Satellite Industry Hails Stevens Bill
The satellite industry hailed language deep in a telecom bill by Sen. Stevens (R-Alaska) that would strengthen the satellite industry’s hand in 2 arenas where it claims unique utility: disaster communication and rural broadband deployment. If the bill’s satellite provisions survive conference, “it’s a big win for the satellite industry,” Satellite Industry Assn. (SIA) Exec. Dir. David Cavossa.
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The language grew from lobbying by the SIA and members, including Globalstar, Iridium, Mobile Satellite Ventures and Hughes Network Systems, especially after Hurricane Katrina, Cavossa said: “We've been talking about these things for years.”
Stevens’ bill calls for the Dept. of Homeland Security to build a “strategic technology reserve” using govt. funds, to be tapped in a crisis. Drawing on the tech-stash, DHS could poise satellite and cellular phones, mobile radios and other gear, plus back-up batteries, generators and fuel, before disaster strikes or immediately after, according to the bill. In building the reserve, DHS would have to seek advice from the Defense Secy., industry, first responders, emergency managers and state, local and tribal govts.
Satellite phone operator Iridium lauded Steven’s bill, stressing the “Strategic Technology Reserves Initiative” section. “Timing is optimal for this legislation since the U.S. hurricane season kicks off June 1,” an Iridium statement said Wed. States and first responders have been striving to set up mobile satellite equipment ahead of hurricane season, but lack funds to do so by June 1, Iridium said.
“Approving S-2686 will deliver a strong message that comprehensive telecommunications reform is the only way to put the necessary tools in the hands of our first responders and to protect our citizens,” said Greg Ewert, Iridium exec. vp. Congress should “keep the crucial satellite communications language in S-2686 intact,” he said, urging House Commerce Committee Chmn. Barton (R-Tex.) to keep the satellite provisions during conference. Three telecom analysts we spoke with said they didn’t know bill even had satellite provisions.
Satellite broadband appears later in the bill, wrapped into Universal Service Fund (USF) reform efforts. The bill would set up a broadband account in USF to support broadband deployment in areas the FCC deems unserved. A satellite- specific sub-section would make satellite broadband providers like WildBlue and Hughes Network Systems eligible for support from the broadband account. What’s more, the bill would make customer premise equipment -- satellite broadband dishes and modems -- eligible for USF support.
Satellite broadband is touted as an ideal broadband mode for rural communities beyond terrestrial broadband’s reach. But while the hardware can be installed in the middle of nowhere, it’s costly -- sometimes too costly for subscribers -- and gaps in Dept. of Agriculture funding for rural broadband deployment leave out consumer premise equipment (CD April 10 p7). The language in Stevens’ bill would bridge that gap, allowing satellite broadband providers to qualify for federal USF funds. But the Commission still could rule a community unserved by broadband, and eligible for more USF broadband money, if satellite broadband subscriptions in the area are “de minimis.”