Attachment Narrative Statement SES-MFS-20120913-00818

Attachment Narrative Statement

This document pretains to SES-MFS-20120913-00818 for Modification w/ Foreign Satellite (earth station) on a Satellite Earth Station filing.

IBFS_SESMFS2012091300818_966278

Before the
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20554

In the Matter of
Application of Panasonic Avionics )
Corporation To Modify AMSS License )
To Permit Operation of Up to 2000 ) Call Sign E100089
Technically Identical Aeronautical Mobile- ) File No.
Satellite Service (“AMSS”) Aircraft Earth )
Stations (“AESs”) in the 14.0-14.5 GHz and )
10.7-12.75 GHz Frequency Bands )

APPLICATION FOR LICENSE MODIFICATION

Mark DeFazio Carlos M. Nalda
Manager, GCS Regulatory Squire Sanders
and Business Operations 1200 19th Street, NW
Panasonic Avionics Corporation Suite 300
26200 Enterprise Way Washington, DC 20036
Lake Forest, CA 92630 (202) 626-6659

Counsel for Panasonic Avionics Corporation

September 13, 2012

Table of Contents

I. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................. 2
II. THE EXCONNECT SYSTEM AND AURA LE OPERATIONS .................................... 3
A. Aura LE Performance and Operational Characteristics ................................................... 4
1. Antenna Pointing .......................................................................................................... 4
2. Antenna Gain Patterns and Out-of-Band Emissions..................................................... 5
3. Antenna Control............................................................................................................ 6
4. Link Budgets................................................................................................................. 6
B. Protection of Co-Frequency Spectrum Users and Compliance with U.S. and
International Regulatory Provisions ................................................................................ 6
1. Protection of GSO FSS Systems................................................................................... 8
2. Protection of Future NGSO FSS Systems .................................................................. 12
3. Protection of Terrestrial Fixed Services ..................................................................... 12
4. Protection of Radio Astronomy Services.................................................................... 12
5. Protection of Space Research Services ....................................................................... 13
C. Downlink Transmissions in the 10.7-12.75 GHz band .................................................. 13
III. AUTHORITY FOR AMSS OPERATIONS OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES ....... 14
A. eXConnect Operations Outside the United States.......................................................... 14
B. Additional Satellites Points of Communication............................................................. 15
1. Satellites for Non-U.S. Operations ............................................................................. 15
2. Additional Considerations .......................................................................................... 17
C. Additional Emissions Designators ................................................................................. 19
IV. WAIVER REQUESTS ....................................................................................................... 19
A. Section 2.106 Waiver ..................................................................................................... 20
B. Off-Axis EIRP Spectral Density for Regions Outside the GSO Arc ............................. 21
C. Other Waivers ................................................................................................................ 22
V. OTHER ISSUES ................................................................................................................. 22
A. Compliance with future AMSS Service Rules............................................................... 22
B. Ground Operations and RF Safety ................................................................................. 23
C. Permit-But-Disclose Status ............................................................................................ 23
VI. CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................... 24

To facilitate more efficient exchange of information and Commission consideration,

Panasonic requests that this application proceeding be designated as permit-but-disclose for

purposes of the ex parte rules.

I. INTRODUCTION

Panasonic, the world leader in in-flight entertainment and communications (“IFEC”),

seeks to add a new AES terminal to the previously licensed “eXConnect” Ku-Band AMSS

system. The eXConnect System provides in-flight broadband connectivity to aircraft passengers

and crew. The Aura LE is Panasonic’s next-generation AES antenna designed to supplement the

previously licensed MELCO antenna.

In the Panasonic AMSS Order, the Commission evaluated the operational characteristics

and network control capabilities of the eXConnect System and concluded that eXConnect AMSS

operations comply with applicable FCC rules and policies. Panasonic hereby incorporates by

reference the technical information associated with the Commission’s prior grant of AMSS

operating authority, which fully details the operational characteristics of the eXConnect System.2

This application focuses on the technical aspects of the Aura LE and related modifications to

Panasonic’s AMSS license.

