Attachment Comments

Comments

COMMENT submitted by Mobile Satellite Ventures Subsidiary LLC (MSV)

Comments

2006-07-10

This document pretains to SES-STA-20060706-01115 for Special Temporal Authority on a Satellite Earth Station filing.

IBFS_SESSTA2006070601115_508987

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

In the matter of                    )

Stratos Communications, Inc.        ;     File No. SES—STA—INTR2006—01723 (Call Sign EO50249)

Telenor Satellite, Inc.             ;     File No. SES—STA—20060705—01109 (Call Sign £050276)

FTMSC US LLC                        3     File No. SES—STA—20060706—01116 (Call Sign EO50284)

BT Americas, Inc.                   ;     File No. SES—STA—INTR2006—01746 (Call Sign EO60076)

MVS USA Inc.                        ;     File No. SES—STA—20060706—01115 (Call Sign EO50348)

         COMMENTS OF MOBILE SATELLITE VENTURES SUBSIDIARY LLC

        Mobile Satellite Ventures Subsidiary LLC ("MSV") urges the International Bureau

("‘Bureau") in acting on the above—captioned requests for renewal of Special Temporary

Authority ("STA") to operate 25,000 Broadband Global Area Network ("BGAN") terminals

using an uncoordinated Inmarsat satellite, Inmarsat 4F2 at 52.75°W, to revise the conditions

attached to these STAs to clarify the conditions as MSV has requested in its pending Petition for

Clarification.‘

        On May 12, 2006, the Bureau granted the above—referenced STA requests subject to a

number of very important and appropriate conditions that are essential to help mitigate the

harmful interference that will result to customers of other L band Mobile Satellite Service

("MSS") operators once Inmarsat begins its uncoordinated BGAN operations." On June 12,

2006, MSV filed the attached Petition for Clarification asking the Bureau to clarify certain of


‘ See Mobile Satellite Ventures Subsidiary LLC, Petition for Clarification, File No. SES—STA—20060310—
00419 et al (June 12, 2006) (attaching Letter from Ms. Jennifer A. Manner, MSV, to Ms. Marlene H.
Dortch, FCC, File No. SES—STA—20060310—00419 et al. (May 26, 2006)). This Petition is attached hereto
as Exhibit A.
> See, e.g., Stratos Communications, Inc., Request for Special Temporary Authority, File No. SES—STA—
20060310—00419 (filed March 10, 2006; granted with conditions on May 12, 2006).


               CONFIDENTIAL — NOT FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION

these conditions. See Exhibit A. On June 19, 2006, Inmarsat, along with Telenor Satellite Inc.,

FTMSC US, LLC, BT Americas Inc., MVS USA, Inc., and Stratos Communications, Inc.

(collectively, the "BGAN Distributors") filed a Joint Opposition to MSV‘s Petition." MSV filed

a Reply to this Opposition on June 29, 2006. See Exhibit B.‘ On July 5—7, 2006, the BGAN

Distributors filed the above—referenced requests to renew their STA grants.

        MSV urges the Bureau in acting on the renewal requests to clarify the conditions imposed

on the applicants‘ operations, consistent with MSV‘s pending Petition for Clarification. These

clarifications will reduce the potential for harmful interference to MSV and its customers. These

customers include important public safety users equipped with MSV terminals for essential

communications during hurricane season, including terminals that provide interoperable

communications for key government agencies in the hurricane region.

                                        Respectfully submitted,




 BE Jf_—__—
 Bruce D. Jacobs
                                                         z4/
                                                      Vennifer A. Manner
 David S. Konczal                                      Vice President, Regulatory Affairs
 PILLSBURY WINTHROP                                     MOBILE SATELLITE VENTURES
      SHAW PITTMAN LLP                                      SUBSIDIARY LLC
 2300 N Street, NW                                      10802 Parkridge Boulevard
 Washington, DC 20037—1128                              Reston, Virginia 20191
 (202) 663—8000                                         (703) 390—2700

Dated: July 10, 2006




* See Inmarsat Ventures Limited et al., Joint Opposition to Petition for Clarification, File No. SES—STA—
20060310—00419 et al (June 19, 2006).
* See Mobile Satellite Ventures Subsidiary LLC, Reply, File No. SES—STA—20060310—00419 et al (June
29, 2006).


