Robert J. Matheson and F. Kenneth Steele

Abstract: This study includes a description of the services provided in about 30 of the Government and non-Government frequency bands where Fixed services are accorded Primary status. These frequency bands between 406 MHz and 30 GHz include the services generally known as point-to-point terrestrial microwave. Each of the 30 frequency bands is described in terms of the general services provided in the band, a history of recent frequency assignment trends, a map showing the geographical distribution of current assignments in 1--degree x 1--degree blocks, and a statistical distribution of assignment densities. In addition, technical, regulatory, and economic factors affecting each band are described, as well as a prediction of the rate of future growth (or decrease) for each band.

Technical, regulatory, and market factors affecting the use of Fixed services are described. These topics include the widespread conversion to optical fiber, the prospects for advanced optical components and improved microwave technologies, digital techniques, data compression, frequency band crowding, the effect of new services like cellular telephone and personal communication services (PCS), Government procurement of telecommunication services, and others. Finally, the individual band results are examined in terms of the overall prospects for particular market segments, in terms of Government, private, common carrier, auxiliary broadcasting, and Cable TV relay services.

This staff study was developed by the Institute for Telecommunications Sciences as part of the NTIA program to examine future needs for radio frequency bands and is intended for submission as a comment to the NTIA Notice of Inquiry on Future Spectrum Requirements. The opinions expressed within this document are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect official or unofficial NTIA policy or planning.

Keywords: frequency assignment; spectrum management; telecommunications; microwave radio; fiber optics; fixed radio services; frequency allocation; future spectrum requirements; spectrum crowding

Disclaimer: Certain commercial equipment, components, and software may be identified in this report to specify adequately the technical aspects of the reported results. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, nor does it imply that the equipment or software identified is necessarily the best available for the particular application or uses.

For questions or information on this or any other NTIA scientific publication, contact the ITS Publications Office at ITSinfo@ntia.gov or 303-497-3572.

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