Attachment petition

petition

PETITION FOR RECONSIDERATION submitted by Inmarsat Ventures Limited and Inmarsat Global Limited

petition

2006-01-09

This document pretains to SAT-PPL-20050926-00184 for Permitted List on a Satellite Space Stations filing.

IBFS_SATPPL2005092600184_475352

                                                                             RECEIVED
                                          Before the                             JAN — 9 2006
                     FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION                                          ioi
                                     Washington, DC 20554                   retent %me
In the matter of                          )
                                          )
Use of Retured Spectrum in the 2 GHz      )   1B Docket Nos. 0$—220 and 05—221
Mobile Satellite Service Frequency        )
Bands                                     )
                                          )
Inmarsat Global Limited                   ): File Nos. SAT—PPL—20050926—00184
Petition for Declaratory Ruling to        )            SAT—PDR—20050926—00184
Provide Mobile Satellite Service to the   )            SAT—AMD—20051116—00221
United States Using the 2 GHz and         )
Extended Ku—Bands                         )




CONSOLIDATED PETITION FOR RECONSIDERATION OF INMARSAT VENTURES
              IMITED         ARSA      AL LIM




Diane J. Comell                                 John P. Jonka
Viee President, Government Affairs              Jeffrey A. Marks
Inmarsat, Inc.                                  LATHAM & WATKINS LLP
1100 Wilson Blvd, Suite 1425                    555 Eleventh Street, N.W.
Arlington, VA 22209                             Suite 1000
Telephone: (703) 647—4767                       Washington, D.C. 20004
                                                Telephone: (202) 637—2200
                                                 Counselfr Inmarsat Ventures Limited and
                                                Inmarsat Global Limited

January 9, 2006


                               TABLE OF CONTENTS



     Inrropucrion anp Summary
IL   The Bases ror Awaromvo Ti Eriee 2 GHz Baxp o TMI Axp ICO Ar
     Unsuastanmiatep
     A.—   The Commission‘s Competition Analysis Did Not Address the Unique
           Nature ofthe 2 GHz Band ..
     B.    The Commission Failed to Consider that TMI is an MSS Incumbent with
           Considerable MSS Spectrum Holdings
     ¢:    The Public Safety and Rural Broadband Benefits Identified in the 2 GHz
           Order Are Not Unique to TMI or 1CO ..

u.   Th Comisston Dip Nor ConspeAut. Or ThArernariv: Sorutions
     Prorosep On Ti Recorp .
     Reconsiperation orINvarsat‘s Maricer Access aprication is wargantep
     Conctuston.


                                   Before the
                      FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
                                     Washington, DC 20554
In the matter of                            )
                                            )
Use of Returned Spectrum in the 2 GHz ) IB Docket Nos. 05—220 and 05—221
Mobile Satellite Service Frequency    )
Bands                                 )
                                            )
Inmarsat Global Limited                     ):   File Nos. SAT—PPL—20050926—00184
Petition for Declaratory Ruling to          )             SAT—PDR—20050026—00184"
Provide Mobile Satellite Service to the     )             SAT—AMD—20051116—00221
United States Using the 2 GHz and           )
Extended Ku—Bands                           )

CONSOLIDATED PETITION FOR RECONSIDERATION OF INMARSAT VENTURES
                      INMARSAT
               Pursuant to Section 1.106 ofthe Commission‘s rules, 47 C.F.R. § 1.106, Inmarsat
Ventures Limited and Inmarsat Global Limited (together, "Inmarsat®) respectfully request
reconsideration ofthe Orders of the Commission and the International Bureau issued in the
above captioned proceedings:" One order awards the entire 2 GHz MSS band to two entites,
TMI and ICO. ‘The other order dismisses Inmarsat‘s request for a reservation of 2 GHz MSS

spectrum so that Inmarsat could deploy a competitive MSS system to serve the U.S. Inmarsat is
filing a consolidated petition for reconsideration because these two Orders are interrelated.
Nemely, the outcome of the Inmarsat PDR Order was determined by the outcome of the 2 GHz

* The Commission‘s Order dismissing the application of Inmarsat Global Limited included the
  above—captioned "PDR" file number, although the file number originally assigned was the
  "PPLfile number also included in the caption above. Out of an abundance ofcaution, this
  pleading references, and is being submitted in the records for, both file numbers.
* Use ofReturned Spectrum in the 2 GHz Mobile Satellite Service Frequency Bands, 1B Docket
  Nos. 0—220 and 05—221, FCC 05—204 (rel. Dec. 9, 2005) (*2 GHz Order"); Inmarsat Global
  Limited, Petition for Declaratory Ruling to Provide Mobile Satellite Service to the United
  States Using the 2 GHz and Extended Ku—Bands, File Nos. SAT—PPL—20050926—00184 and
  SAT—AMD—20051116—00221, DA 05—3170 (rel. Dec. 9, 2005) ("Inmarsat PDR Order")
  (collectively, the "Orders").


Order. Thus, to the extent the Commission reconsiders ts decision in the 2 GHz Order, the

Interational Bureau should reconsider its decision in the Inmarsat PDR Order.

