Attachment 1992Loral Qualcomm C

This document pretains to SAT-A/O-19901107-00066 for Authority to Operate on a Satellite Space Stations filing.

IBFS_SATAO1990110700066_1081778

                                                                                                RECEIVED

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                                  Leslie Taylor
                                                                                                   £JUN 2 4 1992
|“                       ’   i "h\ Associates                                           Federal Communications Commission
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Telecommunications Consultants                                                             .—      §\
6800 Carlynn Court                                                              ._cl —Tune 24, 1992
Bethesda, Maryland, 20817—4302                                            i.-"-i“k Aa) ©
Tel: (301) 229—934 1                                                      A +                       ®
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Fax: (301) 220—3148
                                                                                WiB C

        Ms. Donna Searcy
        Secretary                                                         ho
        Federal Communications Commission
        Room 222
         1919 M Street, N.W.
        Washington, D.C. 20554

        Re: Applications to construct satellites to operate in the RDSS bands, File Nos. 19—DSS—P—91(48)
        and CSS—91—014, 15—DSS—MP—91 and 16—DSS—MP—91, 9—DSS—P—91(87) and CSS—91—010, 17—DSS—
        P—91(48) and CSS—91—013,11—DSS—P—91and 18—DSS—P—91(18), 20—DSS—P—91(12) and CSS—91—
        015.

        Dear Ms. Searcy:

        Attached are an original and the required copies of the "Comments" of Loral Qualcomm Satellite
        Services, Inc. on Motorola Satellite Communications, Inc. "Petition for Expedited Action".

        Please contact the undersigned should you have any questions.

        Sincgrely yours,


     Fls  &A Jy
     C Pz &# ¥Ispf—
        Leslie A. Taylor


                                                                                                                    apCEIVEP
                                                                                                                    RE4 & ED  fever B8




                                                                                                                      AWWN 2 4 1992
                                 Before the
                    FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Federat Communications Commission
                              Washington, D.C. 20554                                                                  Office of the Secretary


In the Matter of:




                                            w y Ni N2 y N N No N N y l No Ne N2 N N No N N N N2z
LORAL QUALCOMM SATELLITE                                                                           File Nos.   19—DSS—P—91 (48)
 SERVICES, INC.                                                                                                  CSS—91—014

AMSC SUBSIDIARY CORP.                                                                              File Nos.   15—DSS—MP—91
                                                                                                               16—DSS—MP—91

MOTOROLA SATELLITE                                                                                 File Nos.   9—DSS—P—91 (87)
 COMMUNICATIONS, INC.                                                                                           CSS—91—010

CONSTELLATION                                                                                      File Nos.   17—DSS—P—91 (48)
 COMMUNICATIONS, INC.                                                                                            CSS—91—013

ELLIPSAT CORPORATION                                                                               File Nos.   11—DSS—P—91 (6)
                                                                                                               18—DSS—P—91 (18)

TRW INC.                                                                                           File Nos.   20—DSS—P—91 (12)
                                                                                                                 CSS—91—015
For Authority to Construct RDSS
and Mobile Satellite Systems


            Comments of Loral Qualcomm Satellite Services, Inc.
                    on Motorola Petition for Expedited Action

                                                               Linda K. Smith, Esq.
                                                               Robert M. Halperin, Esq.
                                                               William B. Wallace, Esq.
                                                               CROWELL & MORING
                                                               1001 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
                                                               Washington, D.C. 20004
                                                               (202) 624—2500

                                                                    Leslie A. Taylor, Esq.
                                                                    LESLIE TAYLOR ASSOCIATES
                                                                    6800 Carlynn Court
                                                                    Bethesda, MD 20817—4302
                                                                    (301) 229—9341

                                                                 Attorneys for Loral Qualcomm
                                                                 Satellite Services, Inc.


                                 TABLE OF CONTENTS



Executive SummMary . ... ... ... ... .. . .. . l s s k k k k e e n e e e e e e k e e e e e k es iv

Comments of Loral Qualcomm Satellite Services, Inc. on
     Motorola Petition for Expedited Action . ... ....................... 1

I. SUMMARY ..............k k k k es kok k k e k k e k kok e e e e e e e e k e e e e e k e es 2

II. THE COMMISSION SHOULD NOT IMPLEMENT MOTOROLA‘S
      PROPOSAL TO ADD FREQUENCY BANDS ................... ... 3

       A. The Commission Should Process the Applications on the
       Basis of the Spectrum Applied for and for Which Petitions
       for Rulemaking are Pending .. ................. ... ... ... ......

       B. The RDSS Bands Were Allocated at WARC—92 for First
       Generation LEO RDSS/MSS Systems . . ........... ... ... ... ... ... 6

III. THE ADDITIONAL BANDS PROPOSED FOR MOTOROLA ARE
       ALLOCATED TO AND USED BY OTHER SERVICES ..............

       A. The 1675—1710 MHz Band is Allocated for Meteorological—
       Satellite Services and Meteorological—Aids Providing
       Critical Safety of Life Functions . . .............. ... ... .. ... ... .. 8

       B. The Commission Has Previously Rejected A Proposal
       Made by Motorola to Share Portions of the 1675—1710 MHz
       Bands with Other Services . . .. ... ... ... ... .l l l l l l e e e e e e e es          12

       C. The 1675—1710 MHz Bands are Allocated to Terrestrial Fixed
       and Mobile Services Throughout the World . ... ..................                       13

       D. The Use of the 1599.5—1620 MHz Band as Proposed by
       Motorola Would Be Unworkable for LEO MSS/RDSS .. .............                          14

       E. The LEO RDSS/MSS Applicants All Propose Global Systems
       and Require Spectrum on a Worldwide Basis .....................                         16




                                                11


IV. ALL QUALIFIED LEO RDSS/MSS APPLICANTS SHOULD
      HAVE ACCESS TO THE SAME SPECTRUM ....................                           18

      A. The Communications Act and Legal Precedent Preclude
      Uneven Treatment of Mutually Exclusive Applicants .. .............              18

      B. The Commission Should License the Qualified LEO RDSS/MSS
      Applicants to Use the Entire RDSS/MSS Band .. .................                 19

V,. CONCLUSION . .........a ul ul y k k e k e k e k k e e e n k k e e d k e e e e e es 20




                                           111


                             EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

       The Commission should set aside Motorola‘s proposal to utilize frequency bands
in addition to the RDSS bands for the LEO MSS/RDSS systems other than its own.
The RDSS bands were allocated at WARC—92 for first generation LEO MSS/RDSS
systems. The pending applications, including Motorola‘s, should be licensed to use
the entire uplink and downlink RDSS bands.

