Mobile Satellite Service (NOI)

Description

On July 15, 2010, the Federal Communications Commission today took steps to make additional spectrum available for new investment in mobile broadband networks by promoting flexible use and removing barriers, while ensuring robust mobile satellite service capabilities. This proceeding will help make 90 megahertz of prime spectrum available for mobile broadband deployment and unleash private sector investment and innovation - opening the door to new mobile networks, devices and technologies. Specifically, the FCC explores spectrum allocated to the Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) in three bands -- the 2 GHz band, Big LEO band, and L-band.

The Notice of Inquiry (NOI) requests comment on further steps the FCC can take to increase the value, utilization, innovation, and investment in MSS spectrum. It builds upon the proposals in the NPRM and addresses, in part, the recommendations of the National Broadband Plan for increasing terrestrial deployment in the MSS bands. The NOI inquires about ways to create opportunities for more expansive and efficient use of the 2 GHz band for stand-alone terrestrial uses. It also asks, if the value of the spectrum increases, what actions the FCC should take to further the overall public interest. The NOI further requests comment on other ways to promote innovation and investment throughout all three of the MSS bands while also ensuring market-wide mobile satellite capability to serve important needs like disaster response and recovery efforts, rural access for consumers and businesses across America, and various government uses.

Issues

Mobile broadband is emerging as one of America’s most dynamic, innovative and economically viable communications platforms. The National Broadband Plan calls for an additional 500 MHz of spectrum for broadband services.

I. Utilizing the 2 GHz Band for Terrestrial Services
The current licensees, DBSD and TerreStar, are authorized to use the entire allocated 40 megahertz for MSS and related ATC operations. The FCC seeks comment on how best to encourage the growth of new mobile broadband services in the 2 GHz Band under the proposed co-primary Fixed and Mobile allocations in a way that will attract investment.

The National Broadband Plan recommends that Congress consider expressly expanding the FCC’s authority to enable it to conduct incentive auctions in which incumbent licensees may relinquish rights in spectrum assignments to other parties or to the FCC in exchange for a portion of the proceeds realized by the auction of new spectrum licenses. That is, existing licensees could, on a voluntary basis, relinquish bandwidth in exchange for a portion of the proceeds from an auction for the new licenses authorizing terrestrial only services. Would voluntary incentive auctions, if Congress were to grant such authority to the FCC, be an appropriate mechanism for providing an option for incumbent 2 GHz MSS licensees to vacate the band in favor of mobile broadband providers operating on new licenses?

II. Increasing Value, Utilization, Innovation and Investment in all MSS Bands
Are there any other actions that the Commission could take that would increase terrestrial use of the MSS bands? Are there any such actions that would specifically apply to the Big LEO or L-bands? Are there any value or investment promoting actions that might apply to MSS spectrum generally? Are there various incentives that the FCC could apply to help ensure that the public receives the maximum benefits from the use of the spectrum?