Attachment DA 09-1624

DA 09-1624

ORDER & AUTHORIZATION submitted by IB, FCC

DA 09-1624

2009-07-28

This document pretains to SAT-AMD-20080114-00014 for Amended Filing on a Satellite Space Stations filing.

IBFS_SATAMD2008011400014_727189

                                    Federal Communications Commission                                 DA 09—1624



                                                 Before the
                                    Federal Communications Commission
                                            Washington, D.C. 20554


In the Matter of                                           )
                                                           )                               .
DIRECTV Enterprises, LLC                                   )       File Nos. SAT—LOA—20060908—00100
Application for Authorization to Launch and                )                  SAT—AMD—20080114—00014
Operate DIRECTV RB—2, a Satellite in the                   P]                 SAT—AMD—20080321—00077
17/24 GHz Broadcasting Satellite Service                   )
at the 102.825° W.L. Orbital location                      )       Call Sign: $2712


                                      ORDER AND AUTHORIZATION

Adopted: July 27, 2009                                                          Released: July 28, 2009

By the Acting Chief, International Bureau:

I.       INTRODUCTION

         1. With this Order, we grant DIRECTV Enterprises, LLC (DIRECTV) authority to construct,
launch and operate a 17/24 GHz Broadcasting—Satellite Service (BSS) space station at the 102.825° W.L.
orbital location, which is offset 0.175 degrees from the 103° W.L. orbital location specified in Appendix F
to the 17/24 GHz BSS Report and Order, at a reduced power and without full interference protection.‘
DIRECTV is authorized to operate in the 17.3—17.7 GHz (space—to—Earth) and the 24.75—25.15 GHz
(Earth—to—space) frequency bands as specified in this Order,. We also find that DIRECTV‘s application is
substantially complete and was appropriately accepted for filing and placed on public notice, contrary to
arguments made by Spectrum Five LLC (Spectrum Five). We believe that grant of this application will
stimulate competition in the United States and provide consumers more alternatives in choosing
communications services.

IL.      BACKGROUND

         2.   17/24 GHz BSS Service Rules Proceeding. In May 2007, the Commission released a Report
and Order adopting processing and service rules for the 17/24 GHz BSS. The 17/24 GHz BSS Report and
Order included a framework in which 17/24 GHz BSS space stations would operate at orbital locations
spaced at four—degree intervals, as set forth in Appendix F to the order (hereafter known as Appendix F
locations). The Commission decided to apply the first—come, first—served licensing process to applications
in this service." In addition, the Commission adopted geographic service rules to require licensees to
provide service to Alaska and Hawaii, and prescribed a minimum antenna diameter and antenna

* For a complete explanation of the rules and policies regarding the spacing framework and interference protections
in the 17/24 GHz BSS Band, see Establishment of Policies and Service Rules for the Broadcasting—Satellite Service
at the 17.3—17.7 GHz Frequency Band and at the 17.7—17.8 GHz Frequency Band Internationally, and at the 24.75—
25.25 GHz Frequency Band for Fixed Satellite Services Providing Feeder Links to the Broadcasting—Satellite
Service and for the Satellite Services Operating Bi—directionally in the 17.3—17.8 GHz Frequency Band, IB Docket
No. 06—123, Report and Order and Further Notice ofProposed Rulemaking, IB Docket No 06—123, 22 FCC Red
8842 (2007) (17/24 GHz BSS Report and Order), petitionsfor reconsideration pending, Order on Reconsideration,
22 FCC Red 17951 (2007) (Order on Reconsideration), petitions for reconsideration pending.
* See Amendment of the Commission‘s Space Station Licensing Rules and Policies, First Report and Order and
Further Notice ofProposed Rulemaking, IB Docket No. 02—34, 18 FCC Red 10760 (2003) (Space Station Reform
Order).


                                     Federal Communications Commission                                   DA 09—1624



performance standards. Further, the Commuission established limits for uplink and downlink power levels
to minimize the possibility of harmful interference, and stipulated criteria to facilitate sharing in the 17.3—
17.8 GHz and 24.75—25.25 GHz bands. At the same time, the Commission issued a Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on coordination parameters relating to space—path and ground—
path interference in the 17.3—17.8 GHz band." In September 2007, the Commission released an Order on
Reconsideration, sua sponte, providing space station operators additional flexibility to operate full power
satellites at orbital locations offset by up to one degree from an Appendix F location, if there are no
licensed or prior—filed applications for 17/24 GHz BSS space stations less than four degrees away from
the proposed offset space station."

        3. Application Processing. At the time the Commission issued its 17/24 GHz BSS Report and
Order, there were 22 pending applications for 17/24 GHz BSS space station authorizations." To
implementits decisions, the Commission directed the International Bureau to release a public notice after
the rules became effective, establishing a deadline for applicants to amend pending applications to
conform to the newly—adopted rules. The 17/24 GHz BSS rules, as modified by the Order on
Reconsideration, became effective on November 23, 2007.° The Bureau released a Public Notice on
December 5, 2007, with instructions for filing conforming amendments.‘

       4. DIRECTYApplication. DIRECTV originally filed an application in 2006, seeking to provide
17/24 GHz BSS from the 102.8° W.L. orbital location. In its conforming amendment, DIRECTV
modified its request, and now seeks authority to operate at the 102.825° W.L. orbital location. DIRECTV
states that this space station will enhance its ability to provide video services to its subscribers by
augmenting its capabilities and enhancing its ability to respond to its customers‘ changing needs. The
application, as amended, was placed on public notice as accepted for filing on July 2, 2008.° Ciel
Satellite Limited Partnership (Ciel) and SES Americom Inc. (SES Americom) filed comments on the
application on August 1, 2008. In their comments, Ciel and SES Americom ask the Commission to place




* The 17/24 GHz BSS Further Notice ofProposed Rulemaking, 22 FCC Red at 8902 (para. 148 et seq.). We note
that authorizations for systems in the 17/24 GHz BSS band may be subject to conditions adopted as a result of the
Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. The 17 GHz band is known as the "reverse band" because the BSS
downlink is conducted in the same frequency band as the service uplink for the Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS)
service. Specifically, the 17.3—17.8 GHz frequency band is allocated for BSS in the space—to—Earth direction, which
is co—primary with DBS feeder links in the Earth—to—space direction.
* Establishment of Policies and Service Rules for the Broadcasting—Satellite Service at the 17.3—17.7 GHz Frequency
Band and at the 17.7—17.8 GHz Frequency Band Internationally, and at the 24.75—25.25 GHz Frequency Band for
Fixed Satellite Services Providing Feeder Links to the Broadcasting—Satellite Service and for the Satellite Services
Operating Bi—directionally in the 17.3—17.8 GHz Frequency Band, Order on Reconsideration, IB Docket No. 06—
123, 22 FCC Red 17951 (2007) (Order on Reconsideration), petitionsfor reconsideration pending.
* 17/24 GHz BSS Report and Order at Appendix E.
© 72 Fed. Reg. 60272 (Oct. 24, 2007).
? International Bureau Establishes Deadline for Amendments to Pending 17/24 GHz BSS Applications, Public
Notice, Report No. SPB—223, DA 07—4895 (December 5, 2007). The ex parte status of the applications was made
permit—but—disclose on June 15, 2007. Policy Branch Information, Actions Taken, Public Notice, DA 07—2652,
Report No. SAT—00451 (rel. June 15, 2007).
® Policy Branch Information, Satellite Space Applications Accepted for Filing, Public Notice, Report No. SAT—
00535 (rel. July 2, 2008); Policy Branch Information, Satellite Space Applications Accepted for Filing, Public
Notice, Report No. SAT—00537 (rel. July 11, 2008) (corrections).