In addition to a number of foreign airline customers, Panasonic is pleased to inform the

Commission that U.S. airlines, including a fleet-wide deployment for United Airlines, will utilize

the eXConnect System and the Aura LE antenna. As a result, Panasonic will operate the Aura

LE in international and foreign airspace onboard U.S.-registered aircraft, and must add a number

of new satellite points of communication to provide connectivity on the international flight

routes of its U.S. customers.

2
See id.

2

Grant of the requested license modification through an appropriately conditioned blanket

radio station authorization will serve the public interest by enabling further implementation of

the eXConnect system. This, in turn, will enable Panasonic to meet increasing consumer

demand for in-flight broadband connectivity onboard U.S. and foreign aircraft.

II. THE EXCONNECT SYSTEM AND AURA LE OPERATIONS

The eXConnect System consists of a U.S.-based network operations center (“NOC”), U.S.

and foreign gateway earth station facilities, worldwide leased satellite capacity on various

commercial Ku-band FSS satellites, high-capacity fiber links between terrestrial network

elements and AESs authorized in the Panasonic AMSS License.

The Aura LE was previously examined by the Commission and authorized in

experimental Call Signs WD9XQT and WF2XMD.3 Consistent with Commission policy and

precedent, interference will be avoided by controlling the off-axis EIRP spectral density

emissions along the GSO arc to protect adjacent FSS satellites, and by coordination, frequency

avoidance and/or exclusion zones with respect to other users of the Ku-band.

A detailed technical description of the Aura LE and an overview of eXConnect control

functionality are set forth in the attached Technical Appendix.4 The next-generation Aura LE

terminal has superior performance relative to the currently authorized MELCO AES terminal.5

Panasonic highlights certain operational characteristics of the Aura LE below.

3
See ELS File No. 0544-EX-ST-2008 (ground testing); ELS File No. 0281-EX-PL-2010 (in-
flight operations).
4
See Attachment 1 (Technical Appendix).
5
See Attachment 2 (Antenna Specifications).

3

A. Aura LE Performance and Operational Characteristics

The Aura LE was developed to optimize performance of the eXConnect System. It is a

dual-panel, mechanically steered antenna designed for installation and operation onboard aircraft.

The basic characteristics of the Aura LE antenna are summarized in Table 1. The Aura LE has

been fully certified for aviation safety and currently is in operation onboard foreign airlines.

Table 1. Aura LE Characteristics
Antenna Dimensions 34.7 inches (0.88 m)
6.6 inches height (0.17 m)
Type of Antenna Dual panel waveguide fed phased array
SSPA Rated Output Power 16 watts
Bandwidth 10.70 GHz to 12.75 GHz
14.0 GHz to 14.5 GHz
Transmit Gain 38 dBi
EIRP 48 dBW
Transmit Polarization Horizontal or Vertical
Receive G/T 10 to 14 dB/K
Transmit Azimuth Beamwidth 1.5 degrees
Transmit Elevation Beamwidth 4 degrees

The Aura LE fully complies with the provisions governing Ku-band AMSS operations embodied

in Recommendation ITU-R M.1643, as well as U.S. and international rules and policies

governing such operations.

1. Antenna Pointing

Pointing for the Aura LE is accomplished via mechanical steering of the antenna and uses

the aircraft attitude data (i.e., yaw, roll, pitch and heading vector), together with location of the

terminal (latitude, longitude, and altitude) to calculate the command vectors. This data, available

from the ARINC 429 bus, is used in conjunction with the satellite coordinates to yield

continuously updated steering commands for the antenna elevation, azimuth, and polarization. A

local inertial sensor package placed on the antenna base plate itself provides high rate antenna

4

attitude sensing, which compensates for possible aircraft inertial navigation system (“INS”)

errors caused by airframe deformation and data latency.

The pointing error of the Aura LE will be less than 0.2 degrees 1-sigma, which is

consistent with interference-free operations.6 Pointing error will be monitored and emissions

will be inhibited within 100 milliseconds if the pointing error ever exceeds 0.35 degrees.

