Satellite Update

The FCC has designated applications from DirecTV, EchoStar, Pegasus Development DBS Corp. and Intelsat North America as “permit-but-disclose” proceedings for the purposes of the commission’s rules governing ex parte communications. Most of these applications are for new authorizations in 17/24 GHz bands recently allotted for Broadcast Satellite Services.

EchoStar filed an application a DBS system of 10 satellites using the 17/24 GHz BSS frequencies. They proposed orbital locations at 61.9 degrees, 67 degrees, 77.2 degrees, 86.3 degrees, 124 degrees, 128.6 degrees and 147.6 degrees (all west longitude) in addition to locations at 110 degrees, 114.5 degrees and 119 degrees west longitude previously filed for. EchoStar requested a waiver to use the 17.7 to 17.8 GHz band for downlinks.

Intelsat North America filed an application covering four BSS satellites, to be located at 67.5 degrees, 89.0 degrees, 97.0 degrees and 121 degrees WL. Intelsat requested permission to use the 17.7 to 17.8 GHz band outside the United States where permitted, and inside the United States if it becomes available domestically.

Pegasus Development DBS Corp. applied for three BSS satellites at 110 degrees, 101 degrees and 91 degrees WL. The system will have the capability to operate in the 17.7 to 17.8 GHz region if it becomes available.

DirecTV applied for one BSS satellite, BSS-99W, to be located at 99 degrees WL. BSS-99W will serve both the United States and South America and will be able to use the 17.7-17.8 GHz spectrum if it becomes available.

This is only a small sample of the 20 applications designated “permit-but-disclose” in FCC Report SAT-00451. Report SAT-00451 does not include any technical information on these applications. Copies of the applications are available on IBFS. Type an application number listed in SAT-00451 in the search box on the left side of the IBFS to obtain a copy of the application and all attachments. Not all the applications designated “permit-but-disclose” are for BSS; some refer to ownership changes.

In addition to these actions, the FCC granted Sirius Satellite Radio special temporary authority to operate indoor terrestrial repeaters with an effective radiated power of 0.0001 watts from June 17 through June 20, 2007 at the Sirius 2007 national sales meeting in Plainsboro, N.J.