SB QST @ ARL $ARLB013 ARLB013 Changes to 902-MHz band ZCZC AG79 QST de W1AW ARRL Bulletin 13 ARLB013 >From ARRL Headquarters Newington CT February 9, 1995 To all radio amateurs SB QST ARL ARLB013 ARLB013 Changes to 902-MHz band The FCC has adopted rules for the future licensing and continued development of a number of services, including Amateur Radio, in the 902 to 928 MHz band. The new rules set standards for what had previously been called automatic vehicle monitoring (AVM) systems but which the Commission now refers to as the Location and Monitoring Service (LMS). Amateurs will continue to have access to 902 to 928 MHz, on a secondary basis, to the new LMS systems; to industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) systems; and to government users. Unlicensed low power ''Part 15'' users are on a secondary basis to all the above, including amateurs. The FCC said it would adopt a plan to afford both amateurs and Part 15 users ''a greater degree of protection to their operations'' (from interference from other services). It also said it would clarify what constitutes harmful interference to LMS licensees by Part 15 devices and by amateurs. ''Operational restrictions should be imposed to maintain the coexistence of the many varied users of the band,'' the Commission said. The FCC also said it would use a ''negative definition'' to clearly establish the parameters under which amateurs and Part 15 users may operate without risk of being considered sources of interference to services with a higher allocation status. In a petition in January 1994 the ARRL requested primary allocations for amateurs at 902 to 904 and 912 to 918 MHz. The FCC accepted this petition as comments in its AVM proceeding but denied it, saying that insufficient ''quantitative support'' for the petition had been shown. More information was in March 1994 QST, page 94. (FCC report and order in PR Docket 93-61). NNNN /EX