US looks to harness 90MHz of mobile satellite spectrum
New rules would allow terrestrial networks in the S-band, plus spectrum leasing
Published: 21 June, 2010
READ MORE: Spectrum | US | Satellite | LTE
The mobile satellite spectrum band has become hot property in the US this year. First private equity firm Harbinger Capital, which controls many of these spectrum assets, announced plans to build a national LTE network, in a frequency that supports hybrid satellite/terrestrial communications. Now the FCC's new Spectrum Task Force has unveiled a plan to release 90MHz in this band for mobile broadband by removing satellite obligations.
Until recently, mobile satellite services (MSS) have been a niche broadband option, despite the introduction of the hybrid spectrum rights, which enable firms to use 3G networks and standard handsets in most areas, moving to satellite only for areas with poor radio coverage or emergency requirements. This has left this spectrum underused, so it is no surprise that FCC chief Julius Genachowski has his eye on it, as part of his overall goal to release 500MHz of additional spectrum for wireless broadband by 2020, part of the National Broadband Plan proposed to Congress in March.
The Task Force aims to make rules governing MSS spectrum more flexible, to encourage investment in terrestrial networks in the band, while also guaranteeing nationwide MSS capability to support public safety, remote rural communications and government applications. Most significantly, terrestrial systems would be allowed to be built without accompanying satellite networks, and license holders could lease spectrum to third parties.
"This initiative is an opportunity to make additional spectrum available for mobile broadband by promoting greater spectrum efficiency and flexibility," said Julie Knapp, co-chair of the Task Force. "The Spectrum Task Force remains firmly committed to maintaining robust mobile satellite capability that serves important needs like disaster recovery and rural access. I am confident that we can achieve all of these goals and create a win-win solution."
The FCC has already made steps towards opening up satellite bands. In May it adopted the WCS-SDARS order, which changed rules applying to 25MHz of WCS spectrum in 2.3GHz, permitting mobile as well as fixed services and allowing broadband providers to coexist with satellite radio. It had already approved Harbinger's acquisition of MSS firm SkyTerra, which has complex cross-relationships with other satellite spectrum holders. Harbinger is also a major shareholder in TerreStar and owns about 29% of Inmarsat, and via SkyTerra, controls MSV (these two firms, TerreStar and McCaw's ICO were awarded new licenses in 2GHz, specifically for hybrid services, in 2003 and also have spectrum sharing agreements with Inmarsat). TerreStar has deals with AT&T and EchoStar.
The new proposals go further, though. Most importantly, they aim to lift all bars on terrestrial networks, effectively making the spectrum into another radio network band. Previously in the hybrid bands, any terrestrial network had to be accompanied by MSS capability.
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