Satellite Industry Assn. in letter to FCC Jan. 25 opposed Nextel proposal for realignment of 36 MHz of 800 MHz band to alleviate CMRS public safety interference. SIA asked Commission to preserve 2 GHz MSS spectrum allocation and not reallocate any portion of band to Nextel, saying viability of services to be offered by 2 GHz MSS licensees would be compromised if agency awarded Nextel spectrum. SIA said proposal would result in “delay, confusion and possible increased cost of a more complicated spectrum plan at 2 GHz, which could be extremely damaging to the prospects of many 2 GHz MSS licensees.” In response to Nextel’s contention that proposed realignment wouldn’t cause incumbent licensees to lose any spectrum, SIA said Nextel was aware that FCC had issued eight 2 GHz MSS authorizations and set implementation milestones for systems. Licensees would have to expend billions of dollars in relying on Commission’s allocation by investing in satellites, launch vehicles and major gateway sites, SIA said, and it would be public disservice if Commission didn’t allow adequate time for new entrants in MSS industry to develop their systems and offer services. Assn. said MSS provided communications with rural and remote areas and underserved communities, and tampering with 2 GHz allocation would disrupt FCC’s long-standing objective of offering universal access to basic and advanced telecom services there.
TDK Mediactive (TDKM) unveiled list of 17 videogames it plans to publish in its fiscal year ending March 31, 2003. Calabasas, Cal., game publishing division of TDK Corp. said 17 titles included 4 for PlayStation 2 (PS2), 3 for GameCube, 2 for Xbox, 6 for Game Boy Advance (GBA), one for next generation or other yet to be announced platforms. PS2 games will include Aquaman (4th quarter), Pryzm Chapter One: The Dark Unicorn (Q1), Robotech (3rd quarter), Shrek (4th quarter). GameCube titles will be Robotech (4th quarter), Shrek (3rd quarter) and one title to be announced mid-to-late 2002. Xbox games will be Robotech and Shrek (each 4th quarter). GBA titles will be Aquaman (4th quarter), Dinotopia (2nd quarter), Lady Sia (4th quarter), Robotech (2nd quarter), 2 Shrek titles (first and 4th quarters), Ultimate Book of Spells (3rd quarter). Platform for Mercedes- Benz (4th quarter) has yet to be announced, company said. TDKM CEO Vincent Bitetti said releases of Lady Sia and Shrek in 2001 “marked a breakout year for our growing company.”
Sales and mktg. business development company Sales in Action (SiA) has been started by former Codemasters N. American Sales Vp Howard Horowitz. SiA said its goal was “to assist consumer electronic and game publishing companies in the North American market” sell and market their products to retailers. Horowitz said: “Given the predicted and past growth of the North American interactive entertainment market -- probably somewhere around $18 billion by 2004 for combined console and PC software sales -- foreign publishers, developers and distributors could add 40% to their gross revenue by getting in this market.” SiA said it could “reduce costs by outsourcing and shortening the time it takes to put together an effective sales, marketing and logistics plan and team,” adding that “outsourcing these functions allows companies to focus on their core competencies -- product development.” New company said it was composed of “entertainment industry veterans with over 15 years’ experience.”
Wireless carriers, equipment manufacturers and several incumbents that may have to be relocated to make way for 3G largely agreed with govt. effort to examine 1710-1770 MHz and 2110-2170 for advanced wireless services. But in comment period that closed this week at FCC, diverse group of stakeholders in 3G proceeding differed on details. Importance of global harmonization for 3G services and adequate replacement spectrum for incumbents that may be moved to make way for advanced wireless services were among themes running throughout feedback received by FCC. CTIA reiterated that as much as possible of bands allocated for mobile satellite service (MSS) should be reallocated for services “with more clearly demonstrated needs.” Comments marked latest round in positioning on 3G spectrum among MSS providers, MMDS licensees, wireless carriers and others at FCC. Latest 3G feedback also was first that FCC had received since govt. released new plan for advanced spectrum earlier this month that would take bulk of 1755-1850 MHz band occupied by Defense Dept. off table for now. Among concerns raised by incumbents was filing by New ICO that cautioned that reallocation of 2 GHz MSS spectrum for 3G would “represent an arbitrary, unprecedented departure from a reasonable allocation policy that has been under development for almost a decade.”
