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| MITRE Research Helps FCC Evaluate Bandwidth Sharing November 2001 Radio, television, cell phone, satellite, and other communication signals are transmitted by means of frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum. To reduce interference, specific "bands" of frequencies within that spectrum are allocated to different services and users. Today, as existing technologies continue to be refined and new technologies are developed and become popular, the spectrum is becoming full. For that reason, options such as bandwidth sharing must be considered. In January, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) asked MITRE to perform an analysis to determine whether the frequency band between 12.2 and 12.7 gigahertz (GHz) can be shared between satellite- and ground-based broadcast services. The band is currently allocated only for Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) service, commonly referred to as satellite television, MITRE received the request in January, and submitted its report entitled "Analysis of Potential MVDDS Interference to DBS in the 12.2-12.7 GHz Band [PDF, 1.7MB]" in April. The report analyzes what levels of interference might exist and alternatives for mitigating it. Background The analysis was necessary because in 1999 a petition was filed with the FCC seeking authorization to operate ground-based stations delivering Multichannel Video Distribution and Data Service (MVDDS) in the 12.2 - 12.7 GHz band. This initial filing was followed by two similar applications. The FCC then performed an analysis of the issue and concluded that sharing the band between MVDDS and DBS systems is possible, subject to certain precautions that must be taken to prevent interference to DBS systems. But further study was necessary. The FCC's 2001 budget contained a requirement that the FCC select an independent engineering firm to perform an analysis to determine whether these two services can share the band without harmful interference to DBS systems. Specifically, the statement of work for the project says that "The objective of the tasks is to perform a technical demonstration or analysis of any terrestrial service technology proposed by any entity that has filed an application to provide terrestrial service in the direct broadcast satellite frequency band to determine whether the terrestrial service technology proposed to be provided by that entity will cause harmful interference to any direct broadcast satellite service." The FCC selected MITRE to perform this work.
Page last updated: February 20, 2001 | Top of page |
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