FCC Authorizes Boeing Broadband Satellite Constellation

The Federal Communications Commission approved an application from Boeing for a license to construct, deploy, and operate a satellite constellation. As detailed in its FCC application, Boeing plans to provide
broadband and communications services for residential, commercial, institutional, governmental, and professional users in the United States and globally. The FCC's Order approves Boeing’s application for a non-geostationary orbit fixed-satellite service system using frequencies in portions of the V-band, and to operate inter-satellite links (ISLs) using frequencies in portions of the V-band. It also dismisses Boeing’s request to operate ISLs in certain frequency bands that are not allocated internationally for operations of the FSS in the space-to-space direction in the ITU Radio Regulations. Boeing’s plan involves placing 132 satellites into low Earth orbit at an altitude of 1,056 kilometers (about 656 miles). Another 15 will be launched to “non-geostationary orbit” at an altitude between 27,355 and 44,221 km (16,998 to 27,478 miles). The company has six years to launch half of its satellite constellation and nine years to deploy the entire network.