ISM

From HFUnderground

Industrial, Scientific and Medical uses of RF. In other words, non-communication services. In the USA, ISM bands are regulated under Part 18 of the FCC rules.

In recent years, the ISM bands have become extremely popular for short-range communications systems, including things like WiFi, some cordless phones, Bluetooth and dozens of other services. Some of the ISM bands overlap with Part 15 bands. This can lead to significant confusion. Remember that Part 15 low power systems are designed and regulated as radio communications systems - "intentional radiators" as the FCC calls them. Devices operating on the ISM bands must accept any interference from ISM operations (as long as the ISM system is operating within the technical standards of the country the equipment is operating in.

Good examples of this include the Part 95 CB radio service, the Part 95 Remote Control Radio Service, the 26.960 MHz - 27.280 MHz Part 15 service and the 26.957 MHz - 27.283 MHz - 27.12 MHz center frequency - all operating in the same spectrum.

Other examples include the 2.4 GHz band, used by WiFi, Bluetooth, analog and digital video and audio links as well as ISM devices such as microwave ovens on 2.45 GHz / 2450 MHz.

See 47 CFR 18 - Subpart C.