Federal Communications Commission
FCC 12-116
Before the
Federal Communications Commission
Washington, D.C. 20554
In the Matter of)
)
2006 Biennial Regulatory Review --
)
IB Docket No. 06-154
Revision of Part 25
)
REPORT AND ORDER
Adopted: September 24, 2012
Released: September 28, 2012
By the Commission:I.
INTRODUCTION
1.In this Report and Order, we amend various provisions of Part 25 of the Commission’s
rules pertaining to licensing and operation of satellite service radio stations.1 With two exceptions, the
amendments are non-substantive; that is, they neither impose new requirements nor eliminate or alter
existing requirements. Among other things, we add definitions for several technical terms that appear in
Part 25 but are not defined there, and we delete definitions of terms that are not used in Part 25. We also
eliminate redundant text from several rule sections, revise the wording of other provisions that were
ambiguous or unduly confusing, update cross-references to Commission rules or recommendations of the
International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and correct grammatical, spelling, and typographical
errors. The two substantive amendments we adopt in this Report and Order amend the rules in minor
ways by: (1) eliminating requirements to identify a radio service and station location in correspondence
and (2) codifying an established practice of allowing applicants to cross-reference, rather than re-submit,
previously filed information regarding non-U.S.-licensed satellites. Collectively, the changes adopted in
this Report and Order will facilitate preparation of earth and space station applications, promote
compliance with the Commission’s operating rules, and ease administrative burdens for applicants,
licensees, and the Commission.
II.
BACKGROUND
2.The Commission has regularly taken action to revise and “streamline” its satellite and
earth station licensing rules when warranted.2 In 2010, we proposed a number of streamlining changes to
Part 25 in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in this proceeding.3 Three parties filed comments on the
NPRM: Comtech Mobile Datacom Corp. (Comtech), Globalstar Licensee LCC and affiliated companies
(collectively, “Globalstar”), and the Satellite Industry Association (SIA). No reply comments were filed.
1 47 C.F.R. Part 25.
2 See, e.g., Amendment of Part 25 of the Commission’s Rules and Regulations to Reduce Alien Carrier Interference
Between Fixed Satellites at Reduced Orbital Spacing and to Revise Application Processing Procedures for Satellite
Communications Services, First Report and Order, CC Docket No. 86-496, 6 FCC Rcd 2806 (1991); Streamlining
the Commission’s Rules and Regulations for Satellite Application and Licensing Procedures, Report and Order, IB
Docket No. 95-117, 11 FCC Rcd 21581 (1996); 2000 Biennial Regulatory Review -- Streamlining and Other
Revisions of Part 25 of the Commission’s Rules Governing the Licensing of, and Spectrum Usage by, Satellite
Network Earth Stations and Space Stations, Fifth Report and Order, IB Docket No. 00-248, 20 FCC Rcd 5666
(2005). Also see 47 U.S.C. § 161 (directing the Commission to review its regulations pertaining to the operations of
telecommunications service providers in every even-numbered year and to “repeal or modify any regulation it
determines to be no longer necessary in the public interest”).
3 2006 Biennial Regulatory Review – Revision of Part 25, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, IB Docket No. 06-154,
25 FCC Rcd 1551 (2010) (“NPRM”).
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III.
DISCUSSION
3.Most of the changes proposed in the NPRM are unopposed and self-explanatory. These
changes delete unnecessary definitions or superfluous text,4 add necessary definitions,5 clarify existing
definitions,6 clarify revisions to rules,7 make format changes,8 delete or amend obsolete cross-references,9
and correct grammatical, spelling, and typographical errors.10 We adopt these changes without
discussion.
4.
In the following paragraphs, we discuss the changes that commenters opposed. We also
discuss alternative proposals and additional rule changes suggested by the commenters. Finally, we
discuss several non-substantive changes that we did not propose in the NPRM and that are not raised in
the comments.
A.
Definitions and Uniform Terminology
5.Section 25.201 defines technical terms pertaining to satellite communications services.
In the NPRM, we proposed to amend Section 25.201 in several respects.11 Although, as noted above, the
majority of these amendments were unopposed,12 we received comments on our proposals to change the
definitions of “Fixed-Satellite Service” and “Mobile-Satellite Service” and to add a definition of “feeder
link.” SIA recommends retaining the existing definitions of “Fixed-Satellite Service” and “Mobile-
Satellite Service” because those existing definitions are identical to corresponding definitions in Section
2.1 of the Commission’s rules and in the ITU’s Radio Regulations.13 Similarly, SIA recommends that we
define “feeder link” in Section 25.201 in the same terms as it is defined in Section 2.1. We agree and
adopt SIA’s recommendations. Globalstar also notes that the term “Mobile-Satellite Service” is not
consistently capitalized and hyphenated in Part 25 and recommends that we use the form “Mobile-
Satellite Service,” which is used in Section 2.1, consistently in Part 25.14 We adopt this recommendation.
Similarly, we correct inconsistent capitalization and hyphenation of the term “Fixed-Satellite Service” in
Part 25.
6.
The NPRM also proposed to add a definition in Section 25.201 for “mobile earth
terminal” and its acronym, “MET,” which are synonymous with “mobile earth station.” The term
“mobile earth station” is defined in both Section 25.201 and Section 2.1 and is used in many provisions in
4 NPRM at ¶¶ 4-5 and n.6 and Appendix ¶ 19.
5 Id. at ¶ 5 (adding definitions of “Ka-band” and “1.5/1.6 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service” to Section 25.201).
6 Id. at ¶ 5 and n.11 (clarifying the definitions of “equivalent power flux density,” “fixed earth station,” “power
spectral density,” “power flux density,” “protection areas,” and “routine processing or licensing” in Section 25.201).
7 Id. at ¶¶ 5-6 and n.12-15 (clarifying revisions in Sections 25.115(a)(2), 25.142(b)(2)(ii), 25.145(c)(1), 25.146(i)(2),
25.148(b), 25.211, 25.212, 25.218, 25.220, 25.221, 25.222, 25.226, 25.259, and 25.260).
8 Id. at ¶ 6 and n.17.
9 Id. at ¶ 7.
10 Id.
11 NPRM at ¶¶ 4-5.
12 See supra, paragraph 3.
13 47 C.F.R. § 2.1. Section 2.1 states that “[w]here a term or definition appears in this part of the Commission’s
Rules, it shall . . . prevail throughout the Commission’s Rules.”
14 Comments of Globalstar filed Apr. 28, 2010 (“Globalstar Comments”) at 6, noting that “Mobile-Satellite Service”
is also expressed as “mobile-satellite service,” “mobile satellite service,” and “Mobile Satellite Service” in various
sections of Part 25.
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Part 25. Globalstar recommends that instead of adding a definition for “mobile earth terminal” and“MET,” we replace these terms with “mobile earth station.”15 Because using multiple terms to mean the
same thing may cause confusion, we adopt this recommendation, with one modification: we replace
“MET” in Section 25.149(c) with “mobile station,” which is more appropriate in that context than
“mobile earth station.”
7.
In addition, commenters propose several changes to Section 25.201 that were not
included in the NPRM. Globalstar recommends adding a definition of “Big LEO” in Section 25.201 or,
in the alternative, deleting the term from Section 25.149.16 The term “Big LEO” appears in Section
25.254 of the Commission’s rules, as well as in Section 25.149. As used in these rule sections, “Big
LEO” is synonymous with “1.6/2.4 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service,” which is defined in Section 25.201.
For the sake of consistency, we amend Sections 25.149 and 25.254 to delete the term “Big LEO” and
replace it with the defined term “1.6/2.4 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service.”
8.
Globalstar also advocates deleting the definition of “land mobile earth station” from
Section 25.201 because Land Mobile Satellite Service is not a “recognized” service in Part 25.17 We
understand Globalstar to mean by this that there are no rules in Part 25 that apply only to operation of
land mobile earth stations, as opposed to other types of earth stations. To the contrary, Section
25.213(a)(1) includes a provision that applies exclusively to land mobile earth stations. Specifically, this
rule bars 1.6/2.4 GHz land mobile earth stations from operating within defined geographic protection
zones during periods of radioastronomy observation in the 1610.6-1613.8 MHz band.18 Because the term
is used in a substantive provision in Part 25, we decline to remove its definition from Section 25.201.
B.
Cross References
1.Section 25.109
9.Section 25.109 indicates that certain types of satellite services are subject to licensing
under rules not included in Part 25. Specifically, it indicates that stations in the Amateur Satellite Service
are licensed under Part 97 and that ship earth stations in the Maritime Mobile Satellite Service are
licensed under Parts 80 and 83. We proposed to delete the cross-reference to Part 83, which no longer
exists, and insert a new subsection to indicate that aircraft earth stations in the Aeronautical Mobile
Satellite Service are licensed under Part 87.
10.
SIA and Comtech raised concern that these proposed amendments might incorrectly give
the impression that all earth stations on ships or airplanes must be licensed under Parts 80 and 87.19 We
15 Globalstar Comments at 8.
16 Id. at 7.
17 Id.
18 47 C.F.R. § 25.213(a)(1).
19 SIA Comments at 3-4; letter dated Apr. 28, 2010 to Marlene H. Dortch, FCC Secretary, from Joan M. Griffin,
Attorney for Comtech Mobile Datacom Corp. For example, Comtech points out that, in a 2006 Report and Order
adopting amendments to Part 87, the Commission acknowledged that blanket licenses had been issued under Part 25
for aircraft earth stations operating in the Ku-band and said that it intended “to continue to provide the option of Part
25 blanket licensing for aircraft terminals.” Review of Part 87 of the Commission’s Rules Concerning the Aviation
Radio Service (Second Report and Order and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking), 21 FCC Rcd 11582
(2006) at ¶ 13 and n.57. See also SIA Comments at 4, citing Service Rules and Procedures to Govern the Use of
Aeronautical Mobile Satellite Service Earth Stations in Frequency Bands Allocated to the Fixed Satellite Service
(Notice of Proposed Rulemaking), 20 FCC Rcd 2906 (2005), and SIA Comments at 3-4, referring to the rules for
“Earth Stations on Vessels” in 47 C.F.R. §§ 25.221 and 25.222.
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have modified the text of the cross-references to Parts 80 and 87 to avoid fostering thismisunderstanding.20
11.
We also proposed to insert a proviso in Section 25.109 that Amateur Satellite operators
must comply with Section 25.111(b), which requires satellite service applicants and licensees to “provide
the Commission with all information it requires for the Advance Publication, Coordination, and
Notification of frequency assignments pursuant to the International [Telecommunication Union’s] Radio
Regulations.”21 We are not adopting this proposed amendment because there is an existing provision in
Part 97 of the Commission’s rules, Section 97.207(g), that requires amateur satellite operators to file pre-
launch notifications with the Commission and include any information needed for international
coordination under relevant ITU regulations.
12.
The NPRM also proposed to add cross-references in Section 25.109 to additional rule
parts that include relevant requirements.22 Upon further review, we have decided not to add additional
cross-references to broadly applicable provisions in Parts 1, 2, and 17 of the Commission’s rules. These
proposed cross-references would be redundant and could cause confusion. On our own motion, however,
we add a cross reference to Part 5, which contains licensing rules for experimental operation, including
experimental satellite service operation.
2.
Section 25.140
13.Section 25.140 is captioned “Qualifications of fixed-satellite space station licensees,”
although most of the provisions in that rule section pertain to applications for 17/24 GHz Broadcasting-
Satellite Service (BSS) space stations. We proposed to amend the caption to indicate that the section
includes rules for 17/24 GHz BSS applicants.23 We adopt this proposed amendment with a minor change
to make the caption more accurate. The caption will now read, “Further requirements for license
applications for space stations in the Fixed-Satellite Service and 17/24 GHz Broadcasting-Satellite
Service.” The NPRM also proposed minor clarifying changes in Section 25.140(a). SIA asks us to
further amend Section 25.140(a) by deleting the statement that applications for new Fixed-Satellite
Service space stations “shall comply with the requirements established in Report and Order, CC Docket
No. 81-704.”24 SIA contends that the cross-reference to the Report and Order is unnecessary because all
currently relevant substantive requirements adopted in that order are incorporated elsewhere in the
Commission rules.25 We agree. Further, the other provisions of Section 25.140(a) repeat, in substance,
provisions in other paragraphs of Section 25.140 and in Sections 25.111(a) and 25.112(a)(2). We
therefore remove and reserve Section 25.140(a).