                                      Exhibit A

Mobile Satellite Ventures Subsidiary LLC, Petition for Clarification, File No. SES—STA—
                         20060310—00419 et al (June 12, 2006)


                                                                                 DUPLICATE
                                                                        rEcEvED
                                             Before the
                             Federal Communications Commission              JUN 1 2 2006
                                     Washington, D.C. 20554                       unications Commission
                                                                      Federal ComM
                                                                                       of Secratay
In the matter of                                                              Odtice

Stratos Communications, Inc.            File No. SES—STA—20060310—00419 (Call Sign EO50249)

Telenor Satellite, Inc.                 File No. SES—STA—20060313—00430 (Call Sign EO50276)

FTMSC US LLC                            File No. SES—STA—20060314—00438 (Call Sign EO50284)

BT Americas, Inc.                        File No. SES—STA—20060315—00445 (Call Sign EO60076)

MVS USA Inc.                             File No. SES—STA—20060316—00454 (Call Sign EO50348)


                              PETITION FOR CLARIFICATION

        Mobile Satellite Ventures Subsidiary LLC ("MSV"), pursuant to Section 1.106 of the

Commission‘s rules, 47 C.F.R. § 1.106, hereby files this Petition for Clarification of the

International Bureau‘s ("Bureau") May 12, 2006 decision granting the above—referenced requests

for Special Temporary Authority ("STA") to operate Broadband Global Area Network

("BGAN®") terminals using an uncoordinated Inmarsat satellite, Inmarsat 4F2 at 52.75°W. The

Bureau‘s decision contains a number of very important and appropriate conditions that are

essential to help mitigate the harmful interference that will result to customers of other L band

Mobile Satellite Service ("MSS") operators once Inmarsat begins its uncoordinated BGAN

operations. On May 26, 2006, prior to the deadline for filing Petitions for Clarification or

Reconsideration of the decisions granting the BGAN STAs,‘ MSV filed the attached letter asking

that the Bureau clarify certain of these conditions to improve their effectiveness. See Exhibit A.

MSV hereby requests that the Bureau treat the attached letter and the clarifications requested

therein as a Petition for Clarification of the Bureau‘s decisions granting the above—referenced

‘ The deadline for filing Petitions for Clarification or Reconsideration of the grant of the BGAN STAs is
today, June 12, 2006. See 47 C.F.R. § 1.106(f).


STA requests, 47 C.F.R. § 1.106. A copy of this Petition has been served on the parties to the

above—referenced proceedings. I¢d.


                                     Respectfully submitted,




 Bruce D. Jacobs                                    ennifer A. Manner
 David S. Konczal                                  Vice President, Regulatory Affairs
 PILLSBURY WINTHROP                                MOBILE SATELLITE VENTURES
        SHAW PITTMAN LLP                                   SUBSIDIARY LLC
 2300 N Street, NW                                 10802 Parkridge Boulevard
 Washington, DC 20037—1128                         Reston, Virginia 20191
 (202) 663—8000                                    (703) 390—2700

Dated: June 12, 2006


Exhibit A


wpy
                                                      RECE‘PT CQPY                     Jenniler A. Manner



      & h'ufih!I
                                                                                       ¥ice President, Regulatory Affairs

       *                                                                               PHOHE: 703 390—2720




                                 <
                  U

                        &.
                          a°
 U.
 Ed




                                 m
                      m




                                         6
                                 ©
                                 t
                                                                                       FAX:       703 390—2778




                                 ©
                                 3
                                 &
                                 wa
                    p



                             ®
 o
                                                                                        EMAIL:    jmanner@msvip.com



                                                            May 26, 2006

              Via Hand Delivery
              Ms. Marlene H. Dortch
              Secretary                        |                               RECEI VED
              Federal Communications Commission

              Washington, D.C. 20554
                                                                           Federal Communicam Commission
                  Re:            Mobile Satellite Ventures LP                     Office of Secretary
                                 Ex Parte Presentation
                                 File No. SES—STA—20060310—00419 (Call Sign £050249)
                                 File No. SES—STA—20060313—00430 (Call Sign E050276)
                                 File No. SES—STA—20060314—00438 (Call Sign E050284)
                                 File No. SES—STA—20060315—00445 (Call Sign £060076)
                                 File No. SES—STA—20060316—00454 (Call Sign £O50348)

