Broadband Plan to Recognize Role of MSS, Licensees Say

Mobile satellite service (MSS) providers are taking FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski’s comments about dealing with their spectrum as a major policy victory, industry officials said. Genachowski said Wednesday the National Broadband Plan will seek to resolve spectrum disputes in MSS and wireless- communications services bands by “giving licensees the option of new flexibility.” Recent comments filed by wireless providers said MSS/ancillary terrestrial component (ATC) spectrum isn’t being adequately used, fueling speculation that the commission would take back some spectrum. A satellite executive called Genachowski’s statement a serious blow to the commenters.

What the plan will say specifically remains unclear. Another company executive said his impression is that the FCC will review the ATC and technology rules to make sure there’s enough terrestrial use of spectrum and a secondary market is available for “strategic transactions.” Stifel Nicolus analyst Rebecca Arbogast said the commission may relax “gating criteria” to allow leasing of satellite and terrestrial operations to companies in need of additional wireless broadband capacity. Arbogast said the FCC might get rid of a rule requiring MSS/ATC license holders to operate satellites.

Another executive believes Genachowski’s emphasis on flexibility probably refers to the FCC’s rules on integrating MSS/ATC networks, requiring higher standards of chipsets. Better chipsets would ensure that end users couldn’t tell when switching between MSS and ATC networks, they said. “What’s been said is not very concrete, but it does sound positive,” the executive said.

Globalstar also pointed to Genachowski’s words as an endorsement. “We are encouraged to see the FCC’s recognition of the [MSS] industry’s contribution to mobile broadband,” said a company spokesman.