Djane and all,
ICO is for real.
U.S. FCC to Vote on Proposal for Satellite Telephone Service
Washington, March 17 (Bloomberg) -- U.S. regulators are set to vote on a proposal tomorrow that would bring ICO Global Communications a step closer to offering its planned worldwide, satellite-based wireless phone service in the U.S.
The draft proposal under consideration by the Federal Communications Commission spells out how ICO and other companies will share space in the 2 gigahertz spectrum of the airwaves, which the FCC has earmarked for mobile communications. Boeing Co., Globalstar Telecommunications Ltd., Iridium World Communications Ltd. and Mobile Communications Holding Inc. also have filed to use the spectrum block.
London-based ICO plans to launch a 10-satellite network by August 2000 providing phone, fax and other communications services. ICO needs the U.S. FCC to grant its licenses speedily to meet that deadline. ''This licensing proceeding is, at rock bottom, about two things -- the efficient use of spectrum and the need for competition'' in the satellite marketplace, said Francis Coleman, ICO's director Of regulatory affairs for North America.
ICO plans to be the third company to market in the global satellite phone business after Iridium and Globalstar, which have asked the FCC for permission to launch additional satellites for 2-gigahertz service. They're already licensed in the U.S. to provide their satellite service in a different block of airwaves.
The $5 billion Iridium network of 66 low-orbit satellites began operation Nov. 1. Globalstar, which plans to begin commercial service by September, expects to have 48 satellites and four in-orbit spares in place by year end.
The FCC's proposal will be open to public comment before it adopts a final licensing plan later this year.
Brian H.
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