The FCC is seeking comment on licensing and service rules for satellites authorized to use the 17GHz/24GHz Broadcasting Satellite Services bands to deliver service to U.S. consumers.
Domestically downlinking in the 17.3GHz to 17.7GHz frequency band and uplinking in the 24.75GHz to 25.25GHz frequency band, the satellites could be used to deliver the next generation of video, audio, data and multimedia services to residential and business subscribers.
The commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) June 21 regarding the operation of satellites using these bands. Specifically, the commission wants comment on:
- the right way to process applications;
- license terms, replacement satellites, access to the U.S. market from non-U.S. satellites, and milestone requirements;
- public service obligations, geographic service and emergency alert system (EAS) requirements;
- use of spectrum allocated internationally, but not domestically, by receiving earth stations located outside the United States;
- orbital spacing and antenna performance standards;
- inter- and intra-service sharing; and
- other technical requirements, such as reverse band operations.
Comments are due at the commission 30 days after the publication of the NPRM in the Federal Register and reply comments are due 45 days after publication.
For more information, visit: www.fcc.gov.
