FCC Adopts Rules to Mitigate BSS, DBS Interference

By Doug Lung
published


The Broadcasting Satellite Service (BSS) and Direct Broadcast Satellite service (DBS) share the 17 GHz. BSS uses it for space-to-Earth transmission (downlink) and DBS operators use it for Earth-to-space transmission (uplink). One problem is that the BSS satellite transmissions could interfere with reception of programming and commands on nearby DBS satellites, possibly causing loss of control of the DBS satellite.

To mitigate these interference concerns, in the Second Report and Order, Docket 06-123 (FCC 11-93) the FCC adopted an off-axis power flux density (pfd) coordination trigger between 17/24 GHz BSS space stations and DBS space stations. The Second Report and Order also placed bounds on orbital inclination and eccentricity of 17/24 GHz BSS space stations.

BSS space station applicants must file predicted and measured transmitting antenna off-axis gain information. The Second Report and Order includes procedures that enable pending applicants and existing authorization holders to file relevant information related to the new rules.

The Report and Order provides detailed information filing requirements and guidance on how the rules apply to new and existing DBS and BSS satellites and their orbital locations.

Doug Lung
Doug Lung

Doug Lung is one of America's foremost authorities on broadcast RF technology. As vice president of Broadcast Technology for NBCUniversal Local, H. Douglas Lung leads NBC and Telemundo-owned stations’ RF and transmission affairs, including microwave, radars, satellite uplinks, and FCC technical filings. Beginning his career in 1976 at KSCI in Los Angeles, Lung has nearly 50 years of experience in broadcast television engineering. Beginning in 1985, he led the engineering department for what was to become the Telemundo network and station group, assisting in the design, construction and installation of the company’s broadcast and cable facilities. Other projects include work on the launch of Hawaii’s first UHF TV station, the rollout and testing of the ATSC mobile-handheld standard, and software development related to the incentive auction TV spectrum repack.
A longtime columnist for TV Technology, Doug is also a regular contributor to IEEE Broadcast Technology. He is the recipient of the 2023 NAB Television Engineering Award. He also received a Tech Leadership Award from TV Tech publisher Future plc in 2021 and is a member of the IEEE Broadcast Technology Society and the Society of Broadcast Engineers.