Please explain in the area below why an STA is necessary:
Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic) requests an experimental Special Temporary Authority commencing on or about August 1, 2010 to conduct ground testing in support of Panasonics Global Communications Suite (GCS) featuring the eXConnect Ku-band aeronautical mobile-satellite service (AMSS) system to provide broadband connectivity onboard aircraft in flight.
The FCC previously granted an experimental STA (Call Sign WE9XDS) to conduct two types of testing: (1) electromagnetic interference (EMI) ground testing of multiple, simulated transmit portable electronic devices (T-PEDs) RF transmissions in the aircraft in multiple frequency bands; and (2) picocell system operations in the aircraft cabin for enabling GSM phone communications for passengers and crew. The experimental STA authorized testing at four sites. On May 7, 2010, Panasonic filed an application for a two-year experimental license to continue the same testing at the same four sites. That application (File No. 0225-EX-PL-2010) is currently pending.
As further described in the attached Narrative Statement, the instant experimental STA application is sought to conduct ground testing at an additional site not covered by Call Sign WE9XDS or the pending application for an experimental two-year license: Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, GA. Further, this testing will not involve the picocell system, but only T-PED EMI testing in Wi-Fi frequencies. Panasonics initial plans were to conduct the testing at the previously authorized Greensboro, NC site, but due to a recent change in ownership of the corporate Boeing 737, the modifications to airplane must take place at the Atlanta airport. The airplane is currently undergoing modifications and is expected to be made available for Panasonics testing in early August. (Further details are provided in attached Narrative Statement)
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