NEWS



ET 97-3      ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY ACTION      March 14, 1997

   FCC, NTIA AGREE TO RELOCATE DEMS FROM 18 GHZ TO 24 GHZ
                   
        Today the Commission amended its Table of Frequency Allocations and Part
   101 of its rules regarding Fixed Microwave Services to permit Fixed Service use of
   the 24.25-24.45 and 25.05-25.25 GHz bands (24 GHz band). This amendment will
   facilitate relocation of the digital electronic message service (DEMS) from the 18.82-
   18.92 GHz and 19.16-19.26 GHz bands (18 GHz band). This action is being taken to
   advance, support and accommodate the national defense.  
   
         On January 7, 1997, NTIA on behalf of the Department of Defense, officially
   requested protection of Government Earth stations in the Washington, D.C. and
   Denver, Colorado areas.  NTIA stated that use of 18 GHz band spectrum by DEMS
   in areas around these two Government Earth stations would not be possible.  In
   addition, NTIA requested that accommodation of the Government Earth stations and
   relocation of DEMS be undertaken on an expedited basis because of the essential
   nature of these actions to military functions and sensitive national security interests of
   the United States.  On March 5, 1997, NTIA offered to make the specific 24 GHz
   band spectrum available for DEMS operations.  
   
         Relocation of DEMS will also facilitate proposed non-Government satellite
   operations at 18 GHz.  Teledesic Corporation has proposed a non-Geostationary
   Satellite Orbit/Fixed Satellite Service in the 18 GHz spectrum currently licensed for
   DEMS operations.  In order to facilitate the relocation of DEMS and eliminate
   sharing concerns with the DEMS licensees, Teledesic agreed to compensate DEMS
   licensees which are required to modify existing equipment in order to operate in the
   24 GHz band.    
   
    - over -
                                    
         With regard to pending 18 GHz DEMS applications, the Commission will act on
   those that have passed both the 30-day Public Notice and 60-day competing
   application cut-off periods as well as those applications for additional nodal sites in
   markets that are currently licensed.  No applications for new 18 GHz DEMS facilities
   will be accepted for filing.  Existing 18 GHz DEMS licenses will be modified to
   provide operations in the 24 GHz  band using spectrum sufficient to offer service
   equivalent to that at 18 GHz.  Future licensing in the 24 GHz band will be addressed
   in a subsequent rulemaking.
   
         Action by the Commission March 14, 1997, by Order (FCC 97-95).  Chairman
   Hundt, Commissioners Quello, Ness and Chong.
   
    - FCC - 
                                    
   
         News Media contact:  Meribeth McCarrick at (202) 418-0256.
         Office of Engineering and Technology contact: Fred Thomas at (202) 418-2449 or
   
         Rodney Small at (202) 418-2452.
         International Bureau contact: Chris Murphy at (202) 418-2373                          
       
         Wireless Telecommunications Bureau contact:  Ron Netro at (202) 418-1310.