      The additional spectrum proposed for use by Motorola, e.g., the 1675—1710 MHz
and 1599.5—1610 MHz bands are allocated to and used by important other services,
in the United States and throughout the world. The 1675—1710 MHz band is
allocated for meteorological— satellites, among other services, and is used in a growing
global weather monitoring system for vital safety of life functions. The Commission
has previously rejected a Motorola proposal to allow secondary use of a portion of this
band for another service.

       The allocation of the 1675—1710 MHz bands to MSS in Region 2, subject to the
restriction that MSS operations not constrain the development of meteorological—
satellite systems, creates an unworkable environment for the LEO MSS/RDSS
systems which all propose global service.

       Use of the 1599.5—1610 MHz band by LEO MSS/RDSS systems is similarly
infeasible. Such use would be on a non—interference, unprotected basis, imposing
impossible constraints on a commercial system.

      Moreover, all LEO MSS/RDSS systems should be licensed to operate in the
same or comparably usable spectrum. To do otherwise would be inconsistent with the
Communications Act and legal precedent according comparative treatment to
mutually exclusive applicants.

       The use of additional spectrum for second generation LEO MSS/RDSS systems
will likely be required and can be studied following the pending proceeding.
However, to expedite action on the applications before it, the Commission should limit
its consideration to the RDSS bands.




                                           iv


                                 Before the                                                                           fifig 2 4 1992
                    FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
                                                                                                                Federal Communications Commission
                              Washington, D.C. 20554                                                                  Office of the Secretary


In the Matter of:




                                             w y y2z Nz alz y NR 2 a y rl y az o\ y\ NR N o yz
LORAL QUALCOMM SATELLITE                                                                         File Nos. 19—DSS—P—91 (48)
 SERVICES, INC.                                                                                                 CSS—91—014

AMSC SUBSIDIARY CORP.                                                                            File Nos.   15—DSS—MP—91
                                                                                                             16—DSS—MP—91

MOTOROLA SATELLITE                                                                               File Nos.    9—DSS—P—91 (87)
 COMMUNICATIONS, INC.                                                                                          CSS—91—010

CONSTELLATION                                                                                    File Nos.   17—DSS—P—91 (48)
 COMMUNICATIONS, INC.                                                                                          CSS—91—013

ELLIPSAT CORPORATION                                                                             File Nos.   11—DSS—P—91 (6)
                                                                                                             18—DSS—P—91 (18)

TRW INC.                                                                                         File Nos.   20—DSS—P—91 (12)
                                                                                                               CSS—91—015
For Authority to Construct RDSS
and Mobile Satellite Systems


    COMMENTS OF LORAL QUALCOMM SATELLITE SERVICES, INC.
        ON MOTOROLA PETITION FOR EXPEDITED ACTION


      Loral Qualcomm Satellite Services, Inc., (CLQSS"), by its attorneys, hereby
submits its comments with regard to Motorola‘s Petition for Expedited Action with
respect to this proceeding which addresses pending applications to provide voice, data
and radio—determination satellite service (RDSS) from low—earth orbit satellites.


        I. SUMMARY
        Motorola Satellite Communications, Inc. on June 9, 1992 filed a Petition for
Expedited Action. The Petition urges the Commission to act immediately on the
pending applications by utilizing spectrum in addition to and other than that
proposed by the applicants‘ for low—Earth orbit satellite systems providing RDSS,
voice and data communications in the 1610—1626.5 MHz and 2483.5—2500 MHz bands
("RDSS bands"), and different from the spectrum allocation set forth in the
Commission‘s Rules pertaining to RDSS service.
        Motorola reiterates its prior proposals that the 1616—1626.5 MHz band be
allocated to Motorola on an exclusive basis. Now, to readdress the needs created by
its monopolistic and spectrally inefficient proposal, Motorola proposes that the
Commission allocate spectrum, in addition to the RDSS band, for use by LEO
MSS/RDSS applicants other than itself.        Motorola proposes that the Commission
authorize it to operate on an exclusive basis in the 1616—1626.5 MHz band, and
authorize the other LEO MSS/RDSS applicants to operate in the 1610—1616 MHz,
2483.5—2500 MHz and in 10.5 MHz of either the 1675—1710 MHz or 1599.5—1616 MHz
band.
        The Commission should dismiss and disregard this new Motorola "solution" as
self—serving and not viable for resolution of the pending proceeding. The Commission,
at this juncture, should not introduce spectrum reallocation proposals into this
proceeding as it would result in substantial delay in the implementation of important
new communications services. The spectrum "solution" proposed by Motorola requires
considerable analysis, coordination with United States government users of the
spectrum, as well as with other users. Moreover, this purpdrted "solution" would
severely and unlawfully disadvantage the applicants for the RDSS bands, with the
exception of Motorola, and impede the ability of those applicants, including LQSS, in


     ‘ Loral Qualcomm Satellite Services, Inc., Motorola Satellite Communications,
Inc., Constellations Communications, Inc., TRW Inc. and Ellipsat Corporation
constitute the "applicants". The American Mobile Satellite Corporation‘s (AMSC)
application to utilize the RDSS bands is not encompassed by Motorola‘s proposal.

