NGSO ESIM Draft NPRM Seemingly Inconsistent, Iridium Says

The draft non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) earth stations in motion (ESIM) NPRM on Thursday's commissioner agenda (see 1810240030) needs clarification due to seeming contradictions, Iridium representatives told FCC International Bureau staffers, recounted a docket 18-315 posting Friday. The company said the draft NPRM says the agency "will not consider" NGSO ESIMs in the 29.25-29.5 GHz band since it's reserved for geostationary fixed satellite service networks for fixed earth stations. Yet the FCC has adopted rules allowing GSO FSS ESIMs there and the 29.25-29.5 GHz band can be used for NGSO mobile satellite service feeder links on a co-primary basis under the commission’s Ka-band plan, the satellite operator pointed out.