Satellite Update

The FCC accepted an application from SES Americom for special temporary authority to test its AMC-15 satellite at 136 degrees West Longitude (WL) for up to 90 days following launch. The launch of this Ku/Ka-band hybrid satellite is scheduled for August 29, 2004. Once testing is completed the SES Americom proposes to move AMC-15 to 105 degrees WL. The Ku-band portion of AMC-15 replaces the GSTAR-4 Ku-band satellite.

Hispamar Satellites, S.A. asked the FCC to modify its application requesting that the AMAZONAS-1 satellite network, located at 61 degrees WL, be added to the FCC's permitted list. The modification requests the FCC remove the condition that prohibited AMAZONAS-1 from being used to provide direct-to-home (DTH) services to the United States.

For more information on both applications, see FCC International Bureau Report SAT-00223.