3.
Section 25.146(a)
14.While not proposed in the NPRM, we adopt a recommendation from SIA to correct
erroneous references to an ITU Recommendation in Section 25.146(a). Section 25.146(a) sets forth
requirements for license applications for non-geostationary-orbit FSS space stations operating in the 10.7-
20 The rules in Parts 80 and 87 that apply to earth stations are primarily relevant to stations that provide aeronautical
and maritime safety-related communications via the Inmarsat satellite system.
21 NPRM, Appendix ¶ 3.
22 Id. at ¶ 7 and n.18 and Appendix ¶ 3.
23Specifically, we proposed to revise the caption to “Qualifications of Fixed-Satellite Service and 17/24 GHz
broadcasting-satellite service space station licensees.”
24 Licensing of Space Stations in the Domestic Fixed-Satellite Service and Related Revisions (Report and Order),
FCC 83-184, 48 FR 40233 (1983).
25 SIA Comments at 5.
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14.5 GHz band. Specifically, we amend references to Recommendation ITU-R B.O.1503 to referenceRecommendation ITU-R S.1503 instead.26
4.
Section 25.161(b)
15.Section 25.161(b) provides that a station license will be automatically terminated upon
the expiration of the license period, “unless an application for renewal of the license has been filed with
the Commission pursuant to § 25.120(e).” Globalstar points out that the cross-reference to Section
25.120(e) is incorrect and that Section 25.121(e) should be referenced instead.27 We amend Section
25.161(b) to effect this correction.
5.
Section 25.276(c)
16.Section 25.276(c) states that “[t]ransmission to or from foreign points over space stations
in the Fixed-Satellite Service, other than those operated by the International Telecommunications Satellite
Organization and Inmarsat, are subject to the policies set forth in the Report and Order, adopted January
19, 1996 in IB Docket No. 95-41.” The cross-referenced Commission document is the “DISCO I” order
that eliminated the previous distinction between domestic satellites and international separate systems,
permitting all U.S.-licensed satellites to provide both domestic and international services.28 In the NPRM,
we proposed to amend this provision by deleting the phrase “other than those operated by the
International Telecommunications Satellite Organization and Inmarsat” and replacing the cross-reference
to DISCO I with a reference to “the requirements set forth in § 25.137 of this Chapter.” SIA recommends
that we delete Section 25.276(c) in its entirety, since DISCO I did not impose any requirements that are
not prescribed elsewhere in Part 25.29 We agree and delete Section 25.276(c).
C.
Section 25.137(b)
17.Section 25.137(b) states that anyone requesting authority to operate a U.S. earth station
with a non-U.S.-licensed space station must file exhibits providing legal and technical information for the
non-U.S.-licensed space station. We proposed to amend this provision to add that the submission must
include a completed Schedule S to FCC Form 312. SIA agrees with this proposed change but requests
that we insert an additional sentence stating that an applicant seeking authority to communicate via a
foreign-licensed space station that has previously been declared eligible for U.S. market access need not
re-file the information otherwise required by Section 25.137(b) but may instead cross-reference the
market access grant.30 SIA maintains that this proposed change would conform to current practice and
reduce confusion. We agree with this recommendation and implement it, adding text to indicate that the
cross-referenced grant must pertain to operation in the same service and frequency band(s). By logical
extension, we also add text to indicate that the requisite information may be provided by cross-referencing
a pending application, which is also consistent with established practice.
D.
Section 25.202(a)(1)
18.Section 25.202(a)(1) lists some, but not all, of the frequency bands that are allocated for
use by stations in the Fixed-Satellite Service, with notations regarding requirements or limitations
pertaining to operation in particular bands. In the NPRM, we proposed to adopt a revised list of FSS
26 Recommendation ITU-R B.O.1503, which was suppressed in 2009, was identical to Recommendation ITU-R
S.1503 but applied to the Broadcasting-Satellite Service, whereas Recommendation ITU-R S.1503 applies to non-
geostationary-orbit satellite systems in the Fixed-Satellite Service. Id.
27 Globalstar Comments at 7.
28 See Amendment to the Commission’s Regulatory Policies Governing Domestic Fixed Satellites and Separate
International Satellite Systems (Report and Order), 11 FCC Rcd 2429 (1996) (“DISCO I”).
29 SIA Comments at 9.
30 Id. at 4.
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frequencies that would include previously omitted FSS frequency bands and also include additionalnotations cross-referencing provisions in the Table of Frequency Allocations.31 After further
consideration, we have decided to insert a general instruction to refer to the Table of Allocations and
delete band-specific annotations that merely repeat or cross-reference provisions in the Table. We have
also corrected several errors that SIA pointed out in its comments.32
E.
Section 25.210
19.Section 25.210(d) of the Commission’s rules states that all space stations in the Fixed-
Satellite Service operating in the 20/30 GHz bands shall employ “state-of-the-art full frequency reuse.”
Section 25.210(f) prescribes an identical requirement for FSS space stations operating in other specified
frequency bands, as well as for Broadcasting-Satellite Service space stations operating in the 17.3-17.8
GHz (space-to-Earth) band. In the NPRM, we proposed to consolidate these two rule provisions. SIA
supports this proposed change, which we adopt.33
20.
SIA also advocates amending Section 25.210(f) by inserting a sentence stating that the
full frequency reuse requirement does not apply to telemetry, tracking, and command transmissions at the
edges of frequency bands assigned for FSS operation.34 We adopt this change. This is a clarifying, rather
than a substantive amendment, as we have never construed the full frequency reuse rule to apply to
telemetry, tracking, and command operations.
21.
Section 25.210(k) states that the co-polarized and cross-polarized performance of FSS
space station antennas must be measured, both within the primary coverage area to facilitate coordination
with other Commission space station licensees and outside the primary coverage area to facilitate
international frequency coordination. The rule also states that licensees must submit the measurements to
the Commission within thirty days after completing preliminary in-orbit testing. We proposed to delete
the phrases “to facilitate coordination with other Commission space station licensees” and “to facilitate
international frequency coordination,” which are of no substantive import. SIA suggests, instead, that we
delete Section 25.210(k) in its entirety because, according to SIA, it requires licensees to re-submit the
same information that Section 25.114(d)(3) requires applicants to provide in space station license
applications.35 We do not agree that Section 25.210(k) is redundant vis-à-vis Section 25.114(d)(3).
Section 25.114(d)(3) requires license applicants to provide predicted antenna gain contours, whereas
Section 25.210(k) requires licensees to submit measured antenna performance data obtained from in-orbit
testing. Therefore, we retain the requirement in Section 25.210(k), with the non-substantive changes
proposed in the NPRM.
22.
Finally, we delete the phrase “in the Fixed-Satellite Service” from the caption to Section
25.210 because this section includes provisions that apply to space stations other than FSS space stations.
31 See 47 C.F.R. § 2.106.
32 SIA Comments at 6-7 (noting that the revised list proposed in the NPRM incorrectly listed the uplink bands
24.75-25.05 GHz and 25.05-25.25 GHz in the Space-to-Earth column, omitted three bands that should be included,
and included a redundant listing of the 37.6-38.6 GHz band).
33 The consolidated text differs from that proposed in the NPRM, in that it enumerates the specific FSS frequency
bands to which the full frequency reuse requirement applies. The text proposed in the NPRM referred to space
station operation in any FSS band, which would have had the unintended effect of broadening the scope of the
requirement to include operation in additional frequency bands.
34 SIA Comments at 7.
35 Id. at 8.
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F.
Globalstar’s Recommendations for Substantive Changes
23.In its comments on the NPRM, Globalstar recommends significant substantive changes in
several provisions in Part 25.36 These recommendations are beyond the scope of this proceeding.
IV.
PROCEDURAL MATTERS
24.Final Regulatory Flexibility Certification. The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, as
amended (RFA)37 requires that a regulatory flexibility analysis be prepared for rulemaking proceedings
unless the agency certifies that “the rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities.”38 The RFA generally defines the term “small entity” as referring to any “small
business,” “small organization,” or “small governmental jurisdiction.”39 The term “small business” has
the same meaning as the term “small business concern” under the Small Business Act.40 A small business
concern is one which: (1) is independently owned and operated; (2) is not dominant in its field of
operation; and (3) satisfies any additional criteria established by the Small Business Administration
(SBA).41 A small organization is generally “any not-for-profit enterprise which is independently owned
and operated and is not dominant in its field.”42
25.
In this Report and Order, we have decided to amend the text of rule provisions pertaining
to the licensing and/or operation of radio stations used for telecommunication via satellite. The
amendments will make the rules in question more concise, more coherent, and/or more lucid without
changing or eliminating existing regulatory requirements. We certify that these amendments will not
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The Commission will send
a copy of the Report and Order, including a copy of this certification, in a report to Congress pursuant to
the Congressional Review Act.43 A copy of the Report and Order and this certification will also be sent
to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration, and will be published in the
Federal Register.44
36 Globalstar recommends the following substantive changes: repealing the notification requirements in 47 C.F.R. §§
25.113(h) and 25.143(b); amending 47 C.F.R. § 25.117(f) to indicate that MSS operators with U.S. space station
licenses may apply for ancillary terrestrial component operating authority by filing applications for modification of
blanket licenses for mobile terminals; amending 47 C.F.R. § 25.118(e) to state that licensed operators of non-
geostationary-orbit MSS systems may re-position satellites within their constellations without prior authority from
the Commission if they certify that the re-positioning will not increase interference; amending 47 C.F.R. § 25.121 to
state that operators of non-geostationary-orbit satellite systems may apply for renewal of their space station licenses;
and amending 47 C.F.R. § 25.143(b) to indicate that the geographic coverage requirements in § 25.143(b)(ii) and
(iii) are flexible with respect to temporary satellite outages. Globalstar Comments at 2-6.
37 The RFA, see 5 U.S.C. § 601 et seq., has been amended by the Contract With America Advancement Act of 1996,
Pub. L. No. 104-121, 110 Stat. 847 (1996) (CWAAA). Title II of the CWAAA is the Small Business Regulatory
Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (SBREFA).
38 5 U.S.C. § 605(b).
39 5 U.S.C. § 601(6).
40 5 U.S.C. § 601(3) (incorporating by reference the definition of “small business concern” in 15 U.S.C. § 632).
Pursuant to the RFA, the statutory definition of a small business applies “unless an agency, after consultation with
the Office of Advocacy of the Small Business Administration and after the opportunity for public comment,
establishes one or more definitions of such term which are appropriate to the activities of the agency and publishes
such definition(s) in the Federal Register.” 5 U.S.C. § 601(3).
41 Small Business Act, 15 U.S.C. § 632 (1996).
42 5 U.S.C. § 601(4).
43 5 U.S.C. § 801(a)(1)(A).
44 See 5 U.S.C. § 605(b).
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26.Paperwork Reduction Act. This document contains modified information collection
requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Public Law 104-13. It will be
submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review under Section 3507(d) of the PRA.
We invite OMB, the general public, and other Federal agencies to comment on the new or modified
information collection requirements. In addition, pursuant to the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of
2002, Public Law 107-198, see 44 U.S.C. § 3506(c)(4), we seek specific comment on how the
Commission might further reduce the information collection burden for small business concerns with
fewer than 25 employees.
V.