Panasonic has taken a conservative approach in setting the off-axis value for muting transmission

and including Aura LE pointing offset and skew in setting maximum permissible transmit

powers and skew angles such that even if mispointed 0.35 degrees (the point at which the

antenna automatically mutes transmissions), the Aura LE will not exceed permissible off-axis

EIRP spectral density levels.

2. Antenna Gain Patterns and Out-of-Band Emissions

Antenna gain patterns for the Aura LE are included in the attached Technical Appendix.

Azimuth patterns are plotted against the 25.209(a)(2) antenna pattern mask. Elevation patterns

are plotted against the 25.209(a)(4) antenna pattern mask. Because the Aura LE is a dual-panel

antenna with one panel behind the other, its antenna gain patterns change at lower elevation

angles due to blockage from the front panel.

The Aura LE antenna complies with the out of band emissions limitations in 47 C.F.R.

§25.202(f).

6
Operational and test flight data confirms these conclusions regarding pointing accuracy.
Indeed, in a recent assessment, there were no instances above 10,000 feet where the measured
error exceeded 0.2 degrees peak (excluding beam switches, of course, which involve antenna
repointing to a new satellite while muted). Panasonic collected data every 5 milliseconds and
analyzed over 1.5 million data points. Our analysis shows that the standard deviation (1-sigma)
for pointing error is 0.02 degrees.

5

reported transmit frequency is the center frequency of the in-route (return link/AES-to-hub)

group. Also note the cessation of transmission (EIRP and mod tx columns), which occurred in

the context of AES repointing to another serving satellite.

The information will assist Panasonic in identifying and addressing any interference

incidents that may occur. There have been no incidents of interference since the eXConnect

System commenced operations. Other operational provisions necessary for protection of other

co-frequency services are discussed below.

1. Protection of GSO FSS Systems

Control of off-axis EIRP spectral density is essential to protect adjacent satellites

operating in the Ku-band. The eXConnect System will control the off-axis EIRP spectral density

generated by a single terminal so that it is no greater than is accepted for other Ku-band

terminals operating with FSS satellites. This is consistent with FCC licensing conditions in the

AMSS context, as well as the Commission’s ESV and VMES rules and international regulations.

To the extent that any adjacent satellite operator experiences harmful interference from

Aura LE terminal operations, Panasonic will cease terminal transmissions immediately. In

addition, if another co-frequency, co-coverage GSO FSS satellite commences operation at a

location within six degrees of one of Panasonic’s serving satellites, Panasonic will cease

operations absent a coordination agreement or demonstration that it will not cause harmful

interference to the new satellite.

In the regions that have adopted two-degree satellite spacing, Panasonic will follow the

Commission’s off axis EIRP spectral density limits as defined by Section 25.218(f)(1).8 Under

this rule, the off-axis EIRP spectral density generated by a conforming terminal must be:

8
N = 1 for TDMA systems. Analogous provisions are included in ESV and VMES rules.

8

15–25log10 (Θ + 0.2) dBW/4 kHz for 1.5° ≤ Θ ≤ 7°
−6 dBW/4 kHz for 7° < Θ ≤ 9.2°
18–25log10(Θ + 0.2) dBW/4 kHz for 9.2° < Θ ≤ 48°
−24 dBW/4 kHz for 48° < Θ ≤ 85°
−14 dBW/4 kHz for 85° < Θ ≤ 180°

In other regions, particularly in Europe and Asia where larger orbital spacing is the norm,

the routine power levels for Ku-band ESVs and VSATs are higher than the levels set forth in the

Commission’s rules. For example, Resolution 902, which sets forth technical and operational

requirements for Ku-band ESV operations, specifies the routine off-axis EIRP density levels for

ESV transmissions in a three-degree spacing environment as the maximum levels to ensure

compatibility with other FSS networks.9 The Commission will grant authority to operate Ku-

band ESVs at higher values on the condition that operators comply with the certification and

cessation of emission requirements in Section 25.222 of the rules.10 Panasonic intends to

transmit at higher power in these areas, consistent with international practice and the terms of its

satellite operator coordination agreements.

