Standard Radio System Plans for Fixed Wireless Systems (6425 MHz to 7725 MHz)
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has issued several Standard Radio System Plans (SRSPs) outlining the technical and regulatory requirements for Fixed Wireless Systems (FWS) operating across the 6 GHz and 7 GHz frequency ranges. These plans ensure efficient spectrum use and minimize radio frequency (RF) interference.
Scope and Intended Use
Frequency Bands Covered:
6425 MHz to 7110 MHz (SRSP FS 6.425)
7111 MHz to 7425 MHz (SRSP FS 7.111)
7425 MHz to 7725 MHz (SRSP FS 7.425)
Primary Application: These bands are intended exclusively for transport (trunking) and mobile backhaul networks.
IMT Transition Note: The band 7025 MHz to 7125 MHz has been identified for potential International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) deployment. Existing FWS assignment holders in this range may be required to vacate the band upon finalization of IMT policies.
Certification and Regulatory Compliance
Mandatory Certification: All FWS communications equipment must be certified under Regulation 14 of the Communications and Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulations 2000.
Standards Conformity: Equipment must comply with applicable Malaysian standards, International Telecommunication Union (ITU) recommendations, and Radio Regulations (RR) adopted by Malaysia.
Assignment Type: Authorization for use is granted via an Apparatus Assignment (AA) on a first-come, first-served basis.
Eligibility: Applicants must be Network Facilities Provider (Individual) [NFP(I)] license holders or government/private corporations operating private network facilities (subject to proof that NFP(I) providers cannot meet their needs).
Technical Parameters and Requirements
Minimum Path Length: The standard minimum path length for FWS links in these bands is 20 km. Shorter paths may be considered by MCMC on a case-by-case basis.
Channel Spacing: Plans support various channel bandwidths, including 7 MHz, 14 MHz, 20 MHz, 28 MHz, 35 MHz, 40 MHz, and 56 MHz, depending on the specific frequency band and equipment capacity.
Interference Mitigation: Providers must utilize techniques such as antenna discrimination, tilting, polarization, frequency discrimination, and power control to facilitate system coordination.
Coexistence and Sharing Conditions
Priority Services: Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) and Meteorological-Satellite (MetSat) hub stations are generally given priority over FWS in specific sub-bands.
Protection Zones:
- In the 7450–7550 MHz band, no new FWS is permitted within a 50 km radius of designated MetSat hub stations.
- In the 7250–7425 MHz and 7425–7500 MHz bands, no new FWS is permitted within a 10 km radius of designated FSS hub stations.
Satellite Protection: FWS stations should avoid directing antennas toward the geostationary-satellite orbit and must comply with ITU RR Article 21 regarding terrestrial and space service sharing.
Cross-Border Coordination
Coordination with neighboring countries is mandatory for stations located within specified distances of the border. Operational limits (Maximum EIRP) and coordination distances are governed by several agreements:
FACSMAB (Singapore/Brunei): Coordination required for distances up to 30 km (EIRP < 52 dBW/40 dBW) or 50 km (EIRP > 52 dBW/40 dBW).
JCC (Indonesia): Coordination required within 30 km to 50 km depending on EIRP.
JTC (Thailand): Coordination distance of 35 km applies.
TRILATERAL (Indonesia/Singapore): Coordination required within 30 km to 50 km based on power levels.
Interference Resolution Process
In the event of unresolved interference between assignment holders:
- Parties must first attempt operator-to-operator coordination and frequency scanning.
- Unresolved disputes after 24 hours may be escalated to MCMC.
- MCMC classifies interference as Harmful (immediate cease operation), Major (3-day resolution timeline), or Minor (7-day resolution timeline).
- The costs of any required system modifications to resolve interference are borne entirely by the assignment holder.
