Redesignation of the 18 GHz Frequency Band, Blanket Licensing of Satellite Earth Stations in the Ka-band, and the Allocation of Additional Spectrum for Broadcast Satellite Service Use

Samenvatting

In this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) the Commission proposes redesignation of the 17.7-19.7 GHz band; blanket licensing procedures for satellite earth stations in the Ka-band (17.7-20.2 GHz, space-to-Earth transmit frequencies and 27.5-30.0 GHz, Earth-to-space transmit frequencies); and the allocation of additional spectrum for the Broadcast Satellite Service (BSS) in the 17.3-17.8 GHz and 24.75- 25.25 GHz frequency bands. The proposed redesignation of the 17.7-19.7 GHz band will separate terrestrial fixed service and fixed satellite service operations and allow for more efficient use of this spectrum. We believe that blanket licensing will provide a fast and efficient means for licensing the large numbers of Ka-band satellite earth stations expected to be deployed. Finally, the proposed BSS allocation will conform our domestic allocation to the International Telecommunication Union (``ITU'') Region 2 BSS allocation and will provide additional spectrum for direct-to-home video services.