9
See Resolution 902, Provisions relating to earth stations located on board vessels which
operate in fixed satellite service networks in the uplink bands 5925-6425 MHz and 14-14.5 GHz
WRC-03, (2003) at Annex 2. These values were developed for implementation globally for Ku-
band satellites with 3-degree spacing, and are equivalent to the limits establish by the ITU for the
maximum permissible level of off-axis EIRP density from Ku-band VSATs. See
Recommendation ITU-R S.728-1 at Recommends 1.
10
Procedures to Govern the Use of Satellite Earth Stations on Board Vessels in the 5925-6425
MHz/3700-4200 MHz Bands and 14.0-14.5 GHz/11.7-12.2 GHz Bands, IB Docket No. 02-10,
Order on Reconsideration, 24 FCC Rcd 10369, ¶ 10 (2009).

9

2. Protection of Future NGSO FSS Systems

The Aura LE exceeds the off-axis EIRP spectral density values set forth in the

Commission’s rules in directions away from the geostationary arc. This separate off-axis EIRP

spectral density mask was intended to protect Ku-band NGSO FSS systems. However, no

systems of this type are presently planned or are operating. Panasonic will enter into

coordination arrangements with any future Ku-band NGSO FSS system to protect such systems

from interference from Aura LE transmissions.

3. Protection of Terrestrial Fixed Services

Panasonic has examined current spectrum use in the 14.0-14.5 GHz band and has

determined that there are no active FCC-licensed terrestrial services with which its proposed

operations could conflict. In areas outside the United States, Panasonic will follow ITU and

other international requirements to protect FS operations. Specifically, Panasonic will limit

power flux density (“PFD”) to the levels stated in Recommendation ITU-R M.1643 Part B in

areas where protection is required.

4. Protection of Radio Astronomy Services

For purposes of protecting radio astronomy services (“RAS”) sites, consistent with

Recommendation ITU-R M.1643-Part C, Panasonic will limit aggregate PFD in the 14.47-14.5

GHz band within line-of-sight of radio astronomy stations operating within the band.

190 + 0.5 ·  dB(W/(m2 · 150 kHz)) for   10
–185 dB(W/(m2 · 150 kHz)) for 10    90

12

Within the United States, Panasonic will limit aggregate PFD in the 14.47-14.5 GHz band when

in the vicinity of U.S. RAS sites.13 Panasonic has also entered into a coordination agreement with

the National Science Foundation obligating Panasonic to limit aggregate PFD to the specified

levels.14

5. Protection of Space Research Services

Panasonic recognizes the utilization of the frequency band from 14.0-14.05 GHz (and the

possible use of the band from 14.05-14.2 GHz) allocated to the Space Research Service (SRS),

including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (“NASA”) Tracking and Data

Relay Satellite System (“TDRSS”) for space research operation. Panasonic has entered into a

coordination agreement with NASA regarding the protection of current and future TDRSS

sites.15

C. Downlink Transmissions in the 10.7-12.75 GHz band

As discussed in Section IV, below, Panasonic seeks a waiver of the allocation table to

permit the Aura LE to receive FSS space-to-Earth transmissions in the 10.7-12.75 GHz band.

All downlink transmissions to Panasonic’s AES terminals will operate within the space station

authorizations and coordinated limits for downlink EIRP spectral density of the proposed

satellites, as agreed by the operators of adjacent satellites within +/- 6 degrees.

Panasonic will accept interference from lawful operation of any station in the 10.7-12.75

GHz band in accordance with the U.S. Table of Frequency Allocations, 47 C.F.R. § 2.106.

13
-221 dBW/m2/Hz (for protection of Green Bank, Arecibo and Socorro); -189 dBW/m2/Hz (for
protection of all other RAS sites).
14
Panasonic will similarly protect RAS sites located outside the United States by coordinating
and/or avoiding transmissions during radio astronomy observations.
15
Outside the United States, where necessary, Panasonic will avoid or cease AES emissions on
frequencies used by the SRS systems when operating in the vicinity of SRS sites.