                                          2


bringing services to the public. In short, Motorola‘s proposal would provide it with
the monopoly it seeks, while relegating other applicants to portions of the spectrum
which are not allocated for the service proposed, and which would, even if it were
technically feasible, have to be shared with each other and U.S. government users.
         The Commission cannot adopt the Motorola proposal without violating the
rights of LQSS and the other applicants whose applications are mutually exclusive
with that of Motorola."      Shorn ofits gloss, this current Motorola proposal is no more
than a continuation of its efforts to run roughshod over the competing applicants and
to bully the Commission into granting it the monopoly it seeks in the provision of
low—earth orbit voice, data and RDSS services in the prime portion of the RDSS
bands."     LQSS previously has opposed these efforts as inconsistent with the
Communications Act, legal precedent and the public interest, and continues to oppose
them.*

      II.       THE COMMISSION SHOULD NOT IMPLEMENT MOTOROLA‘S
               PROPOSAL TO ADD FREQUENCY BANDS

         Despite the implication of Motorola‘s filing, there is no "magic" solution to this



   *See Section 309 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 309
and Ashbacker v. FCC, 326 U.S. 327 (1945).

    ‘See Application of Motorola Satellite Communications, Inc., File No. 9—DSS—P—91
(87), CSS—91—010.     Application of Motorola Satellite Communications, Inc. for
Experimental Licenses with regard to the Iridium Satellite System, Files Nos. 2302—
EX—PL—91, 2303 EX—PL—91, 2304—EX—PL—91, 2305—EX—PL—91, 2306—EX—PL—91.
Supplement to Request for Pioneer‘s Preference, filed by Motorola Satellite
Communications, Inc. in ET Docket No. 92—28, PP—32, April 10, 1992.

    *See Consolidated Opposition to Petitions to Deny of Loral Qualcomm Satellite
Services, January 31, 1992 at 4—5, 32, 41; Consolidated Reply Comments by LQSS,
March 27, 1992 at 9—16, Technical Appendix Sections 3 and 4; Opposition to Request
for Confidential Treatment by Loral Qualcomm Satellite Services Inc., April 23, 1992;
letter of LQSS to Chairman Alfred Sikes and Commissioners Quello, Marshall,
Barrett and Duggan, dated May 8, 1992; Comments filed by LQSS on Motion for Stay
of TRW Inc., May 19, 1992; Comments filed by LQSS on Motorola Supplemental
Filing, June 12, 1992.


proceeding. The Commission has before it five applications for operation of low—earth
orbit satellite systems in the RDSS bands. Four of the applicants, including LQSS,
have indicated their willingness to operate using code division multiple access
(CDMA), using the entire up and downlinks of the RDSS band, working out an
arrangement so that all systems can operate over the entire band. One applicant, e.g,
Motorola, seeks a monopoly grant of 10.5 MHz, from 1616—1626.5 MHz for its
system." Motorola claims that it cannot operate along with the other LEO systems,
with geostationary systems, with GLONASS, or with radioastronomy.             In effect,
Motorola indicates that its system requires sole use of the most desirable and least
used portion of the RDSS spectrum because it would cause interference to other
systems and could not operate in the presence of other systems. In its Petition for
Expedited Action, Motorola states that it "require(s) the bidirectional use of only 10.5
MHz of spectrum from 1616—1626.5," that its "system would use FDMA/TDMA
modulation, and could not operate using CDMA spread spectrum modulation
techniques.""
      Because of the rigidity of the Motorola system proposal, Motorola now asks the
Commission to reallocate a different portion of the spectrum in addition to the RDSS
bands to provide for the other applicants and to do so unilaterally, without a
rulemaking, international consultation, intra—governmental consultation or other
processes. Motorola proposes that all four of the other LEO applicants squeeze into
a portion of the 1675—1710 MHz band or a portion of the 1599.5—1610 MHz band. The
other LEO applicants, including LQSS, would be required to share this additional




    ° One other applicant, the American Mobile Satellite Corporation (AMSC),
proposes to operate a geostationary system in the RDSS bands. LQSS has stated
previously that AMSC‘s proposal should be dismissed as inconsistent with the
outcome of WARC—92, with Commission policy of promoting multiple entry in the
provision of communications services and because it is not permitted under the
Commission‘s rules and precedent, not in the public interest and would not bring new
services to the public.

   6 Motorola Petition for Expedited Action at p. 16.
                                           4


spectrum with each other as well as the existing and future users of these bands.
      Further, it should be noted that under Motorola‘s band segmentation proposal,
other RDSS applicants could only use 6 MHz in the L—band and 16.5 MHz in the S—
band for their proposed LEO communications systems, instead of 16.5 MHz in each
band. Such an assignment of frequency would produce an unbalanced system, forcing
significant reductiofis in system capacity and/or design of a more complex, and
consequently more expensive system, thereby increasing costs to the public.
      The Commission should reject this approach outright.          To commence the
extensive analysis of the bands as well as coordination with the existing users would
work an unacceptable and potentially extensive delay in this process, as well as
create an unlawful disadvantage to the applicants for LEO RDSS/MSS systems which
Motorola proposes be authorized to use such spectrum.


      A.    The Commission Should Process the Applications on the Basis of the
Spectrum Applied for and for Which Petitions for Rulemaking are Pending

      All five LEO applicants have filed rulemaking petitions for the use of the RDSS
bands.‘    In addition, all LEO RDSS/MSS applicants have requested grant of a
pioneer‘s preference for development of innovations relating to the uses of the RDSS
bands.®


   ‘See Petition for Rulemaking filed by LQSS November 4, 1991; Petition for
Rulemaking filed by Constellation Communications, Inc., RM—7771 filed June 3, 1991;
by TRW Inc., RM—7773, filed July 8, 1991; by American Mobile Satellite Corp., RM—
7806 and by Ellipsat Corp., RM—7805 filed July 29, 1991; Petition for Rulemaking by
Motorola Satellite Communications, Inc., filed Oct. 16, 1991.

    ®See Application and Request for Pioneer‘s Preference by LQSS, filed June 3, 1991
at Part I, 6—8; Request for Pioneer‘s Preference, November 4, 1991, Supplement to
Request for Pioneer‘s Preference, filed June 12, 1992; Request for Pioneer‘s Preference
by TRW, Inc., filed September 6, 1991. Petition for Rulemaking by Motorola Satellite
Communications, filed Oct.16, 1991, see also Motorola Satellite Communications
Application, filed December 1990 at 7—8; and Request for Pioneer‘s Preference, July
30, 1991. Petition for Rulemaking and Request for Pioneer‘s Preference, Constellation
Communications, July 29, 1991. Request for Pioneer‘s Preference, Ellipsat Corp.,
filed June 3, 1991. Supplemental information filed by Ellipsat Corp., June 5, 1992.