ORDERING CLAUSES
27.Accordingly, IT IS ORDERED, pursuant to Sections 4(i), 7(a), 11, 303(c), 303(f), 303(g),
and 303(r) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. §§ 154(i), 157(a), 161, 303(c),
303(f), 303(g), 303(r), that Part 25 of the Commission’s rules IS AMENDED as set forth in the Appendix
to this Order. The rule revisions in the Appendix will take effect 30 days after a summary of this Report
and Order is published in the Federal Register, with the exception of the revisions to 47 C.F.R. §§ 25.110
and 25.137. These rule revisions contain modified information collection requirements that require
approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the PRA. The Federal Communications
Commission will publish a document in the Federal Register announcing such approval and the relevant
effective date.
28.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Commission’s Consumer and Governmental
Affairs Bureau, Reference Information Center shall send a copy of this Report and Order, including the
final regulatory flexibility act certification, to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business
Administration, in accordance with Section 603(a) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. § 601, et
seq. (1981).
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Marlene H. Dortch
Secretary
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APPENDIX
Amendments to the Code of Federal Regulations
The Federal Communications Commission amends title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 25, asfollows:
PART 25 -- SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS
1. The authority citation for Part 25 is revised to read as follows:Authority: Interprets or applies Sections 4, 301, 302, 303, 307, 309, 332, and 705 of the Communications
Act, as amended, 47 U.S.C. Sections 154, 301, 302, 303, 307, 309, 332, and 705, unless otherwise noted.
2.
In § 25.103, remove and reserve paragraphs (a) through (f).
3.
Revise § 25.109 to read as follows:
§ 25.109 Cross-reference.
(a) Space and earth stations in the Amateur Satellite Service are licensed under 47 C.F.R. Part 97.
(b) Ship earth stations in the Maritime Mobile-Satellite Service transmitting in the 1626.5-1646.5 MHz
band are subject to licensing under 47 C.F.R. Part 80.
(c) Earth stations in the Aeronautical Mobile-Satellite (Route) Service are subject to licensing under 47
C.F.R. Part 87.
(d) Space and earth stations in the Experimental Radio Service may be subject to licensing under 47
C.F.R. Part 5.
4.
In § 25.110, revise paragraphs (a) and (c) to read as follows:
§ 25.110 Filing of applications, fees, and number of copies.
(a) Applications shall be filed by going online at licensing.fcc.gov/myibfs and submitting the application
through the International Bureau Filing System (IBFS).
* * * * *
(c) All correspondence concerning any application must identify
(1) the applicant’s name,
(2) the call sign of the space station or earth station, and
(3) the file number of the application.
* * * * *
5.
In § 25.111, revise paragraph (c) to read as follows:
§ 25.111 Additional information.
* * * * *
(c) In the Direct Broadcast Satellite service, applicants and licensees shall also provide the Commission
with all information it requires in order to modify the plans for the Broadcasting-Satellite Service (BSS)
in Appendix 30 of the ITU Radio Regulations (RR) and associated feeder-link plans in Appendix 30A of
the ITU RR, if the system has technical characteristics differing from those specified in the Appendix 30
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BSS Plans, the Appendix 30A feederlink Plans, Annex 5 to Appendix 30, or Annex 3 to Appendix 30A.For such systems, no protection from interference caused by radio stations authorized by other
Administrations is guaranteed until the agreement of all affected Administrations is obtained and the
frequency assignment becomes a part of the appropriate Region 2 BSS and feeder-link Plans.
Authorizations for which coordination is not completed and/or for which the necessary agreements under
Appendices 30 and 30A have not been obtained may be subject to additional terms and conditions as
required to effect coordination or obtain the agreement of other Administrations. Applicants and
licensees shall also provide the Commission with the information required by Appendix 4 of the ITU RR
for advance publication and notification or coordination of the frequencies to be used for tracking,
telemetry and control functions of DBS systems.
6.
In § 25.113, revise the first sentence of paragraph (a) to read as follows:
§ 25.113 Station licenses and launch authority.
(a) Construction permits are not required for earth stations. * * *
* * * * *
7.
In § 25.114, revise paragraphs (d)(7) and (d)(12) to read as follows:
§ 25.114 Applications for space station authorizations.
* * * * *
(d) * * *
(7) Applicants for authorizations for space stations in the Fixed-Satellite Service must also include the
information specified in §§ 25.140(b)(1) and (2) of this part. Applicants for authorizations for space
stations in the 17/24 GHz Broadcasting-Satellite Service must also include the information specified in
§ 25.140(b)(1) and §§ 25.140(b)(3), (b)(4), (b)(5), or (b)(6) of this part.
* * * * *
(12) Applications for authorizations in the non-geostationary satellite orbit Fixed-Satellite Service
(NGSO FSS) in the 10.7-14.5 GHz bands shall also provide all information specified in § 25.146.
* * * * *
8.
In § 25.115, revise paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (f) to read as follows:
§ 25.115 Application for earth station authorizations.
(a)(1) * * *
(2) * * *
(i) The earth station will operate in the 3700-4200 MHz and 5925-6425 MHz bands and/or in the 11.7-
12.2 GHz and 14.0-14.5 GHz bands; and
* * * * *
(f) User transceivers in the non-geostationary satellite orbit Fixed-Satellite Service in the 11.7-12.2 GHz,
12.2-12.7 GHz and 14.0-14.5 GHz bands need not be individually licensed. Service vendors may file
blanket applications for transceiver units using FCC Form 312, Main Form and Schedule B, and shall
specify the number of terminals to be covered by the blanket license. Each application for a blanket
license under this section shall include the information described in § 25.146. Any earth stations that are
not user transceivers, and which transmit in the non-geostationary satellite orbit Fixed-Satellite Service in
the 10.7-11.7 GHz, 12.75-13.15 GHz, 13.2125-13.25 GHz, and 13.75-14.0 GHz bands must be
individually licensed, pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section.
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* * * * *9.
In § 25.116, revise the third sentence of paragraph (e) to read as follows:
§25.116 Amendments to applications.
* * * * *
(e) * * * Amendments to earth station applications must be filed on Form 312 and Schedule B.
10.
In § 25.117, revise paragraphs (b), (c), and (e) to read as follows:
§25.117 Modification of station licenses.
* * * * *
(b) Both earth station and space station modification applications must be filed electronically through the
International Bureau Filing System (IBFS) in accordance with the applicable provisions of part 1, subpart
Y of this chapter.
(c) Applications for modification of earth station authorizations shall be submitted on FCC Form 312,
Main Form and Schedule B. Applications for modification of space station authorizations shall be
submitted on FCC Form 312, Main Form and Schedule S. Only those items that change need to be
specified, provided that the applicant certifies that the remaining information has not changed.
* * * * *
(e) Any application for modification of authorization to extend a required date of completion, as set forth
in § 25.133 for earth station authorizations or § 25.164 for space stations, or included as a condition of
any earth station or space station authorization, must include a verified statement from the applicant:
(1) That states that the additional time is required due to unforeseeable circumstances beyond the
applicant’s control, describes these circumstances with specificity, and justifies the precise extension
period requested; or
(2) That states there are unique and overriding public interest concerns that justify an extension,
identifies these interests and justifies a precise extension period.
* * * * *
11.
In § 25.119, revise paragraph (b)(2) to read as follows:
§ 25.119 Assignment or transfer of control of station authorization.
* * * * *
(b) * * *
(2) Effect any change in a controlling interest in the ownership of the licensee, including changes in
legal or equitable ownership.
* * * * *
12.
In § 25.131, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:
§ 25.131 Filing requirements for receive-only earth stations.
* * * * *
(b) Except as provided in paragraph (j) of this section, receive-only earth stations in the Fixed-Satellite
Service that operate with U.S.-licensed satellites may be registered with the Commission in order to
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protect them from interference from terrestrial microwave stations in bands shared co-equally with theFixed Service in accordance with the procedures of §§ 25.203 and 25.251.
* * * * *
13.
In § 25.133, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows:
§ 25.133 Period of construction; certification of commencement of operation.
(a)(1) Each license for an earth station governed by this part, except for mobile earth stations, shall
specify as a condition therein the period in which construction of facilities must be completed and
station operation commenced. Construction of the earth station must be completed and the station must
be brought into operation within 12 months from the date of the license grant except as may be
determined by the Commission for any particular application.
(2) Each license for mobile earth stations shall specify as a condition therein the period in which station
operation must be commenced. The networks in which the mobile earth stations will be operated must
be brought into operation within 12 months from the date of the license grant except as may be
determined by the Commission for any particular application.
* * * * *
14.
In § 25.134, revise the section heading, remove and reserve paragraph (d), and revise
paragraph (h) to read as follows:
§ 25.134 Licensing provisions for Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) and C-band Small Aperture
Terminal (CSAT) networks.
* * * * *
(d) [Reserved]
* * * * *
(h) VSAT operators licensed pursuant to this section are prohibited from using remote earth stations in
their networks that are not designed to stop transmission when synchronization with the signal received
from the target satellite fails.
15.
In § 25.136, revise the section heading, the introductory paragraph, the first sentence in
paragraph (c), the first sentence in paragraph (d), and the first sentence in paragraph (e) to read as follows:
§ 25.136 Licensing provisions for user transceivers in the 1.6/2.4 GHz, 1.5/1.6 GHz, and 2 GHz Mobile-
Satellite Services.
In addition to the technical requirements specified in § 25.213, earth stations operating in the 1.6/2.4 GHz
and 1.5/1.6 GHz Mobile-Satellite Services are subject to the following operating conditions:
* * * * *
(c) The holder of an FCC blanket license for operation of transceivers for communication via a 1.6/2.4
GHz, 1.5/1.6 GHz, or 2 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service system shall be responsible for operation of any
such transceiver to receive service provided by that licensee or provided by another party with the blanket
licensee's consent. * * *
(d) Any mobile earth station (MES) associated with the Mobile-Satellite Service operating in the 1530-
1544 MHz and 1626.5-1645.5 MHz bands shall have the following minimum set of capabilities to ensure
compliance with Footnote 5.353A in 47 C.F.R. § 2.106 and the priority and real-time preemption
requirements imposed by Footnote US315 in that rule section.
(1) * * *
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* * * * *(e) Any Land Earth Station (LES) associated with the Mobile-Satellite Service operating in the 1530-1544
MHz and 1626.5-1645.5 MHz bands shall have the following minimum set of capabilities to ensure that
the MSS system complies with Footnote 5.353A and the priority and real-time preemption requirements
imposed by Footnote US315. * * *
* * * * *
16.
In § 25.137, revise paragraphs (b), (c), and (e) to read as follows:
§ 25.137 Application requirements for earth stations operating with non-U.S. licensed space stations.
* * * * *
(b) Any request pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section must be filed electronically through the
International Bureau Filing System and must include an exhibit providing legal and technical information
for the non-U.S.-licensed space station of the kind that § 25.114 would require in a license application for
that space-station, including but not limited to, information required to complete Schedule S. An
applicant may satisfy this requirement by cross-referencing a pending application containing the requisite
information or by citing a prior grant of authority to communicate via the space station in question in the
same frequency bands to provide the same type of service.
(c) A non-U.S.-licensed NGSO-like satellite system seeking to serve the United States can be considered
contemporaneously with other U.S. NGSO-like satellite systems pursuant to § 25.157 and considered
before later-filed applications of other U.S. satellite system operators, and a non-U.S.-licensed GSO-like
satellite system seeking to serve the United States can have its request placed in a queue pursuant to §
25.158 and considered before later-filed applications of other U.S. satellite system operators, if the non-
U.S.-licensed satellite system:
(1) Is in orbit and operating;
(2) Has a license from another administration; or
(3) Has been submitted for coordination to the International Telecommunication Union.
* * * * *
(e) A non-U.S.-licensed satellite operator that is seeking to serve the United States pursuant to a Letter of
Intent may amend its request by submitting an additional Letter of Intent. Such additional Letters of Intent
will be treated on the same basis as amendments filed by U.S. space station applicants for purposes of
determining the order in which the Letters of Intent will be considered relative to other pending
applications.
