News media Information: 202 / 418-0500 Fax-On-Demand: 202 / 418-2830 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov ftp.fcc.gov Federal Communications Commission 1919 M Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20554 This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974). IN Report No. 97-29 COMMISSION ACTION October 9, 1997 COMMISSION ADOPTS POLICIES AND RULES FOR THE OPERATION OF LITTLE LEO SATELLITE SERVICES (IB Docket No. 96-220) The Commission has adopted a Report and Order setting forth rules and policies for the licensing and operation of competitive non-voice, non-geostationary mobile-satellite systems in the second processing round. These systems, also referred to as "Little LEO" satellite systems, will provide a variety of communications services to users around the world. This action serves the public interest not only by making efficient use of finite spectrum and orbital resources, but also by promoting the goal of competition and rapid service development in the Little LEO service markets. Little LEO satellite systems are low-earth-orbiting satellite systems that provide non- voice, data-only services. The proposed commercial Little LEO satellite systems range in size from 6 to 48 satellites and operate in the frequency spectrum under 1 GHz. Each system is comprised of portable, mobile user terminals on Earth that communicate directly with low- earth-orbiting satellites or indirectly through gateway earth stations. The data communications services Little LEOs intend to provide include e-mail, facsimile, remote meter reading, vehicle tracking, security alerts and other two-way data messaging services to customers anywhere around the world. The spectrum available to the Little LEOs is currently assigned to the Department of the Air Force and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Because this spectrum will be shared between the U.S. government and Little LEO second processing round licensees, the Commission has worked closely with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to devise a workable approach to assigning the spectrum. In the Report and Order that has been adopted, the Commission approved a spectrum sharing plan that permits all second processing round applicants to be licensed: three licenses for new Little LEO satellite systems and two licenses for first round Little LEO licensees seeking to increase the capability of their systems. The newly licensed systems will increase competition in the Little LEO service markets, which will likely result in lower prices and increased service options for customers. Because all second round applicants have agreed to the spectrum sharing plan adopted by the Commission, there is no mutual exclusivity and auctions will be unnecessary. In addition, the Commission will apply a relaxed financial standard to determine the financial qualification of the applicants. - over - - 2 - All second round applicants will be given the opportunity to file amended applications conforming to the rules and policies adopted in the Report and Order. The Commission will then review the applicants' amended applications and issue licenses to qualified applicants. The Commission intends to issue licenses to second processing round applicants as expeditiously as permitted by law. Action by the Commission October 8, 1997, by Report and Order (FCC 97-370). Chairman Hundt, Commissioners Quello, Ness and Chong. - FCC - News Media contact: Meribeth McCarrick at (202) 418-0256. International Bureau contact: Dan Connors at (202) 418-0755.