SkyTerra Communications filed an application to construct, launch and operate two geostationary satellites in the fixed satellite service using Ka band frequencies. The application also requests limited frequencies at C-band. Both satellites would be located at 95 degrees West Longitude (WL). The satellites' architecture will allow for three distinct coverage patterns across the continental United States (CONUS), including full CONUS coverage, regional coverage using multiple contiguous spot beams and market-specific spot beams for targeted service delivery. Each satellite will include four 46.25 MHz wide CONUS transponders. Circular polarization will be used to allow for two overlapping CONUS beams across the service area. SkyTerra plans to use the satellites for direct-to-home video and audio services, two-way narrowband and broadband services and transport of programming to SkyTerra uplink centers and remote gateways. The frequency bands requested are 29250 - 30000, 28350 - 28600, 19700 - 20200, 18300 - 18800, 6424.25 - 6424.75, 5926.25 - 5926.75, 4198.75 - 4199.25, and 3700.75 - 3701.25 MHz.
EchoStar Satellite LLC requested special temporary authority (STA) to move EchoStar 5 from 119 degrees WL to 129 degrees WL, where it will operate as a Canadian satellite licensed to Ciel Satellite Communications, Inc. EchoStar said the authority was needed no later than June 25, 2005. It requests the STA for a period of 60 days.
For information on these applications and one filed by Intelsat LLC concerning the MARISAT satellite, see FCC Report SAT-00275.
The FCC granted PanAmSat STA to operate its C- and Ku-band Galaxy 3-R satellite at the 73.95 degrees WL for 30 days, starting Feb. 28, 2005. Intelsat's STA to continuing drifting its INTELSAT 605 from 77 degrees WL to 174 degrees East Longitude (EL) was extended by 30 days.
Columbia Communications surrendered its authorization to launch and operate a C-band replacement satellite (AMC-22) at the 47 degrees WL orbital location using frequencies in the 6425 - 6725, 5935 - 6425, 3700 - 4200, and 3400 - 3700 MHz bands. Columbia Communications also surrenders its authorization for the TDRS-6 satellite operating in the 6425-6725 MHz and 3700-4200 MHz bands at 47 degrees WL. The frequencies used by both satellites at 47 degrees WL are now available for reassignment.
Pegasus Development surrendered its authorization for Ka-band satellites at the 107-degree WL orbital location using the 29250 - 30000, 28350-28600, 19700 - 20200 and 18300 - 18800 MHz frequency bands. The frequencies at this orbital location are now available for reassignment.
For information on these actions and transfer of control actions not listed here, see FCC Report SAT-00276.
The FCC modified EchoStar Satellite LLC's authorization to construct, launch and operate a Ka-band geostationary satellite at 117 degrees WL to include Ka-band and Ku-band tracking, telemetry and command (TT&C) links. The FCC also granted a limited waiver of FCC Rules allowing EchoStar to operate TT&C links in the Ku-band on a non-interference basis outside of its authorized frequency band during launch and transfer orbit operations. The FCC Order and Authorization stated, "Grant of this limited waiver will allow EchoStar to maintain communications with the satellite, known as Echostar-117W (Call Sign 2490) during critical launch and transfer orbit operations using the well-established Ku-band ground network."