L       Intropucrion anp Summary
               Inmarsat urges the Commission to reconsider it award of additional 2 GHz

spectrum to TMI and ICO, and reinstate Inmarsat‘s Petition for Declaratory Ruling to allow the
provision of a competitive 2 GHz MSS altemative to the U.S.
               The 2 GHz band is a vitalfiture resource for MSS systems. Inmarsat therefore
applauds the Commission for retaining the MSS designation for the entirety ofthe 2 GHz band.
Inmarsat respectfully submits, however, that the decision to award the entire band to TMI and
1C0 is neither supported by the record nor adequatelyjustified, and that all altermative proposals
for licensing the available 2 GHz spectrum were not adequately considered and addressed.
               Specificaly, the following three flawed and unsubstantiated assumptions appeor
to underlie the determination that the public interest would be better served by assigning the
entirety of the 2 GHz band to TMI and ICO, rather than by allowing other satelite providers to
develop competitive 2 GHz MSS altematives: (}) satellite operators in other MSS bands do not
need access to 2 GHz because they can provide all ofthe services possible at 2 GHz in other
bands, (i) TMI should have access to more 2 GHz spectrum because it does not hold any other
MSS interests, and (ii) the award ofall ofthe additional 2 GHz: spectrum to TMI and ICO will
produce public sefety and rural broadband benefits that otherwise would not exist.
              ‘As to the first point,the Commission simply has not considered that the
"greenfield" thatis 2 GHz provides MSS business opportunities that are not possible in other
MSS bands. As a result, the Commission prematurely and mistakenly has concluded that
Hicensing the entire 2 GHz band to TMI and ICO does not create an undesirable duopoly. As to
the second point, the Commission unfortunately has failed to take into account that TMI today


operates an L—Band MSS system, and, combined with is affiliates, now holds approximately 46
MHz ofMSS spectrum — almost twice as much as anyone else. As tothe third point, there is
nothing in the record that suggests that TMI and ICO are better situated than any other MSS
operator to deliver public sefety or rural broadband benefits through a 2 GHz system, orthat
awarding them all ofthe additional spectrum would improve their ability to deliver those
benefits.
               Moreover, the 2 GHz Order should be reconsidered because the Commission has
not, as it must, addressed all altemative proposals offered in the record that would serve the
public interest better than awarding the entiety of the 2 GHz band to two entities. Specifically,
the Commission should consider all of the altematives proposed by Inmarsat," and adopt one of
them, rather than grant TMI and ICO a duopoly in the 2 GHz band before either entity has even
neared completion of its 2 GHz system. Namely, the Commission could:
        )      award one—third ofthe 2 GHz band to each ofICO and TMI, but then also
               prompily authorize a third entity in the remaining one—third ofthe band;
        )      retain the 2 GHz band for MSS, but not award additional spectrum to TMI or ICO
               at this time, and hold an expedited proceeding focused on the best way to
               suthorize the available spectrum, including possibly awarding additional spectrum
               to TMI and ICO when they actually implement their systems; or
       (ii)    accommodate more than three licensecs in the band, and expeditiously authorize
               those additional lcensees through a market—based licensing mechanism than
               provides an incentive to commence service tothe public as carly as possible.
               Each of these proposals could be accomplished in a expeditious manner that
ensures the benefis of 2 GHz MSS, including the public safety benefits, would be brought o the
American public in a timely fashion. For example, the Commission could authorize additional
Hicenseesin the band through a "race to space" whercby spectrum would be awarded once an


* See, e.g, Letter from John P. Janka to Mariene H. Dortch, File No. SAT—PPL—20050926—
  00184, IB Docket Nos. 0—220 and 05—221, at 9—10 (filed Nov. 16, 2005).


entity had actually launches a 2 GHz satellte and therefore is in a position to commence 2 GHz
MSS service to the American public. Alternatively, and consistent with past precedent, the
Commission could have granted Inmarsat‘s request for market access outside ofa "processing
round," and thereby allowed Inmarsat to immediately commence its plans to launch a 2 GHz:
MSS system by the end ofthe decade.
               None ofthese alternative proposals that the Commission expressly solicited was
given the serious consideration that he law requires..Instead, the Commission summarily
awarded the entire 2 GHz band to two entities who do not have an established track record, based
on reasoning that does not withstand scrutiny.
TL     TBases ror Awaroinc ue Entime 2 GHz Baxp zoTMI anp ICO Are
       Unsurstantiate»
               In its 2 GHOrder, the Commission found that the public interest would be better
served by assigning the entirety of the 2 GHz Band to TMI and ICO, rather than by allowing
other satelite providers the opportunity to offer competitive 2 GHz MSS altematives.* In
particular, the Commission determined, based on competition, public safety and rural broadband
considerations, that giving the entire band to TMI and ICO serves the public interest "more than
it does allowing other existing providers to expand their existing services.""" As demonstrated
‘below, the Commission‘s decision to assign the entirety ofthe 2 GHz band to TMI and ICO and
to foreclose opportunities for additional competition in the band is unsubstantiated and is
contradieted by its reasoning elsewhere in the 2 GHz Order, and by the record in the




* 2 GHz Order at1 56.
ul


proceeding. Therefore, the decision to award all of the additional spectrum to TMI and ICO is

not sustainable and should be reconsidered.®
       A.      The Commission‘s Competition Analysis Did Not Address the Unique Nature
               of the 2 GHz Band

               The Commission, in summary fashion, determined that "ICO‘s and TMI‘s 2 GHz
MSS offerings will compete in the same product market as the offerings of licensees in other
MSS bands"and, therefore, the Commission "disagree{dthat reassigning the 2 GHz MSS
spectrum to TMI and ICO results in a duopoly."". In making this finding, however, the
Commission simply did not address the converse———whether providers in other MSS bands will
be able to compete with the MSS offerings possible at 2 GHz.
               The Commission also did not address Inmarsat‘s arguments that: () the nascent 2
GHz band is unique among MSS bands because it supports the provision ofbroadband MSS
offerings that cannot readily be provided in other bands; and (i) the policies articulated in the
DIRECTV/EchoStar Hearing Designation Order® therefore require a serious examination and
substantiation ofthe public interest issues presented by licensing only two entities at 2 GHz:"
Thus, the Commission wrongly concluded that licensing only two MSS providers at 2 GHz
would not result in an MSS duopoly in that band.
               These problems with the 2 GHz Order are significant. As Inmarsat has explained,
and as the Commission has acknowledged in other contexts, courts have generally condemned



