective for digital transmission on these channels is 100 KHz bandwidth. Local Coordinating Bodies should seek to avoid decisions which will limit the nationwide network. APPENDIX B ********************************** The drafting of this document was incomplete at the time of submittal. One of our members was located in the California Earthquake area and we were unable to communicate with him to achieve consensus on this part. The material below should be considered indicative of the Committee thinking, but should not be viewed as Committee consensus. We will complete this section and distribute it as quickly as possible after January 22, 1994. *********************************** PROPOSED PROCEDURE FOR COORDINATION OF AMATEUR RADIO OPERATION ON THE 219-220 MHz BAND I. PURPOSE To define the process and procedure for obtaining coordination of an Amateur Radio point-to-point relay link in the 219-220 MHz band. II. GENERAL A. The Amateur Radio Service is authorized to operate wide band point-to-point digital relay links in the 219-220 MHz Band on a secondary basis. Regulations require notice and coordination in order to ensure that Amateur Radio operations do not interfere with Primary Licensees. B. The ultimate responsibility for complying with the registration, notification, and non-interference provisions of the Regulations lies with the individual Amateur Radio Operator. This procedure is designed to assist the Amateur in complying with those Regulations, and to facilitate the orderly and efficient coordination of those Amateurs that wish to utilize the Band. C. The 219-220 MHz allocation offers a unique opportunity for implementation of full-duplex wide band digital circuits at a frequency where longer distance propagation is possible. Therefore, it is recommended that the Band usage be limited to such a service, and that implementations which inefficiently use he recommended 100 KHz bandwidth be avoided. D. The Amateur Radio Service has recognized Spectrum Management and Repeater Coordination Organizations which function in a large portion of the Country. This procedure envisions that these organizations and the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) will, where appropriate, assist the individual Amateur in complying with the Regulations and good usage practices. E. The ARRL volunteered to establish and maintain a data base which contains information on all known Primary Licensees and their Systems. This data base includes information on operations located adjacent to the Band. WaterCom, a major AMTS Licensee, has entered into an agreement with the ARRL to assist in this process. The ARRL will also maintain a record of all authorized and coordinated Amateur Radio Stations operating in the 219-220 MHz Band. F. Resolution of interference to Primary Licensees' is facilitated by providing contact information on coordinated 219 MHz Amateur operations from the ARRL database. III. DEFINITIONS For the purposes of this procedure, the following definitions apply. A. ARRL 1.25M Data Base (ARRL 1.25M DB) - A data base that contains licensing information for non-Amateur Primary and Secondary Users in the 216-222 MHz frequency segment. It includes Amateur Users in the 219-220 MHz Band that have obtained operational coordination in accordance with this procedure. B. ARRL Data Base Manager (ARRL DBM) - The ARRL representative responsible for maintaining the ARRL 1.25M Data Base. C. LOCAL COORDINATING BODY (LCB) - The applicable Spectrum Management organization recognized under 47 C.F.R. Part 97.201(c). This function will normally exist in one of the following forms: 1. A spectrum management organization that has some responsibility for reviewing and authorizing 220 MHz repeater operations, and which performs band usage planning for the non-repeater activities. 2. A spectrum management organization that has some responsibility for reviewing and authorizing 220 MHz repeater operations, and which has delegated band usage planning and coordination of digital activities to a sub-unit. 3. A spectrum user (user group) who is in an area not serviced by either #1 or #2 above. IV. PROCEDURE A. Application for Coordination 1. The applicant network segment implementor will determine a path where use of the 219-220 MHz band might be applicable. The applicant discuss plans with the local digital planners and their LCB. 2. After identifying Latitude and Longitude information for each location, the user will submit a "Request for 219 Data" to the ARRL DBM. This request may be forwarded through the LCB or submitted directly to League Headquarters. (Depending upon prior activity, the LCB may have the required information already in their files. Actual submittal of the request may initially be by mail, but it is envisioned that this inquiry should be available via electronic distribution in the long term.) 3. The information returned by the ARRL DBM will include data on all known operations within approximately 250 miles of the identified sites. If standardized software tools for evaluating path and site selection are available, they will be provided upon request. 4. The User is expected to apply the available models to determine if the proposed segment is practicable, and if it falls into either the class of stations that will require permission, or the ones that require notification. a. Stations located within 50 miles of an AMTS Shore Station are required to obtain permission from the Shore Station Licensee, and b. Stations located between 50 and 150 miles of an AMTS Shore Station are required to Notify the AMTS Licensee 15 days prior to operation. 