* * * * *
17.
In § 25.140, remove and reserve paragraph (a) and revise the section heading and the first
sentence in paragraph (b) to read as follows:
§ 25.140 Further requirements for license applications for space stations in the Fixed-Satellite Service and
17/24 GHz Broadcasting-Satellite Service.
(a) [Reserved]
(b) Each applicant for a space station authorization in the Fixed-Satellite Service must demonstrate, on
the basis of the documentation contained in its application, that it is legally, technically, and otherwise
qualified to proceed expeditiously with the construction, launch and/or operation of each proposed
space station facility immediately upon grant of the requested authorization. * * *
* * * * *
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18.In § 25.142, revise the section heading and paragraphs (a)(2) and (b)(2)(ii) to read as
follows:
§ 25.142 Licensing provisions for the non-voice, non-geostationary Mobile-Satellite Service.
(a) * * *
(2) Applicants for a non-voice, non-geostationary Mobile-Satellite Service space station license must
identify the power flux density produced at the Earth’s surface by each space station of their system in
the 137-138 MHz and 400.15-401 MHz bands, to allow determination of whether coordination with
terrestrial services is required under any applicable footnote to the Table of Frequency Allocations in §
2.106 of this chapter. In addition, applicants must identify the measures they would employ to protect
the radio astronomy service in the 150.05-153 MHz and 406.1-410 MHz bands from harmful
interference from unwanted emissions.
* * * * *
(b) * * *
(2) * * *
(ii) The Commission will use its existing procedures for liaison with NTIA to reach agreement with
respect to achieving compatible operations between Federal Government users under the jurisdiction
of NTIA and non-voice, non-geostationary Mobile-Satellite Service systems (including user
transceivers subject to blanket licensing under § 25.115(d)) through the frequency assignment and
coordination practices established by NTIA and the Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee
(IRAC). In order to facilitate such frequency assignment and coordination, applicants shall provide
the Commission with sufficient information to evaluate electromagnetic compatibility with the Federal
Government use of the spectrum, and any additional information requested by the Commission. As
part of the coordination process, applicants shall show that they will not cause unacceptable
interference to authorized Federal Government users, based upon existing system information
provided by the Government. The frequency assignment and coordination of the satellite system with
Federal Government users shall be completed prior to grant of authorization.
* * * * *
19.
In § 25.143, revise the section heading and paragraphs (b)(2), (e)(1)(iii), (e)(2), (h), and
(i) to read as follows:
§ 25.143 Licensing provisions for the 1.6/2.4 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service and 2 GHz Mobile-Satellite
Service.
* * * * *
(b) * * *
(2) * * *
(ii) That a system proposed to operate using non-geostationary satellites be capable of providing
Mobile-Satellite Service to all locations as far north as 70° North latitude and as far south as 55° South
latitude for at least 75% of every 24-hour period, i.e., that at least one satellite will be visible above the
horizon at an elevation angle of at least 5° for at least 18 hours each day within the described
geographic area;
(iii) That a system proposed to operate using non-geostationary satellites be capable of providing
Mobile-Satellite Service on a continuous basis throughout the fifty states, Puerto Rico and the U.S.
Virgin Islands, i.e., that at least one satellite will be visible above the horizon at an elevation angle of
at least 5° at all times within the described geographic areas; and
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(iv) That a system only using geostationary orbit satellites, at a minimum, be capable of providingMobile-Satellite Service on a continuous basis throughout the 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S.
Virgin Islands, if technically feasible.
* * * * *
(e) * * *
(1) * * *
(iii) A detailed description of the use made of the in-orbit satellite system. That description should
identify the percentage of time that the system is actually used for U.S. domestic transmission, the
amount of capacity (if any) sold but not in service within U.S. territorial geographic areas, and the
amount of unused system capacity. 2 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service systems receiving expansion
spectrum as part of the unserved areas spectrum incentive must provide a report on the actual number
of subscriber minutes originating or terminating in unserved areas as a percentage of the actual U.S.
system use; and
* * * * *
(2) All operators of 1.6/2.4 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service systems shall, within 10 days after a required
implementation milestone as specified in the system authorization, certify to the Commission by
affidavit that the milestone has been met or notify the Commission by letter that it has not been met. At
its discretion, the Commission may require the submission of additional information (supported by
affidavit of a person or persons with knowledge thereof) to demonstrate that the milestone has been met.
* * * * *
(h) Prohibition of certain agreements. No license shall be granted to any applicant for a space station in
the Mobile-Satellite Service operating at 1610-1626.5 MHz/2483.5-2500 MHz if that applicant, or any
persons or companies controlling or controlled by the applicant, shall acquire or enjoy any right, for the
purpose of handling traffic to or from the United States, its territories or possession, to construct or
operate space segment or earth stations, or to interchange traffic, which is denied to any other United
States company by reason of any concession, contract, understanding, or working arrangement to which
the Licensee or any persons or companies controlling or controlled by the Licensee are parties.
(i) Incorporation of ancillary terrestrial component base stations into a 1.6/2.4 GHz Mobile-Satellite
Service network or a 2 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service network. Any licensee authorized to construct and
launch a 1.6/2.4 GHz or a 2 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service system may construct ancillary terrestrial
component (ATC) base stations as defined in § 25.201 at its own risk and subject to the conditions
specified in this subpart any time after commencing construction of the Mobile-Satellite Service system.
* * * * *
20.
In § 25.145, revise the section heading and paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (e) to read as
follows:
§ 25.145 Licensing provisions for the Fixed-Satellite Service in the 20/30 GHz bands.
* * * * *
(c) * * *
(1) That the proposed system is capable of providing Fixed-Satellite Service to all locations as far north
as 70º North Latitude and as far south as 55° South Latitude for at least 75% of every 24-hour period;
and
(2) That the proposed system is capable of providing Fixed-Satellite Service on a continuous basis
throughout the fifty states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
* * * * *
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(e) Prohibition of certain agreements. No license shall be granted to any applicant for a space station inthe Fixed-Satellite Service operating in the 20/30 GHz band if that applicant, or any persons or companies
controlling or controlled by the applicant, shall acquire or enjoy any right, for the purpose of handling
traffic to or from the United States, its territories or possession, to construct or operate space segment or
earth stations, or to interchange traffic, which is denied to any other United States company by reason of
any concession, contract, understanding, or working arrangement to which the Licensee or any persons or
companies controlling or controlled by the Licensee are parties.
* * * * *
21.
In § 25.146, revise the section heading, the first sentence in paragraph (a), and paragraphs
(a)(1), (a)(2), (b), (c), (e), (h), and (i) to read as follows:
§ 25.146 Licensing and operating rules for the non-geostationary satellite orbit Fixed-Satellite Service
(NGSO FSS) in the 10.7 GHz-14.5 GHz bands.
(a) A comprehensive technical showing shall be submitted for the proposed non-geostationary satellite
orbit Fixed-Satellite Service (NGSO FSS) system in the 10.7-14.5 GHz bands. * * *
(1) Single-entry validation equivalent power flux-density, in the space-to-Earth direction, (EPFD down)
limits.
(i) Provide a set of power flux-density (PFD) masks, on the surface of the Earth, for each space station
in the NGSO FSS system. The PFD masks shall be generated in accordance with the specification
stipulated in the most recent version of ITU-R Recommendation S.1503, “Functional Description to be
used in Developing Software Tools for Determining Conformity of Non-GSO FSS Networks with
Limits Contained in Article 22 of the Radio Regulations.” In particular, the PFD masks must
encompass the power flux-density radiated by the space station regardless of the satellite transmitter
power resource allocation and traffic/beam switching strategy that are used at different periods of a
NGSO FSS system’s life. The PFD masks shall also be in an electronic form that can be accessed by
the computer program specified in paragraph (a)(1)(iii) of this section.
(ii) * * *
(iii) If a computer program that has been approved by the ITU for determining compliance with the
single-entry EPFDdown validation limits is not yet available, the applicant shall provide a computer
program for the single-entry EPFDdown validation computation, including both the source code and the
executable file. This computer program shall be developed in accordance with the specification
stipulated in the most recent version of Recommendation ITU-R S.1503. If the applicant uses the ITU
approved software, the applicant shall indicate the program name and the version used.
* * * * *
(2) Single-entry additional operational equivalent power flux-density, in the space-to-Earth direction,
(additional operational EPFDdown ) limits.
(i) Provide a set of NGSO FSS earth station maximum equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP)
masks as a function of the off-axis angle generated by an NGSO FSS earth station. The maximum
EIRP mask shall be generated in accordance with the specification stipulated in the most recent
version of ITU-R Recommendation S.1503. In particular, the results of calculations encompass what
would be radiated regardless of the earth station transmitter power resource allocation and traffic/beam
switching strategy are used at different periods of an NGSO FSS system’s life. The EIRP masks shall
be in an electronic form that can be accessed by the computer program specified in paragraph
(a)(2)(iii) of this section.
(ii) * * *
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(iii) If a computer program that has been approved by the ITU for determining compliance with thesingle-entry EPFDup validation limits is not yet available, the applicant shall provide a computer
program for the single-entry EPFDup validation computation, including both the source code and the
executable file. This computer program shall be developed in accordance with the specification
stipulated in the most recent version of Recommendation ITU-R S.1503. If the applicant uses the ITU
approved software, the applicant shall indicate the program name and the version used.
* * * * *
(b) Ninety days prior to the initiation of service to the public, the NGSO FSS system licensee shall submit
a comprehensive technical showing for the non-geostationary satellite orbit Fixed-Satellite Service
(NGSO FSS) system in the 10.7-14.5 GHz bands. The technical information shall demonstrate that the
NGSO FSS system is expected not to operate in excess of the additional operational EPFDdown limits and
the operational EPFDdown limits as specified in §§ 25.208(i) and (j), and notes 2 and 3 to Table 1L in §
25.208(l). If the technical demonstration exceeds the additional operational EPFDdown limits or the
operational EPFDdown limits at any test points within the United States for domestic service and at any test
points outside of the United States for international service, the NGSO FSS system licensee shall not
initiate service to the public until the deficiency has been rectified by reducing satellite transmission
power or other adjustments. This must be substantiated by subsequent technical showings. The technical
showings consist of the following:
(1) Single-entry additional operational equivalent power flux-density, in the space-to-Earth direction,
(additional operational EPFDdown ) limits.
(i) Provide a set of anticipated operational power flux density (PFD) masks, on the surface of the
Earth, for each space station in the NGSO FSS system. The anticipated operational PFD masks could
be generated by using the method specified in the most recent version of ITU-R Recommendation
S.1503. In particular, the anticipated operational PFD mask shall take into account the expected
maximum traffic loading distributions and geographic specific scheduling of the actual measured
space station antenna patterns (see § 25.210(k)). The anticipated operational PFD masks shall also be
in an electronic form that can be accessed by the computer program contained in paragraph (b)(1)(iii)
of this section.
(ii) * * *
(iii) Provide a computer program for the single-entry additional operational EPFDdown verification
computation, including both the source code and the executable file. This computer program could be
developed by using the method specified in the most recent version of ITU-R Recommendation
S.1503.
* * * * *
(v) Provide the result, the cumulative probability distribution function of EPFD, of the execution of
the verification computer program described in paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section by using only the
input parameters contained in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (b)(1)(iv) of this section for each of the
submitted test points provided by the Commission. These test points are based on information from
U.S.-licensed geostationary satellite orbit Fixed-Satellite Service and Broadcasting-Satellite Service
operators in the 10.7-14.5 GHz bands. Each U.S.-licensed geostationary satellite orbit Fixed-Satellite
Service and Broadcasting-Satellite Service operator in the 10.7-14.5 GHz bands may submit up to 10
test points for this section containing the latitude, longitude, altitude, azimuth, elevation angle, antenna
size, efficiency to be used by non-geostationary satellite orbit Fixed-Satellite Service licensees in the
10.7-14.5 GHz bands during the upcoming year.