* MCI Telecommunications Corp. v. FCC, 842 F24 1296, 1305—06 (D.C. Cir.1988) (remanding
   an FCC decision as "confused, conclusory, and uncompelling,"because ofts failure to gather
   and consider relevant information and its reliance on unsupported assumptions).
7. 2 GHz Order at 1 33; see also id. at n.164.
   EchoStar Communications Corporation, 17 FCC Red 20559 (2002).
* See, eg., Reply Comments of Inmarsat Ventures Limited, 1B Docket No. 05—221,at 14—22
   (filed Aug. 15, 2008).


mergers to duopoly, particularly in cases, as here, where barriers to entry are high."" This is so
because the creation ofsuch a duopoly creates both the opportunity and the incentive for both
firms to coordinate to increase prices, and therefore raises the possibility that consumers will not

receive the service quality and low prices that result from healthy competition."
               In its August 15 Reply Comments and in a September 28, 2005 ex parte letter,

Inmarsat provided eight pages of analysis regarding the unique capability ofthe "greenfield"that

is 2 GHto support the provision of broadband and multimedia services capabilities that do not
exist in other MSS bands. The unique features of the 2 GHz band that Inmarsat identified

include the following: ) the band was internationally designated for the development of IMT—
2000 compatible 3G terrestrial and satellte services, with the expectation that doing so would

enable the mass—market development of integrated and interoperable hybrid terrestrial/satellite
equipment and services; (i) 2 GHz supports the use of wider—bandwidth channels than other
bands and greater ability to develop new and innovative services; and (i) the complete lack of
congestion in the band (there are no satellte systems operating today in the part ofthe 2 GHz
band atissue) allows new services to develop without the constraints imposed by hundreds of

thousands of existing users and dozens ofsatelltes who operate in other MSS bands."
               Thus, Inmarsat demonstrated that 2 GHz is wnigue among MSS bands in itsability

to support high—data—zate, next—generation multimedia and broadband MSS offerings over mobile
handheld devices, including in rural areas that may otherwise be unserved or underserved. The


‘° Letter from John P. Janka to Marlene H. Dortch, File No. SAT—PPL—20050926—00184, TB
   Docket Nos. 05—220 and 0—221, atS (filed Nov. 16, 2005) (citing See FTC v. HJ, Heinz Co.
   and Milnot Holding Corp., 246 F.3d 708, 724 n.23, 725 (D.C. Cir. 2001); see also id. at 724
  n.23 (‘supracompetitive pricing at monopolisti levels is a danger in a market with only two
  competitors").
U ig
bp


Commission correctly acknowledged that 2 GHz MSS systems would be able to compete with
existing and forthcoming MSS offerings in other bands, but it simply failed to consider the
converse————whether MSS providers in other bands would be able to compete fully with the 2
GHz MSS offerings ofTMI and ICO, For the reasons Inmarsat has articulated, MSS providers
in other bands cannot be expected to fully compete with all forthcoming 2 GHz MSS offerings.
Thus, the award ofthe entire 2 GHz band to two entities results in a duopoly, and Commission
competition policy warrants censing at least one more initial competitor in the nascent band.
       B.      The Commission Failed to Consider that TMI is an MSS Incumbent with
               Considerable MSS Spectrum Holdings

               In its competition analysis,the Commission concluded that assigning the entire 2
GHz Band to TMI and ICO would provide each ofthem "the inputs needed to enable them to
become strong MSS compstitors,""" and that they needed 10 MHz of spectrum in each direction
to be "roughly comparable" with their MSS competitors. Thus, the Commission declined to
allow "other existing services providers" access to the 2 GHz band "to expand their existing
services.""" The notion that TMIis not an "existing MSS service provider," and does not already
have extensive spectrum resources, is simply incorrect.
              As the Commission is well aware, TMI has been an MSS operator for over a
decade. TMI is the Canadion licensee ofan L—Band MSS satellite network currently operating at
106.5° W.L., and therefore has the right to those portions ofthe L—Band that have been
coordinated by the Canadian administration under the Mexico City MoU."" Moreover, TMI has
entered into a venture with Motient creating a combined Canadian—American regional MSS


* 2 GHz Order at 156.
"ta.
‘* See generally SatCom Systems, Inc.et al, 14 FCC Red 20798 (1999)(market access decision
   by which TMI‘s L—Band MSS spacecraft was authorized to serve the U.3.).


service, uilizing the capacity on TMI‘s Canadian—Licensed L—band satelite, as wellas the U.. L~
Band satellite now licensed to MSV."* That venture already has access o approximately 13

MHz of L—Band spectrum in each direction.‘" Thus, TMI is an incumbent MSS operator who has
access to the L—Band on its own accord, as well as through its interest in the MSVjoint venture.
               Moreover, TMI‘s 2 GHz business is being acquired by Motient Corporation.
Currently pending before the Commission is a proposed assignment ofTM‘s 2 GHz
authorization to TerreStar, an entity that is majority owned and controlled by Motient."" Motient
plans to acquire affimative control ofMSV (which it does not have today},and also to acquire
ownership ofall of MSV and TerreStar thatit does not now own (other then minority positions
to be retained by TMD)."
              Thus, there is no question thatthe award to TMI o2 x 10 MHz of2 GHz
spectrum increases the MSS spectrum holdings of an existing MSS service provider, regordless
whether Motient sequires TM‘s 2 GHz authorization. Moreover, upon consummation of

Motient‘s acquisition of the TMI 2 GHz authorization, Motient will have access to almost twice

‘* See Motient Services Inc. and TMI Communications and Company, LP, Assignors and Mobile
  Satellite Ventures Subsidiary LLC, Assignee, 16 ECC Red 20469, 20469—71 (2001).
‘" Letter from John P. Janka to Mariene H. Dortch, IB Docket Nos. 05—220 and 05—221, at 2,n.1
  & Exhibit 1 (fled Nov. 16, 2005).