13

III. AUTHORITY FOR AMSS OPERATIONS OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES

Panasonic hereby requests authority for Aura LE operations on U.S.-registered aircraft

located outside U.S. territory. The Commission has appropriately found that Panasonic’s AMSS

operations are consistent with the public interest,16 and the eXConnect System will provide even

greater benefits when extended to the passengers and crew of U.S.-registered aircraft operating

internationally. Further implementation of the eXConnect System will also help maintain U.S.

leadership in advanced satellite telecommunications systems and broadband services. Finally,

the conditions set forth in the Panasonic AMSS Order, international regulations and other

appropriate licensing conditions will adequately protect other services located outside the United

States.

A. eXConnect Operations Outside the United States

Except with respect to authority to transmit at higher power operations pursuant to

satellite coordination agreements as requested herein, Panasonic recognizes and accepts that the

operational conditions set forth in the Panasonic AMSS Order will apply to its aircraft earth

station operations outside the United States. These conditions already ensure that Panasonic’s

AMSS operations will not cause harmful interference to any other users of the Ku-band.17

eXConnect operations are fully consistent with the coordination agreements of

Panasonic’s space segment providers. Therefore, eXConnect AESs may transmit within agreed

parameters and up to coordinated power levels. In those areas where greater than two-degree

spacing is the norm, Panasonic will operate at higher power levels consistent with larger orbital

16
Panasonic AMSS Order, ¶ 25.
17
See id., ¶ 19.

14

spacing and applicable coordination agreements. Indeed, the Aura LE, as well as the MELCO

terminal, are already operating at such higher powers onboard foreign-registered aircraft.

B. Additional Satellites Points of Communication

Panasonic seeks to include a number of additional satellite points of communication for

international operations to provide global service to eXConnect-equipped aircraft of U.S.

customer airlines. Because these satellites will be used to provide eXConnect services that have

previously been authorized by the Commission in the United States, authorizing the Aura LE to

communicate with additional satellites would serve the public interest.

1. Satellites for Non-U.S. Operations

Specifically, Panasonic requests authority to operate the Aura LE terminal with the

additional satellite points of communications identified in Table 3, below, for service outside the

United States. These satellites are currently being used to support eXConnect AES operations

onboard foreign-registered aircraft and they are integral elements of the eXConnect System. The

public interest would be strongly served by allowing U.S. aircraft to access these satellites on the

same basis as their foreign counterparts.

15

Table 3: Satellite Points of Communication18

Gateway Earth Station
Satellite
City, Country | Operator
GE 23 (NP/NP, NP/SWP) Brewster, USA USEI
GE 23 (SP/SP) Adelaide, Australia ASCS
Superbird C2 Hong Kong, China PCCW
Asiasat 5 Dubai (Sharjah) Etisalat
Yamal 201 Moscow, Russia Rusat
W2A (Eutelsat 10A) Santander, Spain MTN/Eriza
Anik F1R Mt. Jackson, Virginia, USA Telesat
Estrela do Sul 2 (T-14R) Mt. Jackson, Virginia, USA Telesat
Intelsat 14 (IS-14) Cologne, Germany Stellar
Apstar 6 Beijing, China China Satcom
Apstar 7 Djibouti, Africa Bringcom
Galaxy 17 Atlanta (Ellenwood), Georgia, USA Intelsat
T-11N (Telstar 11R) Mt. Jackson, Virginia, USA Telesat

The coverage beams for each of these satellites are shown and associated hub earth stations

are identified in the attached Technical Appendix. Including these satellites as authorized points

of communication would serve the public interest by enabling Panasonic to serve U.S. airlines on

virtually all international routes, thereby allowing U.S. airlines to enjoy the full benefits of the

eXConnect System’s global coverage.

In addition to the coordination affidavit for Galaxy 17, Panasonic is submitting an affidavit

from Telesat regarding the coordination status eXConnect operations on the T-14 satellite.19

Panasonic is in the process of obtaining similar coordination affidavits from its other satellite

operators and respectfully request authority to update the record of this proceeding once that

18
Although Galaxy 17 is not an additional satellite point of communication, it is included in
Table 3 to reflect a change of the associated gateway.
19
See Attachment 3 (Coordination Information).

