Bandwidth for microwave systems is a limited resource accessed by licensees in a manner that assures consistent link performance for each operator. 

Frequency coordination is a multi-step analysis that starts with a search for existing licensed, pending and proposed systems in the vicinity of a new link, then applies industry standardized interference calculations to each existing path relative to the new link.  The calculations will reveal which, if any, of the standard frequency pairs can be used by the new system without adverse impact to the existing community. 

In some cases there will be no clear solution so an iterative process will be undertaken to modify the new system's equipment and/or capabilities to arrive at an acceptable solution.  Some areas may be too congested to find any solution.

1. Understand your requirements
2. Design the link to meet requirements
3. Perform a frequency coordination*
4. Prepare, distribute and defend a PCN*
5. Prepare and submit FCC license applications*
6. Pay FCC assessed filing fees
7. Construct the link when licensed
8. File construction notifications*
9. Renew every 10 years

*These steps are included in our standard frequency coordination offering.  Others are available through additional services.

There will always be unique situations to address, but the basic design inputs are:

• Endpoints -- where do you need to connect and what structural limitations are there?
• Capacity -- how many MBPS in each direction?
• Availability -- how many minutes per year can you be down?
• Budget -- what can you spend?

Striking a balance between these elements is essential before starting the frequency coordination process, but flexibility during the coordination process can assist in finding available frequencies for your project.

PCN is an acronym for Prior Coordination Notice. 

This is a package of information distributed to existing system operators describing the technical details of your planned radio link.  The existing operators are given a prescribed time frame to review the information and determine if the planned link will interfere with their licensed or pending links, or links that they previously reserved under their own PCN.

All issues raised by the existing operators must be resolved before applications can be filed for the planned link.  Operators that don't respond to the PCN can be assumed to approve the PCN.

Once a PCN completes the approval process it will effectively reserve the included paths and frequencies for a period of 6 months, providing the licensee time to submit the necessary licensing paperwork to the FCC.  PCNs may be renewed if the licensing process isn't initiated within the 6 month period.

Our services are structured to be inclusive of all work needed to fulfill the described task.  When specific aspects of a service are not included, we will document those in the service description. 

One common exclusion is FCC filing fees which we ask you to submit directly to the FCC at the time of filing.  We do this so that you can be assured you are paying the lowest filing fees possible, and benefit from any fee discounts you are entitled to.

Once we have a complete set of path requirements, the typical licensing cycle comprises 1 week for frequency coordination, 2 weeks for PCN review, two days for application preparation and submission, and 8-12 weeks for FCC processing.  These timings may vary depending on our and the FCC's work load.

There will be several interactions with the customer during the stages and prompt responses by the customer will limit additional delays. 

Some band and location combinations allow operation to begin as soon as applications are submitted, but the FCC strongly recommends waiting for licenses to be granted before committing to equipment purchases.

Yes, but major changes require repeating the frequency coordination process to ensure existing operators aren't impacted.  

Major changes are defined in 47 CFR 1.929(a) and 47 CFR 1.929(d) and these paragraphs should be referenced prior to any determination.  To paraphrase, major changes include:

• any change in transmit antenna location by more than 5 seconds in latitude or longitude (PTP)
• any change in coordinates of the center of operation or increase in radius of a circular area of operation (MAS)
• any increase in frequency tolerance
• any increase in bandwidth
• any change in emission type
• any increase in EIRP greater than 3 dB
• any increase in transmit antenna height (above mean sea level) more than 3 meters
• any increase in transmit antenna beamwidth
• any change in transmit antenna polarization
• any change in transmit antenna azimuth greater than 1 degree
• any change which together with all minor modifications or amendments since the last major modification or amendment produces a cumulative effect exceeding any of the above major criteria

Changes to transmit antenna location of Multiple Address System (MAS) Remote Units are not major.

Any change not specifically listed above as major is considered minor.  Minor changes do not require re-coordination and are candidates for filing directly by the licensee.