Geographic Exclusion Zones
Existing, licensed users are considered "primary spectrum users" and their transmission channel is protected with a geographic exclusion zone.
New "secondary spectrum users" may instead operate unlicensed devices on other available channels.
The administrator will maintain and provide channel inventory services based on geo-location and time of day.
For a detailed analysis of incumbent protection requirements, see our requirements document. More >
Incumbent Protection and Interference Avoidance
It's critically important to note that TV Band spectrum will not be vacated by licensed users. In effect the FCC is making unused holes and gaps in present channel use available on a non-interfering basis.
Current incumbent licensed and unlicensed services will retain priority for the use of TV Band frequencies. Examples of priority services include analog and digital television broadcast, public safety, commercial dispatch and offshore radios, wireless microphones (concerts, sports arena, Broadway shows), medical telemetry devices and broadcast auxiliary services. For these reasons the number of available channels and spectrum will necessarily vary by geographic location and may change over time.
The FCC has chosen a relatively simple incumbent protection scheme that provided an exclusive geographic contour for their channels in use plus adjacent channels in certain circumstances. This method allows for a technology learning curve as new TV Band device hardware, software and service offerings are developed and improved without placing incumbent services at risk.
Protected contours and zones are detailed in the Federal Register and summarized below.
