Report No. DC-2614 ACTION IN DOCKET CASE June 15, 1994 MOBILE-SATELLITE SERVICE ALLOCATIONS AT 20/30 GHZ UPGRADED TO PRIMARY (ET DOCKET 92-191) The Commission amended its Table of Frequency Allocations to upgrade to primary status the Mobile-Satellite Service (MSS) allocations at 19.7-20.2 GHz and 29.5-30 GHz (20/30 GHz). In these bands the MSS allocations will now be co-primary with the existing Fixed-Satellite Service (FSS) allocations. The Commission also amended its rules to reflect decision made by the International Telecommunications Union at the 1992 World Administrative Radio Conference. The Commission concluded that upgrading the secondary MSS allocation to primary status, shared with FCC, would promote the most efficient use of this spectrum. It said a multi-service allocation would allow expanded opportunities for other satellite services, promote development of satellite services in the 20/30 GHz band, and enable satellite operators to respond flexibly to market demands in their use of these bands. The Commission agreed with NASA that use of digital transmission and advanced technologies, such as "electronically hopping" spot-beam antennas and on-board switches, would reduce technical differences between MSS and FCC; and that removal of requirements to operate in separate frequency bands when providing multiple services would simplify satellite communications system design and improve spectrum and orbital efficiency. Action by the Commission June 13, 1994, by Report and Order (FCC 94-154). Chairman Hundt, Commissioners Quello and Barrett, with Commissioners Ness and Chong not participating. - FCC - News Media contact: Rosemary Kimball at (202) 418-0500. Office of Engineering and Technology contact: Carl Huie at (202) 653-8112.