‘C’ band RF frequency (standard ‘C’ band and extended ‘C’ band) was the first frequency band allocated for commercial satellite communication. According to literature, there are more than 160 geostationary satellites orbiting around the globe and operating in ‘C’ band. Two out of three satellites being manufactured by companies use the ‘C’ band spectrum. Throughout the world itself, most of the essential services like TV transmission, distance learning programs by universities, national television network and disaster recovery etc. are provided through ‘C’ band satellite link.
The upgradation in terms of speed and range of these services would lead to significant interference with ‘C’ band satellite communication services because WiMAX wireless services being developed lately are using the same frequency spectrum as allotted to ‘C’ band satellite link.
The development and usage of broadband wireless communication and WiMAX in extended ‘C’ band frequencies from 3.4 GHz to 3.7 GHz will provide significant interference for ‘C’ band satellite link. Several national administrations have designated portions of the frequency band 3.4 to 4.2 GHz for terrestrial wireless applications such as broadband wireless access (BWA) and future mobile service for 3G and 4G systems.
Source: Science Reporter, January 2009 issue.