              Dear Ms. Dortch:

                        The May 12, 2006 decisions granting the above—captioned requests for Special
                  Temporary Authority ("STA") to operate Broadband Global Area Network ("BGAN®‘) terminals
                  using an uncoordinated Inmarsat satellite, Inmarsat 4F2 at 52.75°W, contain a number of very
                  important and appropriate conditions that are essential to help mitigate the harmful interference
                  that will result to customers of other L band Mobile Satellite Service ("MSS‘") operators once
                  Inmarsat begins its uncoordinated BGAN operations. Mobile Satellite Ventures Subsidiary LLC
                  ("MSV") requests that the International Bureau clarify certain of these conditions to improve
                  their effectiveness.

                          Condition 1. The May 12"" decisions require the "downlink EIRP densities" at any
                  geographical point within the United States to not exceed the levels previously authorized in
                  connection with operations of the Inmarsat 3F4 satellite. As it did in limiting the aggregate
                  uplink EIRP density, the Bureau should specify that the downlink EIRP limit is an aggregate
                  limit, The Bureau should also clarify that the aggregate uplink and aggregate downlink EIRP
                  density limits specified in Condition 1 apply in the aggregate to all Inmarsat satellites visible
                  over North America. The condition as written appears to address only the emissions contributed
                  by Inmarsat 4F2 to the aggregate emissions from all of Inmarsat satellites operating over North
                  America. At least some of the frequencies used on the Inmarsat 4F2 at 52.75°W, however, are
                  reused by Inmarsat on its other satellites visible over North America, which operate at 15.5°W,
                  98°W, 142°W, 143°E, and 178°E. The Bureau should make clear that the aggregate uplink and
                  aggregate downlink EIRP densities from all Inmarsat satellites, including Inmarsat 4F2, must not
                  exceed the level that existed before launch of Inmarsat 4F2.


                                                                        i
Ms. Marlene H. Dortch
May 26, 2006
Page 2

       Conditions 2 and 5. The May 12"" decisions impose conditions on Inmarsat‘s service
providers which should apply to Inmarsat as well. In Condition 2, the Bureau specified that
BGAN operations are permitted only on a strictly unprotected basis. Because MSV has no
means of determining which of the Inmarsat BGAN service providers may be responsible for
causing interference to MSV‘s operations, we urge the Bureau to make clear that upon MSV‘s
notice to Inmarsat of interference, Inmarsat and its service providers are jointly and severally
responsible for taking immediate action to rectify any interference. In Condition 5, the Bureau
explained that any action taken or expense incurred as a result of operations pursuant to this STA
by a BGAN service provider is solely at the service provider‘s own risk. MSV urges the Bureau
to similarly explain that any action taken or expense incurred by Inmarsat as a result of
operations pursuant to this STA is solely at its own risk.

        Condition 3. The May 12"" decisions prohibit the STA holders from operating on certain
disputed frequencies. The STA holders, however, do not have access to the specific frequencies
covered by this condition. To ensure that the STA holders comply with this condition, MSV
urges the Bureau to require each of the STA holders to submit a certification from Inmarsat
declaring that Inmarsat has not and will not assign any unauthorized frequencies for operation of
the earth stations covered by the STA.

       Condition 4. The May 12"" decisions require "adequate guard bands"to be provided
between the band edges of the carriers used by the BGAN service provider and the band edges of
MSV‘s operations to preclude the possibility of unacceptable interference to MSV‘s operations.
Rather than relying on Inmarsat to determine what constitutes an "adequate guard band," the
Bureau should specify a guard band of at least 50 kHz between the band edges of the carriers
used by the BGAN service provider and the band edges of MSV‘s coordinated frequencies. This
 specification is essential because MSV has already suffered interference from Inmarsat‘s
 assignment of inadequate guard bands on other Inmarsat wideband carriers. Based on MSV‘s
 initial observation of experimental BGAN signals, a guard band of at least 50 kHz is needed to
 limit interference to MSV‘s narrowband carriers to the levels accepted under the Operators‘
 Agreements developed pursuant to the Mexico City MOU. While MSV may discover during the
 course of coordination or from operations pursuant to these STAs that a different guard band is
 required to protect MSV, specification of a 50 kHz minimum guard band now in advance of
 coordination will reduce the material risk of harmful interference to MSV‘s customers while still
 enabling BGAN service. Moreover, because BGAN operations are permitted only on a strictly
 unprotected basis, the Bureau should also clarify that the 50 MHz guard band must lie entirely
 within Inmarsat‘s coordinated frequency assignments and may not lie within the frequencies
 coordinated for MSV or MSV Canada.