                                           5


      The record is voluminous with respect to the applications, the rulemaking
requests and the pioneer‘s preference requests, all of which address the applied for
spectrum. The applicants, other commenting parties, as well as the Commission have
expended great effort in this process and have studied and evaluated the facts and
proposals with care." To change the frequency bands under consideration at this
juncture would delay still further Commission action on the pending applications and
petitions for rulemaking. It would also be unfair and unlawful. Such actions would
not be in the public interest.


     B. The RDSS Bands Were Allocated at WARC—92 for First Generation LEO
RDSS/MSS Systems

      The Commission need only review the record and results of the recently
concluded 1992 World Administrative Radio Conference (WARC—92) to obtain



    See Supplement to Request for Pioneer‘s Preference by Motorola Satellite
Communications, April 10, 1992, ET Docket No. 92—28, PP—32 at 8, footnote 14; at 11,
footnote 17, at 12 footnote 19. See supplemental information filed by Ellipsat Corp.,
June 5, 1992. See also the Freedom of Information Act Requests in ET Docket No.
92—28; File No. PP—32, filed April 23, 1992 by Constellation Communications, and by
TRW Inc., on April 27, 1992. TRW also filed Motion to Strike or, In the Alternative,
to Place Motorola Supplement on Public Notice and Opposition to Request for
Confidential Treatment of Ex Parte Presentations, filed April 23, 1992. See Freedom
of Information Act Request in ET Docket No. 92—28, File No. PP—32 by Ellipsat Corp.
filed on April 21, 1992. Ellipsat Corp. Motion to Strike Supplement to Request for
Preference, or, Alternatively, to Establish New Comment Dates, filed April 21, 1992,
and Ellipsat Corp. Opposition to Request for Confidential Treatment, April 21, 1992.
Application for Review of Protective Order in ET Docket No. 92—28, PP—32, FOIA
Control Nos. 92—83, 92—88, 92—86, by AMSC Subsidiary Corp., filed June 12, 1992.
Supplemental Comments of AMSC Subsidiary Corp., June 12, 1992. Protective
Order, DA 92—674 (May 28, 1992). Comments of LQSS on Motorola Supplemental
Filing, and Comments of LQSS on Confidential Supplement to Motorola‘s Request for
Pioneer‘s Preference, June 12, 1992. Reply Comments of TRW Inc. on Late—Filed
Comment Information of Motorola Satellite Communications, Inc. both unredacted
and redacted versions, June 12, 1992. Reply Comments of Ellipsat Corp. on Motorola
Supplemental Filing, June 12, 1992. Confidential Reply Comments to Confidential
Appendix to Supplement to Request for Pioneer‘s Preference and Reply Comments of
Constellation Communications Inc., June 12, 1992.

                                          6


guidance as to the views of the international community regarding the allocations to
be used for first generation LEO RDSS/MSS systems."                  Initially, many
administrations were less than enthusiastic about allocating spectrum for LEO
RDSS/MSS systems, but ultimately the Conference allocated the entire 1610—1626.5
MHz and 2483.5—2500 MHz bands for the mobile—satellite service, subject to certain
provisions indicating their use by low—earth orbit satellite systems."
      Many administrations at WARC—92 had serious concerns about the ability of
multiple LEO RDSS/MSS systems to operate in this spectrum. Motorola, as well as
the other RDSS applicants, including LQSS, provided extensive briefings to these
administrations to allay these concerns. * Based on the commitment of the United
States, WARC—92 allocated the RDSS bands for MSS on a primary basis in all three
regions of the world. In addition, the 1613.8—1626.5 MHz band was allocated on
secondary basis in the space—to—Earth direction at the behest of the United States to
satisfy the interest of Motorola in operating in a bidirectional manner. There was no
indication at WARC—92 that the United States contemplated the band segmentation
approach ——   and monopoly    ——   that Motorola is proposing, and indeed it made
representations to the contrary.
      These facts and history indicate that Motorola‘s proposal is inappropriate and
inconsistent with WARC—92. It should therefore not be considered here.


      III.     THE ADDITIONAL BANDS PROPOSED FOR MOTOROLA ARE
              ALLOCATED TO AND USED BY OTHER SERVICES

      Motorola has not miraculously found spare spectrum to satisfy both its


    "See The Final Acts of the World Administrative Radio Conference, (WARC—92)
at Malaga—Torremolinos, including the Addendum and Corrigendum.

   "‘See LQSS‘ Consolidated Reply Comments in the Applications of AMSC
Subsidiary Corp. and LQSS, File Nos. 15—DSS—MP—91, and 16—DSS—MP—91, File Nos.
19—DSS—P—91(48) and CSS—91—014, March 27, 1992 at Appendix B.

   See Reply Comments of LQSS, supra at 2; Comments of LQSS on Motorola
Supplemental Filing, supra at 7—8.


monopoly requirements and the requirements of the other LEO RDSS/MSS
applicants. LQSS, like Motorola, has reviewed the International Table of Allocations
and the results of WARC—92 in an effort to identify possible options. LQSS is familiar
with the bands that Motorola now proposes for use by systems other than itself. It
is abundantly clear that these bands in no way provide the easy solution for the
Commission or the applicants that Motorola claims they do.


