FCC Changes Rules Streamlining Process For Earth Stations To Operate On Aircraft
The FCC adopted a report and order Friday on rules to support the deployment of Internet services on airplanes. The action establishes earth stations aboard aircraft (ESAA) as a licensed application for communication with fixed satellite service (FSS) stations, the FCC said in a news release (http://xrl.us/bn8cbe). “Rather than have to license on-board systems on an ad hoc basis, airlines will be able to test systems that meet FCC standards, establish that they do not interfere with aircraft systems, and get FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] approval.” The decision also launched a rulemaking seeking comments on a proposal “to elevate the allocation status of ESAA in the 14.0-14.5 GHz band from secondary to primary,” making the ESAA allocation equal to the allocations of earth stations on board vessels (ESV) and vehicle-mounted earth stations (VMES), it said.
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The FCC said it expects the new rules to allow it to process ESAA applications up to 50 percent faster, “enhancing competition in an important sector of the mobile telecommunications market in the U.S. and promoting the widespread availability of Internet access to aircraft passengers."
"These new rules will help airlines and broadband providers offer high-speed Internet to passengers, including by accelerating by up to 50 percent the processing of applications to provide broadband on planes,” Chairman Julius Genachowski said in a statement. “This will enable providers to bring broadband to planes more efficiently, helping passengers connect with friends, family, or the office."
The action allocates ESAA on a primary basis in the 11.7-12.2 GHz band, requires ESAA licensees to coordinate their operations with stations in the Space Research Service and Radioastronomy Service to prevent interference, and adopts licensing requirements and operational requirements for ESAA “for both U.S.-registered aircraft and for non-U.S.-registered aircraft operating in U.S. airspace,” it said (http://xrl.us/bn8ca8). The primary status for ESAA means licensees can expect the same level of interference protection from adjacent satellite system operations as other primary FSS operators receive and “have the same status as other primary FSS systems,” it said. Along with VMES and ESV, ESAA “will extend the broadband Internet services seamlessly throughout land, sea and air."
The FCC’s action will benefit satellite and teleport operators who wish to deploy in-flight broadband services, satellite industry executives said. Business and leisure travelers demand the same access to broadband connectivity as they have at home or the office, a satellite company professional said. Commercial satellite operators “can provide the bandwidth required by service providers to deliver this broadband connectivity. ... The FCC’s recognition of this demand will facilitate expanded services."
Earth stations operating in a fixed service with the antennas in motion was largely permitted in the mobile satellite service, said Frank Jazzo, a Fletcher Heald attorney who represents satellite service providers. The technology is advanced and it allows adjacent satellites to avoid interference, he said. The ruling “should help expedite processing of requests for earth stations on airplanes and it will help facilitate further deployment of on-board Internet services,” he added: The order provides routine processing of these requests without a waiver of certain provisions that require an order, which tends to take a longer period of time, he said.
The FCC action “is an important one for providers like Row 44 and airlines alike,” said Travis Christ, Row 44 marketing and sales chief. Row 44 provides satellite Wi-Fi service on carriers, like Icelandair and Southwest Airlines. “The administration of service deployment is indeed an important process, and the new efficiencies that have been created should benefit the industry tremendously."
The FCC said Friday’s action continues its efforts to update and streamline regulatory requirements. This year the commission approved a rulemaking to streamline earth and space station licensing (CD Oct 1 p10). Comments on the ESAA allocation status proceeding are due 75 days after the rulemaking notice is published in the Federal Register, the commission said.