PUBLIC NOTICE
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
1919 M STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554
     
News media information 202/418-0500  Recorded listing of releases and texts 202/632-0002.
                                             
                                             

IN Report No. 97-27                               Released:  September 5, 1997
     
                                  
   COMMISSION REQUESTS COMMENT TO REFRESH RECORD ON PROPOSALS FOR
BLANKET LICENSING OF SATELLITE EARTH STATIONS OPERATING IN THE 17.7-
20.2 GHz AND 27.5-30.0 GHz FREQUENCY BANDS AND SHARING BETWEEN FIXED
TERRESTRIAL AND SATELLITE SERVICES IN THE 17.7-19.7 GHz FREQUENCY BANDS  
                                  
                                  
On December 23, 1996, Lockheed Martin Corporation, AT&T Corp., Hughes Communications, Inc., Loral
Space & Communications, Ltd., and GE American Communications, Inc. (Petitioners) filed a Petition for
Rulemaking requesting the Commission to revise Part 25 of the Commission's rules (47 C.F.R. Section
25.101) to provide for the routine "blanket" licensing of large numbers of Geostationary Orbit/Fixed
Satellite Service (GSO/FSS) earth stations operating in the 19.7-20.2 GHz, the 28.35-28.6 GHz, and the 
29.5-30.0 GHz bands.  Petitioners also propose that the Commission initiate proceedings to address the
development of sharing criteria and of licensing and registration procedures to offer protection for
GSO/FSS earth stations and Fixed Service Stations operating in the 17.7-18.8 GHz band.  In comments
filed in response to the Petition for Rulemaking, Teledesic Corporation concurred with the Petitioners'
proposals and requested the Commission to also consider blanket licensing procedures for FSS operations
throughout the 17.7-20.2 and 27.5-30.0 GHz bands. 

In March 1997, the International Bureau authorized Teledesic to construct, launch, and operate its proposed
FSS system in the 18.8-19.3 GHz and 28.6-29.1 GHz bands.  In May 1997, the International Bureau also
authorized thirteen FSS companies to construct, launch, and operate their proposed GSO FSS system in
the 20/30 GHz bands.  Before taking further action on the Petition for Rulemaking, we find it desirable
to refresh the record and request further comment on the issues raised in the Petition.  Specifically, we seek
comment on the appropriateness of instituting blanket licensing procedures for the above-referenced bands,
and on whether sharing can be achieved between Fixed Services and Satellite Service Stations in the 17.7-
19.7 GHz bands. 

Interested parties may file comments concerning this matter on or before September 24, 1997.  All filings
must include the reference number "RM 9005" and should be sent to William F. Caton, Acting Secretary,
Federal Communications Commission, 1919 M Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20554.  Copies of
documents filed with the Commission may be obtained from the International Transcription Service (ITS),
2100 M Street, N.W., Suite 140, Washington, D.C. 20037, (202) 857-3800.  Documents are also available
for review and copying at the FCC Reference Center, Room 239, 1919 M Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.,
from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For further information contact Chuck Magnuson at (202) 418-2159, or Linda Dubroof at (202) 418-2335.

                  FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION