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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
| Report No. IN 98-52 | INTERNATIONAL ACTION | September 17, 1998 |
COMMISSION PROPOSES TO REDESIGNATE PORTIONS OF THE 18 GHZ BAND; ALLOW BLANKET LICENSING OF FIXED SATELLITE SERVICE EARTH STATIONS IN THE KA-BAND; AND ALLOCATE ADDITIONAL SPECTRUM FOR THE BROADCAST SATELLITE SERVICE
(IN DOCKET 98-172
In bands where GSO and NGSO FSS operators would have primary status (18.3-18.55 GHz and 18.8-19.3 GHz), the Commission proposed to "grandfather" terrestrial fixed service operations that have either been licensed or for which an application for a license has been filed as of the release date of this NPRM. Grandfathered terrestrial fixed service stations would be afforded continued primary status in the band. The NPRM asked for comment on this proposed band plan, as well as on possible modifications to the proposal that would allow continued sharing in additional portions of the 17.7-19.7 GHz band. It also sought comment on whether there is any means by which terrestrial fixed service and FSS could feasibly continue to share the entire band.
Typical terrestrial fixed services in the 18 GHz band include point-to-point microwave communications, cable television relay systems (CARS), auxiliary broadcasting and electronic newsgathering activities. FSS operators are planning to offer a variety of digital communications services including broadband internet access, video teleconferencing, distance learning and other interactive multimedia services.
In addition, the Commission proposed a blanket licensing procedure that would allow GSO and NGSO FSS satellite earth stations in the Ka-band (18 GHz downlink band and 28 GHz uplink band) to operate under a single system license in those segments of these bands that are designated for their primary use. This proposal would provide a fast and efficient means for licensing the large number of small antenna FSS earth stations expected to be deployed.
Finally, the Commission proposed to align the domestic Table of Allocations with the International Telecommunication Union's Region 2 Table of Allocations for Broadcast Satellite Service (BSS) use. The Commission proposed allocating additional spectrum at 17.3-17.8 GHz and 24.75-25.25 GHz for BSS effective April 1, 2007. These proposed allocations would provide additional spectrum for direct-to-home video services, thereby allowing BSS operators to offer an increased variety of video programming and services, and to better compete in the multichannel video market.
In proposing to redesignate spectrum in the 18 GHz band, the Commission sought to balance the needs of existing and future terrestrial fixed service operators with those of the new FSS operators. FSS licensees are planning to deploy large numbers of small antenna earth stations, and the Commission is concerned about the feasibility of sharing between terrestrial fixed service and the numerous FSS earth stations. A chart of the proposed band plan is attached.
Action by the Commission September 17, 1998, by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 98-235). Chairman Kennard, Commissioners Ness, Furchtgott-Roth, Powell and Tristani.
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International Bureau contact: Charles Magnuson at (202) 418-2159