Part 15 regulates unlicensed devices, such as Wi-Fi routers and Bluetooth transmitters, to prevent interference with licensed services. It includes technical standards for intentional and unintentional radiators, with power limits for devices in bands like 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Wi-Fi's output power is limited to 1 watt in certain U-NII bands. To ensure compliance, devices must undergo testing and meet specific emission thresholds.
Part 17 requires antenna structures over 200 feet or near airports to be registered with the FCC, marked, and lit per FAA guidelines to ensure visibility for aircraft. Technical specifications for lighting types, colors, and marking patterns are based on the structure's height and location. Compliance also involves assessing environmental and historical impacts.
Part 96 governs the Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS), enabling shared use of the 3550-3700 MHz band. It utilizes a three-tier model managed by the Spectrum Access System (SAS) to coordinate spectrum usage dynamically. Devices, known as Citizen Broadband Radio Service Devices (CBSDs), must be certified to interact with the SAS for frequency assignment and comply with power limits based on device categories. ESC systems detect incumbent activity to prevent interference.
Part 90 covers land mobile radio systems used for mission-critical communication in public safety, business, and industrial sectors. It specifies technical standards for frequency bands like VHF (30–300 MHz), UHF (300–3000 MHz), and 700/800 MHz, setting power limits and emission requirements to avoid interference. Frequency coordination is essential for new systems to prevent conflicts, while rules govern modulation, antenna usage, and co-channel separation.
47 CFR Part 87 sets technical standards for aviation radio services, including power limits, frequency stability, and emission requirements for aircraft and ground radios. It specifies frequency allocations for different communication types, such as air-to-ground and navigation aids, to avoid interference. Emergency procedures include using the 121.5 MHz distress frequency and emergency locator transmitters (ELTs). More details on technical requirements are in subpart D of this part.
47 CFR Part 5 outlines technical requirements for experimental radio licenses, permitting the testing of new radio technologies and systems. It specifies license types, including Conventional, Broadcast, and Medical Testing. Tests must not interfere with existing radio services, and experiments must operate within authorized parameters, such as frequencies and power limits (47 CFR § 5.3, § 5.83). STAs offer temporary testing for up to six months.
47 CFR Part 97 outlines the technical requirements for amateur radio operations, including frequency allocations, power limits, and operating modes. It specifies frequency bands by wavelength (e.g., 160 meters, 80 meters) and sets a maximum power of 1500 watts PEP for most bands. Operators must identify transmissions regularly and use the minimum necessary power. Special provisions apply for emergency communications and satellite operations (47 CFR § 97.313, § 97.207).
47 CFR Part 18 outlines technical requirements for ISM equipment that uses RF energy, such as microwave ovens and medical devices. It specifies emission limits, frequency allocations (e.g., 13.56 MHz, 2.45 GHz), and radiation safety standards to prevent harmful interference. Equipment must undergo FCC authorization and be labeled accordingly. Operators must address interference with authorized radio services (47 CFR § 18.301, § 18.305).
Part 88 of the FCC rules sets technical standards for UAS operations within the 5030 to 5091 MHz band, focusing on CNPC. It allocates 5040 to 5050 MHz for NNA users, who will receive frequency allocations via DFMS. Initially, NNA users access 5040-5060 MHz under the IAM process until DFMS management begins.