      A. The 1675—1710 MHz Band is Allocated for Meteorological—Satellite Services
and Meteorological—Aids Providing Critical Safety of Life Functions



      Motorola proposes that 10.5 MHz of the 1675—1710 MHz band be utilized by the
LEO RDSS applicants other than itself.       Motorola‘s own description of the band
indicates just how complex the use of this band would be.
      First of all, as a result of WARC—92, the 1675—1710 MHz band is divided into
three segments in the International Table of Frequency Allocations —— 1675—1690 MHz,
1690—1700 MHz, and 1700—1710 MHz. The 1675—1690 MHz band is now allocated
worldwide on a co—primary basis to the Meteorological—Satellite (space—to—Earth),
Meteorological Aids, Fixed, and Mobile (except aeronautical mobile) Services.       In
Region 2 the band, beginning on October 12, 1993, will be available on a co—primary
basis for MSS in the Earth—to—space direction subject to RR 735¢." This footnote
is a key restriction on the use by MSS of this spectrum.        It provides that MSS
stations in the band "shall not cause harmful interference to, nor constrain
development of, the meteorological—satellite and meteorological aids services (see also
Resolution COM 4/X) and the use of this band shall be subject to the provisions of
Resolution COM 5/8." "
      The 1690—1700 MHz band is allocated worldwide on a co—primary basis to the
Meteorological—Satellite Service ("Metsat") in the space—to—Earth direction and to the


   "See Final Acts supra footnote 10, at 14—15, Addendum and Corrigendum.

   "Id.


Meteorological Aids Service ("Metaids"). Also as a result of WARC—92, in Region 2,
the band will be available, beginning October 12, 1993, on a co—primary basis to the
Mobile Satellite Service in the Earth—to—space direction subject to RR 735A requiring
protection of Metsats and Metaids."
      Further, the 1700—1710 MHz band is allocated worldwide on a co—primary basis
to Metsats in the space—to—Earth direction, and Fixed and Mobile (except Aeronautical
Mobile) Services. This band also will be available, beginning October 12, 1993, for
mobile satellite service in the Earth—to—space direction in Region 2 subject to RR
735A."
      Not only are these bands already allocated to other services, they are
extensively used by other systems, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration‘s (NOAA) weather satellites, as well as the weather satellites of other
countries. The NOAA systems provide vital safety—of—life information throughout the
world on a real—time basis. While the NOAA systems currently use a portion of the
band, the system is constantly under expansion and future growth is expected to be
significant."
      Chart III—A shows a preliminary review of the current and future
meteorological satellites in the 1675—1710 MHz band. Satellites in these bands are
operated by countries around the world, including the European Space Agency (ESA),
Japan and the U.S.




   "Id.

   "Id.

    " See, "New NOAA—11 Will Monitor Ozone, Aid Search—and—Rescue Operations,"
Aviation Week and Space Technology, October 10, 1988, announcing the launch of
NOAA—11 which will, according to the article, send "a steady stream of vital data to
the National Weather Service that will soon include global ozone measurements."

                                          9


                                        CHART III—A
                     METEOROLOGICAL SATELLITES IN THE 1670—1710 MHz BAND


Meteorological         Orbit           Sponsor Agency   Launch Date           Frequency (MHz)
Satellites
Meteosat Operation     GEO             European Space   1989—983              1691/1694.5
Program                                Agency
 MOP 1                                                  1989
 MOP 2                                                  1991
 MOP 3                                                  1993
Geostationary          GEO             Japan            1977—94               1687/1691
Meteorological                         Meteorological
Satellite (GMS)                        Agency
 GMS 1—5                                                last launch planned
                                                        for 1994

GOES                   GEO             U.S. NOAA        1975—2006             1694.5
GOES J—M                                                1992—1996
TIROS N                LEO             U.S. NOAAA       1978                  1698
                                                                              1702.5
                                                                              1707
NOAA K,L,M,N           LEO             U.S. NOAAA       1993—1996             Same as TIROS N




                                               10


      The allocation at WARC—92 for mobile—satellite service in these bands (limited
to Region 2) was made with the explicit proviso that such use not constrain the
development and future use of the band by MetSats and MetAids. It is very difficult
to conceive how LEO RDSS/MSS systems could be designed not only to work around
current MetSat and MetAids operations but to "avoid" other spectrum that systems
in these services may operate on in the future. Despite Motorola‘s proposal, that
"since the LEO RDSS/MSS systems would have communication with central control
stations, any changes to the Metsat or MetAid systems can be coordinated so as not
to constrain Metsat or Metaid system development, "} gsuch a constraint on the LEO
RDSS/MSS systems would create considerable uncertainty and complexity as to the
bandwidth available for operations, operating parameters and design of user
equipment.
      Motorola neglects, in its filing, to point out that the United States did not
propose the allocation of the 1675—1710 MHz band for use by MSS, nor did it support
this allocation. As discussed above, the allocation was reluctantly agreed to during
the final hours of the conference. During preparations for the conference, the United
States Industry Advisory Committee as well as the United States delegation,
considered numerous potential bands to meet the needs of the mobile—satellite service.
Because of the critical nature of the use of the 1675—1710 MHz band by MetSats and
MetAids, the United States did not include it in its proposals for the conference.
      Motorola‘s implication, that the United States approved of this allocation is
misleading. Motorola states that, "(In adopting this allocation at WARC—92, the
apparent intention was to pair this 35 MHz uplink band with the allocation at 1492—
1525 MHz for MSS downlinks. The United States, however, took an exception to the
proposed use of the 1492—1525 MHz band for an MSS downlink allocation."" As
Motorola itself states, the United States opposed the use of the 1492—1525 MHz band




   * Motorola Petition, p. 21.

   * Motorola Petition at p. 19.
                                          11


for several allocations —— Broadcasting Satellite Service (Sound), Broadcasting Service,
as well as Mobile—Satellite Service —— because this band is used in the United States
for Aeronautical Telemetry, or flight testing. Motorola implies that the United States
did not similarly oppose the allocation of the 1675—1710 MHz band to MSS in Region
2 because it did not take a formal reservation to the action of the conference.
      The United States, as do most other administrations, seeks to reach consensus
on the maximum number of allocations at World Administrative Radio Conferences.
Thus, the United States makes sparing and judicious use of its right to take a formal
reservation to conference actions. With the allocation of the 1675—1710 MHz band to
MSS in Region 2 coming at virtually the eleventh hour of the conference, the United
States delegation did not have advance positions opposing such an allocation, or
approval to enter a reservation.
      Thus, Motorola is not correct in suggesting that the United States supported
the addition of Mobile—Satellite Service in the 1675—1710 MHz band in Region 2. The
inclusion of the very restrictive Footnote 735A suggests serious concerns about the
impact of MSS operations on MetSats and MetAids.