"* See Application of TMI Communications and Company, L.P.to assign its 2 GHz MSS LOI
   authorization to TerreStar Networks, SAT—ASG—2002121 1—00238; see also TMF
   Communications and Company, Limited Partmership and TerreStar Nemworks, Inc.
   Applicationfor Review and Requestfor Stay, 19 FCC Red 12603 (2004) (reinstating this
   application following the reinstatement ofTMI‘s 2 GHz authorization).
!* See News Release, Motient Announces Transaction with Owners ofMobile Satellte Ventures
   and TerreStar Network: Restructuring and Simplifcation ofOwnership Structure to Provide
   MSVand TerreStar Enhanced Access to Capital and Strategic Partners (Sep. 22, 2005)
  (available at htt:‘ph.cororate—iz nev‘phoenix.zhimi?c=1 10135&p=irol=
  newsArticle&ID=7601 14&highlight=, last viewed January 9, 2006) cited in Letter from John
  P. Janka to Mariene H. Dortch, IB Docket Nos. 05—220 and 0$—221, at 1 (filed Sep. 28, 2005);
  see also Letter from John P. Janka to Marlene H. Dortch, File No. SAT—PPL—20050026—00184,
  1B Docket Nos. 05—220 and 05—221 (filed Nov. 16, 2005).


as much MSS spectrum in North America as any other company——a total o46 MHz."" The 2
GHz Order inexplicably ignores this evidence.
               For these reasons, the Commission‘s conclusion that assigning more 2 GHz
spectrum to TMI will frcilitate entry by a new MSS provider,and will allow TMI to "compete
more effectively" with other MSS competitors, is not only wrong but also is contradicted by the
record in this proceeding.
       C.      The Public Safety and Rural Broadband Benefits Identified in the 2 GHz
               Order Are Not Unique to TML or ICO
               The Commission proffered two additional public interest benefits of increasing
TMI‘s and ICO‘s 2 GHz MSS spectrum assignments: (1) public safety; and (2) rural broadband.
While it is clear that public safety and rural broadband policies could be advanced by the
deployment of almost any MSS system, nothing in the record supportsa conclusion that
awarding all ofthe 2 GHz spectrum to TMI and ICO would advance these goals better than
suthorizing one or more further competitive 2 GHz MSS systems.
               In analyzing the public safety benefis of ts decision, the Commission aptly
explained that satelite technology generally provides invaluable capabilites to first responders
in situations where terrestril services may be unavailable."". But there is no analysis in the 2

GHz Order, no any demonstration in the record, how increasing TMT‘s and ICO spectrum
assignments 250 percent would benefit first responders. The Commission expressly disregarded
evidence submitted by TMin support ofits request for more spectrum that Inmarsat and others
disputed: that TMI needed additional spectrum to deploy ATC, take full advantage ofthe power
on its spacecraf, achieve economies of scale in handset production, or use state—ofthe—art—air


* Leter from John P. Janka to Marlene H. Dortch, File No. SAT—PPL—20050926—00184, TB
  Docket Nos. 05—220 and 05—221, at 2 (Filed Nov. 16, 2005)
" 14 428.


interfaces."" Instead, the Commission‘s justification that TMI and ICO need more spectrum to
provide public safety benefits is entirely based on brief and virtually identical submissions of
certain public safety agencies that () tout the very important benefits ofMSS, and (i) mention
(ustally in passing, if at all their support ofassigning the band to TMI and ICO, but provide no
rationale or data to support dividing the band between just two providers. But nothing in those
letters explains why assigning the entire 2 GHz band — 2 x 10 MHz each — to TMI and ICO is
necessary to ensble those entities to provide public safety—related services that they could not
provide with smaller 2 GHz spectrum assignments. Indeed, the Commission does not address
why one ofthe options on which it requested comment would not be adequate to meet public
safety needs, nemely the option ofincreasing the two incumbents‘ assignments to 6.67 MHz in
each direction.""
               Nor does the 2 GHz Order‘s eliance on potential E911 benefits withstand
scrutiny.. The 2 GHz Order cites as an "ndependent and additional justifiation for reassigning
10 megahertz of spectrum in each direction to ICO and TMI" the expectation that MSS providers
who include an ATC component "will work toward providing basic and enhanced 911
features.""" Putting aside that neither TMI nor ICO has sought ATC authority, tfact remains
that this justifieation has nothing whatsoever to do with TMor ICO per se, and would apply
equallyto any other 2 GHz MSS proponent, including Inmarsat and Globalstar.
               Moreover, the ultimate conclusion ofthe public safety analysis in the 2 GHz
Order is Ratly contradicted by two other findings in the 2 GH Order. In it public safety

* 1d. nn.76 & 116.
®* Commission Invites Comments Concerning Use ofPortions ofReturned 2 GHz Mobile
  Satellite Service Frequencies, Public Notice, IB Docket No. 05—221, 20 FCC Red 12234
  (2005).
"* 2 GHe Order it 128 & 176.

                                                10


analysis, the Commission concludes that "assigning this spectrum to TMT and ICO will enable
them to bringit into use more quickly, and so they can offer public safety services more quickly
than would be possible ifthe spectrum were assigned to another party.""" Yet later n the 2 GHz
Order, the Commission expressly finds thatthe increased speed ofdeployment expected from an
award to TMI and ICO would not outweigh giving new entrants an opportunity to enter the
market."" This conclusion, which undercuts the key basis for awarding additional spectrum to
TMI and 1CO, is particularly noteworthy given that the Commission also disregarded
evidence that the 2 GHz band supports MSS services not possible in other bands, and (i) the
harms oflicensing to duopoly at 2 GHz. Thus, the Commission‘s public safetyjustification for
increasing TM‘s and 1CO‘s assignments is wholly unsubstantiated.
               Inmarsat fully agrees with the Commission‘s conclusion that the 2 GHz band is
vitalto serving the interestsofthe public safety community.. Indeed, providing this community
with the innovative services and competitive pricing that additional entrants would bring was one
ofthe reasons why Inmarsat fled its application to provide service in this band. But the issue is
not whether public safety services can be provided in this band — the issue is whether it was
necessary to grant TMI and ICO a duopoly assigament of2 x 10 MHz each in this band to
provide these offerings, or whether smaller assigaments, combined with the many benefits of
additional competitive entry, would have better served those interests.
               The 2 GH Order also looks to rural broadband as a basis for assigning TMI and
1C0 a full 10 MHz in both directions. After stating the potential benefits ofsatellte services
generallyto rural areas, the Commission concludes that "increasing ICO‘s and TMT‘s spectrum