                                                          2


                                      Federal Communications Commission                                    DA 09—1624



additional conditions relating to DIRECTV‘s international coordination responsibilities on any license."
No petitions to deny were filed.

         5. Spectrum Five‘s Challenge to DIRECTV‘s Application. On November 19, 2008, Spectrum
Five filed a petition for declaratory ruling to serve the market in the United States through a 17/24 GHz
BSS Netherlands—authorized satellite at the 103.15° W.L. orbital location, which is offset 0.15 degree
from the 103° W.L. orbital location, at reduced power and with reduced interference protection.‘" In its
petition for market access, Spectrum Five argues that DIRECTV‘s application at the 102.825° W.L.
orbital location must be dismissed or denied as defective because it exceeds the Commission‘s power flux
density (PFD) limits."" In particular, Spectrum Five asserts that DIRECTV improperly relied on weather
and atmospheric conditions in calculating that its PFD met the power limits in Section 25.208(w) of the
Commission‘s rules." Based on this allegation, Spectrum Five contends that DIRECTV‘s application
must be dismissed or denied, at which point Spectrum Five claims its application would be first in the
application processing queue for the 17/24 GHz BSS frequencies at the 103° W.L. Appendix F orbital
location and its related offsets. Spectrum Five continued to raise questions concerning different aspects
of DIRECTV‘s PFD demonstration in a series of ex parte meetings at the Commission, subsequent to its
November 19, 2008 filing."" DIRECTV filed an ex parte letter addressing Spectrum Five‘s questions."*


° In a comment filed on all pending 17/24 GHz BSS applications, including its own applications, Pegasus
Development DBS Corporation (Pegasus) sought a "clarification" regarding Commission policies relating to Section
25.158(c) (prohibition on transfer of place in application queue) and Section 25.165 (bond requirement). The issues
raised by Pegasus are not relevant to the processing of this application, but, instead, relate to a request to assign an
application to Pegasus to DIRECTV Enterprises, LLC (DIRECTV). IBFS File No. SAT—AMD—20080916—00188.
Accordingly, we will not address Pegasus‘s comment in this Order. These comments will be addressed in our
decision on that assignment application.
!° Spectrum Five LLC, Petition for Declaratory Ruling to Serve the U.S. Market from the 103.15° W.L. Orbital
Location in the 17/24 Broadcasting Satellite Service Band, IBFS File No. SAT—LOI—20081119—00217, Call Sign:
$2778 (Spectrum Five 103° W.L. PDR).
4 Spectrum Five 103° W.L. PDR Legal Narrative at 3—11. Spectrum Five also raised this argument with respect to a
DIRECTV application for a satellite license at the 118.4° W.L. orbital location, but DIRECTV later withdrew that
application. Spectrum Five LLC, Petition for Declaratory Ruling to Serve the U.S. Market from the 119.0° W.L.
Orbital Location in the 17/24 Broadcasting Satellite Service Band, IBFS File No. SAT—LOI—20080910—00178
(Spectrum Five 119° W.L. PDR). See Policy Branch Information, Actions Taken, Public Notice, DA 08—2699,
Report No. SAT—00569 (rel. Dec. 12, 2008).
247 C.F.R. § 25.208(w).
® November 20, 2008 letter from Todd M. Stansbury, Counsel to Spectrum Five, LLC, to Marlene Dortch,
Secretary, Federal Communications Commission referencing IBFS files associated with Call Signs $2768, $2773,
$2777, and $2778 (Spectrum Five‘s own application files) (reporting Nov. 19, 2008 David Wilson meeting with
Chairman Kevin Martin and Charles Mathias to discuss Spectrum Five petitions at the 119° W.L. and 103° W.L.
orbital locations); December 3, 2008 letter from Todd M. Stansbury, Counsel to Spectrum Five, LLC, to Marlene
Dortch, Secretary, Federal Communications Commission referencing IBFS files associated with Call Signs $2768,
$2773, $2777, and $2778 (Spectrum Five‘s own application files) (reporting Dec. 1 and Dec. 2, 2008 David Wilson
meetings with Charles Mathias); December 4, 2008 letter from Howard W. Waltzman, Counsel to Spectrum Five,
LLC, to Marlene Dortch, Secretary, Federal Communications Commission referencing IBFS files associated with
Call Signs $2768, $2773, $2777, and $2778 (Spectrum Five‘s own application files) (reporting Dec. 3 2008 David
Wilson and Howard Waltzman meeting with Charles Mathias, legal advisor to Chairman Martin, to discuss
Spectrum Five petitions at the 119° W.L. and 103° W.L. orbital locations); December 17, 2008 letter from Earl
Comstock to Marlene Dortch, Secretary, Federal Communications Commission referencing IBFS files associated
with Call Signs $2768, $2773, $2777, and $2778 (Spectrum Five‘s own application files) (reporting Dec. 16, 2008
David Wilson and Earl Comstock meeting with Commissioner McDowell and staff to discuss Spectrum Five
petitions at the 119° W.L. and 103° W.L. orbital locations); December 19, 2008 letter from Howard W. Waltzman,
Counsel to Spectrum Five, LLC to Marlene Dortch, Secretary, Federal Communications Commission referencing
                                                                                                          {continued....)
                                                           3


                                    Federal Communications Commission                                 DA 09—1624



         6.   Dismissal Order and Set—Aside Order. On January 16, 2009, the International Bureau issued
a declaratory ruling finding that the DIRECTV application at the 102.825° W.L. orbital was defective and
must be dismissed." However, on February 9, 2009, the International Bureau, on its own motion, set
aside the January 16 declaratory ruling to give the Bureau an opportunity to compile a more detailed
record in this proceeding and to consider the application more fully."" In the Set—4side Order, the Bureau
stated that a January 12, 2008 letter from Spectrum Five referencing DIRECTYV‘s application and served
on counsel for DIRECTV would be considered an informal objection to DIRECTV‘s application under
Section 25.154(b) of the Commission‘s rules."" Consistent with Section 25.154(c) of the Commission‘s
rules, the Bureau explained that DIRECTV could file a response to this informal objection and that
Spectrum Five could file a reply."" Both did so."

