Spectrum sought by Northpoint can’t be auctioned because FCC inte...
Spectrum sought by Northpoint can’t be auctioned because FCC intends to license NGSO applicants, including Skybridge, Hughes Electronics and Boeing without auction, CEO Sophia Collier told us. She said Northpoint wanted 500 MHz of satellite spectrum and another 26,000…
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
Communications Daily is required reading for senior executives at top telecom corporations, law firms, lobbying organizations, associations and government agencies (including the FCC). Join them today!
MHz would be awarded to satellite applicants in various proceedings. Legislation is restricted to “fixed” services and wouldn’t apply to mobile services. She said opposition of wireless industry was based primarily on desire to stop “spectrum grab” in different band by New ICO, which is seeking to convert satellite spectrum owned by company into terrestrial use through “flexible licensing procedure.” Wireless industry is concerned Northpoint issue may set bad precedent for future proceedings. CTIA spokesman said opposition of organization was not pointed necessarily at Northpoint, but at concept of spectrum award without auction: “The entire concept” of giving away spectrum “is repugnant to the entire industry. We believe Northpoint-DBS issue is competition, not interference, issue but we oppose any kind of spectrum being given to anyone without them paying for it.” Spokesman for Satellite Bcstg. & Communications Assn. (SBCA) said industry had paid for much of spectrum it now holds and wasn’t exempt from auctions as Northpoint claimed. Since auctions started in 1993, EchoStar paid $52.3 million for one of its licenses and acquired another license for which MCI paid $682.5 million in another auction, spokesman said. DirecTV acquired license and 2 satellites that was awarded before Commission was granted auction authority from Tempo Satellite Inc. for $500 million.