16

information is obtained. Importantly, the pendency of coordination affidavits need not delay

public notice of this modification application because the operational and technical parameters

described herein are independent of the supporting coordination information. Thus, interested

parties can comment meaningfully on the modification application regardless of whether

additional coordination information is submitted before or after the application is placed on

public notice.

2. Additional Considerations

In authorizing U.S. earth station licensees to access foreign-licensed satellites, the

Commission may consider other factors including competition concerns (i.e., DISCO II

considerations20) and satellite end-of-life disposal policies. Panasonic respectfully suggests that

it is not clear that these considerations must or should be strictly applied in the unique context of

international AMSS operations, particularly for access to foreign satellites with no U.S. coverage

and where no reasonable alternatives are available.

Assuming the Commission’s DISCO II policies are applicable, Panasonic notes that all

foreign satellites that it seeks to add as authorized points of communication are licensed by WTO

members countries (Canada, France, China and Russia). As a result, there is a presumption in

favor of access to these satellites under DISCO II.

With respect to satellite end-of-life disposal information requirements, the Commission’s

policies apply to space station licensees in the context of accessing the U.S. market. This would

not appear to include AMSS blanket license applicants seeking to access foreign satellites

serving regions outside the United States. Furthermore, when it adopted its orbital debris

20
See Amendment of the Commission’s Regulatory Policies to Allow Non-U.S. Licensed Space
Stations to Provide Domestic and International Satellite Service in the United States, Report &
Order, 12 FCC Rcd 24094 (1997) (“DISCO II”).

17

mitigation policies, the Commission disclaimed any intent to engage in a “‘unilateral’ or

‘extraterritorial’ imposition of Commission rules” on non-U.S.-licensed spacecraft.21

Accordingly, Panasonic has not obtained comprehensive end-of-life information on all of the

subject foreign-licensed satellites.

Panasonic would note, however, that most of the satellite models and satellite operator

end-of-life procedures have been reviewed and approved by the Commission, and all of these in-

orbit satellites are licensed by WTO members and long-time spacefaring nations, strongly

suggesting that these foreign licensing jurisdictions will exercise “direct and effective regulatory

oversight” of the operator’s debris mitigation measures.22 Thus, Panasonic’s proposed access to

the additional foreign-licensed satellite points of communication would be consistent with the

Commission’s satellite end-of-life disposal policies even if they were applicable.23

Importantly, Panasonic has found a scarcity of available Ku-band capacity for its global

network and that each of these satellites was carefully selected to provide optimum coverage and

performance of the eXConnect system. Thus, there are no real viable alternatives to these

satellites. Furthermore, an alternative conclusion regarding access to any of the subject satellites

would place U.S. airlines at a severe disadvantage vis-a-vis their foreign counterparts.24

21
Mitigation of Orbital Debris, Second Report and Order, 19 FCC Rcd 11567, ¶ 96 (2004).
22
See id. at ¶95.
23
Panasonic respectfully requests permission to supplement the record with respect to this issue
if deemed necessary or appropriate by the Commission.
24
Access to these satellites is only relevant for U.S.-registered aircraft because the Commission
does not have jurisdiction to license foreign aircraft radio operations outside the United States.
Thus, foreign airlines will have full access to all eXConnect satellites regardless of the
Commission’s determination in this proceeding.

18

$Given these factors, including the presumption in favor of entry for satellites licensed by WTO members and the lack of available alternatives with equivalent coverage, the Commission should permit U.S.-registered aircraft equipped with the Aura LE to communicate with all of the requested satellites. A contrary conclusion would deprive U.S. airlines and their passengers of access to eXConnect service in large geographic regions, potentially including major flight routes in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. At the same time, foreign airlines competitors would maintain unfettered access to eXConnect service in these critical areas. Thus, it is plainly in the public interest to add these satellites to the Panasonic AMSS license as authorized points of communication. C. Additional Emissions Designators Panasonic may use fractional transponder leases to obtain Ku-band FSS satellite capacity. Accordingly, Panasonic seeks to add a limited number of emission designators with various bandwidths for use with all authorized satellite points of communication. Panasonic hereby requests authority to add emission designators 500KG7D and 9M00G7D for the return link (AES transmit) and 1M20G7D, 36M0G7D and 72M0G7D for the forward link (AES receive). For each of these emission designators, Panasonic will continue to manage its aggregate transmit off- axis EIRP spectral density so that it remains within the levels accepted by adjacent satellite operators. As previously indicated, Panasonic will also limit the downlink power spectral density for each satellite within the accepted limits for all emissions. IV. WAIVER REQUESTS The Commission’s Rules may be waived “for good cause shown.”25 In particular, a waiver of the U.S. Table of Allocations to permit non-conforming spectrum uses can be granted 25 47 C.F.R. § 1.3; WAIT Radio v. FCC, 418 F.2d 1153, 1157 (D.C. Cir. 1969). 19$