IIL      DISCUSSION

         7.   In the 17/24 GHz BSS Report and Order, the Commission adopted a "first—come, first—served"
procedure for 17/24 GHz BSS applications."" Under this approach, when an applicationis filed, it is
reviewed by Commission staff to determine if is "substantially complete." As will be discussed in more
detail below, a substantially complete application is an application that is complete in substance,
providing all the information required in the application form.*‘ Further, the application cannot be
defective under the Commission‘s rules. In other words, the application must be complete with respect to
answers to questions and informational showings, and must be free of internal inconsistencies."" If it is


{...continued from previous page)
IBFS files associated with Call Sign $2712 (DIRECTV‘s application) (Ietter requesting that the Commission dismiss
the DIRECTV application at the nominal 103° W.L. orbital location) (December 19 Spectrum Five Letter); January
12, 2009 letter from Howard W. Waltzman, Counsel to Spectrum Five, LLC to Marlene Dortch, Secretary, Federal
Communications Commission referencing IBFS files associated with Call Signs $2712 (DIRECTV‘s application)
and $2778 and $2777 (Spectrum Five applications) (reporting Jan. 9, 2009 meeting of David Wilson and Tom
Sharon of Spectrum Five, and Howard Waltzman, counsel to Spectrum Five, with International Bureau officials).
* December 8, 2008 letter from William M. Wiltshire, Counsel for DRIECTV Enterprises, LLC to Marlene H.
Dortch, Secretary, Federal Communications Commission referencing IBFS files associated with Call Sign 2712
(reporting Dec. 5, 2008 Stacy Fuller and David Pattilo of DIRECTV, and William Wiltshire, Counsel for DIRECTV
meeting with International Bureau staff to discuss DIRECTV‘s application at the 103° W.L. orbital location)
(December 8 DIRECTV Letter).
5 DIRECTV Enterprises, LLC Application for 17/24 GHz BSS Satellite at 102.825° W.L., Declaratory Ruling, DA
09—87, 24 FCC Red 423 (Int‘l Bur. 2009).
‘® DIRECTV Enterprises, LLC Application for 17/24 GHz BSS Satellite at 102.825° W.L., Order, DA 09—204, 24
FCC Red 1343 (Int‘l Bur. 2009) (Ser—4side Order).
747 CFR. § 25.154(b).
* get—A4side Order, 24 FCC Rod at 1343.
* February 19, 2009 Letter from William M. Wiltshire, Counsel for DIRECTV Enterprises, LLC, to Marlene H.
Dortch, Secretary, Federal Communications Commission; February 25, 2009 Letter from Howard W. Waltzman,
Counsel to Spectrum Five LLC, to Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary, Federal Communications Commission (February
25 Spectrum Five Reply Letter). The parties have filed numerous ex parte statements in this proceeding and their
positions have shifted over time. We view the January 12 Spectrum Five Letter, the February 19 DIRECTV
Response Letter, and the February 25 Spectrum Five Reply Letter as the parties‘ final positions.
* Space Station Reform Order, 18 FCC Red at 10804—18 (paras. 108—50)..
* See Amendment of the Commission‘s Space Station Licensing Rules and Policies, Notice ofProposed
Rulemaking, IB Docket No. 02—34, 17 ECC Red 3847, 3875—76 (para. 84) (2002) (Space Station Reform NPRM).
*2 47 CFR. § 25.112(a)(1).


                                     Federal Communications Commission                                    DA 09—1624



determined to be substantially complete, the application will be accepted for filing and placed on public
notice."" If the application is not substantially complete, the application may be dismissed.""*

         8. For applications that have been accepted for filing under the first—come, first—served
approach, an application may be granted, after the public comment period has expired, if the applicant
meets the standards set forth in Section 25.156(a), and if the proposed space station will not cause
harmful interference to a previously licensed space station, or to a space station proposed in a previously
filed application." The standards in Section 25.156(a) measure whether the applicant is legally,
technically and otherwise qualified, and whether the proposed facilities and operations comply with all
applicable rules, regulations and policies, and, in light of those assessments, whether grant of the
application will serve the public interest, convenience and necessity."" In the 17/24 GHz BSS Report and
Order, the Commission decided to treat all pending 17/24 GHz BSS applications, as amended on or
before the February deadline, as "simultaneously filed" for purposes of first—come, first—served
processing. We review DIRECTV‘s application on this basis.

         9. Because Spectrum Five has raised a question as to whether DIRECTV‘s application is
substantially complete with respect to the PFD demonstration, we first address this issue. To this end, we
review the Commission‘s power flux—density limit rules for the 17/24 GHz BSS, and the requirement for
demonstrating compliance with those limits. We then review and analyze the demonstration made in
DIRECTV‘s application, and the concerns raised by Spectrum Five related to that demonstration. Next,
we consider Spectrum Five‘s assertion that the alleged defects of the demonstration require the dismissal
or denial of DIRECTV‘s application. Finally, having found that DIRECTV‘s application is substantially
complete and not subject to dismissal, we consider DIRECTV‘s legal and technical qualifications to hold
a license in the 17/24 GHz BSS.

         A.       Power Flux—Density Demonstration

        10. All space stations authorized to provide service in the United States must meet power flux—
density (PFD) limits as specified for their respective frequency bands. In this case, the PFD limits are
designed to protect against unforeseen levels of adjacent satellite interference and to obviate the need for
time—consuming coordination among co—frequency networks."" In the 17/24 GHz BSS Report and Order,
the Commission adopted a four—region, graduated PFD plan. In adopting this requirement, the
Commission sought to facilitate intra—service operations by establishing a relatively homogeneous
transmitting environment that could accommodate both wide—area beams and spot beam operations."" As
the Commission noted in the 17/24 GHz BSS NPRM, the downlink power levels transmitted by adjacent
co—frequency space stations, combined with the sidelobe performance characteristics of the receiving
earth station antenna, determine the carrier—to—interference ratio that an operator experiences at the receive
antenna as a result of adjacent satellite interference."" In adopting PFD limits for 17/24 GHz BSS space

* In placing an application on public notice as accepted for filing, the Commission reserves the right to return any
application if, upon further examination, it is determined the application is not in conformance with the
Commission‘s rules or its policies.
** We note, however, that the rules also provide that the Commission may, on its own motion, waive or allow an
exception to a rule, in order to consider an application that is otherwise defective. 47 C.F.R. § 25.112(b)(2).
2 47 C.FR. § 25.156(a) and 47 C.F.R. § 25.158(b)(3).
* 47 CFR. § 25.156(a).
* 17/24 GHz BSS Report and Order, 22 FCC Roed at 8882 (para. 98).
* 17/24 GHz BSS Report and Order, 22 FCC Red at 8884 (para. 102).


                                     Federal Communications Commission                                  DA 09—1624



stations, the Commission stated that it wished to protect more vulnerable wide—area beam receivers from
adjacent satellite downlink interference, while permitting licensees the flexibility to achieve the power
and spectral efficiencies attainable with spot beam transmissions.""

        11. The downlink power limits for BSS operations in the 17.3—17.7 GHz frequency band"‘ are
implemented by a combination of the informational requirements for space station applications and the
power flux density limits on the operations of a space station."" The Part 25 rules require space station
applicants to provide certain specified information in their applications. In particular, Section
25.114(d)(15) provides that each applicant for a 17/24 GHz BSS space station license shall include "a
demonstration that the proposed space station will comply with the power flux density limits set forth in
§25.208(w) of this part" as an attachment to its application."" Section 25.114(d)(15) does not, however,
specify the format or contents of such a demonstration.

