Institute for Telecommunication Sciences / Research Topics / Boulder Labs and Table Mountain Frequency Management
Boulder Labs and Table Mountain Frequency Management
An ITS staff person acts as the Boulder Labs Frequency Manager (BLFM), chairing the Boulder Labs Radio Frequency Management Committee (RFMC). This committee protects the Department of Commerce Boulder Laboratories campus and the Table Mountain Radio Quiet Zone facilities from harmful radio frequency interference by evaluating new transmitters before they begin operating. Propagation analyses using various propagation prediction models or field measurements may be required to resolve potential electromagnetic interference problems.
The BLFM’s main responsibility is to coordinate all Federal use of radio frequencies on the Boulder campus and at the Table Mountain Radio Quiet Zone. This includes requests for special temporary authority (STAs) as well as requests for permanent radio frequency authorizations (RFAs), which the BLFM coordinates with the NOAA Commerce Representative at the Office of Radio Frequency Management in Silver Spring, MD, and with the DOC representatives on the Interagency Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC). In addition, the BLFM resolves any onsite interference issues via the RFMC. The BLFM is also responsible for coordinating with private industry users to ensure that their operations do not exceed the Table Mountain field strength limits, per 47 C.F.R. § 73.1030(b).
The RFMC has jurisdiction over all Government and private industry users seeking permission for frequency usage at the Table Mountain Radio Quiet Zone, and over stations in the area that meet the following conditions of effective radiated power (ERP) and radial distance:
- All stations within 2.4 km.
- Stations with 50 W or more ERP within 4.8 km.
- Stations with 1 kW or more ERP within 16 km.
- Stations with 25 kW or more ERP within 80 km.
Government Users at the Boulder Labs: Any government-owned wireless device or radio transmitter operating on the Department of Commerce (DOC) Boulder Laboratories campus must receive an approved frequency assignment prior to commencing operation, except for computer peripherals such as wireless keyboards, mice, printers, etc. and personal devices. Click here for more information and to download a request form.
All Users at the Table Mountain Radio Quiet Zone: Anyone wishing to operate a radio device at the Table Mountain Radio Quiet Zone. Click here for more information and to download a request form.
Contact: Mike Chang, (303) 497‑4220, frequencymanager@its.bldrdoc.gov