FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
DECEMBER 1, 1999                                   Rosemary Kimball at (202) 418-0500
          

       FCC AFFIRMS SPECTRUM PLAN FOR 36.0-51.4 GHZ BAND  

Washington, D.C.   In an Order on Reconsideration released today, the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) affirmed the band segmentation plan it adopted for the 36.0-51.4
GHz band in December 1998, which designated separate segments of the band for wireless services and
for satellite services. The FCC denied three petitions for reconsideration filed by satellite operators
challenging various aspects of the band plan.  Specifically, the FCC:  (1) declined to designate more than
four gigahertz of spectrum in the band for fixed-satellite services ("FSS"); (2) maintained the FSS
designation for the 40.5-41.0 GHz band; (3) reiterated that it is premature to make separate designations
for geostationary orbit and non-geostationary orbit systems; and (4) rejected a request for a blanket
clarification that FSS operators may use wireless-designated bands on an essentially secondary basis.

The FCC's initial ruling last December designated separate segments of the 36.0-51.4 GHz
band for wireless services and for satellite services in order to promote efficient commercial use of
the band.  Separate designations will allow these two types of services to develop without the
difficulties inherent in their sharing the spectrum.  In denying the petitions for reconsideration, the
FCC upholds a band plan that will facilitate the delivery of new services to the public by reducing the
need for burdensome coordination and by minimizing the potential for interference.

Action by the Commission November 29, 1999, by Order on Reconsideration (FCC 99-375). 
Chairman Kennard, Commissioners Ness, Furchtgott-Roth, Powell and Tristani. 

                            - FCC -

International Bureau Contacts:  Charles Breig at (202) 418-2156, e-mail at cbreig@fcc.gov, and 
Julie Buchanan (202) 418-0783, e-mail at jbuchana@fcc.gov.

IB Docket No. 97-95