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I am led to understand that a proposed frequency auction by the Federal Communications Commission[1] has been criticized because part of the spectrum is used to gather data on weather systems. Fro...
#3: Post edited
by
DavidCary
·
2025-09-04T19:59:15Z (about 1 year ago)
fill in the specific frequencies, as requested by comment threads; add references; etc.
What is the concern about spectrum leasing and weather prediction?
- I am led to understand that a proposed frequency auction by the Federal Communications Commission[^fcc] has been criticized because part of the spectrum is used to gather data on weather systems.
- How is that frequency used for weather stuff?[^clouds] What is the impact of other devices broadcasting on that frequency?
- [^fcc]: The FCC is USA's communications regulation agency.
[^clouds]: Something about clouds, maybe? I can see clouds with my eyes, though. Why is that spectrum band special?
- I am led to understand that a proposed frequency auction by the Federal Communications Commission[^fcc] has been criticized because part of the spectrum is used to gather data on weather systems.
- From what I've read in the news,
- the auction covers 24.25 to 25.25 gigahertz (GHz),
- and there is concern that "5 G networks" using that band
- may interfere with satellites measuring
- water vapor in the 23.6- to 24-GHz band.[^science][^arstechnica]
- It's been called "a gift of nature" that atmospheric water vapor transmits a faint signal at those frequencies that can be passively detected by a microwave radiometer.[^scientificamerican][^weather]
- So this frequency band *apparently* has some physical basis, as opposed to active radar or communication transmissions where the human who designs the transmitter can arbitrarily choose any one band of a wide range of frequencies.
- How is that frequency used for weather stuff?[^clouds] What is the impact of other devices broadcasting on that frequency?
- [^fcc]: The FCC is USA's communications regulation agency.
- [^clouds]: Something about clouds, maybe? I can see clouds with my eyes, though. Why is that spectrum band special?
- [^science]: Science ["Lawmakers seek delay of radio spectrum auction for next-gen cell service, saying 5G plans could hurt weather satellite data"](https://www.science.org/content/article/lawmakers-seek-delay-radio-spectrum-auction-next-gen-cell-service-saying-5g-plans-could)
- [^arstechnica]: Arstechnica ["5G likely to mess with weather forecasts, but FCC auctions spectrum anyway"](https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2019/05/5g-networks-will-likely-interfere-with-us-weather-satellites-navy-warns/)
- [^weather]: Weather ["5G Wireless Networks Could Interfere with Weather Forecasts, Meteorologists Warn"](https://weather.com/news/news/2019-04-30-5g-networks-interfere-with-weather-forecasts)
- [^scientificamerican]: Scientific American ["5G Wireless Could Interfere with Weather Forecasts"](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/5g-wireless-could-interfere-with-weather-forecasts/)
#2: Question closed
by
Mithrandir24601
·
2024-08-25T20:54:54Z (about 2 years ago)
#1: Initial revision
by
Michael
·
2024-08-15T15:12:39Z (about 2 years ago)
What is the concern about spectrum leasing and weather prediction?
I am led to understand that a proposed frequency auction by the Federal Communications Commission[^fcc] has been criticized because part of the spectrum is used to gather data on weather systems. How is that frequency used for weather stuff?[^clouds] What is the impact of other devices broadcasting on that frequency? [^fcc]: The FCC is USA's communications regulation agency. [^clouds]: Something about clouds, maybe? I can see clouds with my eyes, though. Why is that spectrum band special?