Proxim GX80™ Spectrum & Licensing FAQ

Proxim GX80 Spectrum & Licensing Frequently Asked Questions

What spectrum does GX80 operate in?
GX80 operates in the 80 GHz millimeter-wave band (E-band), specifically:

  • 71–76 GHz
  • 81–86 GHz

This spectrum is commonly used worldwide for high-capacity point-to-point wireless transport.

Is the 80 GHz band licensed?
Yes. The 80 GHz band is typically licensed or lightly licensed, depending on the country and regulatory framework.
Compared to traditional microwave bands, E-band licensing processes are often streamlined while still providing coordinated interference management.

What does “light licensed” mean?
Light licensing generally refers to a simplified licensing process that combines:

  • rapid deployment
  • coordinated spectrum usage
  • link registration requirements

    • This approach helps minimize interference while reducing administrative complexity compared to traditional fully coordinated microwave licensing.

How is E-band licensed in the United States?
In the United States, E-band deployment typically involves two steps:

  • A nationwide 70/80/90 GHz license
  • Registration of each deployed link in the FCC database

    • This framework enables rapid deployment while ensuring coordinated spectrum usage.

How is E-band licensed in Canada?
In Canada, E-band deployments typically operate under a fully licensed regulatory framework coordinated through Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).

How is E-band licensed in Europe, the UK, and Australia?
Licensing approaches vary by country and may include:

  • centrally coordinated licensing
  • self-coordinated light licensing

    • Under centrally coordinated models, regulatory authorities verify that new links do not interfere with existing deployments.
    Under self-coordinated models, operators are responsible for ensuring that proposed links do not conflict with existing registered systems.
    Most regions also require link registration as part of the deployment process.

Why is licensing beneficial for E-band deployments?
Licensed and lightly licensed spectrum provides:

  • predictable interference management
  • improved deployment reliability
  • support for high-capacity carrier-grade links

    • This makes E-band well suited for business-critical and infrastructure-grade wireless transport.

Does licensing affect antenna selection or link design?
Yes. Regulatory limits, antenna gain, path length, and regional deployment rules can all influence link design.
Proxim provides a dedicated GX60/GX80 link calculator to assist with antenna selection and deployment planning.

Do licensing requirements vary by country?
Yes. Licensing models, registration procedures, permitted power levels, and coordination requirements differ between countries and regions.
Operators should always consult local regulatory authorities or authorized spectrum coordinators before deployment.