* 14. 428.
* 14. 1570173

                                                1


reservations would increase their capacity to provide broadband services in rural areas.""" But
nowhere does the Commission as much as consider whether TMI and 1CO otherwise would have
inadequate capacity to serve rural areas with less than 2 x 10 MHz, nor does it explain how their
ability o serve rural areas would be improved, other than the tautology that more spectrum

provides more capacity.. In contrast, the Commission expressly declined to consider contentions
that awarding additional spectrum to TMI and ICO was needed to achieve other "efficiencies."""
               Thus, the publicinterest benefits cited as justifications for awarding additional
spectrum to TMI and ICO are not substantiated.
HHI.   Ti Conmsston Dib Nor Consiper Au Or Ti Aurernative Souvrions
       Propostn On Tue Recorn
              The Commission specifically sought comment on altemnatives to reassigning the
entire 2 GHz band to TMI and 1CO." In its pleadings, and in various ex parte submissions,
Inmarsat proposed various altermatives that would advance the public interest more than
Hicensing only two entities in the nascent 2 GHz band, including:
       i)     adopting the Commission‘s proposal to award one—third ofthe 2 GHz band to
              each of ICO and TMI, but then also promptly uthorizing a third entity in the
              remaining one—third ofthe band;
       i)     retaining the 2 GHz band for MSS, not awarding any additional spectrum to TMI
              or 1CO at this time, and holding an expedited proceeding focused on determining
              the best way to authorize the available spectrum, including possibly awarding
              additional spectrum to TMI and ICO when they actually implement their systems;
              or
       (i)    accommodating more than three licensees in the band, and expeditiously
              authorizing those additional licensees through a market—based licensing

7 14 q31.
" Td n.l16.
* Commission Invites Comments Concerning Use ofPortions ofReturned 2 GHz Mobile
  Satellite Service Frequencies, Public Notice, IB Docket No. 05—221, 20 FCC Red 12234
  (205).

                                                12


               mechanism than provides an incentive to commence service to the public as early
               as possible.®
               Any ofthese proposals would have produced a better result than awarding the
entire 2 GHz: band to only two entities, each of whom remains years away from implementing its
2 GHz system. And each of these proposals could be accomplished in a manner that ensures that
the benefits of 2 GHMSS, including the public safety benefits, are brought to the American
public in timely fashion. ‘The Commission‘s failure to address these altematives is sufficient
reason for reconsideration.""
               Inmarsat‘s proposal to authorize one or more additional licensees in the band
could have been expeditiously accomplished by altemative means: () licensing through a "race
to space" whereby spectrum would be made available to the first entties to actually launch a 2
GHz MSS satellite, or (i) consistent with past precedent, granting Inmarsat‘s request for market
access outside a "processing round," and thercby allowing Inmarsatto immediately commence
itsplans to launch a 2 GHz MSS system by the end ofthe decade.
               Inmarsat explained that there would be no harm from its proposal to retain the
returned 2 GHz spectrum for MSS and determine how best to assign it at a later date, because
TMI had represented thatits 2 GHz spacecraft was well under construction, TMI had raised



* See Letter from John P. Janka to Marlene H. Dortch, File No. SAT—PPL—20050926—00184, IB
  Docket Nos. 05—220 and 0—221 (filed Nov. 16, 2005); Letter from John P. Janka to Marlene
  H. Dortch, IB Docket Nos. 05—220 and 05—221 (filed Sep. 28, 2005); Letter from John P. Janka
  to Marlene H. Dortch, File No. SAT—PPL—20050926—00184, TB Docket Nos. 05—220 and 05—
  221 (filed Oct. 27, 2005); Letter from John P. Janks to Marlene H. Dortch, IB Docket Nos. 05—
  220 and 05—221 (fled Aug. 24, 2005); Letters from John P. Janka to Marlene H. Dortch, File
  No. SAT—PPL—20050926—00184, IB Docket Nos. 05—220 and 05—221 (filed Dec. 6, 2005).

" City ofBrookings Municipal Telephone Co. v. FCC, 822 F2d 1153, 1170 (D.C. Cir. 1987)
  (("The Commission fell it the forbidden zone of arbitrary and capricious conduct i failing
  even to consider the proposed altemative."); National Black Media Coalition v. FCC, 775
  F.2d 342, 357 (D.C. Cir. 1985) (Commission‘s failure to consider options was flaw in agency
  decisionmaking).

                                               13


substantial capital and was spending billions of dollars based on a 2 x 4 MHz authorization, and.

there was no question that TMI would deploy itssystem in accordance with its existing
milestones."" Thus, Inmarsat urged the Commission to consider an award of additional spectrum
to TMI and ICO onlafter they had actually implemented their systems.
                Nor did the Commission give serious consideration to Inmarsat‘s proposal to
accommodate additional MSS competitors at2 GHz by determining the optimal number of2
GHz MSS competitors, and dividing the band evenly among them. The Commission stated that
such an approach would require an "inherently subjective" determination of the minimum
amount of2 GHz spectrum that would be adequate, and therefore was not consistent with
Commission policy."" The Commission similarly stated that it would not "attempt to quantify

cither TM‘s or ICO‘s individual spectrum needs.""* However, as discussed above, the
Commission concluded that TMI and ICO each needs 2 x 10 MHz to provide public safety
benefits, with no justification for why this particular amount ofspectrum is needed to provide
these benefits. The Order does not attempt to reconcile () the summary refection of a proposal
to faciltate MSS competition, based on the Commission‘s desire to avoid an "inherently
subjective" analysis, with (i) the entirely subjective (and unsubstantiated) determination that
increasing TMI‘s and ICO‘s spectrum assignments to 2 x 10 MHz was necessary to ensure their
ability to provide public safety services.
               It also bears noting that the text of the 2 GHz Order suggests that the Commission
failed to consider volumes of material that were submitted after the formal pleading eycle closed



* See Letter from John P. Janka to Marlene H. Dortch, File No. SAT—PPL—20050926—00184, TB
  Docket Nos. 05—220 and 05—221, at3 (Filed Nov. 16, 2008).
® 2 GHz Order at 9 50—60.
" 1i z42.