(2) Operational equivalent power flux-density, space-to-Earth direction, (operational EPFDdown) limits.
Using the information contained in (b)(1) of this section plus the measured space station antenna
patterns, provide the result of the execution of the computer simulation for the anticipated in-line
operational EPFDdown levels for each of the submitted test points provided by the Commission.
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Submitted test points are based on inputs from U.S.-licensed geostationary satellite orbit Fixed-SatelliteService and Broadcasting-Satellite Service operators in the 10.7- 14.5 GHz bands. Each U.S.-licensed
geostationary satellite orbit Fixed-Satellite Service and Broadcasting-Satellite Service operator in the
10.7-14.5 GHz bands may submit up to 10 test points for this section containing the latitude, longitude,
altitude, azimuth, elevation angle, antenna size, efficiency to be used by non-geostationary satellite orbit
Fixed-Satellite Service licensees in the 10.7-14.5 GHz bands during the upcoming year.
(c) The NGSO FSS system licensee shall, on June 30 of each year, file a report with the International
Bureau and the Commission’s Columbia Operations Center in Columbia, Maryland, certifying that the
system continues to operate within the bounds of the masks and other input parameters specified under §§
25.146(a) and 25.146(b) as well as certifying the status of the additional operational EPFDdown levels into
the 3 m and 10 m geostationary satellite orbit Fixed-Satellite Service receiving Earth station antennas, the
operational EPFDdown levels into the 3 m, 4.5 m, 6.2 m and 10 m geostationary satellite orbit Fixed-
Satellite Service receiving Earth station antennas and the operational EPFDdown levels into the 180 cm
geostationary satellite orbit Broadcasting-Satellite Service receiving Earth station antennas in Hawaii and
240 cm geostationary satellite orbit Broadcasting-Satellite Service receiving Earth station antennas in
Alaska.
* * * * *
(e) An NGSO FSS system licensee operating a system in compliance with the limits specified in § 25.208
(g), (i), (j), (k), (l), and (m) shall be considered as having fulfilled its obligations under ITU Radio
Regulations Article 22.2 with respect to any GSO network. However, such NGSO FSS system shall not
claim protection from GSO FSS and BSS networks operating in accordance with part 25 of this chapter
and the ITU Radio Regulations.
* * * * *
(h) System License. Applicants authorized to construct and launch a system of technically identical non-
geostationary satellite orbit Fixed-Satellite Service satellites will be awarded a single “blanket” license
covering a specified number of space stations to operate in a specified number of orbital planes.
* * * * *
(i) * * *
(2) A demonstration that the proposed system is capable of providing Fixed-Satellite Services to all
locations as far north as 70° North Latitude and as far south as 55º South Latitude for at least 75
percent of every 24-hour period; and
(3) Sufficient information on the NGSO FSS system characteristics to properly model the system in
computer sharing simulations, including, at a minimum, NGSO hand-over and satellite switching
strategies, NGSO satellite antenna gain patterns, and NGSO earth station antenna gain patterns. In
particular, each NGSO FSS applicant must explain the switching protocols it uses to avoid
transmitting while passing through the geostationary satellite orbit arc, or provide an explanation as to
how the PFD limits in § 25.208 are met without using geostationary satellite orbit arc avoidance. In
addition, each NGSO FSS applicant must provide the orbital parameters contained in Section A.4 of
Annex 2A to Appendix 4 of the ITU Radio Regulations (2008). Further, each NGSO FSS applicant
must provide a sufficient technical showing to demonstrate that the proposed non-geostationary
satellite orbit system meets the PFD limits contained in § 25.208, as applicable, and
* * * * *
22.
In § 25.149, revise the section heading and paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2)(iii), (a)(3), (b)(1)(iii),
(b)(5), (c)(1), and (c)(3) to read as follows:
§ 25.149 Application requirements for ancillary terrestrial components in the Mobile-Satellite Service
networks operating in the 1.5./1.6 GHz, 1.6/2.4 GHz and 2 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service.
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(a) * * *(1) ATC shall be deployed in the forward-band mode of operation whereby the ATC mobile terminals
transmit in the MSS uplink bands and the ATC base stations transmit in the MSS downlink bands in
portions of the 2000-2020 MHz/2180-2200 MHz bands (2 GHz band), the 1626.5-1660.5 MHz/1525-
1559 MHz bands (L-band), and the 1610-1626.5 MHz/2483.5-2500 MHz bands.
NOTE TO PARAGRAPH (a)(1): * * *
(2) * * *
(iii) In the 1610-1626.5 MHz/2483.5-2500 MHz bands, ATC operations are limited to the 1610-
1617.775 MHz, 1621.35-1626.5 MHz, and 2483.5-2495 MHz bands and to the specific frequencies
authorized for use by the MSS licensee that seeks ATC authority.
(3) ATC operations shall not exceed the geographical coverage area of the Mobile-Satellite Service
network of the applicant for ATC authority.
* * * * *
(b) * * *
(1) * * *
(iii) For the 1.6/2.4 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service bands, an applicant must demonstrate that it can
provide space-segment service to all locations as far north as 70° North latitude and as far south as 55°
South latitude for at least seventy-five percent of every 24-hour period, i.e. , that at least one satellite
will be visible above the horizon at an elevation angle of at least 5° for at least 18 hours each day, and
on a continuous basis throughout the fifty states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, i.e., that at
least one satellite will be visible above the horizon at an elevation angle of at least 5° at all times.
* * * * *
(5) * * *
(ii) In the 1.6/2.4 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service bands, MSS ATC is limited to no more than 7.775
MHz of spectrum in the L-band and 11.5 MHz of spectrum in the S-band. Licensees in these bands
may implement ATC only on those channels on which MSS is authorized, consistent with the 1.6/2.4
GHz Mobile-Satellite Service band-sharing arrangement.
* * * * *
(c) Equipment certification. (1) Each ATC mobile station utilized for operation under this part and each
transmitter marketed, as set forth in § 2.803 of this chapter, must be of a type that has been authorized
by the Commission under its certification procedure for use under this part.
* * * * *
(3) Licensees and manufacturers are subject to the radiofrequency radiation exposure requirements
specified in §§ 1.1307(b), 2.1091 and 2.1093 of this chapter, as appropriate. MSS ATC base stations
must comply with the requirements specified in § 1.1307(b) of this chapter for PCS base stations. MSS
ATC mobile stations must comply with the requirements specified for mobile and portable PCS
transmitting devices in § 1.1307(b) of this chapter. MSS ATC mobile terminals must also comply with
the requirements in §§ 2.1091 and 2.1093 of this chapter for Satellite Communications Services devices.
Applications for equipment authorization of mobile or portable devices operating under this section
must contain a statement confirming compliance with these requirements for both fundamental
emissions and unwanted emissions. Technical information showing the basis for this statement must be
submitted to the Commission upon request.
* * * * *
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23.Revise § 25.150 to read as follows:
§ 25.150 Receipt of applications.
Applications received by the Commission are given a file number and a unique station identifier for
administrative convenience. Neither the assignment of a file number and/or other identifier nor the listing
of the application on public notice as received for filing indicates that the application has been found
acceptable for filing or precludes subsequent return or dismissal of the application if it is found to be
defective or not in accordance with the Commission’s rules.
24.
In § 25.161, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:
§ 25.161 Automatic termination of station authorization.
* * * * *
(b) The expiration of the license period, unless an application for renewal of the license has been filed
with the Commission pursuant to § 25.121(e); or
* * * * *
25.
In § 25.201, remove the definitions of active satellite, base earth station, passive satellite,
space operation service, space telecommand, space telemetering, space tracking, and structural
attenuation; revise the definitions of equivalent power flux density, Earth Station on Vessel (“ESV”),
Fixed-Satellite Service, fixed earth station, land earth station, 2 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service, Non-
Voice, Non-Geostationary Mobile-Satellite Service, power spectral density, protection areas, routine
processing or licensing, and vehicle-mounted earth station (VMES) as follows; and add the following
definitions for feeder link and 1.5/1.6 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service.
§ 25.201 Definitions.
1.5/1.6 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service. Mobile-Satellite Service provided in any portions of the 1525-
1559 MHz downlink band and the 1626.5-1660.5 MHz uplink band, which are referred to in this rule part
as the “1.5/1.6 GHz MSS bands.”
* * * * *
Earth Station on Vessel (“ESV”). An ESV is an earth station onboard a craft designed for traveling on
water receiving from and transmitting to Fixed-Satellite Service space stations.
* * * * *
Equivalent power flux density. Equivalent power flux density (EPFD) is the sum of the power flux-
densities produced at a geostationary satellite orbit (GSO) receive earth or space station on the Earth’s
surface or in the geostationary satellite orbit, as appropriate, by all the transmit stations within a non-
geostationary satellite orbit Fixed-Satellite Service (NGSO FSS) system, taking into account the off-axis
discrimination of a reference receiving antenna assumed to be pointing in its nominal direction. The
equivalent power flux density, in dB(W/m 2 ) in the reference bandwidth, is calculated using the following
formula:
é N
P
a
i
G q G f
10
t ( i )
r ( i )ù
EPFD = 10 log
10
10 êå
2
ú
ê
ë i=1
4 d
p
G
i
r ,max ú
û
Where:
Na is the number of transmit stations in the non-geostationary satellite orbit system that are visible from
the GSO receive station considered on the Earth’s surface or in the geostationary satellite orbit, as
appropriate;
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i is the index of the transmit station considered in the non-geostationary satellite orbit system;Pi is the RF power at the input of the antenna of the transmit station, considered in the non-geostationary
satellite orbit system in dBW in the reference bandwidth;
θi is the off-axis angle between the boresight of the transmit station considered in the non-geostationary
satellite orbit system and the direction of the GSO receive station;
Gt(θi) is the transmit antenna gain (as a ratio) of the station considered in the non-geostationary satellite
orbit system in the direction of the GSO receive station;
di is the distance in meters between the transmit station considered in the non-geostationary satellite orbit
system and the GSO receive station;
Φi is the off-axis angle between the boresight of the antenna of the GSO receive station and the direction
of the ith transmit station considered in the non-geostationary satellite orbit system;
Gr(Φi) is the receive antenna gain (as a ratio) of the GSO receive station in the direction of the ith transmit
station considered in the non-geostationary satellite orbit system;
Gr,max is the maximum gain (as a ratio) of the antenna of the GSO receive station.
Feeder link. A radio link from an earth station at a given location to a space station, or vice versa,
conveying information for a space radiocommunication service other than the Fixed-Satellite Service.
The given location may be at a specified fixed point or at any fixed point within specified areas. (RR)
Fixed earth station. An earth station intended to be used at a fixed position. The position may be a
specified fixed point or any fixed point within a specified area.
Fixed-Satellite Service. A radiocommunication service between earth stations at given positions, when
one or more satellites are used; the given position may be a specified fixed point or any fixed point within
specified areas; in some cases this service includes satellite-to-satellite links, which may also be operated
in the inter-satellite service; the Fixed-Satellite Service may also include feeder links of other space
radiocommunication services. (RR)
* * * * *
Land earth station. An earth station in the Fixed-Satellite Service or, in some cases, in the Mobile-
Satellite Service, located at a specified fixed point or within a specified area on land to provide a feeder
link for the Mobile-Satellite Service. (RR)
* * * * *
2 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service. A Mobile-Satellite Service that is operated in the 2000-2020 MHz and
2180-2200 MHz bands, or in any portion thereof.
* * * * *
Non-Voice, Non-Geostationary Mobile-Satellite Service. A Mobile-Satellite Service reserved for use by
non-geostationary satellites in the provision of non-voice communications which may include satellite
links between land earth stations at fixed locations.
* * * * *
Power spectral density. The amount of an emission’s transmitted carrier power applied at the antenna
input falling within the stated bandwidth. The units of power spectral density are watts per hertz and are
generally expressed in decibel form as dB(W/Hz) when measured in a 1 Hz bandwidth, dB(W/4kHz)
when measured in a 4 kHz bandwidth, or dB(W/1MHz) when measured in a 1 MHz bandwidth.