         12. Section 25.208 sets forth power flux density limits for many satellite communications
services. Subsection 25.208(w) describes the PFD limits that apply for 17/24 GHz BSS space stations.
Specifically, Section 25.208(w) states that "[t]he power flux density at the Earth‘s surface produced by
emissions from a 17/24 GHz BSS space station operating in the 17.3—17.7 GHz band for all conditions,
including clear sky, and for all methods of modulation shall not exceed the regional power flux density
levels defined below.""" The rule then specifies a list of PFD levels in four different geographic regions
of the country. We note that clear sky conditions cause less signal attenuation than do other atmospheric
conditions, such as rain and clouds. Assuming that the power levels of a space station remain the same,
the PFD measured at the earth‘s surface will be higher under clear sky conditions than when rain or
clouds are present.

         13. DIRECTYV‘s PFD Demonstration. In its application, DIRECTV provided a demonstration,
consistent with Section 25.114(d)(5), that its proposed space station complies with the PFD limits set
forth in Section 25.208(w). In its analysis, DIRECTV begins with the equivalent isotropically radiated
power (EIRP) of its proposed satellite, subtracts the spreading loss in the direction of maximum gain,
subtracts atmospheric attenuation (at 17.5 GHz) and subtracts a bandwidth correction factor, resulting in a
calculation of the maximum PFD per megahertz at the Earth‘s surface."" As calculated by DIRECTV, the


(...continued from previous page)
* The Establishment of Policies and Service Rules for the Broadcasting—Satellite Service at the 17.3—17.7 GHz
Frequency Band and at the 17.7—17.8 GHz Frequency Band Internationally, and at the 24.75—25.25 GHz Frequency
Band for Fixed Satellite Services Providing Feeder Links to the Broadcasting—Satellite Service and for the Satellite
Services Operating Bi—directionally in the 17.3—17.8 GHz Frequency Band, Notice ofProposed Rulemaking, 1B
Docket No. 06—123, 21 FCC Red 7426, 7452 (para. 53) (2006) (17/24 GHz BSS NPRM).
*° 17/24 GHz BSS Report and Order, 22 FCC Red at 8884 (para. 101).
* As explained in footnote 3 above, the 17.3—17.8 GHz band is the downlink band for this service. Thus, PFD limits
at the earth‘s surface would only apply to the space—to—Earth downlink. The 17.7—17.8 GHz portion of the band is
allocated for international use only and thus would not downlink in the United States. The PFD limit for that portion
of the band is covered elsewhere in our rules andis not at issue in this case because DIRECTV did not seek
authority to operate in the 17.7—17.8 GHz portion of the band.
247 C.F.R. §§ 25.114 and 25.208, respectively.
347 CER. § 25.114(d)(15)(i).
447 C.FR. § 25.208(w).
3" IBFS File No. SAT—AMD—20080114—00014. (DIRECTV Conforming Amendment) at 12. The EIRP ofthe
proposed DIRECTV satellite is 63.0 dBW per 36 MHz channel. DIRECTV‘s PFD calculation is: 63.0
dBW/36MHz —162.4(dB—m") — 1.1 dB (atmospheric) — 10log(36) = —116.1dBW/m*/MHz.


                                    Federal Communications Commission                                DA 09—1624



proposed space station would operate at least 1.1 dB less than the maximum allowed in the Section
25.208(w) regional PFD limits."

        14. DIRECTV‘s calculation assumed clear sky conditions and included an atmospheric
attenuation factor of 1.1 dB that included clouds. In a December 8, 2008 ex parte letter, DIRECTV
explained that it had concluded that cloud attenuation would not be appropriate for use in a clear sky
demonstration."‘ At the same time, DIRECTV stated that two other atmospheric attenuation components,
signal absorption in atmospheric gas and scintillation, are losses that exist in clear sky conditions and are
therefore appropriate factors in a clear sky demonstration. With cloud attenuation removed, DIRECTYV‘s
revised calculation still demonstrates a PFD that is less than the maximum power allowed under the
regional PFD limits in Section 25 .208(w)."               |

         15. Spectrum Five‘s Concerns with DIRECTV‘s PFED Demonstration. Spectrum Five maintains
that DIRECTV‘s application should be dismissed because the PFD demonstration is defective.""
Spectrum Five claims that link budgets calculate the maximum possible atmospheric loss, so as to
guarantee that, even in the face of high losses, the signal will remain available. Spectrum Five asserts that
"to comply with the Commission‘s maximum PFD limits, DIRECTV should have calculated the
minimum possible atmospheric loss, so as to guarantee that even when losses are slight, the signal at the
earth‘s surface will not be too strong."*" Spectrum Five further asserts that because DIRECTV
"inappropriately substituted a maximum measure for a minimum measure, its compliance with PFD limits
is highly dependent on whether that maximum is reached, which in turn depends on local weather
conditions."*‘ Spectrum Five provides its own analysis based on the factors it claims are appropriate for
the PFD calculation. Spectrum Five claims that DIRECTV‘s methodology would result in the proposed
space station exceeding the PFD limits, by one half of a decibel more than is permitted by the rules, 90
percent of the time." Spectrum Five concludes that DIRECTV‘s application is defective because it does
not comply with the PFD requirements for 17/24 GHz space stations, and should be dismissed without an
opportunity to amend the application to bring it into compliance with the rules."

       16. Evaluation ofDIRECTV‘s PFD Demonstration. As noted previously, DIRECTV started its
PFD demonstration with the EIRP of its space station, subtracted the spreading loss in the direction of
maximum gain, subtracted a bandwidth correction factor and subtracted for atmospheric attenuation.
Only one of these components of DIRECTV‘s calculation is disputed: the subtraction for atmospheric
attenuation.




% DIRECTV Conforming Amendment at 13 (citing downlink antenna gain pattern depicted in Figure 7—1 and
included in GXT format in the accompanying Schedule S).
°" December 8 DIRECTV Letter. Our license application processing procedures allow the Commission to request
from any party, at any time, additional information concerning any application. 47 C.F.R. § 25.111(a). Thus, while
DIRECTV supplied additional information in an ex parte filing, the Commission could have requested such
information to facilitate its processing of DIRECTV‘s application.
3° specifically, as revised, DIRECTV‘s calculation is: 63.0 dBW/36MHz—162.37(dB—m") — 0.74 dB (atmospheric)
—1010g(36) =—115.67 dBW/m"/MHz. December 8 DIRECTV Letter at 3.

°° February 25 Spectrum Five Letter at 2.
* February 25 Spectrum Five Letter at 3.
* February 25 Spectrum Five Letter at 3.
* February 25 Spectrum Five Letter at 3.
* February 25 Spectrum Five Letter at 9.