      B. The Commission Has Previously Rejected A Proposal Made by Motorola to
Share Portions of the 1675—1710 MHz Bands with Other Services


      The Commission has previously considered the operation of an additional
service in at least part of this band and the impact such service might have on
MetSat operations. In 1988, the Commission determined that the 1700—1710 MHz
portion of this band, could not be used by a Motorola—proposed radio local area
network (RLANS) service, even on a secondary basis."" The Commission stated that:
      Although NTIA did not initially object to use of the 1700—1710 MHz
      band for RLANs, in subsequent comments it provided new information
      regarding projected use of the band by the primary users. Specifically,



   * See, In the Matter of Amendment of Parts 1 and 94 of the Commission‘s Rules
to Accommodate Radio Local Area Network Stations in the 1700—1710 MHz Band,
1988 FCC LEXIS 1485, 65 Rad. Reg. 2d (P & F) 89 (1988).

                                          12


       the number of ground terminals is expected to be several times larger
       than originally believed. Extensive use of the band for MetSat purposes
       makes the possibility of sharing more difficult.""

       Thus, the Commission concluded "that there are too many complex technical
and regulatory issues associated with permitting RLANs in the 1700—1710 MHz band
to go forward at this time.""" If the Commission, in 1988, would not permit mobile
use in this band on a secondary basis for wireless connection of personal computers
and desktop terminals to central processors, a service that would appear to impose
little threat to MetSat operations, it is hard to imagine that operation of thousands
of mobile satellite terminals in conjunction with satellites operating in low—earth orbit
would be viewed as a compatible operation in the band.
       Motorola, in its Petition for Expedited Action, stresses the importance of
moving forward with the processing of the pending applications for LEO RDSS/MSS
service.    LQSS agrees with this objective.    However, as indicated by Motorola‘s
RLANS request for rulemaking to utilize the 1700—1710 MHz band, consideration of
spectrum allocation can, and usually does, require a lengthy proceeding. Motorola‘s
request with regard to its proposed RLANS service —— for a secondary allocation ——
took more than three years to come to conclusion. Motorola filed its petition on June
14, 1985 and the Commission determined not to allocate the spectrum as Motorola
proposed in a Commission order adopted July 26, 1988.
           LQSS does not believe that further delay in the current LEO RDSS/MSS
proceeding would serve the applicants, the public interest or the United States
national interest in having U.S. systems go forward.


      C. The 1675—1710 MHz Bands are Allocated to Terrestrial Fixed and Mobile
Services Throughout the World

       In addition to the MetSat and MetAids allocations in the 1675—1710 MHz



   * Id. at p. 89.

   * Id.     |

                                           13


bands, terrestrial fixed and mobile service also may use the bands on a co—primary
basis. Motorola has made some effort to analyze current assignments and use by
such systems in these bands. The fact remains that terrestrial, mobile and fixed
services would continue to be co—primary with any satellites operating in these bands.
Coordination would be required with any such systems. However, the issue of the
operations and status of LEO MSS/RDSS systems in relation to meteorological
satellites causes by far the most serious concern with respect to sharing in this band.


     D. The Use of the 1599.5—1620 MHz Band as Proposed by Motorola Would Be
Unworkable for LEO MSS/RDSS


      Motorola, in addition to its proposal that the LEO RDSS/MSS applicants other
than itself, squeeze into 10.5 MHz of the 1675—1710 MHz band suggests alternatively
that these applicants use 10.5 MHz of the 1599.5—1620 MHz band. The 1599.5—1620
MHz band contains no allocation for the Mobile—Satellite service. It is allocated to the
Aeronautical Radionavigation Service and the Radionavigation—Satellite Service for
downlinks on a co—primary basis in RegionIZ. Motorola notes that the 1599.5—1620
MHz band is also available in certain countries for the Fixed Service, for the
Aeronautical Radionavigation Service in Sweden, and for the Aeronautical Mobile
Service in certain countries.
      Motorola suggests that the 1599.5—1620 MHz band would be suitable for the
LEO RDSS/MSS applicants other than itself because "(T)he other LEO RDSS/MSS
applicants have previously stated that they can share with GLONASS. "3 Motorola
points out that the Russian GLONASS system operates from 1610 to 1616 MHz
pursuant to RR 732 and that, pursuant to RR 781X adopted at WARC—92, MSS or
RDSS uplinks in the 1610—1626.5 MHz band are subject to certain requirements to
ensure that they do not cause harm to the GLONASS operations, to Aeronautical




   * Motorola Petition, at p. 26.
                                           14


Radionavigation Service in Sweden, and to certain existing fixed operations."*
      In order to gain the support of Russia to the LEO RDSS/MSS allocations at
WARC—92 (or at a minimum, to avoid opposition), the United States provided
analyses that demonstrated that the LEO RDSS/MSS applicants, other than
Motorola, would operate within certain uplink e.i.r.p. density limits in order not to
cause harmful interference to the GLONASS system. This limit is embodied in RR
731X. In the 1616—1626.5 MHz band, where the current GLONASS system does not
operate", a higher ei.r.p. density limit was set to accommodate Motorola‘s system.
      Because of the proposed operating parameters of the LEO RDSS/MSS systems
other than its own, Motorola suggests that "it follows that these same LEO systems |
should be able to share the spectrum from 1599.5— 1610 MHz equally well with
GLONASS, as well as with any future Aeronautical Radionavigation—Satellite system
in the band, by conforming to RR 781X.""
      Operation in the band 1599.5 — 1610 MHz would be subject not only to
coordination with systems such as GLONASS, but subject to RR 342, that is, on a
non—interference basis to any systems, as there is no allocation for mobile—satellite
service in the band. The possibility, if any, to share with GLONASS would have to
be carefully analyzed and would of necessity require extensive and time—consuming
coordination. The Commission is well aware (fi' the complexities of such frequency
coordinations among satellite systems.
      Further, operation pursuant to RR 342, and in the absence of a specific



   * See, Footnote RR 731X, Resolution COM 5/8 from the Addendum and
Corrigendum to the Final Acts of WARC—92, as well as existing RR 730 of the Radio
Regulations.

