With WCS Rules Change Likely, Sirius XM Keeps Pushing for Technical Limits

The FCC probably will loosen band rules for wireless communications service to accommodate mobile broadband services, executives said. So Sirius XM has stepped up efforts to persuade the FCC not to allow WCS band licensees’ operations to interfere with the Sirius XM service. The company Thursday discussed the technical limits it recommends for a WCS band adjustment with the Office of Engineering and Technology and the Wireless Bureau, according to an ex parte filing. It met with International Bureau Chief Mindel De La Torre and aides Jan. 14 (CD Jan 20 p 14) and outlined its technical recommendations in a filing with the OET earlier this month (CD Jan 6 p 6).

Those involved seem to consider a loosening of the WCS rules inevitable. The FCC probably will take up the issue in its search for additional spectrum in the National Broadband Plan, due to Congress next month, said an executive involved in discussions among the commission, Sirius XM and the WCS Coalition. The FCC will then issue a separate order on the proceedings, he said.

Sirius XM is worried that its suggestions will be ignored in the rush to find more wireless broadband spectrum. The company is worried about “getting in the middle of the drumbeat for broadband,” said the executive. “They need to watch out how they do this. You can’t authorize broadband spectrum without considering the impact.”

Asked about a loosening of the rules, Sirius said it has “worked extremely hard to provide the FCC staff with the technical data it needs to develop rules for mobile WCS services that will not cause harm to satellite radio consumers.” The company added, “Allowing mobile devices from adjacent vehicles to cause harmful interference and to mute satellite radios will potentially” confuse and anger its subscribers “and is not in the interest of the FCC, Sirius XM or car manufacturers.”

Some of Sirius XM’s allies in the car industry also urged the FCC to work carefully to avoid interfering with the service. General Motors, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia and Chrysler have filed or plan to file letters asking the agency to minimize signal degradation if it chooses to loosen WCS rules.