Wireless Communications Assn. International (WCA) is opposing petition for reconsideration filed by Satellite Industry Assn. (SIA) on 2.5 GHz that Multipoint Distribution Service (MDS) and Instructional TV Fixed Service (ITFS) licensees use. SIA petition argued that fixed wireless incumbents in 2.5 GHz could share bands with mobile satellite service (MSS). But WCA contended SIA had presented no technical information to Commission on how that could be done. Earlier this year, FCC denied another petition by SIA seeking reallocation of 2.5 GHz band to MSS licensees based on previous ITU decision. “SIA’s petition for reconsideration provides no justification for the Commission to now reverse field and cripple the ongoing deployment of MDS/ITFS broadband service solely to provide additional spectrum for the financially shipwrecked MSS industry,” WCA wrote. WCA said SIA relied on “mistaken” assumption that MDS/ITFS licensees would be deployed mostly in urban areas, away from MSS operations in less densely populated areas. “The Commission has already found that MDS/ITFS systems may be the only provider of broadband service in rural and other underserved areas,” WCA said.
Satellite Industry Assn. (SIA) understands national security argument for maintaining State Dept. oversight of satellite launch and missile technology exports, but it says State export licensing of commercial satellites lacks logic and puts U.S. companies at competitive disadvantage with terrestrial capacity providers and foreign manufacturers. SIA Exec. Dir. Clayton Mowry sees this year possibility that some congressional defense hawks may support satellite export bill (CD March 6 p2) being drafted by Rep. Berman (D-Cal.) if it strikes balance between national security and competition concerns. Although still in early development stage, Berman bill would return most commercial satellite licensing authority to Commerce from State while incorporating State and Defense Dept. special review process on satellite exports to China.
Tight market conditions and industry consolidation leave no room for new companies in satellite business, said Marshall Kaplan, chmn., Satellite On Demand, at Washington Space Business Roundtable panel Wed. “I really don’t see any room for additional companies, given the varieties of launches,” he said, and he expected “some consolidation.” Kaplan dismissed notion of companies’ shutting down, but said they would “consolidate or merge in the next 2, 3 or 4 years.” Other industry officials have made similar predictions (CD Feb 14 p2).
Strict satellite export controls cost U.S. commercial satellite manufacturers revenue, jobs and market share in 2000, according to survey released by Satellite Industry Assn. (SIA) Tues. Survey concentrated on Cal., home of 4 largest satellite manufacturers in U.S., including Space Systems/Loral and Boeing. Study said manufacturers building telecom satellites lost $1.2 billion in contracts and more than 1,000 jobs in year as result of controls. U.S. companies lost 30% of global market share, dropping to 45% with 13 new orders for U.S.-built geostationary satellites vs. 16 new orders for European-built birds.
Boeing said it would provide details of its proposal to revamp U.S. air traffic control system by May, but industry officials said key issue remained $10-$15 billion cost of effort. Details of plan remained sketchy, but Boeing had said its plan could allow 50% increase in number of airline flights by using new technology, such as Global Positioning Systems (GPS). FAA spokeswoman called Boeing plan “intriguing” and said agency would be monitoring situation closely.
Proposal by Fixed Wireless Communications Coalition (FWCC) that seeks changes in FCC rules on access to spectrum for satellite services has drawn strong opposition from satellite and cable industries. Satellite Industry Assn. (SIA), Satellite Bcstg. & Communications Assn. (SBCA), World Teleport Assn. (WTA), Aerospace Industries Assn.(AIA) and National Cable TV Assn. (NCTA) filed comments opposing changes. Among things FWCC wants is declaratory ruling on partial band licensing of Earth Stations in Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) that share terrestrial spectrum, routine licensing of 3.7 meter transmit and receive stations on C- band and deployment of geostationary orbit FSS earth stations in share portion of Ka-band. Each of groups said changes wouldn’t be in public interest.
FCC unanimously adopted notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that eyes frequencies, including those now occupied by military users, for 3rd-generation and other advanced wireless services. Commission also denied petition by Satellite Industry Assn. (SIA) seeking additional spectrum for mobile satellite services (MSS), move that Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service (MMDS) licensees opposed (CD Aug 30 p1). FCC adopted notice Dec. 29, meeting White House’s year-end deadline for approving item, although text hadn’t been released by our deadline.