Commission Seeks Input on Reverse DBS Band Rules
The FCC wants satellite broadcasters to take a stab at drafting rules for the “reverse DBS band” -- spectrum at 17 GHz typically allocated for satellite uplinking but which now may be used for downlinking. Reverse use of the band, long eyed by industry and regulators, could open much spectrum for DBS use, we're told. The Commission Wed. adopted an NPRM seeking comment on licensing and service rules for U.S. satellite broadcasting service in the 17 and 24 GHz bands.
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The item originally was set for the open FCC meeting Wed. morning, but, having been decided on circulation, was pulled at the last minute from the meeting agenda. All Commissioners voted in favor. The 17 GHz NPRM follows a 2000 FCC decision allocating 400 MHz of DBS uplink spectrum at 17.3-17.7 GHz for satellite video broadcasting. DBS uplink spectrum doesn’t see as much use as DBS downlink spectrum. That’s why, since the 1990s, the FCC and ITU have contemplated using the DBS uplink band for downlinking, DBS industry officials said.
DirecTV is “pleased the Commission is moving ahead to open up more spectrum for DBS service,” said Vp-Regulatory Affairs Stacy Fuller. EchoStar couldn’t be reached by our deadline.
The NPRM seeks proposals on how to structure satellite broadcasting in the 17.3-17.1 and 24.75-25.25 GHz bands. Details include: (1) The best way to process satellite applications. (2) License terms, replacement satellites, access to the U.S. market from non-U.S. satellites and milestone requirements. (3) Public service obligations, geographic service and emergency alert system requirements. (4) Use of spectrum allocated internationally by receiving earth stations outside the U.S. (5) Orbital spacing and antenna performance standards. (6) Inter- and intra-service sharing. (7) Reverse band technical requirements.
The FCC is acting now on the “reverse DBS band” because the ITU made the spectrum available effective April 1, 2007, DBS industry officials have said (CD June 7 p9). Applications to operate satellites in the band, dating to the 1990s, are pending from DirecTV, EchoStar, Pegasus and Intelsat, awaiting the FCC service and licensing rules contemplated in the rulemaking.