Current through September 30, 2024
Section 90.103 - Radiolocation Service(a)Eligibility. The following persons are eligible for authorizations in- the Radiolocation Service to operate stations to determine distance, direction, speed, or position by means of radiolocation devices, for purposes other than navigation:(1) Any person engaged in a commercial, industrial, scientific, educational, or local government activity(2) A corporation or association that will furnish radiolocation service to other persons.(3) A corporation that will furnish a nonprofit radio communication service to its parent corporation, to another subsidiary of the same parent, or to its own subsidiary where the party to be served is regularly engaged in any of the eligibility activities set forth in this paragraph.(b)Frequencies available. The following table indicates frequencies available for assignment to stations in the Radiolocation Service, together with the class of station(s) to which they are normally assigned, and the specific assignment limitations, which are explained in paragraph (c) of this section: Radiolocation Service Frequency Table
Frequency or band | Class of station(s) | Limitation |
Kilohertz |
70 to 90 | Radiolocation land or mobile | 1 |
90 to 110 | Radiolocation land | 2 |
110 to 130 | Radiolocation land or mobile | 1 |
1705 to 1715 | ......do | 4, 5, 6 |
1715 to 1750 | ......do | 5, 6 |
1750 to 1800 | do | 5, 6 |
3230 to 3400 | ......do | 6, 8 |
4438 to 4488 | Radiolocation land | 3 |
5250 to 5275 | ......do | 3 |
Megahertz |
13.45 to 13.55 | ......do | 3 |
16.10 to 16.20 | ......do | 3 |
24.45 to 24.65 | ......do | 3 |
26.20 to 26.42 | ......do | 3 |
41.015 to 41.665 | ......do | 3 |
43.35 to 44.00 | ......do | 3 |
420 to 450 | Radiolocation land or mobile | 21 |
2450 to 2500 | ......do | 9, 22, 23 |
2900 to 3100 | ......do | 10, 11 |
3100 to 3300 | ......do | 12 |
3550 to 3650 | ......do | 30 |
5250 to 5350 | ......do | 12 |
5350 to 5460 | ......do | 10, 14 |
5460 to 5470 | ......do | 10, 15 |
5470 to 5600 | ......do | 10, 11 |
5600 to 5650 | ......do | 10, 16 |
8500 to 9000 | ......do | 12, 17 |
9000 to 9200 | ......do | 10, 14 |
9200 to 9300 | ......do | 12 |
9300 to 9500 | ......do | 10, 15, 18 |
9500 to 10,000 | ......do | 12 |
10,000 to 10,500 | ......do | 12, 13, 19 |
10,500 to 10,550 | ......do | 20, 22, 24 |
13,400 to 13,750 | ......do | 12 |
13,750 to 14,000 | ......do | 29 |
15,700 to 17,300 | ......do | |
24,050 to 24,250 | ......do | 12, 22, 24 |
33,400 to 36,000 | ......do | 12 |
(c) Explanation of assignment limitations appearing in the frequency table of paragraph (b) of this section: (1) This frequency band is shared with and stations operating in this frequency band in this service are on a secondary basis to stations licensed in the Maritime Mobile Service.(2) This frequency band is shared with and stations operating in this frequency band in this service are on a secondary basis to the LORAN Navigation System; all operations are limited to radiolocation land stations in accordance with footnote US104, § 2.106 of this chapter.(3) Operations in this band are limited to oceanographic radars using transmitters with a peak equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) not to exceed 25 dBW. Oceanographic radars shall not cause harmful interference to, nor claim protection from interference caused by, stations in the fixed or mobile services as specified in § 2.106 , footnotes 5.132A, 5.145A, and US132A. See Resolution 612 of the ITU Radio Regulations for international coordination requirements and for recommended spectrum sharing techniques.(4) The non-Federal Government radiolocation service in this band is on a secondary basis to stations in the aeronautical radionavigation service operating on 1708 kHz.(5) Station assignments on frequencies in this band will be made subject to the conditions that the maximum output power shall not exceed 375 watts and the maximum authorized bandwidth shall not exceed 2 kHz.(6) Because of the operation of stations having priority on the same or adjacent frequencies in this or in other countries, frequency assignments in this band may either be unavailable or may be subject to certain technical or operational limitations. Therefore, applications for frequency assignments in this band shall include information concerning the transmitter output power, the type and directional characteristics of the antenna and the minimum hours of operation (GMT).(8) Frequencies in this band may only be assigned to radiolocation stations which are also assigned frequencies in the 1605-1800 kHz band, provided the use of frequencies in this band is necessary for the proper functioning of the particular radiolocation system. Operations in this band are on a secondary basis to stations operating in accordance with the Commission's table of frequency allocations contained in § 2.106 of this chapter.(9) This band is allocated to the Radiolocation Service on a secondary basis to other fixed or mobile services and must accept any harmful interference that may be experienced from such services or from the industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) equipment operating in accordance with part 18 of this chapter. In the 2483.5-2500 MHz band, no applications for new or modification to existing stations to increase the number of transmitters will be accepted. Existing licensees as of July 25, 1985, or on a subsequent date following as a result of submitting an application for license on or before July 25, 1985, are grandfathered and their operation is co-primary with the Radiodetermination Satellite Service.