        Conditions 6, 7, and 10. In Conditions 6, 7, and 10, the May 12"" decisions explain that
 grant of the STA (i) is not based on a finding, and is without prejudice to any future
 determination the Commission may make, that Inmarsat‘s L band operations are consistent with
 operation on a non—interference basis, and (ii) is without prejudice to disposition of the pending
 applications for permanent authority to operate BGAN terminals. Consistent with these
 conditions, the Bureau should also explain that it expects Inmarsat to diligently conclude
 coordination of its Inmarsat 4F2 satellite with respect to the current and planned operations of


Ms. Marlene H. Dortch
May 26, 2006
Page 3

MSV and MSV Canada before it can make a definitive determination that operation of the
Inmarsat 4F2 satellite will not result in unacceptable interference and before it can grant the
pending applications for permanent authority.

         Please contact the undersigned with any questions.

                                              Very truly yours,


                                                    18 /Ca....
                                                ennifer A. Manner


                                CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

       I, Sylvia A. Davis, a secretary with the law firm of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman
LLP, hereby certify that on this 26th day of May 2006, I served a true copy of the foregoing by
first—class United States mail, postage prepaid, upon the following:
Roderick Porter*                                   Gardner Foster*
International Bureau                               International Bureau
Federal Communications Commission                  Federal Communications Commission
445 12" Street, S.W.                               445 12"" Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20554                               Washington, DC 20554

James Ball*                                        Cassandra Thomas*
International Bureau                               International Bureau
Federal Communications Commission                  Federal Communications Commission
445 12" Street, S.W.                               445 12"" Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20554                               Washington, DC 20554

Karl Kensinger*                                    Fern Jarmulnek*
International Bureau                               International Bureau
Federal Communications Commission                  Federal Communications Commission
445 12"" Street, S.W.                              445 12 Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20554                               Washington, DC 20554

Robert Nelson*                                     Howard Griboff*
International Bureau                               International Bureau
Federal Communications Commission                  Federal Communications Commission
445 12"" Street, S.W.                               445 12"" Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20554                                Washington, DC 20554

Andrea Kelly*                                       Scott Kotler®
International Bureau                                International Bureau
Federal Communications Commission                   Federal Communications Commission
445 12"" Street, S.W.                               445 12"" Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20554                                Washington, DC 20554

Stephen Duall*                                      Alfred M. Mamlet
International Bureau                                Steptoe & Johnson LLP
Federal Communications Commission                   1330 Connecticut Avenue N.W.
445 12"" Street, S.W.                               Washington, D.C. 20036
Washington, DC 20554
                                                    Counsel for Stratos Communications, Inc.

Keith H. Fagan                                      Diane J. Cornell
Telenor Satellite, Inc.                             Vice President, Government Affairs
1101 Wootton Parkway                                Inmarsat, Inc.
10‘ Floor                                           1100 Wilson Blyd, Suite 1425
Rockville, MD 20852                                 Arlington, VA 22209


John P. Janka                         Linda J. Cicco
Jeffrey A. Marks                      BT Americas Inc.
Latham & Watkins LLP                  11440 Commerce Park Drive
555 Eleventh Street, N.W.             Reston, VA 20191
Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20004

William K. Coulter                    Lawrence J. Movshin
DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary US LLP    Stephen L. Goodman
1200 Nineteenth Street, N.W.          Lee J. Rosen
Washington, DC 20036—2412              Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP
                                     . 2300 N St. NW, Suite 700
Counsel for FTMSC US, LLC             Washington, DC 20037

                                       Counsel for MVS USA, Inc.




