Orbcomm Petitions for Denial of Swarm's Bigger Constellation Ask
Accusing Swarm of a regulatory "bait and switch," Orbcomm petitioned the FCC to dismiss or deny Swarm's request to double to 300 satellites the size of its proposed non-voice non-geostationary (NVNG) VHF constellation (see 2005050001). In an International Bureau filing…
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Monday, Orbcomm said Swarm's amendment application is contrary to the company's previous assurances to the FCC it wouldn't operate in spectrum assigned to Orbcomm on a primary basis. Orbcomm said Swarm hasn't identified any material change in its proposed service offerings, but the amendment application seeks to double the constellation size, use more spectrum and get a waiver of NVNG mobile satellite service (MSS) rules. Myriota said it backs Swarm's contention that spectrum assigned to Orbcomm is supposed to be shared with other NVNG MSS systems. It said the commission should require Swarm, Myriota and Orbcomm to develop a sharing arrangement to allow the best use of the small NVNG VHF bands. SpaceX said it supports Swarm's plan to implement onboard propulsion for its satellites due to the better safety profile of the NVNG system. Swarm outside counsel didn't comment Tuesday.