FCC Order on MSS Spectrum

On April 6 the Federal Communications Commission released a report and Order on Fixed and Mobile Services in the Mobile Satellite Service Bands at 1525-1559 MHz and 1626.5-1660.5 MHz, 1610-1626.5 MHz and 2483.5-2500 MHz, and 2000-2020 MHz and 2180-2200 MHz. In the order, the FCC acts on the proposals contained in the July 15, 2010, MSS NPRM, which built on the recommendations of the National Broadband Plan.

First, the FCC adds co-primary Fixed and Mobile allocations to the MSS 2 GHz band, consistent with the International Table of Allocations. This action will lay the groundwork for more flexible use of the band, including for terrestrial broadband services, in the future.

Second, in order to create greater predictability and regulatory parity with bands licensed for terrestrial mobile broadband service, the FCC extends its existing secondary market "spectrum manager" spectrum leasing policies, procedures, and rules that currently apply to wireless terrestrial services to the use of MSS/ATC spectrum for the provision of terrestrial services.