Wednesday, March 2, 2011

TerreStar Bankruptcy Information - Timeline of S-Band Mobile Satellite Services (MSS)

"Timeline of S-Band Mobile Satellite Services (MSS)

1992: Following initial indications that demand would increase in L-band, the World
Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-92) takes preliminary steps to allocate MSS spectrum
in the S-band.

1995: MSS allocation in S-band is formally approved at WRC-95.

1997: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reallocates 70 MHz (2 x 35 of spectrum to MSS at 1990-2025 MHz and 2165-2000 MHz, providing for relocation of broadcast auxiliary and fixed service incumbents by MSS entrants.

Nine MSS applicants apply to provide S-band service to the U.S.

2000: FCC adopts service rules governing the S-band and decides that the S-band spectrum will be distributed pro rata among interested applicants.

FCC expressly anticipates that some licensees may not actually build systems and that the
spectrum they surrender could be redistributed to the remaining providers.
2001: S-band MSS authorizations are granted to eight entities; each licensee receives an initial 2 x 3.5 MHz assignment.

FCC opens rulemaking to consider permitting MSS licensees to offer ancillary terrestrial
component (ATC) service via reuse of satellite spectrum.

2003: Following cancellation of three MSS licenses, FCC reassigns some S-band spectrum to terrestrial wireless services but leaves 2 x 20 MHz for MSS.

Spectrum assignments of remaining S-band providers are increased to 2 x 4 MHz.
Over objections of wireless carriers, FCC adopts rules authorizing MSS licensees to offer ATC
upon meeting certain satellite service prerequisites. FCC explains that the terrestrial component
will:

• Enhance public safety
• Ensure spectrum efficiency
• Improve MSS coverage in urban canyons where satellite signal is blocked

Reduce costs of providing MSS

• Strengthen competition in MSS markets

2004: MSV (L-band) is granted first ever authorization to provide ATC.

2005: FCC adopts reconsideration order affirming right of MSS licensees to offer ATCservice.

Verizon Wireless voluntarily drops its court appeal of the FCC’s 2003 ATC decision.

Additional MSS carriers announce that they will apply for ATC authorization.

Following additional license surrenders, two strong competitors for S-band spectrum emerge:
TMI/TerreStar and ICO.

• Each S-band carrier certifies continued milestone compliance

• FCC proposes to redistribute at least some, and perhaps all, of available S-band
spectrum to TMI/TerreStar and ICO; each provider could obtain up to 2 x 10 MHz

• TMI/TerreStar publicly announces its intent to apply for ATC authorization at the
earliest possible date

FCC allocates “2 x 10” spectrum capacity to TMI/TerreStar and ICO, allowing for the
development of robust MSS/ATC services across North America. "

Source of Post
Investigative Blogger
Crystal L. Cox
Crystal@CrystalCox.com


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