                                    Federal Communications Commission                                 DA 09—1624



         17. Neither DIRECTV nor Spectrum Five has been consistent in their arguments as to whether
atmospheric attenuation may be considered, and if so, which atmospheric effects may be considered."
Most recently, Spectrum Five appears to concede that some atmospheric effects may be considered and
provides its own analysis of which ones would appropriately be used."" When the Commission discussed
technical requirements for intra—service 17/24 GHz BSS operations in the 17/24 GHz BSS NPRM, it
proposed to accommodate the highest clear—sky power density levels planned by the applicants."" The
Commission explained that the "[t}he ‘clear—sky‘ value is taken to be the condition when the intrinsic
atmospheric attenuation due to gasses and water vapor are applicable, without additional attenuation due
to tropospheric precipitation, such as rain or snow."*" Thus, the Commission intended that the 17/24 GHz
BSS PFD demonstrations include some amount of atmospheric loss. This is consistent with the wording
of the rule. As noted previously, Section 25.208 contains PFD limits for a number of satellite
communications services, including the 17/24 GHz BSS. In those subsections where the Commission
seeks to have the PFD limits calculated under "free—space" conditions, the rules explicitly state so.""
Free—space conditions are those in which electromagnetic waves do not encounter any attenuation due to
atmospheric effects. A PFD demonstration employing free—space conditions is not a realistic measure for
signals propagating through the Earth‘s atmosphere, although it provides a more easily calculated worst
case value. Significantly, the PFD limits for the 17/24 GHz BSS in Section 25.208(w) must be met "for
all conditions, including clear sky." Section 25.208(w) does not mandate a demonstration made under
free—space propagation as the rules require for other satellite services."" Instead, PFD demonstrations for
the 17/24 GHz BSS may incorporate the atmospheric attenuation that is present in clear sky conditions.
DIRECTV provided its PFD demonstration under clear sky conditions. This is consistent with the rule.
Further, by providing a calculation including atmospheric effects under a clear sky, DIRECTV
established the highest possible PFD at the Earth‘s surface that would be produced by its satellite‘s actual
operations.

         18. DIRECTV initially filed a demonstration under clear sky conditions that included an
atmospheric attenuation factor of 1.1 dB, including clouds. Spectrum Five raised concerns about the
inclusion of clouds as an atmospheric attenuation factor. DIRECTV then determined that including
clouds was an error, and subsequently calculated that, if clouds were omitted, its atmospheric attenuation
factor would be 0.74 dB, rather than 1.1 dB."" DIRECTV calculates that this 0.74 dB factor results in a


* In November 2008, Spectrum Five asserted that any inclusion of atmospheric loss would be impermissible.
Spectrum Five 103° W.L. PDR, Legal Narrative at 9 ("Thus, DIRECTV‘s consideration of atmospheric loss in
calculating PFD limits is directly contrary to Commission rules and, if permitted, would result in substantial
interference to adjacent systems."). In its petition, Spectrum five also asserted that "Intelsat, who proposes to
operate at the adjacent nominal 99.0° W.L. orbital location, calculated PFD limits under clear sky conditions as
required by Section 25.208(2) of the Commission‘s rules." Spectrum Five 103° W.L. PDR, Legal Narrative at 10
(citing Intelsat 99° W.L. Amendment Application, Technical Description at 55—57). The assertion is incorrect;
Intelsat presented a free—space propagation analysis.
* February 25 Spectrum Five Letter at 4, and at Technical Appendix.
46 17/24 GHz BSS NPRM, 21 FCC Rod at 7450 (para. 49).
* 17/24 GHz BSS NPRM, 21 ECC Red at 7450 n.126 (citing Recommendation ITU—R PN.676—1).
* See, eg. 47 C.FR. § 25.208(a) ("limits relate to the power flux density which would be obtained under assumed
free—space propagation conditions"), note to § 25.208(b) ("limits relate to the power flux density which would be
obtained under assumed free—space propagation conditions"), § 25.208(d) ("under assumed free—space propagation
conditions"), among other subsections.
* For ease of calculation and demonstration, other 17/24 GHz BSS applicants provided a demonstration using a
free—space propagation analysis resulting in PFD demonstration that was more conservative than is required by the
rule. While that is perfectly acceptable, it is certainly not required under the rules.
59 December $ DIRECTV Letter at 3.


                                      Federal Communications Commission                                 DA 09—1624



PFD level of —115.67 dBW/m*/MHz, which is still lower than the —115 dBW/m*/MHz maximum in the
rules. We find this a sufficient demonstration that DIRECTV‘s proposed space station can meet the PFD
limits in Section 25.208(w) of the rules. Moreover, if we omit all of the atmospheric attenuation effects
associated with water vapor from the PFD analysis, including scintillation effects, as noted by Spectrum
Five, the result is 0.07 dB of atmospheric losses solely due to dry air."‘ If we reduced DIRECTYV‘s
atmospheric attenuation factorfrom 0.74 dB to 0.07 dB, for the sake of an analysis approximating
extreme clear—sky conditions,"" the result would be a PFD level of —115.0 dBW/m*/MHz. This meets the
PFD limit in the Comumission‘s rules.

          B.       Spectrum Five‘s Challenge to the Sufficiency of DIRECTV‘s Application

        19. Spectrum Five asserts that DIRECTV‘s application is not substantially complete and must
consequently be dismissed as unacceptable for filing. In particular, Spectrum Five argues that
DIRECTV‘s application is defective because its proposed space station would exceed the maximum PFD
limits a significant portion of the time."" As explained above, we have determined that DIRECTYV‘s PFD
demonstration does not exceed the maximum PFD limits. Nevertheless, we discuss the application of the
substantially complete standard to DIRECTV‘s application in order to address all issues raised by
Spectrum Five.

        20. Spectrum Five correctly notes that a crucial element of the Commission‘s first—come, first—
served application processing system is the requirement that applications must be substantially complete
when filed. That element, together with other requirements and safeguards, enables the Commission to
establish satellite licensees‘ operating rights clearly and quickly, and as a result, allows licensees to
provide service to the public sooner than was possible under our previous licensing procedures.""
Spectrum Five also correctly notes that the rules prohibit an applicant from making amendments to cure
defective apphcatlons As the Commission has stated, the policy against acceptmgapphcatlons that do
not meet the substantially complete standard is necessary to discourage speculation,"" and is needed to
ensure that licensees are ready and willing to proceed with their satellite construction plans.""

         21. The "substantially complete" standard was initially adopted by the International Bureau in
1998 and replaced the prior practice of working with applicants to perfect their applications."" As
explained in the Space Station Reform NPRM, prior to 1998, space and earth station applications were
reviewed to evaluate the completeness, accuracy and/or merits of specific information in an application



* February 25 Spectrum Five Letter at Appendix A at 5.          See also Rec. ITU—R P.676—7, Attenuation due to
atmospheric gases, Annex 2 at 18—19.                                            .
* This analysis represents an extreme case in which there is no water vapor whatsoever in the atmosphere, a
condition which never exists. In its February 25, 2009 Reply Letter, Spectrum Five states that a minimum water
vapor attenuation term of 0.06 dB for Miami is appropriate, resulting in a total gaseous loss (including dry air and
minimal amounts of water vapor) of 0.13 dB.
*February 25 Spectrum FiveLetter at 10.
*‘February 25 Spectrum Five Letter at 8—9. See Space Station Reform Order, 18 FCC Red at 10852 (para. 244).
*" December 19 Spectrum Five Letter at 7 (citing Section 25. 116(b)(5),which states that "amendments to defective
space station applications ... will not be considered").
5 Space Station Reform Order, 18 FCC Red at 10852 (para. 244).
5 Space Station Reform Order, 18 FCC Red at 10805—06 (para. 112).
* International Bureau to Streamline Satellite and Earth Station Processing, Public Notice, SPB—140 (rel. Oct. 28,
1998) (1998 Streamlining Public Notice).


