The FCC, in an Order adopted March 31, authorized Pegasus Development Corporation to provide Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) service in the U.S. using two Canadian DBS satellites, Nimeq 1 and Nimeq 2. Pegasus proposes to offer DBS programming throughout the continental U.S. Nimeq 1 is located at 91 degrees West Longitude (WL) and Nimeq 2 is at 82 degrees (WL). The FCC reminded Pegasus that its authorization "does not guarantee successful deployment of the proposed DBS system." It noted that Telesat Canada, the entity holding the Canadian license to operate the two Nimeq satellites, indicated that it has sold all capacity on the Nimeq 1 and 2 satellites to Bell ExpressVu, a Canadian DTH service provider. Pegasus said that as of January 30, 2004, it did not have arrangements with Telesat or Bell ExpressVu. Under FCC rules, Pegasus must complete construction of its hub earth station and commence operation of its network by March 31, 2005.
EchoStar's application to modify its DBS authorization at 157 degrees WL to use channels 7 and 11 instead of 3 and 5 was granted. See the FCC Memorandum Opinion and Order for details. PanAmSat was authorized to operate PAS-21 at 68.5 degrees East Longitude (EL) in the 3.4-3.7 GHz, 10.95-11.2 GHz, 11.45-11.7 GHz, 14.0-14.5 GHz, 6.425-6.725 GHz and 13.75-14.0 GHz frequency bands subject to certain conditions. The FCC Order and Authorization has the details.
SES Americom, Inc. withdrew its amendment to relocate its AMC-9 satellite. It also withdrew its request for STA to test AMC-9 at 82 degrees W.L. Orbital Sciences Corporation withdrew its pending application to construct and launch its V-band satellite system. The FCC granted PanAmSat's request for a 180 day extension of special temporary authority (STA) for Galaxy IX to drift to and to operate telemetry, tracking and command at 90.9 degrees WL until August 13, 2004. PanAmSat was also granted a 180-day extension to August 21, 2004, to continue operating the tracking, telemetry and command on Galaxy VIII (I) while PanAmSat performs end of life maneuvers to boost the satellite into a disposal orbit. Several companies had the V-band portions of their authorizations dismissed without prejudice to refiling. The companies included CAI Satellite Communications, Inc., Denali Telecom, LLC, and Globalstar, LP. V-band includes the 71-72, 66-67, 47.2-50.2 and 37.5-38.5 GHz bands. See Report SAT-00205 for more information.
Intelsat North America LLC filed an application informing the FCC that it acquired Telstar 13 from Loral SpaceCom Corporation, Debtor-in-Possession, on March 17, 2004. Telstar 13 is an in orbit satellite located at 121 degrees WL and licensed by Papua, New Guinea, which has approved the satellite's ownership change. Intelsat asked the FCC to update the FCC's permitted space station list to reflect the Intelsat North America as the new owner and operator of Telstar 13. See Report SAT-00206 for additional information.