Protection areas. The geographic regions on the surface of the Earth where U.S. Department of Defense
meteorological satellite systems or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration meteorological
satellite systems, or both such systems, are receiving signals from low earth orbiting satellites. Also,
geographic protection areas around Ka-band feeder-link earth stations in the 1.6/2.4 GHz Mobile-Satellite
Service are determined in the manner specified in § 25.203(j).
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* * * * *Routine processing or licensing. A licensing process whereby applications are processed in an expedited
manner. To be eligible for routine processing, an application must be complete in all regards, must be
consistent with all Commission Rules, and must not raise any policy issues. With respect to fixed earth
station licensing (including temporary fixed stations), an application is “routine” only if it is for an
individual earth station that conforms to all applicable provisions of the Commission’s rules pertaining to
antenna performance, power, frequency coordination, radiation hazard, and FAA notification, and
accesses only “Permitted Space Station List” satellites in the conventional C-band or Ku-band frequency
bands.
* * * * *
Vehicle-mounted earth station (VMES). A VMES is an earth station, operating from a motorized vehicle
that travels primarily on land, that receives from and transmits to geostationary satellite orbit Fixed-
Satellite Service space stations and operates within the United States pursuant to the requirements set out
in § 25.226.
26.
In § 25.202, revise paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(4)(iii)(A) to read as follows:
§ 25.202 Frequencies, frequency tolerance and emission limitations.
(a)(1) Frequency band. The following frequencies are available for use by the Fixed-Satellite Service.
Precise frequencies and bandwidths of emission shall be assigned on a case-by-case basis. Refer to the
U.S. Table of Frequency Allocations, 47 C.F.R. § 2.106, including relevant footnotes, for band-specific
use restrictions and coordination requirements. Restrictions and coordination conditions not mentioned in
the Table of Frequency Allocations are set forth in the annotations to the following list:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Space-to-Earth (GHz) Earth-to-space (GHz)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.6-3.65
5.091-5.25
3.65-3.7
5.85-5.925
3.7-4.2
5.925-6.425
4.5-4.8
6.425-6.525
6.7-7.025
6.525-6.7
7.025-7.075
6.7-7.025
10.7-11.7
7.025-7.075
11.7-12.2
12.7-12.75
12.2-12.7
12.75-13.25
18.3-18.58 1, 2
13.75-14
18.58-18.8
14-14.2
18.8-19.3
14.2-14.5
19.3-19.7
15.43-15.63
19.7-20.2
17.3-17.8
37.5-40 3
24.75-25.05
40-42
25.05-25.25
27.5-28.35 2
28.35-28.6 4
28.6-29.1 5
29.1-29.25 6
29.25-29.5 7
29.5-30.0 4
47.2-50.2
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------------------------------------------------------------------------1 The 18.3-18.58 GHz band is shared co-equally with existing terrestrial radiocommunication systems
until November 19, 2012.
2 FSS is secondary to LMDS in this band.
3 Use of this band by the Fixed-Satellite Service is limited to gateway earth station operations, provided
the licensee under this Part obtains a license under Part 101 of this Chapter or an agreement from a Part
101 licensee for the area in which an earth station is to be located. Satellite earth station facilities in this
band may not be ubiquitously deployed and may not be used to serve individual consumers.
4 This band is primary for GSO FSS and secondary for NGSO FSS.
5 This band is primary for NGSO FSS and secondary for GSO FSS.
6 This band is primary for MSS feeder links and LMDS hub-to-subscriber transmission.
7 This band is primary for MSS feeder links and GSO FSS.
* * * * *
(4) * * *
(iii)(A) The following frequencies are available for use by the 1.5/1.6 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service:
1525-1559 MHz: space-to-Earth
1626.5-1660.5 MHz: Earth-to-space
* * * * *
27.
In § 25.203, revise paragraphs (g)(2), (g)(4), and (j) to read as follows:
§ 25.203 Choice of sites and frequencies.
* * * * *
(g) * * *
(2) In the event that the calculated value of the expected field strength exceeds 10 mV/m (−65.8
dBW/m2 ) at the reference coordinates, or if there is any question whether field strength levels might
exceed the threshold value, advance consultation with the FCC to discuss any protection necessary
should be considered. See § 0.401 of this chapter for contact information.
* * * * *
(4) Advance coordination for stations operating above 1000 MHz is recommended only where the
proposed station is in the vicinity of a monitoring station designated as a satellite monitoring facility in
§ 0.121(c) of the Commission’s Rules and also meets the criteria outlined in paragraphs (g)(2) and (3) of
this section.
* * * * *
(j) Applicants for non-geostationary 1.6/2.4 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service/ Radiodetermination-Satellite
Service feeder links in the 17.7-20.2 GHz and 27.5-30.0 GHz bands shall indicate the frequencies and
spacecraft antenna gain contours towards each feeder-link earth station location and will coordinate with
licensees of other Fixed-Satellite Service and terrestrial-service systems sharing the band to determine
geographic protection areas around each non-geostationary Mobile-Satellite Service/Radiodetermination-
Satellite Service feeder-link earth station.
* * * * *
28.
In § 25.204, revise the first sentence in paragraph (f) and paragraph (g) to read as follows:
§ 25.204 Power limits.
* * * * *
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(f) In the 13.75-14 GHz band, an earth station in the Fixed-Satellite Service shall have a minimumantenna diameter of 4.5 m and the e.i.r.p. of any emission should be at least 68 dBW and should not
exceed 85 dBW. * * *
(g) All earth stations in the Fixed-Satellite Service in the 20/30 GHz band, and feeder-link earth stations
operating in the 24.75-25.25 GHz band (Earth-to-space) and providing service to geostationary satellites
in the 17/24 GHz BSS, shall employ uplink adaptive power control or other methods of fade
compensation such that the earth station transmissions shall be conducted at the power level required to
meet the desired link performance while reducing the level of mutual interference between networks.
* * * * *
29.
In § 25.208, revise the introductory text in paragraphs (g), (h), (i), (j), (k), (l), (m), (n),
and (s) to read as follows:
§ 25.208 Power flux density limits.
* * * * *
(g) In the 10.7-11.7 GHz and 11.7-12.2 GHz bands, the single-entry equivalent power-flux density in the
space-to-Earth direction (EPFDdown), at any point on the Earth’s surface, produced by emissions from all
co-frequency space stations of a single non-geostationary-satellite orbit (NGSO) system operating in the
Fixed-Satellite Service (FSS) shall not exceed the following limits for the given percentages of time.
Tables 1G and 2G follow: * * *
(h) In the 10.7-11.7 GHz and 11.7-12.2 GHz bands, the aggregate equivalent power-flux density in the
space-to-Earth direction (EPFDdown), at any point on the Earth’s surface, produced by emissions from all
co-frequency space stations of all non-geostationary-satellite orbit systems operating in the Fixed-Satellite
Service (FSS) shall not exceed the following limits for the given percentages of time. Tables 1H and 2H
follow: * * *
(i) In the 10.7-11.7 GHz and 11.7-12.2 GHz bands, the additional operational equivalent power-flux
density, in the space-to-Earth direction, (additional operational EPFDdown) at any point on the Earth’s
surface, produced by actual operational emissions from all co-frequency space stations of a non-
geostationary-satellite orbit (NGSO) system operating in the Fixed-Satellite Service (FSS) shall not
exceed the following operational limits for the given percentages of time: * * *
(j) In the 10.7-11.7 GHz and 11.7-12.2 GHz bands, the operational equivalent power-flux density, in the
space-to-Earth direction, (operational EPFDdown) at any point on the Earth’s surface, produced by actual
operational emissions from the in-line co-frequency space station of a non-geostationary-satellite orbit
(NGSO) system operating in the Fixed-Satellite Service (FSS) shall not exceed the following operational
limits for 100% of the time: * * *
(k) In the 12.75-13.15 GHz, 13.2125-13.25 GHz and 13.75-14.5 GHz bands, the equivalent power flux-
density, in the Earth-to-space direction, (EPFDup) produced at any point on the geostationary satellite
orbit (GSO) by the emissions from all co-frequency earth stations in a non-geostationary satellite orbit
Fixed-Satellite Service (NGSO FSS) system, for all conditions and for all methods of modulation, shall
not exceed the following limits for the specified percentages of time limits: * * *
(l) In the 11.7-12.2 GHz and 12.5-12.75 GHz in Region 3, 11.7-12.5 GHz bands in Region 1 and 12.2-
12.7 GHz band in Region 2, the single-entry equivalent power-flux density, in the space-to-Earth
direction, (EPFDdown), at any point on the Earth’s surface, produced by emissions from all co-frequency
space stations of a single non-geostationary-satellite orbit (NGSO) system operating in the Fixed-Satellite
Service (FSS) shall not exceed the following limits in Tables 1L and 2L for the given percentages of time:
* * *
(m) In the 11.7-12.2 GHz and 12.5-12.75 GHz in Region 3, 11.7-12.5 GHz bands in Region 1 and 12.2-
12.7 GHz in Region 2, the aggregate equivalent power-flux density, in the space-to-Earth direction,
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(EPFDdown) at any point on the Earth’s surface, produced by emissions from all co-frequency spacestations of all non-geostationary-satellite orbit systems operating in the Fixed-Satellite Service (FSS) shall
not exceed the following limits in Tables 1M and 2M for the given percentages of time: * * *
(n) The power-flux density at the Earth’s surface produced by emissions from a space station in the
Fixed-Satellite Service (space-to-Earth), for all conditions and for all methods of modulation, shall not
exceed the limits given in Table N. These limits relate to the power flux-density which would be
obtained under assumed free-space conditions. * * *
* * * * *
(s) In the 40.0-40.5 GHz band, the power flux density at the Earth’s surface produced by emissions from a
space station for all conditions and for all methods of modulation shall not exceed the following values: *
* *
* * * * *
30.
In § 25.209, revise the section heading, the introductory text in paragraph (a), the
introductory text in paragraph (b), and paragraph (c)(1) to read as follows:
§ 25.209 Earth station antenna performance standards.
(a) The gain of any antenna to be employed in transmission from an earth station in the Fixed-Satellite
Service shall lie below the envelope defined below:
(1) * * *
(b) The off-axis cross-polarization gain of any antenna to be employed in transmission from an earth
station to a space station in the domestic Fixed-Satellite Service shall be defined as follows:
(1) * * *
(c)(1) Earth station antennas licensed for reception of radio transmissions from a space station in the
Fixed-Satellite Service are protected from radio interference caused by other space stations only to the
degree to which harmful interference would not be expected to be caused to an earth station employing
an antenna conforming to the referenced patterns defined in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, and
protected from radio interference caused by terrestrial radio transmitters identified by the frequency
coordination process only to the degree to which harmful interference would not be expected to be
caused to an earth station conforming to the reference pattern defined in paragraphs (a)(3) and (a)(4) of
this section.
* * * * *
31.
In § 25.210, revise the section heading, remove and reserve paragraph (d), and revise
paragraphs (f) and (k) to read as follows:
§ 25.210 Technical requirements for space stations.
* * * * *
(d) [Reserved]
* * * * *
(f) All space stations in the Fixed-Satellite Service operating in any portion of the 3600-4200 MHz, 5091-
5250 MHz, 5850-7025 MHz, 10.7-12.7 GHz, 12.75-13.25 GHz, 13.75-14.5 GHz, 15.43-15.63 GHz, 18.3-
20.2 GHz, 24.75-25.25 GHz, or 27.5-30.0 GHz bands, including feeder links for other space services, and
in the Broadcasting-Satellite Service in the 17.3-17.8 GHz band (space-to-Earth), shall employ state-of-
the-art full frequency reuse, either through the use of orthogonal polarizations within the same beam
and/or the use of spatially independent beams.