                                     Federal Communications Commission                                    DA 09—1624



prior to accepting the application for filing and placing it on public notice."" This practice often resulted
in delays and inefficiencies. To improve the efficiency of the licensing process, the International Bureau
moved in 1998 to a practice of reviewing applications to determine whether they are "acceptable for
filing," that is, whether they include all the information required by the Commission‘s rules. Under the
new approach an application that was not substantially complete would be dismissed as unacceptable for
filing."" An application that was substantially complete would be placed on public notice regardless of
whether it could ultimately be granted, with appropriate conditions, on the merits. In the Space Station
Reform Order, the Commission decided to continue to require applications to be "substantially complete"
when filed."" Section 25.112(a) of the Commission‘s rules codifies this standard."

         22. In the context of the 17/24 GHz BSS proceeding, the Commission emphasized that it would
require applications to be substantially complete, consistent with the requirements of Section 25.112. The
Commission specified that, to be substantially complete, a 17/24 GHz BSS satellite application must
include a complete Form 312, mcludmg Schedule S, and all the information required by Section
25.114(d) of the Commission‘s rules." Notably, the Commission‘s discussion of the substantially
complete standard has never indicated that an application must be perfect in all respects or have no error.
It was never intended that any single error in the information required, no matter how minor, would be the
basis for dismissal of the application."

        23. Spectrum Five‘s interpretation of the substantially complete standard for review of an
application appears to conflate the completeness review with the substantive review of an application on
the merits. Thus, according to Spectrum Five, if the Commission concludes that an application does not
comply with a substantive rule, it should be dismissed out of hand, without regard to the materiality or
magnitude of the non—compliance. This is not the case. The substantially complete requirement is meant


* Space Station Reform NPRM, 17 FCC Red at 3875 n.103.
© ‘The International Bureau explained that it would "no longer evaluate the accuracy of, the merits of, or the
particular problems associated with specific information contained in any application prior to placing it on Public
Notice." 1998 Streamlining Public Notice.
6 Space Station Reform Order, 18 FCC Red at 10852 (para. 244). In the Space Station Reform NPRM, the
Commission explicitly stated that it did not intend to propose a letter—perfect standard. Space Station Reform
NPRM, 17 FCC Roed at 3875 n104 (citing Salzer v. FCC, 778 F.2d 869 (D.C. Cir. 1985) (appellate court found that
the Commission cannot reasonably expect applications to be letter—perfect when its instructions for those
applications are ambiguous)).
* In pertinent part, Section 25.112(a) of the Commission‘s rules provides that an application will be unacceptable
for filing if "[the application is defective with respect to completeness of answers to questions, informational
showings, internal inconsistencies, execution, or other matters of a formal character;" or "[t}he application does not
substantially comply with the Commission‘s rules, regulations, specific requests for additional information, or other
requirements." 47 C.F.R. § 25.112(a). An example of a defective space station application is where an applicant
makes inconsistent frequency assignment requests in different portions of its application so that it is impossible to
determine precisely which frequency assignments the applicant is seeking. EchoStar Satellite LLC, Application for
Authority to Construct, Launch and Operate a Geostationary Satellite in the Fixed Satellite Service Using the
Extended Ku—Band Frequencies at the 101° W.L. Orbital Location, Order on Reconsideration, 19 FCC Red 24953
(2004). Another example is when an application wholly fails to provide a technical showing required under the
Commission‘s rules. Letter to Todd M. Stansbury, Esq., Counsel for Spectrum Five LLC, from Fern J. Jarmulnek,
Deputy Chief, Satellite Division, 20 FCC Red 3451 (2005) (petition did not include all the information required
under Section 25.114(d)(13)(1)).
* 17/24 GHz BSS Report and Order, 22 FCC Rod at 8851 (para 16).
* BchoStar Satellite LLC Application for Authority to Construct, Launch, and Operate a Geostationary Satellite in
the Fixed Satellite Service Using the Extended Ku—Band Frequencies at the 101° W.L. Orbital Location, Order on
Reconsideration, 19 FCC Red 24953, 24957 (para. 10) (Int‘l Bur. 2004).


                                                           10


                                      Federal Communications Commission                                      DA 09—1624



to ensure that a full and complete applicationis filed that appropriately allows for public comment on the
merits of the application and provides Commission staff with sufficient information to make a decision on
the application‘s merits. It was never intended to be a forum for reviewing the ultimate merits of an
application.

          24. Moreover, the assessment that an application is substantially complete does not mean that the
Commission has no technical concerns regarding an application. For example, when reviewing the merits
of one of Intelsat North America LLC‘s (Intelsat) 17/24 GHz BSS space station applications after it was
accepted for filing, the Bureau determined that a slight change was required in Intelsat‘s methodology for
calculating its power levels. Specifically, in the interference analysis showing required by Section
25.140(b) of the Commission rules, Intelsat calculated its required PFD reduction based upon the
geocentric angular separation between its proposed orbital location and the nearest adjacent Appendix F
location." We found, however, that because the consumer antennas in this service will be located on the
Earth‘s surface, topocentric angular separations should be used in making the PFD reduction
calculations."" The technical information provided by Intelsat was sufficient for independent PFD
analysis by Commission staff. Accordingly, we conditioned Intelsat‘s license on a reduction in PFD
corresponding to the result of the methodology developed by the Commission."" This change in
methodology for calculating operations did not undermine the prior determination that Intelsat‘s
application was substantially complete when filed nor did it require dismissal or denial of the application.

         25. In this case, DIRECTV‘s application included a Form 312, including the required Schedule S,
and provided all information required under Section 25.114(d), including the demonstration of
compliance with the PFD limits of Section 25.208(w). Accordingly, we find that DIRECTV‘s application
was substantially complete and the application was appropriately accepted for filing and placed on public
notice.

         C.        License Qualifications

        26. In the 17/24 GHz BSS Report and Order, the Commission adopted the "first—come, first—
served" procedure for 17/24 GHz BSS applications.68 Under this approach, an application will be granted
if the applicant meets the standards set forth in Section 25.156(a), and if the proposed space station will
not cause harmful interference to a previously licensed space station." The standards in Section
25.156(a) measure whether the applicant is legally, technically and otherwise qualified, and whether the
proposed facilities and operations comply with all applicable rules, regulations and policies, and, in light
of those assessments, whether grant of the application will serve the public interest, convenience and
necessity." We review DIRECTV‘s application on that basis.



