4.9 GHz Band Licensing and Rules Overview
Introduction
In 2003 the FCC assigned the 4940-4990 MHz frequency band for Public Safety use.
Any qualified agency may now obtain a license and use the band. This document
provides a brief summary of FCC rules covering the 4.9 GHz band. Specific FCC rules
are covered in Subpart Y in 47CFR part 90.
Qualified Licensees
The 4.9 GHz band is a licensed band available for use by public safety agencies. Any
agency qualified for a 700 MHz license qualifies for a 4.9 GHz license. Generally this
covers all government entities, private companies sponsored by a government entity
(such as private ambulance services) and any organization with critical infrastructure
(power companies, pipelines, etc.).
Approved Uses of the Band
The band may be used for any terrestrial based radio transmission including data, voice,
and video. Point-to-point and multipoint operations are permitted. All multipoint and
temporary (less than 1 year) point-to-point links are primary uses of the band. Permanent
point-to-point links are secondary uses and require separate site licenses. Where
interference cannot be eliminated by technical or operational modifications, primary
users take precedence over secondary users. BreezeACCESS 4900 can be configured as
point-to-point or multipoint system
Prohibited Uses
Aeronautical use and commercial use of the band is prohibited.
Special Considerations
After filing of a license application, the FCC will handle any required coordination for
band use near the Canadian border. Also, use of the 4.9 GHz band must not interfere with
radio astronomy observatories (radio quiet zones).
Obtaining Licenses
Both general and site-specific licenses may be obtained at any time through the Universal
Licensing System (ULS) available at
www.fcc.gov
. There is no charge and applications
are processed within hours. Site-specific licenses must have endpoint coordinates
submitted with the application.
Time Limits
There is no time limit for construction and operation under a general license. A site-
specific license must be operational within 18 months of the grant.
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