FCC Lifts Freeze on New 17/24 GHz BSS Applications

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After allowing filing of applications to amend previously filed Broadcasting Satellite Service (BSS) applications in the 17/24 GHz bands, the FCC lifted the freeze on the filing of applications for new U.S. licensed space stations, or requests for market access by non-U.S licensed space stations in the 17/24 GHz BSS, effective Thursday, Aug. 14, 2008 at 10:00 am. Applications are being processed on a first-come, first-served licensing approach.

The Public Notice announcing the lifting of the freeze (DA 08-1887) states, “The Commission will grant a 17/24 GHz BSS application if the applicant is legally, technically and otherwise qualified, the proposed system complies with all applicable rules, regulations and policies, the proposed system is not technically incompatible with a previously-authorized space station or with a space station proposed in a previously-filed application, and the grant will serve the public interest, convenience, and necessity.”

Applications that don’t meet these criteria will be returned and the next application filed will be processed.

Doug Lung
Doug Lung
Contributor

Doug Lung is one of America's foremost authorities on broadcast RF technology. As vice president of Broadcast Technology for NBCUniversal Local, H. Douglas Lung leads NBC and Telemundo-owned stations’ RF and transmission affairs, including microwave, radars, satellite uplinks, and FCC technical filings. Beginning his career in 1976 at KSCI in Los Angeles, Lung has nearly 50 years of experience in broadcast television engineering. Beginning in 1985, he led the engineering department for what was to become the Telemundo network and station group, assisting in the design, construction and installation of the company’s broadcast and cable facilities. Other projects include work on the launch of Hawaii’s first UHF TV station, the rollout and testing of the ATSC mobile-handheld standard, and software development related to the incentive auction TV spectrum repack. A longtime columnist for TV Technology, Doug is also a regular contributor to IEEE Broadcast Technology. He is the recipient of the 2023 NAB Television Engineering Award. He also received a Tech Leadership Award from TV Tech publisher Future plc in 2021 and is a member of the IEEE Broadcast Technology Society and the Society of Broadcast Engineers.