   * On January 22, 1992, the International Frequency Registration Board
circulated the Advance Publication material provided by Russia concerning its
planned GLONASS—M system which would utilize the band 1596.9 — 1610 MHz for
space and earth (land, maritime, aeronautical) stations and the band 1610—1620.6
MHz for space and aeronautical stations.

   * Motorola Petition, at p. 27.
                                         15


allocation in any region of the world, would impose a serious inequity on the LEO
RDSS/MSS systems other than Motorola. LQSS does not agree with Motorola‘s claim
that this situation is similar to the creation of a duopoly in the provision of cellular
radio services."    When the Commission allocated spectrum for cellular radio
systems, both the wireline and non—wireline applicants were given exactly comparably
usable spectrum with the same allocation for the United States."

       E. The LEO RDSS/MSS Applicants All Propose Global Systems and Require
Spectrum on a Worldwide Basis

      Motorola concentrates almost entirely upon the issue of allocation for LEO
RDSS/MSS systems for operation in the United States. But surely Motorola is not
planning to invest more than $3 billion for a system that would provide service only
in the United States. All of the LEO RDSS/MSS applicants, including LQSS, propose
global service.
      More important, however, is the question of certainty for all applicants that
service can be provided throughout the world. The nature of low-eai'th orbit satellite
systems is that they are capable of providing global coverage.             The service
requirements and the economics of LEO systems indicate the importance of global
operations. Motorola, however, suggests that "(Df more international spectrum is
needed in the near term, these systems could operate RDSS/MSS uplinks in the 1675—
1710 MHz band in Regions 1 and 3 on a non—interference basis pursuant to RR
342.""°" RR 342 provides:
      Administrations of the Members shall not assign to a station any
      frequency in derogation of either the Table of Frequency Allocations



   *"" Supra, at p. 33.

   * See, Amendment of Parts 2 and 22 of the Commission‘s Rules Relative to
Cellular Communications Systems (Report and Order), Gen. Docket No. 84—1231, 2
FCC Red. 1825, 1828 [ 26 (1986). and Additional Frequency Allocation for Cellular
Systems (Notice of Proposed Rulemaking), 50 Fed. Reg. 3809, 3809 ( 1 (1985).

   *° Motorola Petition, at p. 24.

                                           16


        given in this Chapter or the other provisions of these Regulations,
        except on the express condition that harmful interference shall not be
        caused to services carried on by stations operating in accordance with
        the provisions of the Convention and of these Regulations."

        Despite Motorola‘s cavalier suggestion, operation of commercial systems
 pursuant to this provision would be both risky and problematic.      Under RR 342,
 systems have no status.     They may neither cause interference to nor receive
 protection from other systems, including systems that may be implemented in the
 future. For system operators to proceed pursuant to RR 342 in the design, financing,
| construction and deployment of costly systems would be risky. And, the Commission
 would not have certainty that such systems would be able to provide the
 communications services proposed.
       Motorola seems to believe that such operation is feasible, however. In that
 case, sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander might be the guiding principle.
 Perhaps, then, the Commission should give serious consideration to retaining the
 open entry, multiple provider and code—division multiple access provisions applicable
 to the 1610—1626.5 MHz and 2483.5—2500 MHz bands in the Commission‘s existing
 rules*‘ and provide for operation of Motorola‘s system elsewhere in the
 electromagnetic spectrum pursuant to RR 342. (Motorola, of course, has carefully
 planned to avoid this possibility and designed a system which simply cannot operate
 under such constraints, although it advocates imposition of them on others).
       As stated previously by LQSS, the Commission should address the issue of
 whether Motorola‘s system is consistent with long—standing Commission policy of
 multiple providers and spectrum efficiency. If the Commission determines that it is
 not, Motorola can be given the opportunity to revise its system proposal."



     * Radio Regulations, International Telecommunication Union, Geneva, 1990.

     * See, Section 25.141 of the Commission‘s rules, 47 C.FR. § 25.141.

     * Motorola has suggested that applicants other than itself will have to revise
 their system proposals, to utilize the spectrum it is proposing.

                                          17


      The question of international allocations is a serious one. The most recent
major spectrum allocation conference occurred this year. The previous conference
addressing mobile satellite issues occurred in 1987; the conference prior to that was
in 1979. Although the ITU will hold a Plenipotentiary this December to consider the
scheduling offuture spectrum allocation conferences and may decide to schedule such
conferences on a regular, biennial basis, even under such a scenario it is unlikely that
a conference would occur prior to 1994 or 1995 at the earliest.           And, as was
demonstrated by WARC—92, spectrum allocations are rarely made effective
immediately. The bulk of the allocations at WARC—92 are scheduled to go into effect
on October 12, 1993, with most new global mobile—satellite service allocations
available in 2005.


      IV.    ALL QUALIFIED LEO RDSS/MSS APPLICANTS SHOULD HAVE
             ACCESS TO THE SAME SPECTRUM

      Spectrum allocation must be procedurally sound, legally permissible and fair
to all applicants. It cannot be unilaterally imposed to the benefit of one applicant
and the detriment of others.


      A. The Communications Act and Legal Precedent Preclude Uneven Treatment
of Mutually Exclusive Applicants


      As LQSS has stated in numerous other filings in this proceeding," the
Commission cannot favor Motorola to the exclusion of other mutually exclusive
applicants. To go down the path of Motorola‘s band—segmentation proposal, through
the pioneer‘s preference proceeding, or through the processing of the pending
applications, would unlawfully deny LQSS and others the right to comparative



    * See, e.g., Reply Comments of LQSS with Regard to Requests for Pioneer‘s
Preference, April 23, 1992, Comments of LQSS on Motorola‘s Supplemental Filing on
its Request for Pioneer‘s Preference, June 12, 1992.

