FCC DECISION ON ANCILLARY TERRESTRIAL SERVICE TO BE MADE BY JAN.
FCC intends to make decision on ancillary terrestrial component (ATC) service by end of year, said International Bureau Chief Donald Abelson in briefing Fri. Commission also plans to “work with Congress to get the permission to auction satellite spectrum. The flexibility to be able to auction is the important piece, and we need to study it carefully,” he said. Legg Mason analysts issued report Thurs. saying they expected FCC decision to help mobile satellite service (MSS) providers and wireless industry (CD Nov 22 p2).
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Abelson wouldn’t discuss position Commission will take on ATC. MSS providers have requested permission to augment satellite services with terrestrial component. Wireless carriers hope FCC will auction off terrestrial rights, allowing those carriers to provide MSS industry with ATC instead.
Abelson also said Commission goal was to have 100% of all filings be electronic, referring specifically to applications for licenses. Electronic filings would be easier for applicants and Commission, whose premise for all work is “to get service to consumers,” he said. Electronic filings also would help streamline space station licensing, he said.
Convergence of satellite use for homeland security, commercially, in law enforcement and terrestrially, make satellite issues more prominent than before, Abelson said. Increasing number of satellite consumers requires FCC to “get service to consumers and not be prohibited by rules,” he said.
Looking at satellites is good way to look at start of general globalization trend, Abelson said. FCC receives increasing number of requests from international satellite systems seeking access to U.S., he said, and Commission has to take into account agreements with other countries. He mentioned upcoming World Radiocommunication Conference, saying Commission was in final phase of preparation process.