Radiowave propagation in the 40 GHz band

The imminent exploitation of the lower-frequency part of the millimetre-wavelength region of the electromagnetic spectrum, to provide widespread multi-channel entertainment via the multipoint video distribution service (MVDS) at 40 GHz (and also, incidentally, to provide fixed links at 38 GHz feeding into the optical-fibre personal communications network, PCN) has highlighted the need for more accurate information on radiowave propagation in these bands to assist in systems planning and design. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge in the various areas and gives brief details of some experiments being implemented to reduce the uncertainties in present prediction procedures