                                           18


consideration accorded by the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, and by legal
precedent, including Ashbacker v. FCC, 326 U.S. 327 (1945).
      What Motorola is in essence 'putting forward is a spectrum reallocation
proposal. Motorola is making this reallocation proposal in the context of its Request
for Pioneer‘s Preference, application for experimental license, and now here, in the
context of the pending applications.    Motorola, in the guise of its Petition for
Expedited Action on its pending application, essentially has filed a new rulemaking
petition seeking the reallocation by the Commission of additional spectrum in the
United States for use by LEO RDSS/MSS systems other than its own.            But, as
proposed by Motorola, the use of additional spectrum for systems other than its own,
works an inequity and a legally impermissible discrimination between its proposed
TDMA LEO RDSS/MSS system and the proposed CDMA LEO RDSS/MSS systems."

      B. The Commission Should License the Qualified LEO RDSS/MSS Applicants
to Use the Entire RDSS/MSS Band



      The Commission can and should proceed with the pending rulemaking petitions
as well as the pending applications to provide voice, data and RDSS service from low—
earth orbit satellites. It can proceed expeditiously with a rulemaking, as LQSS has
previously suggested, which focuses narrowly on the financial qualification and
technical issues raised in the rulemaking petitions.    Consistent with the current
RDSS rules (see, e.g., Section 25151 (e)), as well as Commission policy promoting
open entry and spectrum sharing, the Commission should provide that users of the
1610—1626.5 MHz and 2483.5—2500 MHz bands operate in such a manner as to enable
use of the entire band by multiple systems.
      Following the rulemaking, the Commission may have to provide opportunity




   *See Rainbow Broadcasting Co. v. FCC, 949 F 2d. 405, 409 D.C. Cir.1941)
(Ashbacker requires applicants for the same frequency to be treated equally).

                                         19


for amendment of applications, as it has previously indicated it would."            The
applications could then be acted upon by the Commission. LQSS believes that this
orderly approach will enable the Commission to act in the public interest within the
shortest possible timeframe.


      V. CONCLUSION
      The Commission should not at this time implement a review of the alternative
spectrum proposals made by Motorola. The bands proposed for use are not allocated
for mobile—satellite service on a worldwide basis and are allocated to and used by
other critical services, including meteorological—satellites. The feasibility for use by
low—earth orbit satellite systems providing voice, data and RDSS service requires
extensive analysis and coordination with United States government users and with
other nations, and the Commission has previously rejected a similar proposal.
Motorola‘s approach would delay rather than expedite this proceeding.




   * See, Public Notice, Report No. DS—1068, released April 1, 1991, as corrected by
Report No. DS—1071, released April 18, 1991, providing that amendments to
applications will be permitted if necessary as a result of any rules the Commission
adopts.

                                          20


       The Commission should set aside Motorola‘s proposal and move forward with
the pending rulemaking on the RDSS bands and the processing of the applications
before it.


Respectfully submitted,
LORAL QUALCOMM SATELLITE SERVICES, INC.


                                         mJuitMSecth
                                         Linda K. Smith, Esq.
                                         Robert M. Halperin, Esq.
                                         William D. Wallace, Esq.
                                         Crowell & Moring
                                         1001 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.
                                         Washington, D.C. 20004—2505
                                         (202) 624—2500



                                         Leslie A. Taylor, Esq.
                                         Leslie Taylor Associates
                                         6800 Carlynn Court
                                         Bethesda, MD 20817—4302
                                         (301) 229—9341




June 24, 1992




                                       21


                                CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
        I, Andrew Taylor, hereby certify that I have on this 24nd day of June 1992, caused to be
sent copies of the foregoing "Comments of Loral Qualcomm Satellite Services, Inc. on Motorola
Petition for Expedited Action" by U.S. mail, postage prepaid, to the following:

Gary M. Epstein, Esq.                              Robert A. Mazer, Esq.
James F. Rogers, Esq.                              Albert Shuldiner, Esq.
Kevin C. Boyle, Esq.                               Nixon, Hargrave, Devans & Doyle
Latham & Watkins                                   One Thomas Circle N.W.
1001 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W.                      Suite 800
Suite 1300                                         Washington, D.C. 20005
Washington, D.C. 20004—2504


Jill Abeshouse Stern, Esq.                         Philip L. Malet, Esq.
Shaw, Pittman, Potts &                             Steptoe & Johnson
Trowbridge                                         1330 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
2300 N Street NW.                                  Washington, D.C. 20036
Washington, D.C. 20037


Veronica Haggart, Esq.                             Norman P Leventhal, Esq.
Vice President & Director                          Raul Rodriquez, Esq.
Regulatory Affairs                                 Stephen D. Baruch, Esq.
Motorola, Inc.                                     Leventhal, Senter & Lerman
1350 I Street NW.                                  2000 K Street N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20005                             Suite 600
                                                   Washington, D.C. 20006

Bruce Jacobs, Esq.                                 Lon Levin, Esq.
Glenn Richards, Esq.                               Vice President and Regulatory Counsel
Fisher, Wayland, Cooper                            Leslie A.L. Borden, Esq.
& Leader                                           Vice President and General Counsel
1255 23rd St. NW.                                  AMSC
Suite 800                                          1150 Connecticut Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20037                             4th Floor
                                                   Washington, D.C. 20036


Dr. Robert L. Riemer                    Cheryl Lynn Schneider, Esq.
Committee on Radio Frequencies          Communications Satellite Corporation
HA—562                                  950 L‘Enfant Plaza, S.W.
National Research Council               Washington, D.C. 20024
2101 Constitution Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20418

Victor J. Toth, Esq.                    William K. Keene, Esq.
Law Offices of Victor J. Toth           Winston & Strawn
2719 Soapstone Dr.                      1400 L Street N.W.
Reston, VA 22091                        Washington, D.C. 20005

Hollis G. Duesing, Esq.                 James G. Ennis, Esq.
The Association of American Railroads   Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth
50 F Street N.W.                        1225 Connecticut Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20001                  Suite 400
                                        Washington, D.C. 20036



Richard Barth                           William Hatch
U.S. Department of Commerce             William Gamble
NOAA                                    Richard Parlow
Office of Spectrum Management           U.S. Department of Commerce
Room 3332 FOB #4                        NTIA
Washington, D.C. 20233                  14th & Constitution Ave. N.W.
                                        Washington, D.C. 20230




                                        Andrew F. Taylor



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Document Modified: 2015-03-26 16:21:18

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