Flexible Standards for Directional Microwave Antennas

This action amends the performance standards for directional microwave antennas of the Commission's Rules in order to permit the use of new antenna technology. Specifically, the rule amendments will allow licensees to show compliance with the Commission's Rules for antenna standards using either minimum antenna gain or maximum radiation beamwidth. This action removes an implicit prohibition in the Commission's Rules against new types of antennas which have narrow beamwidths, but insufficient gains. This action also will encourage innovation in antenna technology and will give licensees more options in the types of antennas they may employ, without decreasing spectrum efficiency or increasing interference.