                                       y 'ia A. Davis

*By hand delivery


                                     Technical Certification

       1, Richard 0. Evans, Senior Engineer of Mobile Satellite Ventures Subsidiary LLC,
certify under penalty of perjury that:

       I am the technically qualified person with overall responsibility for the technical
information contained in the foregoing. I am familiar with the Commission‘s rules, and the
information contained in the foregoing is trus and correct to the best of my knowledge and



                                                     .A]O &n
                                                     Richard 0. Evans


                                                     Dated: June 12, 2006


                                CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

        I, Sylvia A. Davis, a secretary with the law firm of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman
LLP, hereby certify that on this 12th day of June 2006, I served a true copy of the foregoing by
first—class United States mail, postage prepaid, upon the following:
Roderick Porter*®                                 Gardner Foster®
International Bureau                              International Bureau
Federal Communications Commission                 Federal Communications Commission
445 12"" Street, S.W.                             445 12" Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20554                              Washington, DC 20554

James Ball*                                       Cassandra Thomas*
International Bureau                              International Bureau
Federal Communications Commission                 Federal Communications Commission
445 12" Street, S.W.                              445 12"" Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20554                              Washington, DC 20554

Karl Kensinger*®                                  Fern Jarmulnek*
International Bureau                              International Bureau
Federal Communications Commission                 Federal Communications Commission
445 12" Street, S.W.                              445 12"" Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20554                              Washington, DC 20554

Robert Nelson*                                    Howard Griboff*
International Bureau                              International Bureau
Federal Communications Commission                 Federal Communications Commission
445 12"" Street, S.W.                             445 12"" Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20554                               Washington, DC 20554

Andrea Kelly*                                      Scott Kotler*®
International Bureau                               International Bureau
Federal Communications Commission                  Federal Communications Commission
445 12"" Street, S.W.                              445 12"" Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20554                               Washington, DC 20554

Stephen Duall!*                                    Alfred M. Mamlet
International Bureau                               Steptoe & Johnson LLP
Federal Communications Commission                  1330 Connecticut Avenue N.W.
445 12"" Street, S.W.                              Washington, D.C. 20036
Washington, DC 20554
                                                   Counsel for Stratos Communications, Inc.

Keith H. Fagan                                     Diane J. Cornell
Telenor Satellite, Inc.                            Vice President, Government Affairs
1101 Wootton Parkway                               Inmarsat, Inc.
 10 Floor                                          1100 Wilson Blvd, Suite 1425
Rockville, MD 20852                                Arlington, VA 22209


John P. Janka                        Linda J. Cicco
Jeffrey A. Marks                     BT Americas Inc.
Latham & Watkins LLP                 11440 Commerce Park Drive
555 Eleventh Street, N.W.            Reston, VA 20191
Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20004

William K. Coulter                   Lawrence J. Movshin
DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary US LLP   Stephen L. Goodman
1200 Nineteenth Street, N.W.         Lee J. Rosen
Washington, DC 20036—2412            Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP
                                     2300 N St. NW, Suite 700
Counsel for FTMSC US, LLC            Washington, DC 20037

                                     Counsel for MVS USA, Inc.



                                     9(/[
                                       Lu.r KLJ            /‘i""“\
                                     Sylvia A. Davis
*By hand delivery


                      Exhibit B

   Mobile Satellite Ventures Subsidiary LLC, Reply,
File No. SES—STA—20060310—00419 et al (June 29, 2006)


                                                                      RECEWMERCATE
                                          Before the
                            Federal Communications Commission JUN 2 9 2006
                                    Washington, D.C. 20554    Communications Commission
                                  )                             Office of Secratary
In the matter of
                                   )
Stratos Communications, Inc.       )   —File No. SES—STA—20060310—00419 (Call Sign EO50249)
                                   )
Telenor Satellite, Inc.            )   File No. SES—STA—20060313—00430 (Call Sign EO50276)
                                   )
FTMSC US LLC                       )   File No. SES—STA—20060314—00438 (Call Sign EO5S0284)
                                   )
BT Americas, Inc.                  )   File No. SES—STA—20060315—00445 (Call Sign E0O60076)
                                   )
MVS USA Inc.                       )   —File No. SES—STA—20060316—00454 (Call Sign EO50348)


             REPLY TO OPPOSITION TO PETITION FOR CLARIFICATION

        Mobile Satellite Ventures Subsidiary LLC ("MSV*") hereby submits this Reply to the

Opposition to its Petition for Clarification of the International Bureau‘s ("Bureau"") May 12,

2006 decision granting the above—referenced requests for Special Temporary Authority ("STA")

to operate Broadband Global Area Network ("BGAN") terminals using an uncoordinated

Inmarsat satellite, Inmarsat 4F2 at 52.75°W.