                                                14


on August 15, 2006, including dozens ofpages of ex parte submissions from Inmarsatalone,
which address a number of the issues discussed above."" In two places, the 2 GHe Order

identifies the record that formed the basis for the decision: (1)the text ofthe decision states that
"the record in this proceeding is comprised of"" the comments and reply comments filed in the
formal pleading cycles in IB Docket Nos. 05—220 and 05—221 "together with the leters filed by
interested parties prior to the release ofthe public notices,""" and (i) the Appendix to the 2 GHz
Order delineates those same documents, but then selectively ists as Sincluded in the record"
only nine exparte letters submitted after the pleading eycle closed, but none of Inmarsat‘s four
substantive ex parte submissions.
               The Commission is obligated to address all serious altemative proposals that
purport to serve the public interest, which the 2 GHz Order did not do.""     Moreover, the
Commission may not selectively include certain submissions in the record, while inexplicably
excluding others, particularly when those other submissions contain evidence that undercuts the




* Letter from John P. Janka to Marlene H. Dortch, IB Docket Nos. 0—220 and 05—221, at 1
  (filed Sep. 28, 2005); Letter from John P. Janka to Marlene H. Dortch, File No. SAT—PPL
  20050926—00184, TB Docket Nos. 0—220 and 05—221, at1 (filed Oct. 27, 2003); Letter from
  John P. Janks to Marlene H. Dortch, SAT—PPL—20050926—00184, TB Docket Nos. 05—220 and
  05—221, at 1 (fled Nov. 16, 2003).
® 2 GHz Order u15.
*‘ FlagstaffBroadcasting Foundation v. FCC, 979 F.2d 1566, 1570 (D.C. Cir. 1992) (remanding
  to the Commission to consider altemative proposal purporting to better serve the public
  interest than current Commission practice); YakimYalley Cablevision, Inc. v. FCC, 794 F.2d
  737, 746 FN 36 (D.C. Cir. 1986) (‘The failure of an ageney to consider obvious altematives
  has led uniformly to reversal."); City ofBrookings Municipal Telephone Co. v. FCC, 822 F.2d
  at 1170.

                                                 15


 analysis in the decision, and make proposals for altermative resolutions."" Both ofthese failures
are independent grounds for reconsideration
IV.     Reconsiperation or IN\arsar‘s Maker access arpuicamion is warzaniEn
                To the extent Commission revisis ts determination to award the entire 2 GHz
band to TMI and ICO, the Bureau should revisit is dismissal ofInmarsat‘s Petition for
Declaratory Ruling to provide 2 GH: MSS service o the U.S.,using Ku band FSS feeder links.
In its decision, the Bureau stated that it sole reason for dismissing the Petition was the
Commission‘s "comprehensive ruling on the matter ofreturned spectrum" in TB Docket Nos. 05—
220 and 05—221," iethe fact that there does not appear to be any 2 GHz: spectrum currently

available to Inmarsat. For the reasons set forth above, however, the bases for awarding the
entirety of the 2 GHz: band to TMI and 1CO are unsound, and there are compelling reasons to
accommodate at least one additional competitor in the band. Inmarsat wishes to be that
additional competitor.
               To the extent that the Commission reconsiders its decision to license to duopoly at
2 GHz, the Bureau should reconsider the dismissal of Inmarsat‘s Petition, and reinstate it mume
pro tune in the satellite application processing queue. As the Commission is well aware,
authorizations to use FSS feeder link frequencies are issued on a "first come, first served" basis
as established by filing priority in the Commission‘s satelite application processing queue. If
the sole basis for dismissing Inmarsat‘s Petition is reconsidered, equities warrant restoring
Inmarsatto its place in the processing queue that it held prior to dismissal.


* Hllinois Public Telecommunications Ass‘n v. FCC, 177 F3d 555, 564 (D.C. Cir.1997)
  ("FCC‘s ipse dixit conclusion, coupled with ts failure to respond to contrary arguments
  resting on solid data, epitomizes arbitrary and capricious decisionmaking.").
® Inmarsat PDR Order at §4.

                                                 16


v.     Concuusion
               For the foregoing reasons, the Commission should reconsider its 2 GHz Order to

the extent specified above, and reinstate Inmarsat‘s Petition for Declaratory Ruling to provide 2

GHtz MSS.