(10) Speed measuring devices will not be authorized in this band.(11) This frequency band is shared with and is on a secondary basis to the Maritime Radionavigation Stations (part 80) and to the Government Radiolocation Service.(12) This frequency is shared with and is on a secondary basis to the Government Radiolocation Service.(13) Operations in this band are limited to survey operations using transmitters with a peak power not to exceed 5 watts into the antenna.(14) This frequency band is shared with and is on a secondary basis to the Aeronautical Radionavigation Service (part 87) and to the Government Radiolocation Service.(15) The non-Government Radiolocation Service in this band is secondary to the Maritime Radionavigation Stations (part 80), the Aeronautical Radionavigation Service (part 87) and the Government Radiolocation Service.(16) This frequency band is shared with and is on a secondary basis to the Maritime Radionavigation Stations (part 80) and the Government Meteorological Aids Service.(17) Operation in this frequency band is on a secondary basis to airborne Doppler radars at 8800 MHz.(18) Radiolocation installations will be coordinated with the Government Meteorological Aids Service, and insofar as practicable, will be adjusted to meet the needs of that service.(19) Operations in this band are on a secondary basis to the Amateur Radio Service (part 97). Pulsed emissions are prohibited.(20) This band is restricted to radiolocation systems using type N0N emission with a power not to exceed 40 watts into the antenna.(21) Non-Government radiolocation stations in the band are secondary to the Government Radiolocation Service, the Amateur Radio Service and the Amateur-Satellite Service. Pulse-ranging radiolocation stations in this band may be authorized along the shorelines of Alaska and the contiguous 48 states. Radiolocation stations using spread spectrum techniques may be authorized in the band 420-435 MHz for operation within the contiguous 48 states and Alaska. Also, stations using spread spectrum techniques shall be limited to a maximum output power of 50 watts, shall be subject to the applicable technical standards in § 90.209 until such time as more definitive standards are adopted by the Commission and shall identify in accordance with § 90.425(c)(2) . Authorizations will be granted on a case-by-case basis; however, operations proposed to be located within the zones set forth in footnote US269, § 2.106 of this chapter should not expect to be accommodated.(22) For frequencies 2455 MHz, 10,525 MHz, and 24,125 MHz, only unmodulated, continuous wave (NON) emission shall be employed. The frequency 24.10 GHz, and frequencies in the 24.20-24.25 GHz band may use NON emission along with an ancillary FM digital emission. The frequency 24.10 GHz will be used for the purpose of alerting motorists of hazardous driving conditions and the presence of emergency vehicles. Equipment operating on 24.10 GHz must keep the deviation of the FM digital signal within ±5 MHz. Equipment operating on this frequency must have a frequency stability of at least 2000 ppm and is exempt from the requirements of §§ 90.403(c) , 90.403(f) , and 90.429 of this part.(23) Devices designed to operate as field disturbance sensors on frequencies between 2450 and 2500 MHz with a field strength equal to or less than 50,000 microvolts per meter at 30 meters, on a fundamental frequency, will not be licensed or certificated for use under this part. Such equipment must comply with the requirements for field disturbance sensors as set forth in part 15 of this chapter.(24) Devices designed to operate as field disturbance sensors on frequencies between 10,500 and 10,550 MHz and between 24,050 and 24,250 MHz, with field strength equal to or less than 250,000 microvolts per meter at 30 meters, on the fundamental frequency, will not be licensed or certificated for use under this part. Such equipment must comply with the requirements for field disturbance sensors as set forth in part 15 of this chapter.(29) This frequency band is shared with and is on secondary basis to the Fixed-Satellite Service and to the Government's Radiolocation, Space Research and Earth Exploration-Satellite Services. After January 1, 2000, the Government's Space Research and Earth Exploration-Satellite Services shall operate on a co-equal secondary basis with the non-Government Radiolocation Service, except that grandfathered space stations in the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System shall continue to be protected from harmful interference.(30) This frequency band is shared with and is on a secondary basis to the Government Radiolocation Service, the Fixed Satellite Service (part 25), and the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (part 96). No new licenses for Non-Federal Radiolocation Services in this band will be issued after July 23, 2015.(d)Other additional frequencies available. Radiolocation stations in this service may be authorized, on request, to use frequencies allocated exclusively to Federal Government stations, in those instances where the Commission finds, after consultation with the appropriate Government agency or agencies, that such assignment is necessary or required for coordination with Government activities.43 FR 54791, Nov. 22, 1978 82 FR 27214, 7/14/2017; 82 FR 43871, 10/20/2017; 82 FR 48460, 10/18/2017; 85 FR 64068, 11/9/2020 For FEDERAL REGISTER citations affecting §90.103, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.fdsys.gov.