“when there is little potential interference into any service authorized under the Table of

Frequency Allocations and when the non-conforming operator accepts any interference from

authorized services.”26 A waiver is also appropriate where a grant “would not undermine the

underlying policy objectives of the rule in question” and would be in the public interest.27

A. Section 2.106 Waiver

Panasonic respectfully requests a waiver of Section 2.106 of the Commission’s Rules, 47

C.F.R. § 2.106, the U.S. Table of Frequency Allocations, to permit its AMSS operations in the

10.7-12.75 GHz band on a non-interference, non-protected basis. In this case, there is good

cause for the requested waiver.

The Commission has already granted Panasonic a waiver for non-conforming use of the

11.7-12.2 GHz band in the context of its existing AMSS license because there is no real potential

for interference from use of this FSS downlink (receive) spectrum. Panasonic’s use is consistent

with satellite operator coordination agreements established technical limitations and spectrum

allocations used by its FSS space segment providers, and Panasonic will not claim protection

from other conforming users of the band. For the same reasons, Panasonic should be permitted

to access the 11.7-12.2 GHz band outside the United States for Aura LE receive operations.

Similarly, Panasonic should be permitted to access other portions of the 10.7-12.75 GHz

band used by its FSS space segment providers for Aura LE receive operations onboard U.S.-

registered aircraft. Panasonic’s use of “extended” Ku-band spectrum will be limited to regions

26
See The Boeing Company, Order and Authorization, 16 FCC Rcd. 22645, 22651 ¶ 12 (Int’l
Bur. 2001); Fugro-Chance, Inc., Order and Authorization, 10 FCC Rcd. 2860, 2860 ¶ 2 (Int’l
Bur. 1995) (authorizing non-conforming MSS in the C-band); see also Motorola Satellite
Communications, Inc., Order and Authorization 11 FCC Rcd. 13952, 13956 ¶ 11 (Int’l Bur.
1996) (authorizing service to fixed terminals in bands allocated to the mobile-satellite service).
27
See GE American Communications, Inc., Order and Authorization, 15 FCC Rcd. 3385, 3391 ¶
14 (Int’l Bur. 1999).

20

of the world where the spectrum is allocated for satellite downlinks, so the effect on co-

frequency operations will be de minimis. Panasonic also will not claim protection from

conforming uses of the spectrum and will cease operations upon notification that its receive

operations are causing interference to any conforming use of the band.

Use of other portions of the 10.7-12.75 GHz bands is also consistent with the

Commission’s 2004 Report and Order permitting downlink (receive) operations in the extended

Ku-band by ESV systems because of the negligible risk of interference with existing

operations,28 and the Commission has previously permitted AMSS and ESV operations in

spectrum outside the 11.7-12.2 GHz band.29 Indeed, Panasonic is already using these bands for

Aura LE downlink operations of foreign-registered aircraft outside the United States without

interference incident, and use by AESs on U.S.-registered aircraft would be similarly free from

interference and can be permitted accordingly.

B. Off-Axis EIRP Spectral Density for Regions Outside the GSO Arc

As a result of its compact configuration, the Aura LE exceeds off-axis EIRP spectral

density values for regions beyond +/- 3º from the GSO arc. These limits are principally designed

to facilitate potential NGSO use of the Ku-band.