® Intelsat North America LLC, Order and Authorization, DA 09—1132 at para.10 (rel. May 26, 2009) (Intelsat
Authorization Order). The geocentric angular separation between two satellite orbital locations in geostationary
orbit is the angle between the two orbital locations as measured with respect to the center of the Earth.
* The topocentric angular separation between two satellite orbital locations in geostationary orbit is the angle
between the two orbital locations as measured with respect to an earth station located on the surface of the Earth.
Topocentric angular separation is usually larger than geocentric angular separation do to the difference in distance
from the center of the Earth to the satellite as opposed to the distance to the satellite from the surface of the Earth, as
well as the earth station‘s latitudinal and longitudinal position on the Earth‘s surface.
©" Intelsat Authorization Order at para. 11.
® See Space Station Reform Order, 18 FCC Red at 10804—18 (paras. 108—50).
® 47 CFR. § 25.156(a) and 47 C.F.R. § 25.158(b)(3).
® 47 CER. § 25.156(a).

                                                            11


                                   Federal Communications Commission                             DA 09—1624



                  1. Legal Qualifications

         27. DIRECTV holds numerous Commission satellite licenses. No party has questioned its legal
qualifications to construct, launch and operate a new satellite space station. Accordingly, we find that
DIRECTV is legally qualified to hold a 17/24 GHz BSS satellite license.

                 2. Financial Qualifications

        28. In the Space Station Reform Order, the Commission eliminated prior financial requirements
rules and replaced them with a bond requirement."‘ The bond requirement is intended to ensure that
licensees are financially able and committed to implementing their licensed systems in a timely manner.
Under this requirement, any entity awarded a space station license must execute a bond payable to the
United States Treasury within 30 days of the license grant. The bond is payable upon failure to meet any
implementation milestone in the license, unless adequate justification for extending that milestone is
provided." Licensees may reduce the amount of the bond upon meeting each milestone." Licenses are
conditioned upon the licensee complying with the bond requirement.

                 3. Technical Qualifications

        29. The Commission‘s space station licensing policy for the 17/24 GHz BSS is predicated upon
four—degree orbital spacing between geostationary space stations. The 17/24 GHz BSS service rules
allow space station operators to operate full—power space stations at orbital locations offset by up to one
degree from an Appendix F location, in cases where there are no licensed or prior—filed applications for
17/24 GHz BSS space stations less than four degrees away from the proposed offset space station.
DIRECTV proposes to operate at the 102.825° W.L. orbital location, which is offset by 0.175 degrees
from the Appendix F location at 103° W.L.

         30. DIRECTV provided an interference analysis as required by Section 25.140(b)(4)(iii) of the
Commission‘s rules, demonstrating that its proposed space station will not cause more interference to
adjacent 17/24 GHz BSS satellite networks operating in compliance with the technical requirements of
this rule than if its space station were located at the 103° W.L. Appendix F orbital location."* To ensure
that the DIRECTV RB—2 space station will not cause more interference to other co—frequency adjacent
space stations, DIRECTV caloulates that its proposed offset results in 0.5 dB less discrimination, based
on the reduction of topocentric angle and the assumption of a 45 cm receive antenna that meets the
reference antenna pattern of Section 25.224." DIRECTV properly used topocentric angular separation,
the angle between the two orbital locations as measured with respect to an earth station located on the
surface of the Earth, in making the PFD reduction calculations.

        31. We calculated the Section 25.224 antenna gains based on the topocentric angles between
DIRECTV‘s requested orbital location of 102.825° W.L. and the 99° W.L. Appendix F orbital location.
We also calculated the antenna gains based on the topocentric angles between the 99° W.L. Appendix F
orbital location and the 103° W.L. Appendix F orbital location. Subtracting the second set of location—
dependent antenna gain values from the first set, we find that the maximum potential PFD levels that
could be provided from the 102.825° W.L. offset orbital location range from 0.47 dB to 0.51 dB less than


* Space Station Reform Order, 18 FCC Red at 10825 (para. 167); 47 C.F.R. § 25.165 (bond rule).
* Space Station Reform Order, 18 FCC Red at 10826 (para. 170).
"" Space Station Reform Order, 18 FCC Red at 10826—27 (para. 172).
47 CFR. § 25.140(b)(4)(iii). DIRECTV Amendment at 12—13 and n. 11.
"" DIRECTV Amendment at 12—13 and n. 11.

                                                       12


                                       Federal Communications Commission                                   DA 09—1624



those specified in Section 25.208(w), dependingon the location on the surface of the Earth from which
the angles between the orbital locations are measured."" Accordingly, we will condition DIRECTYV‘s
license for the DIRECTV RB—2 space station on a reduction in PFD corresponding to the methodology
described above. In no case shall the PFD levels for the DIRECTV RB—2 space station exceed the lower
of this calculated power or the power levels stated in its application. In addition, as discussed above, we
find that DIRECTV has demonstrated that its proposed space station meets the PFD limits in Section
25.208(w) of the rules.

D. Coordination Obligations

           32. In its comments, SES Americom requests that certain conditions relating to International
Telecommunication Union procedures be included in each 17/24 GHz BSS authorization.""‘ Most of the
conditions sought by SES Americom are already included in the standard licensing condition drawn from
Section 25.111(b) of the Commission‘s rules."" In addition, SES Americom requests that we place a
customer notification requirement on 17/24 GHz BSS space station operators that would require operators
to inform their customers that space station operations may need to be modified or terminated to effect
coordination of frequency assignments with other licensing Administrations."" We see no compelling
reason to impose such a condition on this authorization at this time.""

IV.        CONCLUSION AND ORDERING CLAUSES

       33. Upon review of DIRECTV Enterprises, LLC‘s application as amended, File Nos. SAT—LOA—
20060908—00100, SAT—AMD—20080114—00014, and SAT—AMD—20080321—00077 (Call Sign 2712), we
find that DIRECTV Enterprises, LLC is qualified to be a Commission licensee, and find that, pursuant to

"* The PFD reduction required for DIRECTV‘s 17/24 GHz BSS space station at each location on the surface of the
Earth should be calculated according to the following procedure:

      a.   Set the angle ‘p‘ in the equations of Section 25.224(a)(1) to the topocentric angle between the 99° W.L.
           and 103° W.L. orbital locations, as measured at the earth station, and calculate the antenna gain Goeoi(@) in
           dBi;
      b.   Set the angle ‘q"‘ in the equations of Section 25.224(a)(1) to the topocentric angle between the 99° W.L.
           and 102.825° W.L. orbital locations, as measured at the earth station, and calculate the antenna gain
           GCOZ((P) in dBl, and
      c.   Perform the subtraction Geozr(@) — Gcoi(@). The result is the required PFD reduction in dB.

For the purposes of this calculation, the antenna diameter ‘D‘ should be assumed to be 0.45 meters, which is the
minimum—diameter antenna for which 17/24 GHz licensees may claim protection from interference, according to
Section 25.224(a), the wavelength ‘A‘ should be assumed to be 0.017131 meters, corresponding to a frequency of
17.5 gigahertz, and the value of ‘n‘ can be assumed to be 0.65, as stated in Section 25.224.

