GNSS-Re­peater

A spectrum assignment in accordance with the German Telecommunications Act (TKG) is needed for any use of the spectrum in Germany. If no general assignment has been issued, the Bundesnetzagentur will make individual assignments.

The signals of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) in the 1164-1215 MHZ, 1215-1300 MHZ and 1559-1610 MHZ bands, such as NAVSTAR-GPS, GALILEO and GLONASS, cannot always reach all the places where they are needed because of shielding, especially in buildings like garages, hangars, sales rooms, laboratories and industrial works. It is then often necessary to use a GNSS repeater to provide coverage where the signals do not reach.

The signals are received by a GNSS repeater where coverage is good, transferred by cable to the inside of a building and re-transmitted to the GNSS receivers inside the building. The position reported by a GNSS receiver using a signal from a repeater is not the true location of the receiver, but receivers can be tested or demonstrated using re-transmitted signals.

Spectrum assignments can only be issued to the following user groups:

• public safety organisations
• civil and military aviation industry, including relevant maintenance facilities
• GNSS receiver/chipset manufacturers
• manufacturers of end products with an integrated GNSS receiver (for example car manufacturers)
• GNSS receiver distributors (testing and demonstrating GNSS equipment inside buildings).

[ENDE]

Due to the large potential for interference when operating GNSS repeaters at or near airports, a distinction is made between:

• GNSS repeaters inside defined protection zones; and
• GNSS repeaters outside defined protection zones.

An acceptance test must be made before a GNSS repeater can be operated inside a protection zone. Acceptance tests are not needed when GNSS repeaters are operated outside protection zones because of the smaller potential for interference, but routine checks can be made.

It is advisable for all GNSS repeater operators to obtain confirmation of compliance with the administrative regulations (such as radiated power) from the installers.

Applications and guidance notes

Applications for spectrum assignments for GNSS repeaters can be made using the following form:
Antrag auf Zuteilung von Frequenzen für GNSS-Repeater (pdf / 130 KB)

This translation is for information purposes only.