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The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposed to expand the scope of this proceeding to propose a set of technical rules for the operation of unlicensed level probing radars (LPR) in several frequency bands. LPR devices are low-power radars that measure the level (relative height) of various substances in man-made or natural containments. In open-air environments, LPR devices may be used to measure levels of materials, such as coal piles or water basin levels. An LPR device also may be installed inside an enclosure, e.g., a tank made of materials such as steel or fiberglass, and commonly referred to as a tank level probing radar (TLPR) that could be filled with liquids or granulates. During the pendency of the rulemaking proceeding (but outside this proceeding), the Commission received waiver requests and other inquiries regarding outdoor use on additional frequencies under existing rules for unlicensed devices. To address the apparent need for a comprehensive and consistent approach to LPR devices, the Commission proposed in this FNPRM rule that would apply to the operation of LPR devices installed in both open-air environments and inside storage tanks in the following frequency bands: 5.925-7.250 GHz, 24.05-29.00 GHz, and 75-85 GHz.

The Report and Order in this proceeding modifies part 15 of the Commission’s rules for level probing radars (LPRs) operating on an unlicensed basis in the 5.9257.250 GHz, 24.0529.00 GHz, and 7585 GHz bands to revise our measurement procedures to provide more accurate and repeatable measurement protocols for these devices. LPR devices are lowpower radars that measure the level (relative height) of various substances in manmade or natural containments. In openair environments, LPR devices may be used to measure levels of substances such as water basin levels or coal piles. An LPR device that is installed inside an enclosure, which could be filled with liquids or granulates, is commonly referred to as a tank level probing radar (TLPR). LPR (including TLPR) devices can provide accurate and reliable target resolution to identify water levels in rivers and dams or critical levels of materials such as fuel or sewertreated waste, reducing overflow and spillage and minimizing exposure of maintenance personnel in the case of high risk substances. The new rules will benefit the public and industry by improving the accuracy and reliability of these measuring tools, and providing needed flexibility and cost savings for LPR device manufacturers which should, in turn, make them more available to users, without causing harmful interference to authorized services.