Satellites offer best hope of eliminating Digital Divide between “information rich and “information poor” in delivery of broadband services to rural U.S., Satellite Industry Assn. (SIA) said in reply comments on proposed rulemaking on issue. Commission seeks comment on best way to provide advanced broadband telecom services throughout U.S. and remove barriers to receiving service. Letter signed by Exec. Dir. Richard Dalbello challenged ability of terrestrial wireline and terrestrial wireless companies to provide service.
FCC released long-awaited order that added mobile allocation to 2500-2690 MHz band and spared MMDS and Instructional TV Fixed Service (ITFS) licensees from relocation threat posed by 3G. Item was voted on Sept. 6 before departure of Comr. Gloria Tristani, but not released until Mon. Report and order added mobile allocation “to provide additional near-term and long-term flexibility for use of this spectrum, thereby making this band potentially available for advanced mobile and fixed terrestrial wireless services,” FCC said. Chmn. Powell and Comrs. Abernathy and Martin voted for item, with Tristani and Comr. Copps dissenting on mobile flexibility language. Order acknowledged technical difficulties of sharing between fixed and mobile services in band now, but said upcoming service rules would address interference issues. In joint statement, Tristani and Copps raised strong objections to extent that addition of mobile allocation to band could pose harm to incumbent MMDS and ITFS users. “It is a rush to judgment that is not supported by evidence in this record,” they wrote. Meanwhile, CTIA expressed dismay that 2.5 GHz spectrum was taken out of running for 3G at time when spectrum capacity questions still loomed.
“It is reasonable to anticipate that deletions, some additions and some clarifications are likely,” Defense Dept. official said last week when asked about recent Pentagon move to speed up review process of items on U.S. munitions list. Many U.S. satellite components that have run into tough export rules are on list and move to have them omitted would ease restrictions, analyst said. State Dept. makes final determination, although DoD coordination is required for removals, official said. Spokesman said Sept. 12 State hadn’t received recommendation from DoD, but did confirm that any satellite component removed from list no longer would be under jurisdiction of State: “If [satellite component] is not on the munitions list, then State is not responsible for licensing it.”
Satellite industry would be “very concerned by any changes” at FCC affecting satellite regulation, Satellite Industry Assn. (SIA) and Satellite Bcstg. & Communications Assn. said in July 30 letter sent to FCC before it became public knowledge that Commission was seeking to consolidate Mass Media and Cable bureaus and to add some satellite functions from International Bureau (IB)(CD Aug 29 p1). SIA and SBCA had been quiet about proposed changes until they released letter Fri. following Communications Daily request for response. Under current structure, satellite concerns are handled primarily by International Bureau, which is headed by Don Abelson. Letter was signed by SIA Exec. Dir. Richard DalBello and former SBCA Senior Vp Andrew Paul. Commission officials were closemouthed on proposed changes and future of Abelson, who is “very popular among satellite operators,” industry source told us: “He really understands our issues.” Satellite industry “worked hard” with Commission to create IB, letter said.
Satellite industry and FCC lack minority ownership plan for satellites specifically geared for women and African-Americans, after years of developing diversity programs in other areas of broadcasting and communications, minority officials said. Topic isn’t widely discussed, industry leaders admitted: Focus has been more on recruiting, training and encouraging minorities to apply for industry jobs that require highly technical skills in engineering, science, aerospace.
Overcapacity is launch market’s greatest challenge, Arianespace U.S.’s recently named Pres. Clayton Mowry said. Former SIA exec. dir. said added flexibility and increased performance would be key to success of any company in commercial launch market, with several vying for estimated 20 to 30 heavy class launches per year. “There is new capacity being brought to the market,” Mowry said. “In terms of price and service and capability it’s going to get more competitive.” As result, Arianespace is working to complete 3 new upper stages, 2 of which use cryogenic (mixture of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen) propulsion.