* Comments of SES Americom, Inc. (filed August 1, 2008).
" 47 CFER. § 25.111(b) ("Applicants, permittees and licensees of radio stations governed by this part shall provide
the Commission with all information it requires for the Advance Publication, Coordination and Notification of
frequency assignments pursuant to the International Radio Regulations. No protection from interference caused by
radio stations authorized by other Administrations is guaranteed unless coordination procedures are timely
completed or, with respect to individual administrations, by successfully completing coordination agreements. Any
radio station authorization for which coordination has not been completed may be subject to additional terms and
conditions as required to effect coordination of the frequency assignments with other Administrations.") The
standard licensing condition is included below in the Ordering Clauses.
7 Comments of SES Americom at 5.
°° We rejected a similar request in the Intelsat Authorization Order. That order provides further background on the
international coordination procedures.


                                                            13


                                         Federal Communications Commission                             DA 09—1624



Section 309 of the Communications Act of 1934 as amended, 47 U.S.C. §309, grant of the application, as
amended, will serve the public interest, convenience, and necessity.

        34. Accordingly, IT IS ORDERED, that DIRECTV Enterprises, LLC is authorized to construct,
launch and operate the DIRECTV RB—2 space station at the 102.825° W.L. orbital location using the 17.3—
17.7 GHz (space—to—Earth) and the 24.75—25.15 GHz (Barth—to—space) frequency bands. DIRECTV
Enterprises LLC may operate its DIRECTV RB—2 space station up to PFD levels reduced from those
specified in Section 25.208 (w) of the Commission‘s rules in accordance with the following calculation
methodology: For a given location on the surface of the Earth at which the required pfd reduction value
needs to be determined, calculate the topocentric angular separation ‘q‘ of the 103 W.L. and 99° W.L.
geostationary orbital locations, and the corresponding off—axis gain Geoi(@) of the antenna specified in
Section 25.224(a)(1) of the Commission‘s rules at that angular separation. For the same location on the
surface of the Earth, also calculate the topocentric angular separation of the 102.825° W.L. and 99° W.L.
geostationary orbital locations, and the gain of the antenna ‘Goor(@)‘ specified in Section 25.224(a)(1) of
the Commission‘s rules at that angular separation. Then, perform the subtraction Gcor(@) — Geoi(@) (with
assumptions prescribed in this Order, above). The result is the required reduction in PFD from the value
specified in Section 25.208(w). The PFD levels of DIRECTV Enterprises, LLC‘s space station
transmissions shall not exceed the lower of this calculated power or the power levels stated in its
application, and shall meet the reduced PFD limits under all atmospheric conditions.

        35. DIRECTV Enterprises, LLC shall maintain its 17/24 GHz BSS space station within an
east/west longitudinal station—keeping tolerance of + 0.05 degrees of the assigned 102.825° W.L. orbital
location.

        36. DIRECTV Enterprises, LLC, when designing its system, is required to take into consideration
the geographic service requirements of Section 25.225 of the Commission‘s rules, 47 C.F.R. § 25.225.

        37. DIRECTV Enterprises, LLC‘s 17/24 GHz BSS space station at the 102.825° W.L. orbital
location must be constructed, launched, and placed into operation in accordance with the technical
parameters and terms and conditions of this authorization by these specified time periods following the
date of authorization:

                        Execute a binding contract for construction within one year (July 27, 2010);
            o p o oop




                        Complete the Critical Design Review within two years (July 27, 201 1)
                        Commence construction within three years (July 27, 2012);
                        Launch and begin operations within five years (July 27, 2014); and
                        DIRECTV must file a bond with the Commission in the amount of $3 million, pursuant
                        to the procedures set forth in Public Notice, DA 03—2602, 18 FCC Red 16283 (2003),
                        within 30 days of the date of this grant (August 26, 2009).

                Failure to meet any of these dates shall render this authorization null and void.

        38. DIRECTV Enterprises, LLC must complete coordination of the physical operations of the
space station with operators of space stations with overlapping station—keeping volumes within two years
and two months of grant of this authorization. Failure to meet this condition shall render this
authorization null and void. DIRECTV Enterprises, LLC shall notify the Chief, Satellite Division, in
writing, that coordination of the physical operations of the space station has been completed with
operators of space stations with overlapping station—keeping volumes within ten business days of
completion of such coordination.

          39. DIRECTV Enterprises, LLC shall file, within ten business days of completion of Critical
Design Review, a revised statement detailing the post—mission disposal plans for the space station at end
of life, including the quantity of fuel that will be reserved for post mission disposal maneuvers. The
                                                           14


                                  Federal Communications Commission                              DA 09—1624



statement must disclose the altitude selected for a post—mission disposal orbit and demonstrate that the
perigee altitude for a post—mission disposal orbit meets the requirements of Section 25.283(a) of the
Commission‘s rules governing end—of—life disposal of geostationary satellite orbit space stations.

       40. This authorization and all conditions contained herein are subject to the outcome of the
Commission‘s rulemaking in IB Docket No. 06—123 and any requirements subsequently adopted therein.

        41. DIRECTV Enterprises, LLC shall prepare all necessary information that may be required for
submission to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to initiate and complete the advance
publication, international coordination, due diligence, and notification procedures for this space station, in
accordance with the ITU Radio Regulations. DIRECTV Enterprises, LLC shall be held responsible for
all cost recovery fees associated with these ITU filings. No protection from interference caused by radio
stations authorized by other Administrations is guaranteed unless coordination and notification
procedures are timely completed or, with respect to individual Administrations, by successfully
completing coordination agreements. Any radio station authorization for which coordination has not been
completed may be subject to additional terms and conditions as required to effect coordination of the
frequency assignments with other Administrations.

        42. The license term for this 17/24 GHz BSS space station, Call Sign $2712, is 15 years, and will
begin to run on the date that DIRECTV Enterprises, LLC certifies to the Commission that the satellite has
been successfully placed into orbit and its operation fully conforms to the terms and conditions of this
authorization. DIRECTV Enterprises, LLC shall file this certification with the Chief, Satellite Division,
International Bureau, within ten business days of the space station being put into operation.

        43. On June 30 of each year, DIRECTV Enterprises, LLC shall file a report with the International
Bureau and the Commission‘s Columbia Operations Center in Columbia, Maryland, containing the
information current as of May 31 of that year pursuant to Section 25.210(I) of the Commission‘s rules, 47
CFR. § 25.210(1).

        44. DIRECTV Enterprises, LLC is afforded 30 days from the date of release of this grant and
authorization to decline this authorization as conditioned. Failure to respond within this period will
constitute formal acceptance of the authorization as conditioned.

        45. This action is issued pursuant to Section 0.261 of the Commission‘s rules on delegated
authority, 47 C.F.R. § 0.261, and is effective immediately. Petitions for reconsideration under Section
1.106 or applications for review under Section 1.115 of the Commission‘s rules, 47 C.F.R. §§ 1.106,
1.115, may be filed within 30 days of the date of the public notice indicating that this action was taken.



                                                   FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION




                                                  John V. Giust{
                                                  Acting Chief         *) 4
                                                  International Bureau




                                                      15



Document Created: 2019-04-10 22:39:11
Document Modified: 2019-04-10 22:39:11

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