Satellite Carriers Closer To Planet Earth
BY KRISTY BASSUENER
AUGUST 9, 2001
In a wireless-centric public meeting this morning, the FCC issued a notice of
proposed rulemaking that could eventually modify federal rules applying to
mobile satellite service providers. The commission is seeking comment on a new
rule that would enable satellite carriers to re-use spectrum in the 2 GHz band,
providing a ground-based element to their wireless networks.
The FCC's notice came in response to proposals from satellite players. New ICO
Global Communications and Motient Corp. requested the ability to re-use
spectrum allocated for satellite use, claiming that use of ground-based repeaters
will enable them to reach customers in urban areas often blocked from satellite
connections by tall buildings. But the carriers say their satellite-based connections
are mainly targeted toward rural users out of range from standard wireless towers,
or people who cannot access high-speed DSL connections.
'The commission recognized that the potential long-term benefits of [mobile
satellite service] such as deployment of broadband services to rural areas merit
consideration of the... proposal,' stated the FCC's statement.
The idea hasn't pleased ground-based wireless carriers. Since satellite carriers
requested the rule change, CTIA countered with an appeal to the FCC to
re-allocate spectrum assigned to satellite providers. CTIA said the commission
should look at the best use of the spectrum, and pointed out the 3G spectrum
crunch. In June, AT&T Wireless, Cingular Wireless, Sprint PCS and Verizon
Wireless asked the FCC to delay any action on the issue. Instead, the FCC on July
17 authorized eight free new mobile satellite service systems in the 2 GHz band.
CTIA officials did not have a comment on the latest FCC rulemaking proposal by
deadline.
New ICO head and wireless pioneer Craig McCaw said, 'The outcome of this
proceeding may determine whether citizens in rural parts of the U.S. and world
receive access to broadband communications services. Our satellites are built and
if the FCC gives our proposal the green light, we'll move forward aggressively...' |
