FCC PAVES WAY FOR ADVANCED SATELLITE SERVICES IN KU-BAND
FCC opened door for delivery of new Ku-band satellite services with adoption of flexible spectrum sharing plan in 10.7 -14.5 GHz band at agenda meeting Thurs., bringing 5-year proceeding closer to end. Commission action means applicants Boeing, Denali, Hughes, Skybridge, Teledesic and Virtual GEO will be able to use same spectrum to roll out advanced data, video and telephony services after licenses are issued. Hughes filed 2 applications in proceeding. Details of order remain sketchy, although Commission released statement that provided general overview. Final order is due out next week, FCC source said.
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Applicants will be required to file amendments to meet new Commission standards and receive licenses. Agency said licenses would be issued following review. Each of applicants plans to use nongeostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) satellites that transmit signals to antennas on Earth. Order creates sharing regime that allows satellites to simultaneously operate in shared spectrum for advanced broadband network. Under new approach, companies will split frequency band and have access to links in each direction.
Commission also issued 2 other proposals on total limits of power that could be emitted by Ku-band NGSO fixed satellite service (FSS) service. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposes methodology for licensees to demonstrate, in aggregate, that their systems are within limit. NPRM also seeks comment on whether definition of inline interference events adopted in Order should be adjusted with respect to higher powered transmitters. Procedure to mitigate interference was most contentious part of NGSO FSS spectrum-sharing debate, according to filings. In end, FCC offered 4 sharing plans with different variations, but most applicants still were unclear how spectrum-sharing plan would be implemented.
However, Ku-band decision still was viewed as good news, particularly for Skybridge, which needs license to raise additional money required for system, attorney Jeff Olson said. He said he was pleased Commission adopted what was basically Skybridge plan that would allow spectrum sharing and called for companies to work out differences involving interference. “It’s the best possible outcome,” Olson said: “Everybody certainly has more than enough spectrum to meet their business plans. It’s a win-win especially for the Skybridge proposal.” He said licenses should be issued by fall, barring any unusual circumstances: “There’s nothing standing in the way. Now the rubber can meet the road” and milestones can be issued.
Denali and Virtual GEO weren’t available for comment. Hughes remained optimistic about final outcome. “It sounds as if they adopted the Skybridge proposal,” Hughes spokeswoman said: “We had additional comments and suggested a modified version, but we won’t know” if they were accepted until final decision is released. Nevertheless, spokeswoman said, “it’s great to see the Commission cleaning its slate of pending applications.” Boeing said following initial look order “appears to be equitable approach,” but wanted to study it further before making final decision, spokeswoman said.