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* * * * *(k) Antenna measurements of both co-polarized and cross-polarized performance must be made on all
antennas employed by space stations both within and outside the primary coverage area. The results of
such measurements shall be submitted to the Commission within thirty days after preliminary in-orbit
testing is completed.
* * * * *
32.
In § 25.211, revise paragraphs (e) and (f) to read as follows:
§ 25.211 Analog video transmissions in the Fixed-Satellite Service.
* * * * *
(e) Antennas smaller than those specified in paragraph (d) of this section are subject to the provisions of §
25.220. These antennas will not be routinely licensed for transmission of full transponder services.
(f) Each applicant for authorization for analog transmissions in the Fixed-Satellite Service proposing to
use maximum power into the antenna in excess of those specified in § 25.211(d), must comply with the
procedures set forth in § 25.220.
33.
In § 25.212, revise the section heading and paragraphs (c), (d)(2), (d)(3), and (e) to read
as follows:
§ 25.212 Narrowband analog transmissions and digital transmissions in the GSO Fixed Satellite Service.
* * * * *
(c)(1) In the 14.0-14.5 GHz band, an earth station with an antenna equivalent diameter of 1.2 meters or
greater may be routinely licensed for transmission of narrowband analog services with bandwidths up to
200 kHz if the maximum input power spectral density into the antenna does not exceed -8 dBW/4 kHz
and the maximum transmitted satellite carrier EIRP density does not exceed 17 dBW/4 kHz.
(2) In the 14.0-14.5 GHz band, an earth station with an antenna equivalent diameter of 1.2 meters or
greater may be routinely licensed for transmission of narrowband and/or wideband digital services,
including digital video services, if the maximum input spectral power density into the antenna does not
exceed -14 dBW/4 kHz, and the maximum transmitted satellite carrier EIRP density does not exceed
+10.0 dBW/4 kHz.
(3) Antennas transmitting in the 14.0-14.5 GHz band with a major and/or minor axis smaller than 1.2
meters are subject to the provisions of either § 25.218 or § 25.220 of this chapter.
(d) * * *
(2) For earth stations licensed after March 10, 2005 in the 5925-6425 MHz band, an earth station with
an equivalent diameter of 4.5 meters or greater may be routinely licensed for transmission of SCPC
services if the maximum power densities into the antenna do not exceed +0.5 dBW/4 kHz for analog
SCPC carriers with bandwidths up to 200 kHz, and do not exceed −2.7 − 10log(N) dBW/4 kHz for
digital SCPC carriers. For digital SCPC using a frequency division multiple access (FDMA) or time
division multiple access (TDMA) technique, N is equal to one. For digital SCPC using a code division
multiple access (CDMA) technique, N is the maximum number of co-frequency simultaneously
transmitting earth stations in the same satellite receiving beam.
(3) Antennas with an equivalent diameter smaller than 4.5 meters in the 5925-6425 MHz band are
subject to the provisions of either § 25.218 or § 25.220 of this chapter.
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(e) Each applicant for authorization for transmissions in the Fixed-Satellite Service proposing to usetransmitted satellite carrier EIRP densities, and/or maximum antenna input power densities in excess of
those specified in paragraph (c) of this section in the 14.0-14.5 GHz band, or in paragraph (d) of this
section in the 5925-6425 MHz band, respectively, must comply with the procedures set forth in either §
25.218 or § 25.220 of this chapter.
* * * * *
34.
In § 25.213, revise the section heading, the first sentence in paragraph (a)(1), and
paragraph (a)((1)(vi) to read as follows:
§ 25.213 Inter-Service coordination requirements for the 1.6/2.4 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service.
(a) * * *
(1) Protection zones. All 1.6/2.4 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service systems shall be capable of determining
the position of the user transceivers accessing the space segment through either internal
radiodetermination calculations or external sources such as LORAN-C or the Global Positioning
System. * * *
(vi) The ESMU shall notify Mobile-Satellite Service space station licensees authorized to operate
mobile earth stations in the 1610.0-1626.5 MHz band of periods of radio astronomy observations. The
Mobile-Satellite systems shall be capable of terminating operations within the frequency bands and
protection zones specified in paragraphs (a)(1) (i) through (iv) of this section, as applicable, after the
first position fix of the mobile earth station either prior to transmission or, based upon its location
within the protection zone at the time of initial transmission of the mobile earth station. Once the
Mobile-Satellite Service system determines that a mobile earth station is located within an RAS
protection zone, the Mobile-Satellite Service system shall immediately initiate procedures to relocate
the mobile earth station operations to a non-RAS frequency.
* * * * *
35.
In § 25.214, revise the section heading and paragraph (a)(2) to read as follows:
§ 25.214 Technical requirements for space stations in the Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service and
associated terrestrial repeaters.
(a) * * *
(2) Frequency Assignment. The term “frequency assignment” refers to the authorization given by the
Commission for a radio station to use a radio frequency or radio frequency channel under specified
conditions. This term shall be applied to the two frequency bands (A) 2320.0-2332.5 MHz and (B)
2332.5-2345.0 MHz for satellite DARS.
* * * * *
36.
In § 25.218, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows:
§ 25.218 Off-Axis EIRP Envelopes for FSS earth station operations.
(a) This section applies to all applications for FSS earth stations operating in the C-band, Ku-band, or
extended Ku-band, except for:
(1) ESV and VMES applications,
(2) Analog video earth station applications, and
(3) Applications for feeder-link earth stations in the 17/24 GHz BSS.
* * * * *
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37.In § 25.221, revise the first sentence in paragraph (a), the third sentence in paragraph
(a)(4), paragraph (a)(7), the introductory text in paragraph (b), and paragraph (b)(1)(ii) to read as follows:
§ 25.221 Blanket Licensing provisions for Earth Stations on Vessels (ESVs) receiving in the 3700-4200
MHz (space-to-Earth) band and transmitting in the 5925-6425 MHz (Earth-to-space) band, operating with
Geostationary Satellite Orbit (GSO) Satellites in the Fixed-Satellite Service.
(a) The following ongoing requirements govern all ESV licensees and operations in the 3700-4200 MHz
(space-to-Earth) and 5925-6425 MHz (Earth-to-space) bands transmitting to GSO satellites in the Fixed-
Satellite Service. * * *
(4) * * * The ESV operator will make this data available upon request to a coordinator, fixed system
operator, Fixed-Satellite system operator, or the Commission within 24 hours of the request.
* * * * *
(7) ESV operators transmitting in the 5925-6425 MHz (Earth-to-space) bands to GSO satellites in the
Fixed-Satellite Service (FSS) shall not seek to coordinate, in any geographic location, more than 36
megahertz of uplink bandwidth on each of no more than two GSO FSS satellites.
* * * * *
(b) Applications for ESV operation in the 5925-6425 MHz (Earth-to-space) band to GSO satellites in the
Fixed-Satellite Service must include, in addition to the particulars of operation identified on Form 312,
and associated Schedule B, the applicable technical demonstrations in paragraphs (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this
section and the documentation identified in paragraphs (b)(3) through (b)(5) of this section.
(1) * * *
(ii) A certification, in Schedule B, that the ESV antenna conforms to the gain pattern criteria of §
25.209(a) and (b), that, combined with the maximum input power density calculated from the EIRP
density less the antenna gain, which is entered in Schedule B, demonstrates that the off-axis EIRP
spectral density envelope set forth in paragraphs (a)(1)(i)(A) through (a)(1)(i)(C) of this section will be
met under the assumption that the antenna is pointed at the target satellite. If an antenna proposed for
use by the applicant does not comply with the antenna performance standards in § 25.209(a) and (b),
the applicant must provide, as an exhibit to its application, antenna gain test plots pursuant to §
25.132(b)(3).
* * * * *
38.
In § 25.222, revise the section heading, the first sentence in paragraph (a), the third
sentence in paragraph (a)(4), the introductory sentence in paragraph (b), and paragraph (b)(1)(ii) to read
as follows:
§ 25.222 Blanket Licensing provisions for Earth Stations on Vessels (ESVs) receiving in the 10.95-11.2
GHz (space-to-Earth), 11.45-11.7 GHz (space-to-Earth), 11.7-12.2 GHz (space-to-Earth) bands and
transmitting in the 14.0-14.5 GHz (Earth-to-space) band, operating with Geostationary Orbit (GSO)
Satellites in the Fixed-Satellite Service.
(a) The following ongoing requirements govern all ESV licensees and operations in the 10.95-11.2 GHz
(space-to-Earth), 11.45-11.7 GHz (space-to-Earth), 11.7-12.2 GHz (space-to-Earth) and 14.0-14.5 GHz
(Earth-to-space) bands transmitting to GSO satellites in the Fixed-Satellite Service. * * *
(4) * * * The ESV operator will make this data available upon request to a coordinator, fixed system
operator, Fixed-Satellite system operator, NTIA, or the Commission within 24 hours of the request.
* * * * *
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(b) Applications for ESV operation in the 14.0-14.5 GHz (Earth-to-space) band to GSO satellites in theFixed-Satellite Service must include, in addition to the particulars of operation identified on Form 312,
and associated Schedule B, the applicable technical demonstrations in paragraphs (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this
section and the documentation identified in paragraphs (b)(3) through (b)(5) of this section.
(1) * * *
(ii) A certification, in Schedule B, that the ESV antenna conforms to the gain pattern criteria of §§
25.209(a) and (b), that, combined with the maximum input power density calculated from the EIRP
density less the antenna gain, which is entered in Schedule B, demonstrates that the off-axis EIRP
spectral density envelope set forth in paragraphs (a)(1)(i)(A) through (a)(1)(i)(C) of this section will be
met under the assumption that the antenna is pointed at the target satellite. If an antenna proposed for
use by the applicant does not comply with the antenna performance standards contained in §§
25.209(a) and (b), the applicant must provide, as an exhibit to its application, antenna gain test plots
pursuant to § 25.132(b)(3).
* * * * *
39.
In § 25.226, revise the section heading, the first sentence in paragraph (a), the third
sentence in paragraph (a)(6), the introductory sentence in paragraph (b), and paragraph (b)(1)(ii) to read
as follows:
§ 25.226 Blanket Licensing provisions for domestic, U.S. Vehicle-Mounted Earth Stations (VMESs)
receiving in the 10.95-11.2 GHz (space-to-Earth), 11.45-11.7 GHz (space-to-Earth), and 11.7-12.2 GHz
(space-to-Earth) bands and transmitting in the 14.0-14.5 GHz (Earth-to-space) band, operating with
Geostationary Satellites in the Fixed-Satellite Service.
(a) The following ongoing requirements govern all VMES licensees and operations in the 10.95-11.2 GHz
(space-to-Earth), 11.45-11.7 GHz (space-to-Earth), 11.7-12.2 GHz (space-to-Earth) and 14.0-14.5 GHz
(Earth-to-space) bands receiving from and transmitting to geostationary orbit satellites in the Fixed-
Satellite Service. * * *
(6) * * * The VMES operator shall make this data available upon request to a coordinator, fixed system
operator, Fixed-Satellite Service system operator, NTIA, or the Commission within 24 hours of the
request.
* * * * *
(b) Applications for VMES operation in the 14.0-14.5 GHz (Earth-to-space) band to GSO satellites in the
Fixed-Satellite Service shall include, in addition to the particulars of operation identified on Form 312,
and associated Schedule B, the applicable technical demonstrations in paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2) or (b)(3)
of this section and the documentation identified in paragraphs (b)(4) through (b)(8) of this section.
(1) * * *
(ii) A VMES applicant shall include a certification, in Schedule B, that the VMES antenna conforms
to the gain pattern criteria of §§ 25.209(a) and (b), that, combined with the maximum input power
density calculated from the EIRP density less the antenna gain, which is entered in Schedule B,
demonstrates that the off-axis EIRP spectral density envelope set forth in paragraphs (a)(1)(i)(A)
through (a)(1)(i)(C) of this section will be met under the assumption that the antenna is pointed at the
target satellite. If an antenna proposed for use by the applicant does not comply with the antenna
performance standards contained in §§ 25.209(a) and (b), the applicant must provide, as an exhibit to
its application, antenna gain test plots pursuant to § 25.132(b)(3).