                                                     Respectfully submitted,



Diane J. Comell
Vice President, Govemment Affairs
Inmarsat,Inc.
1100 Wilson Blyd, Suite 1425                         555 Eleventh Street, N.W.
Arlington, VA 22209                                  Suite 1000
Telephone: (703) 647—4767                            Washington, D.C. 20004
                                                     Telephone: (202) 637—2200
                                                     Counselfor Inmarsat Ventures Limited and
                                                     Inmarsat Global Limited

January 9, 2006




                                                17


                                CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE


        1, Jeffrey A. Marks, hereby certify that on January 9, 2006, I caused to be served a copy
 of the foregoing Consolidated Petition for Reconsideration by first—class U.S. mail (unless
 otherwise indicated) upon the following:
Chairman Kevin J. Martin                         Michael J. Copps
Federal Communications Commission                Federal Communications Commission
445 12® Strect, SW                               445 12" Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554                             Washington, DC 20554
By Electronic Mail                               By Electronic Mail
Jonathan J. Adeistein                            Deborgh Taylor Tate
Commissioner                                     Commissioner
Federal Communications Commission                Federal Communications Commission
445 12" Street, SW                               445 12° Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554                             Washington, DC 20554
By Electronic Mail                               By Electronic Mail
Fred Campbell                                    Emily Willeford,
Legal Advisor to Chairman Martin                 Deputy Chiefof Staffand
Federal Communications Commission                Advisor to Chairman Martin
445 12" Street, SW                               Federal Communications Commission
Washington, DC 20554                             445 12° Street, SW
By Electronic Mail                               Washington, DC 20554
                                                 By Electronic Mail
John Giusti                                      Barry Ohlson
Legal Advisor to Commissioner Copps              Legal Advisor to Commissioner Adelstein
Federal Communications Commission                Federal Communications Commission
445 12" Street, SW                               445 12" Streat, SW
Washington, DC 20554                             Washington, DC 20554
By Electronic Mail                               By Electronic Mail
Anton Goldberger                                 Donald Abelson
Legal Advisor to Deborah Taylor Tate             Chief, International Bureau
Federal Communications Commission                Federal Communications Commission
445 12® Street, SW                               445 12" Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554                             Washington, DC 20554
By Electronic Mail                               By Electronic Mail


Roderick Porter                             Richerd Engelman
Deputy Bureau Chief, International Bureau   Chief Engineer,International Bureau
Federal Communications Commission           Federal Communications Commission
445 12" Street, SW                          445 12" Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554                        Washington, DC 20554
By Electronic Mail                          By Electronic Mail

Sam Peder                                   Cassandra Thomas
Acting General Counsel                      Acting Chief
Federal Communications Commission           Satellite Division, International Division
445 12" Street, SW                          Federal Communications Commission
Washington, DC 20554                        445 12" Street, SW
By Electronic Mail                          Washington, DC 20554
                                            By Electronic Mail
Gardner Foster                              Karl Kensinger
Legal Advisor, International Bureau         Associate Division Chief
Federal Communications Commission           Satellte Division, International Bureau
445 12" Street, SW                          Federal Communications Commission
Washington, DC 20554                        445 12" Street, SW
By Electronic Mail                          Washington, DC 20554
                                            By Electronic Mail
Fem Jarmulnck                               William Bell
Deputy Chicf                                Policy Branch
Satelite Division, International Bureau     Satelite Division
Federal Communications Commission           International Division
445 12" Street, SW                          Federal Communications Commission
Washington, DC 20554                        445 12° Street,SW
By Electronic Mail                          Washington, DC 20554
                                            By Electronic Mail

Steve Spacth                                Christopher Guttman—McCabe
Assistant Division Chief                    CTIA The Wireless Association
Satellte Division, International Bureau     1400 16" Street, NW
Federal Communications Commission           Suite 600
445 12" Street, SW                          Washington, DC 20036
Washington, DC 20554
By Electronic Mail




 powsin


Dale Branlund                            Thomas Clemons
Chief Technical Officer                  President
BRN Phocnix, Inc.                        Alaska Association of Chiefs of Police
329 N. Bemardo Avenue                    P.0. Box 167
Mountain View, CA 94043                  Seward, AK. 99664

Loren Leman                              Suzanne Hutchings—Malloy
Chairman                                 1CO Satelite Services, G.P.
Aerospace States Association             2000 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
2200 Wilson Boulevard                    Suite 4400
Suite 102—249                            Washington, DC 20006
Arlington, VA 22209
William T. Lake                          Kelin N. Kasler
William Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr   Amy E. Bender
2445 M Street, NW                        Jennifer D. Hindin
Washington, DC 20037                     Carl R. Fronk
Counselfor Globalstar, LC                Wiley Rein & Ficlding
                                         1776 K Street, NW
                                         Washington, DC 20006
                                         Counselfor Sirius Satelte Radio, Inc.
Nils Rydbeck, MSEE, PhD., Professor      Kathleen OP‘Brien Ham
Rydbeck Consulting                       Managing Director, Federal Regulatory Affairs
943 Flagship Drive                       T—Mobile USA, Inc.
Summerland Key, FL 33042                 401 9° Street, NW
                                         Suite 550
                                         Washington, DC 20004
Thoms J, Sugrue                          Carol L. Tacker
Vice President, Govemment Affairs        David G. Richards
T—Mobile USA, Inc.                       1. R. Carbonell
401 9° Street, NW                        Cingular Wireless, LLC
Suite 550                                5565 Glenridge Connector
Washington, DC 20004                     Suite 1700
                                         Atlanta, GA 30342

Robert A. Calaff                         Peter Pitsch
Director, Federal Policy                 Communications Policy Director
T—Mobile USA, Ic.                        Intel Government Affairs
401 9° Street, NW                        Intel Corporation
Suite 550                                1634 I Street, NW,
Washington, DC 20004                     Suite 300
                                         Washington, DC 20006


 possama


Dennis J. Bumett                           Andrew Tang
Vice President                             Director Wireless Systems Analysis
EADS North America Defense Company         Broadband Wireless Division
1616 North Fort Myer Drive                 Intel Corporation
Suite 1500                                 1634 I Street, NW
Arlington, VA 22209                       Suite 300
                                          Washington, DC 20006
Marjorie J. Dickman                       Matthew S. DelNero
Senior Attomey                            Kurt A. Wimmer
Intel Government Affairs                  Jonathan D. Blake
Intel Corporation                         Covington & Burling
1634 I Street, NW                         1201 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.
Suite 300                                 Washington, DC 20004—2401
Washington, DC 20006                      Counselfor TerreStar Networks, Inc.
Gregory C. Staple                         Wayne V. Black
Vinson & Eikins                           Keller and Heckman LLP
1455 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW              1001 G Street, NW
Washington, DC 20004—1008                 Suite 500 West
Counselfor TMI Communications and Company Washington, DC 20001
Limited Parmership                        Counselfor American Petroleum Institute