5. Once the User determines that operation in the proposed segment without interference to another user is possible, a formal "Request for Coordination" must be submitted to the LCB. Each LCB may require slightly different information, but normally it will include: a. Administrative data related to the applicant, b. System data to illustrate how this segment will be integrated into the network, c. Engineering data for path propagation, and d. Engineering data documenting non-interference w/other services. 6. The LCB will act on the request based upon regular locally developed procedures. This action will be one of the following: a. If acceptable and no notice provisions apply, issue a "Notice of Test Coordination" in accordance with local policy. b. If acceptable and Notice is required, issue a "Notice of Test Coordination" and inform the. User that they are to mail a copy of the "Notice of Proposed Operation" to all impacted Licensees by Certified Mail. (1) A "Notice of Proposed Operation" must include instructions for Licensee to copy LCB on any correspondence that may be sent on the matter. (2) The User is responsible for supplying LCB with copies of mailing Certification Form(s). c. If acceptable, and AMTS Licensee Permission is required, notify the User of acceptable application and instruct him to apply for permission to test from AMTS Licensee. Upon receipt of written acceptance from AMTS Licensee, issue "Notice of Test Coordination". (1) Request for permission to test must include instructions for Licensee to copy LCB on any correspondence that may be sent on the matter. (2) User is responsible for supplying LCB with copies of all documentation. d. If acceptable but another Amateur circuit may be in position to be impacted, issue a "Notice of Test Coordination" and provide co-/ adjacent channel notification. e. If acceptable and multiple notification procedures apply, comply with each as per above. f. If unacceptable, deny the request. 7. The LCB will forward a copy of all "Notices of Test Coordination" to the ARRL DBM. 8. Upon satisfactory completion of the Test Coordination Period, the LCB issues User a "Notice of Coordination" and forwards a copy to the ARRL DBM. a. Operations requiring the permission of an AMTS Licensee shall require that the User obtain a final written permission before the LCB will issue a "Notice of Coordination". 9. The ARRL DBM will include a "Notice of Test Coordination" data in the ARRL 219 DB for as long as the test coordination is in effect, and will cause the "Notice of Coordination" data to be added permanently. [ B. De coordination as a Result of Primary Licensee Changes ] To be determined. C. Primary User Problem Resolution A phone, fax or written problem notification may be made by the Primary spectrum user to the Coordinated Amateur, the LCB, and the ARRL. The ARRL will register all correspondence related to the complaint, and assist as appropriate, in the resolution process. Amateur users will need to recognize that when the primary user is no longer satisfied with sharing the spectrum, that the Amateur operation may need to cease. This can be constrained through an agreement with the FCC and/or primary spectrum users detailing technical standards. Alternative Proposal for Section IV IV. Procedure A. Application for Coordination 1. The prospective applicant requests procedural information including engineering software and database from the LCB. 2. The applicant performs latitude, longitude, and engineering analysis, with the assistance of the LCB if necessary, and submits the results on a form to the LCB. 3. The LCB reviews the application, including the proposed location, propagation and radiation pattern engineering, equipment, frequency selection, and primary and amateur co-channel user database, and notifies the applicant of the results. If there is judged to be no potential interference to existing primary (AMTS) and co-channel amateur users, but the applicant is within 50 or 150 miles of a primary user, the LCB issues a notification of provisional coordination pending notification and/or permission request to the primary user by the applicant, and a successful on- the-air non-interference test. If the LCB does not receive a copy of the notification and/or permission request from the applicant within 60 days, the provisional coordination is declared null and void by the LCB with a written notice to the applicant. If the applicant is not within 50 or 150 miles of a primary user or existing amateur co-channel user, the LCB issues a Notice of Provisional Coordination pending an on-the-air non-interference test only. If the LCB finds that there is potential interference to the primary and co-channel users based on the application information, a notice is sent by the LCB to the applicant to that effect and requesting a re- engineering study. 4. Upon receipt of the copy of the applicant's notification/permission request letter, the LCB issues the notice of provisional coordination pending the non-interference test. 5. If the non-interference test is successful, and the primary user grants permission to an applicant within 50 miles of its station, the applicant is granted a Certificate of Coordination, and notice of same is forwarded by the LCB to the ARRL DBM. 6. If the test is not successful, the LCB issues a letter instructing the applicant to re-engineer the system. If the applicant chooses not to re-engineer the system, the pending application is canceled. ------------------------------ Date: 3 Feb 94 09:12:57 From: Max Wheatley Subject: subscribe To: tcp-group@ucsd.edu add max@acme.gen.nz ------------------------------ End of TCP-Group Digest V94 #31 ******************************