Fox Bcstg., Fox Cable Networks and HBO back a Satellite Industry Assn. petition for partial reconsideration made in response to an FCC report and order. The order adopted rules permitting wireless Internet service providers and other terrestrial users to transmit in the 3650-3700 MHz (extended C-band) frequency band. SIA said the rules will expose conventional C-band satellite earth station receivers to serious risks of interference. Interference to reception by these satellite systems transmitting in the extended C-band frequencies could degrade services provided by Fox and HBO, the companies said.
Demand is certainly high for 24 MHz of mobile satellite service (MSS) spectrum at 2 GHz, at least based on filings at the FCC in its proceeding (IB 05-221). Despite the fact that the MSS spectrum is available because 3 MSS firms gave up their licenses rather than launch service, at least a dozen major firms filed comments in the proceeding -- all indicating that the spectrum should be made available to them.
The wireless and satellite industries asked the FCC to reconsider rules on non-federal govt. wireless operations in the 3650-3700 MHz band. The contention- based protocol the Commission required licensees to use to prevent interference drew criticism in all petitions for reconsideration. Petitioners included the Wireless Communications Assn. (WCA), WiMax Forum, Intel, Redline Communications, Alvarion, BRN Phoenix, as well as Motorola and the Enterprise Wireless Alliance (CD June 13 p8).
The Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL) executive committee met last week in Washington to coordinate inter-American telecom activities for the upcoming ITU meeting and the World Summit on the Information Society, among other actions. The Satellite Industry Assn. (SIA) welcomed the delegation, saying they “strongly support and encourage CITEL activities focused on reforms that lower the barriers to the provision of satellite services and equipment in the Americas.” Present were representatives from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, the U.S. and Venezuela.
Worldwide satellite industry revenue was $97.2 billion in 2004, a 6.7% rise since 2003, said the Satellite Industry Assn. (SIA). The SIA yearly report, compiled by Futron Corp., tallied revenue of $60.9 billion in satellite services, $23.3 billion in ground equipment manufacturing, $10.2 billion in satellite manufacturing and $2.8 billion in the launch industry. Satellite services grew from 42% of total revenue in 1996 to 60% in 2004. Within the satellite services sector, DBS clearly continues to lead, the report said. DBS revenue -- including DTH TV, satellite radio, and satellite broadband -- accounted for $49.5 billion of $60.9 billion satellite services revenue. Fixed Satellite Systems -- including VSAT services, remote sensing and transponder leasing -- made up $9.4 billion of the remaining revenue. Mobile satellite systems accounted for $2 billion. Satellite radio saw revenue growth of over 200% in 2004, but radio’s total gains continue to account for less than 1% of overall satellite services numbers. Transponder leasing sales dropped 4% in 2004 due to continuing declines in capacity pricing. Global satellite manufacturing revenue grew 4% overall, but U.S. satellite manufacturing shrank more than 15% due to reduced govt. spending and fewer orders. Govt. payloads made up 72% of total payloads launched and 82% of total satellite manufacturing revenue.
The Satellite Industry Assn. welcomed NTIA recommendations for improvements in govt. and industry preparations for future World Radiocommunication Conferences (CD May 24 p6). The recommendations -- which include speeding private sector-govt. coordination and starting international discussions earlier -- were sent to Congress Mon. SIA Exec. Dir. David Cavossa said: “Given the international nature of the issues affecting the commercial satellite industry such coordination between industry and government will be extremely helpful in future WRC preparatory discussions.”
The Global Broadband Satellite Initiative (GBSI) will call at Nov.’s 2nd World Summit for the Information Society (WSIS) for a common open standard for satellite broadband and for relaxation of satellite landing rights worldwide, among other measures. WSIS, a United Nations-endorsed and ITU-coordinated summit, is convened in 2 phases as an international effort to bridge the digital divide. As part of the WSIS agenda, GBSI wants to encourage development of an international market for satellite broadband services, officials said.
The FCC could field multiple requests for reconsideration of a 3650-3700 MHz order that opened access to new spectrum for wireless broadband. The Wireless Communications Assn. (WCA) will be asking the FCC to clarify the order’s interference protection obligations section. Similar requests on other parts also may be coming from the Satellite Industry Assn. (SIA), WiMax Forum and others.
Satellite industry officials want the FCC and Congress to protect satellite spectrum this year, when legislators address emergency responders’ spectrum needs as required by the Intelligence Reform & Terrorism Prevention Act, they said in comments to the FCC. The FCC is considering the comments as it prepares a report to Congress due Dec. 17, on federal, state and local public safety providers’ spectrum needs.
The halls of the Hill and the FCC will be one voice quieter on satellite broadcast issues, as the Satellite Bcstg. & Communications Assn.’s board voted last week to “refocus” the nearly 20-year-old Assn. away from govt. affairs and in the direction of its education and training/certification programs. Tom Hayden, SBCA’s chmn., called the decision “a long and challenging process.”