Oliver Badard                             Bruce A. Olcott
Viee President                            Joseph P. Markoski
Alcatel North America                     Squire, Sanders & Dempsey LLP
11600 American Dream Way                  1201 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
9® Floor                                  P.0. Box 407
Reston, VA 20193                          Washington, DC 20044—0407
                                          Counselfor The Bocing Company

Thomas M. Walsh                           Henry Rubwiedel
Spectrum Planning & Regulation            Rubwiedel
The Bocing Company — IDS/S&IS             sarr w iss®
Satellte Development Center               Crown Point, IN 46307
P.0. Box 92919
we w—sio.s343
Los Angeles, CA 90009—2910




 pesman


ChiefDan Flynn                                  Raymond G. Bender, Jr.
Savannsh Chatham Metropolitan Police            John S. Logan
P.0. Box 8032                                   Dow, Lohnes & Albertson, PLLC
Savennch, GA 31412                              1200 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
                                                Suite 800
                                                Washington, DC 20036
                                                Counselfor Hughes Network Systems, LLC
Gerald C. Musarra                               Leurence D. Atlas
Vice President, Trade & Regulatory Affairs      Loral Space & Communications
Lockheed Martin Corporation                     1421 Jefferson Davis Highway
1500 Crystal Drive                              Suite 810
Suite 300                                       Arlington, VA 22202—3290
Arlington, VA 22202
Carl Hofferberth                                Lany Hatch
Microwave Circuits, Inc.                        Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Inc.
1611 Kemper Street                              28 Millrace Drive
Lynchburg, VA 24501                             Lynchburg, VA 24501

David A. Cavosse                                Christopher D. Imlay
Executive Director                              General Counsel
Satelite Industry Association                   Society of Broadcast Engineers, Inc.
1730 M Street, N.W.                             eo Booth, Freret, Imlay & Tepper
Suite 600                                       14356 Cape May Road
Washington, DC 20036                            Silver Spring, MD 20904
Fred Fellmeth, Esg                              James R. Jenkins
777 American Drive                              Vice President, Legal and External Affairs
Bensalem, PA 19020                              United States Cellular Corporation
Counselfor Total RF Marketing, Inc.             8410 West Bryn Mawr
                                                Chicago, IL 60631
George Y. Wheeler, Esg.                         Bert W. King
Holland & Knight LLP                            24 Jones Avenue
2099 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW                    Greenville, SC 29601—4332
Suite 100
Washington, DC 20006
Counselfor United States Celtular Corporation
ChiefJoseph G. Estey                            Chief Harold L. Hurt
President                                       President
International Association ofChiefs ofPolice     Major Cities Chiefs Association
422 Winthrop Drive                              422 Winthrop Drive
Tthaca, NY 14850—1739                           Ithaca, NY 14850—1730



 pomsni


Sheriff James A. Kames                          SheriffTed Sexton
President                                       President
Major County Sherifis® Association              National Sheriffs‘Association
422 Winthrop Drive                              422 Winthrop Drive
Ithace, NY 14850—1739                           Tthaca, NY 14850—1739
William K. Coulter, Esq.                        Kumar Singarajah
Coudert Brothers, LLP                           Chairman
1627 I Street, NW.                              Satelite Action Plan Regulatory Group
Suite 1200                                      Brussels
Washington, DC 20006                            BELGIUM, DC 01040
Counselfor Mobile Satellite Users Association   By International Mail
Aarti Hollo—Maini                               R. Edward Price
Secretary General                               Robert A. Mazer, Esg
Buropean Satellite Operators Association        Vinson & Elkins, LLP
Brussels                                        1455 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
BELGIUM, DC 01040                               Washington, DC 20004—1008
By International Mail                           Counselfor StyTerra Communications, Inc.
Lawrence R. Krevor                              Robert S. Foosaner
Vice President, Spectrum Strategy               Vice President and ChiefRegulatory Officer
Sprint Nextel Corporation                       Sprint Nextel Corporation
2001 Edmund Halley Drive                        2001 Edmund Helley Drive
Reston, VA 20191                                Reston, VA 20191

Jill M. Lyon
Vice President and General Counsel              Trey Hanbury
United Telecom Council                          Senior Counsel, Spectrum Strategy
1901 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW                    Sprint Nextel Corporation
5° Floor                                        2001 Edmund Halley Drive
Washington, DC 20006                            Reston, VA 20191
Kenneth L. Morekel                              Lee Cobb
Director                                        Executive Director
Ohio Department of Public Safety                Virginia‘s Region 2000 Economic
1970 West Broad Street                            Development Council
P.0. Box 182081                                 P.0. Box 937
Columbus, OH 43218—2081                         Lynchburg, VA 24505
                                                Lester B. Baird, Sr.
Cecilia Bernier                                 County Administrator
Town Manager                                    Hendry County, Florida
P.0. Drawer 660                                 P.0. Box 2340
Windermere, FL 34786                            LaBelle, FL 33975—2340



 poman


SheriffRobert J. McCabe           ChiefA.M. Jacocks, Jr.
Norfolk Sherif‘s Office           ChiefofPolice
811 E. City Hall Avenue           Building 11
Norfolk, VA 23510                 Municipal Center
                                  2509 Princess Anne Road
                                  Virginia Beach, VA 23456
Carlton Stallings
President
Georgia Fratemal Order ofPolice
772 Maddox Drive
Suite 104
Ellijay, GA 30540




 pomama



Document Created: 2006-01-11 12:17:56
Document Modified: 2006-01-11 12:17:56

© 2024 FCC.report
This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the FCC