No NGSO systems have yet been constructed or are even under serious consideration. If

and when such a system is licensed by the Commission, Panasonic will take all necessary steps

28
Procedures to Govern the Use of Satellite Earth Stations on Board Vessels in the 5925-6425
MHz/ 3700-4200 MHz Bands and 14.0-14.5 GHz/11.7-12.2 GHz Bands, Report and Order, 20
FCC Rcd 674 (2005).
29
See, e.g., The Boeing Company, Experimental Special Temporary Authorization Radio
License and Experimental Radio Station Construction Permit and License, Call Sign WC2XVE
(various file numbers) (Ku-band AMSS authority) and KVH Industries, Inc., Radio Station
Authorization, Call Sign E090001 (various file numbers) (Ku-band ESV authority).

21

prior to the launch of any new NGSO system to ensure that the Panasonic system does not cause

harmful interference to the new system, including entering into a coordination agreement with

any future such systems. Panasonic acknowledges that the Commission may condition the grant

of this license application upon a requirement that Panasonic take such necessary coordination

measures.

C. Other Waivers

Panasonic has examined analogous mobile VSAT rules, other rules provisions

and AMSS licensing orders adopted by the Commission during the past decade, and has included

a full legal and technical demonstration establishing that its proposed AMSS operations are

consistent with Commission rules and policies. However, to the extent the Commission

concludes that any potentially applicable rule or policy may not be fully satisfied, Panasonic

respectfully requests a waiver of any Commission rule or policy that may be necessary to

facilitate full implementation of the eXConnect system with the Aura LE.

V. OTHER ISSUES

A. Compliance with future AMSS Service Rules

Panasonic acknowledges and accepts that any authorization granted by the Commission

will be conditioned upon compliance with any additional conditions or requirements concerning

operation of its AMSS system adopted in the Commission’s pending Ku-band AMSS rulemaking

proceeding.30

30
Service Procedures and Rules to Govern the Use of Aeronautical Mobile Satellite Service
Earth Stations in Frequency Bands Allocated to the Fixed Satellite Service, IB Docket No. 05-
20, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, FCC 05-14 (2005).

22

B. Ground Operations and RF Safety

Panasonic seeks to operate the Aura LE intermittently while on the ground for

maintenance, commissioning and other purposes. This AES and other AES terminals have been

previously authorized for ground operations. Panasonic will not operate the AES while aircraft

are on the ground unless appropriate safety protocols are in place to ensure that persons having

access to areas within 22.0 meters of the AES are not exposed to RF energy in excess of the

maximum permissible limits specified in 47 C.F.R. § 1.1310.

Panasonic will take all reasonable and customary measures to prevent human exposure to

harmful non-ionizing radiation exceeding the maximum permissible exposure limits, including

prominently marking the exterior surface of the AES with a warning of the potential for exposure

to high levels of radiofrequency energy. A radiation hazard analysis of the Aura LE antenna is

provided as Exhibit E to the Technical Appendix.

C. Permit-But-Disclose Status

Panasonic requests the Commission to designate this modification application proceeding

as permit-but-disclose for purposes of the ex parte rules. Section 1.1200(a) of the Commission’s

rules, 47 C.F.R. § 1.1200(a), allows the Commission to modify the ex parte status of a

proceeding if such modification is in the public interest. Although the issues raised in the Aura

LE application are straightforward, grant of permit but-disclose status for the application

proceeding will facilitate communication between the Commission, Panasonic and any interested

parties. This, in turn, will allow the Commission to develop a full and complete record, and

process the application as efficiently and expeditiously as possible. Accordingly, permit-but-

dislcose status will serve the public interest.

23

VI. CONCLUSION

Grant of this modification application will serve the public interest by allowing Panasonic

to extend the benefits of the eXConnect System to foreign airlines utilizing the Aura LE terminal

in the United States, and to U.S. airlines operating worldwide. Adding new satellite points of

communication as requested herein will also ensure that U.S. airlines operating internationally

will have full access to the global eXConnect System. This, in turn, will facilitate the provision

of in-flight broadband services to passengers and crews aboard U.S. and foreign aircraft around

the world.

24

Document Created: 2012-09-13 19:14:08
Document Modified: 2012-09-13 19:14:08