* * * * *
40.
In § 25.251, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:
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FCC 12-116
§ 25.251 Special requirements for coordination.* * * * *
(b) The technical aspects of coordination are based on Appendix 7 of the International
Telecommunication Union Radio Regulations and certain recommendations of the ITU
Radiocommunication Sector (available at the address in § 0.445 of this chapter).
41.
In § 25.254, revise the first sentence in paragraph (c) and the endnote to read as follows:
§ 25.254 Special requirements for ancillary terrestrial components operating in the 1610–1626.5
MHz/2483.5–2500 MHz bands.
* * * * *
(c) Applicants for an ancillary terrestrial component to be used in conjunction with a Mobile-Satellite
Service system using CDMA technology shall coordinate the use of the 1.6/2.4 GHz Mobile-Satellite
Service spectrum designated for CDMA systems using the framework established by the ITU in
Recommendation ITU-R M.1186 “Technical Considerations for the Coordination Between Mobile
Satellite Service (MSS) Networks Utilizing Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and Other Spread
Spectrum Techniques in the 1-3 GHz Band” (1995). * * *
* * * * *
NOTE to § 25.254: The preceding rules of § 25.254 are based on cdma2000 and IS-95 system
architecture. To the extent that a 1.6/2.4 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service licensee is able to demonstrate
that the use of different system architectures would produce no greater potential interference than would
be produced as a result of implementing the rules of this section, the licensee may apply for ATC
authorization based on another system architecture.
42.
Revise § 25.256 to read as follows:
§ 25.256 Special Requirements for operations in the 3.65-3.7 GHz band.
Upon request from a terrestrial licensee authorized under Subpart Z, Part 90 that seeks to place base and
fixed stations in operation within 150 km of a primary earth station, licensees of earth stations operating
on a primary basis in the Fixed-Satellite Service in the 3.65-3.7 GHz band must negotiate in good faith
with that terrestrial licensee to arrive at mutually agreeable operating parameters to prevent unacceptable
interference.
43.
In § 25.257, revise the first sentence in paragraph (a) to read as follows:
§ 25.257 Special requirements for operations in the 29.1-29.25 GHz band between NGSO MSS and
LMDS.
(a) Non-geostationary Mobile-Satellite Service (NGSO MSS) operators shall be licensed to use the 29.1-
29.25 GHz band for Earth-to-space transmissions from feeder link earth station complexes. * * *
* * * * *
44.
In § 25.259, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows:
§ 25.259 Time sharing between NOAA meteorological satellite systems and non-voice, non-
geostationary satellite systems in the 137-138 MHz band.
(a) The space stations of a non-voice, non-geostationary Mobile-Satellite Service (NVNG MSS) system
time-sharing downlink spectrum in the 137-138 MHz band with National Oceanic and Atmospheric
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FCC 12-116
Administration (NOAA) satellites shall not transmit signals into the “protection areas” of the NOAAsatellites.
(1) With respect to transmission in the 137.333-137.367 MHz, 137.485-137.515 MHz, 137.605-137.635
MHz, and 137.753-137.787 MHz bands, the protection area for a NOAA satellite is the area on the
Earth’s surface in which the NOAA satellite is in line of sight from the ground at an elevation angle of
five degrees or more above the horizon. No NVNG MSS satellite shall transmit in these bands when it
is in line of sight at an elevation angle of zero degrees or more from any point on the ground within a
NOAA satellite’s protected area for that band.
(2) With respect to transmission in the 137.025-137.175 MHz and 137.825-138 MHz bands, the
protection area for a NOAA satellite is the area on the Earth’s surface in which the NOAA satellite is in
line of sight from the ground at any elevation angle above zero degrees. No NVNG MSS satellite shall
transmit in these bands when at a line-of-sight elevation angle of zero degrees or more from any point
on the ground within a NOAA satellite’s protected area for that band. In addition, such an NVNG MSS
satellite shall cease transmitting when it is at an elevation angle of less than zero degrees from any such
point, if reasonably necessary to protect reception of the NOAA satellite’s signal.
(3) An NVNG MSS licensee is responsible for obtaining the ephemeris data necessary for compliance
with these restrictions. The ephemeris information must be updated system-wide on at least a weekly
basis. For calculation required for compliance with these restrictions an NVNG MSS licensee shall use
an orbital propagator algorithm with an accuracy equal to or greater than the NORAD propagator used
by NOAA.
* * * * *
45.
In § 25.260, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows:
§ 25.260 Time sharing between DoD meteorological satellite systems and non-voice, non-geostationary
satellite systems in the 400.15-401 MHz band.
(a) The space stations of a non-voice, non-geostationary Mobile-Satellite Service (NVNG MSS) system
time-sharing downlink spectrum in the 400.15-401.0 MHz band with Department of Defense (DoD)
satellites shall not transmit signals into the “protection areas” of the DoD satellites.
(1) The protection area for such a DoD satellite is the area on the Earth’s surface in which the DoD
satellite is in line of sight from the ground at an elevation angle of five degrees or more above the
horizon.
(2) An NVNG MSS space station shall not transmit in the 400.15-401 MHz band when at a line-of-sight
elevation angle of zero degrees or more from any point on the ground within the protected area of a
DoD satellite operating in that band.
(3) An NVNG MSS licensee is responsible for obtaining the ephemeris data necessary for compliance
with this restriction. The ephemeris information must be updated system-wide at least once per week.
For calculation required for compliance with this restriction an NVNG MSS licensee shall use an orbital
propagator algorithm with an accuracy equal to or greater than the NORAD propagator used by DoD.
* * * * *
46.
In § 25.261, revise the section heading to read as follows:
§ 25.261 Procedures for avoidance of in-line interference events for Non Geostationary Satellite Orbit
(NGSO) Satellite Network Operations in the Fixed-Satellite Service (FSS) Bands.
* * * * *
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FCC 12-116
47.In § 25.271, revise paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(3) to read as follows:
§ 25.271 Control of transmitting stations.
* * * * *
(c) * * *
(1) The parameters of the transmissions of the remote station monitored at the control point, and the
operational functions of the remote earth stations that can be controlled by the operator at the control
point, are sufficient to ensure that the operations of the remote station(s) are at all times in full
compliance with the remote station authorization(s);
(2) * * *
(3) Upon detection by the licensee, or upon notification from the Commission of a deviation or upon
notification by another licensee of harmful interference, the operation of the remote station shall be
immediately suspended by the operator at the control point until the deviation or interference is
corrected, except that transmissions concerning the immediate safety of life or property may be
conducted for the duration of the emergency; and
* * * * *
48.
In § 25.272, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows:
§ 25.272 General inter-system coordination procedures.
(a) Each space station licensee in the Fixed-Satellite Service shall establish a satellite network control
center which will have the responsibility to do the following:
(1) monitor space-to-Earth transmissions in its system (thus indirectly monitoring uplink earth station
transmissions in its system) and
(2) coordinate transmissions in its satellite system with those of other systems to prevent harmful
interference incidents or, in the event of a harmful interference incident, to identify the source of the
interference and correct the problem promptly.
* * * * *
49.
In § 25.273, revise paragraph (a)(2) to read as follows:
§ 25.273 Duties regarding space communication transmissions.
(a) * * *
(2) Conduct transmissions over a transponder unless the operator is authorized to transmit at that time
by the satellite licensee or the satellite licensee's successor in interest; or
* * * * *
50.
In § 25.274, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows:
§ 25.274 Procedures to be followed in the event of harmful interference.
* * * * *
(b) The earth station operator shall then check all other earth stations in the licensee's network that could
be causing the harmful interference to ensure that none of them is the source of the interference and to
verify that the interference is not from a local terrestrial source.
* * * * *
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51.In § 25.276, remove paragraph (c).
§ 25.276 Points of communication [Amended]
52.
Revise the section heading and second sentence of § 25.278 to read as follows:
§ 25.278 Additional coordination obligation for non-geostationary and geostationary satellite systems in
frequencies allocated to the Fixed-Satellite Service.
* * * Licensees of geostationary Fixed-Satellite Service systems in the frequency bands that are licensed
to non-geostationary satellite systems for feeder link operations shall coordinate their operations with the
licensees of such non-geostationary satellite systems.
53.
In § 25.283, revise paragraph (a) to read as follows:
§ 25.283 End-of-life disposal.
(a) Geostationary orbit space stations. Unless otherwise explicitly specified in an authorization, a space
station authorized to operate in the geostationary satellite orbit under this part shall be relocated, at the
end of its useful life, barring catastrophic failure of satellite components, to an orbit with a perigee with
an altitude of no less than:
36,021 km + (1000·CR·A/m)
where CR is the solar radiation pressure coefficient of the spacecraft, and A/m is the Area to mass ratio,
in square meters per kilogram, of the spacecraft.
* * * * *
54.
In § 25.284, revise paragraphs (a) and (b) to read as follows:
§ 25.284 Emergency Call Center Service.
(a) Providers of Mobile-Satellite Service to end-user customers (part 25, subparts A-D) must provide
Emergency Call Center service to the extent that they offer real-time, two way switched voice service that
is interconnected with the public switched network and utilize an in-network switching facility which
enables the provider to reuse frequencies and/or accomplish seamless hand-offs of subscriber calls.
Emergency Call Center personnel must determine the emergency caller's phone number and location and
then transfer or otherwise redirect the call to an appropriate public safety answering point. Providers of
Mobile-Satellite Services that utilize earth terminals that are not capable of use while in motion are
exempt from providing Emergency Call Center service for such terminals.
(b) Beginning February 11, 2005, each Mobile-Satellite Service carrier that is subject to the provisions of
paragraph (a) of this section must maintain records of all 911 calls received at its emergency call center.
Beginning October 15, 2005, and on each following October 15, Mobile-Satellite Service carriers
providing service in the 1.6/2.4 GHz and 2 GHz bands must submit a report to the Commission regarding
their call center data, current as of September 30 of that year. Beginning June 30, 2006, and on each
following June 30, Mobile-Satellite Service carriers providing service in bands other than 1.6/2.4 GHz
and 2 GHz must submit a report to the Commission regarding their call center data, current as of May 31
of that year. These reports must include, at a minimum, the following:
(1) * * *
* * * * *
55.
Revise § 25.601 to read as follows:
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FCC 12-116
§ 25.601 Equal employment opportunities.Notwithstanding other EEO provisions within these rules, an entity that uses an owned or leased Fixed-
Satellite Service or Direct Broadcast Satellite Service or 17/24 GHz Broadcasting-Satellite Service
facility (operating under this part) to provide video programming directly to the public on a subscription
basis must comply with the equal employment opportunity requirements set forth in part 76, subpart E, of
this chapter, if such entity exercises control (as defined in part 76, subpart E, of this chapter) over the
video programming it distributes. Notwithstanding other EEO provisions within these rules, a licensee or
permittee of a Direct Broadcast Satellite station operating as a broadcaster must comply with the equal
employment opportunity requirements set forth in part 73.
56.
In § 25.701, revise paragraph (a)(2) to read as follows:
§ 25.701 Public interest obligations.
(a) * * *
(2) Entities licensed to operate satellites in the Ku-band Fixed-Satellite Service and that sell or lease
capacity to a video programming distributor that offers service directly to consumers providing a
sufficient number of channels so that four percent of the total applicable programming channels yields a
set aside of at least one channel of non commercial programming pursuant to paragraph (e) of this
section, or
* * * * *
34
Edoc Internal Id:
316537
Released On:
Thu, 2012-09-27 20:00
Published On:
September 28 2012
Adopted Date:
Sun, 2012-09-23 20:00
Edoc ID:
FCC-12-116
