Licensing of 450 MHz RTK Base

The 900 MHz RTK product sold by John Deere uses ISM band radios. These radios do not require licensing by the end user. The radios are limited to a specific frequency range and 1 W maximum output power. While this system works for the majority of applications, the reliability of the RTK link may become limited when passing through trees and dense foliage.

The intent of 450 MHz RTK is to increase the range and reliability of the RTK link. To overcome the attenuation of adverse field conditions, transmission power greater than 900 MHz RTK is needed. While there is some added benefit from using a radio with lower frequency and longer wavelength, the signal strength is the dominant factor in the radio link reliability. To legally transmit at a higher power, 450 MHz RTK uses a licensed band radio. The end user of the licensed band transmitting radio is responsible for obtaining and maintaining a valid site license from the local spectrum authorities. In 450 MHz RTK system, this requires a license for each base station.

Vehicle radios in 450 MHz system are not transmitters. Since they only receive corrections from the base, 450 MHz vehicle radios do not required a site license.

An end user can apply for the license by applying directly to the local spectrum authority:

Country	Authority
Australia	Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)
Canada	Industry Canada (IC)
United States	Federal Communications Commission
New Zealand	Radio Spectrum Management Group

An end user can also apply with the aid of a frequency coordinator. A frequency coordinator is a private company that has been certified by the local frequency spectrum authority to recommend and aid in the application for a licenses. For a fee, these third party coordinators will reduce the complexity and confusion of the application process. However, the final responsibility of the license still resides with the end user.

Check www.StellarSupport.com for country specific instructions on how to obtain a site license.

IMPORTANT: Please contact your local radio authorities or partnering frequency coordinator for region specific regulations and licensing.

License Renewal Scams
After being granted a license for 450 MHz RTK radio, base station operators should be aware of license renewal scams. Spectrum licenses are public record. Other companies could retrieve licensee information and then mail current license holders offers to prepare applications for license renewal. The letters contain warnings that there will be monetary penalties if the licensee does not comply. These companies are not affiliated with government spectrum authorities. They are taking advantage of the public record and the licensee’s desire to comply with the law. Their intention is to charge a “processing” fee on top of the actual amount that a licensee would pay for renewal. While it is important to not let your license expire, licensees should work directly with their local spectrum authority or a certified frequency coordinator. Internet searches of the companies involved usually identify if the company is relevant.