The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has revised its emissions regulations for the 24 GHz spectrum to align with international standards from the 2019 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-19). These changes aim to protect critical satellite-based scientific services in the adjacent 23.6–24.0 GHz band, which are vital for weather forecasting and climate studies.
Key Highlights:
- New Emissions Limits: Immediate implementation of Phase 1 limits; stricter Phase 2 limits for equipment deployed after September 1, 2027.
- Global Alignment: Rules now match international standards to support market consistency and innovation.
- Balancing Act: Limits aim to protect sensitive scientific operations while enabling the growth of 5G services.
The FCC declined to adopt stricter emissions limits or exemptions for indoor deployments, citing insufficient evidence. These updates will ensure better protection of weather data integrity without hampering technological progress in wireless communications.
