FCC Takes Steps to Expand Deployment and Use of Satellite Earth Stations in Motion

The Federal Communications Commission took action to facilitate the continued deployment of earth stations used to provide satellite-based communications services on ships, airplanes, and vehicles. Satellite earth stations in motion (ESIMs) provide continuous and consistent broadband services to moving platforms by connecting them with satellites. May 13’s action expands the frequency bands available to these moving earth stations, promotes operational flexibility, and advances regulatory consistency between ESIMs communicating with fixed satellite service systems in geostationary satellite orbit and those in nongeostationary satellite orbit. The decision also adopts a regulatory framework for earth stations in motion communicating with non-geostationary fixed satellite service space stations which is similar to the current framework for geostationary connections, including extending blanket earth station licensing.

In addition to the new rules, the FCC is also seeking comment on potential interference from out-of-band emissions of ESIMs operating with non-geostationary satellite orbit space stations into the adjacent band used by the Upper Microwave Flexible Use Service (UMFUS). Together these actions will simplify the regulatory approval process for this service and promote innovative and flexible use of satellite technology. ESIMs are a fast-growing segment of the satellite communications market.