        In its Petition, MSV asked the Bureau to clarify some of the conditions imposed on the

grants of the STA requests intended to help mitigate the harmful interference that will result to

MSV‘s customers from Inmarsat‘s uncoordinated BGAN operations.l On June 19, 2006,

Inmarsat Ventures Limited ("Inmarsat"), along with Telenor Satellite Inc., FTMSC US, LLC, BT

Americas Inc., MVS USA, Inc., and Stratos Communications, Inc. (collectively, the "BGAN




‘ See Mobile Satellite Ventures Subsidiary LLC, Petition for Clarification, File No. SES—STA—20060310—
00419 et al (June 12, 2006) ("MSY Petition") (attaching Letter from Ms. Jennifer A. Manner, MSV, to
Ms. Marlene H. Dortch, FCC, File No. SES—STA—20060310—00419 et al. (May 26, 2006) at Exhibit A).


Distributors") filed a Joint Opposition to MSV‘s Petition." As discussed herein, their objections

to MSV‘s requested clarifications are baseless.

       Condition 1. MSV requested that the Commission clarify that the condition limiting the

"downlink EIRP densities" to a certain level is an aggregate limit. MSY Petition, Exhibit A at 1.

Inmarsat concedes that this is an aggregate limit. Inmarsat et al Opposition at 2. As such, the

Bureau should clarify this condition as requested. MSV, however, is concerned by Inmarsat‘s

statement that an aggregate downlink EIRP limit is not necessary because Inmarsat will not

illuminate a given geographic area with more than one co—frequency carrier as this would cause

self—interference. Id. This statement demonstrates a fundamental and disturbing

misunderstanding of the condition imposed by the Bureau, which warrants further clarification.

The Bureau‘s intent in establishing an "aggregate" downlink EIRP density limit is to cap the

EIRP coming down from a beam or beams used on Inmarsat 4F2, regardless of whether the

beams cover the United States or whether the energy is transmitted via the skirt of the main lobe

or the sidelobes of a number of beams that spill energy over the United States. Our

understanding of the Bureau‘s condition is that it is intended to ensure that the narrow spot

beams on Inmarsat 4F2 that reuse the frequencies coordinated for MSAT—1 and MSAT—2 outside

of North America limit their aggregate co—channel reuse interference toward the coverage area of

MSAT—1 and MSAT—2 to the levels coordinated for the Inmarsat 3F4 satellite at 54°W. The

Bureau should promptly correct Inmarsat‘s misunderstanding to avoid interference to the

operations of other L band MSS operators.

        MSV also requested that the Bureau clarify that the aggregate uplink and aggregate

downlink EIRP densities from all of Inmarsat‘s satellites, including Inmarsat 4F2, must not


2 See Inmarsat Ventures Limited et al., Joint Opposition to Petition for Clarification, File No. SES—STA—
20060310—00419 et al (June 19, 2006) ("Inmarsat et al Opposition").


exceed the level that existed before the launch of Inmarsat 4F2. MSY Petition, Exhibit A at 1.

Inmarsat avoids this issue by stating that the STAs pertain only to BGAN service and only to the

Inmarsat 4F2 satellite. Thus, according to Inmarsat, there is no basis for extending limits to

satellites that are not the subject of the STA requests. Inmarsat et al Opposition at 3. This

clarification, however, is essential to ensure that operation of the uncoordinated Inmarsat 4F2

satellite does not result in interference to other L band operators. Inmarsat has proceeded to

operate its new Inmarsat 4F2 satellite as well as other satellites in the United States without

coordinating those satellites first with other L band operators." Had Inmarsat coordinated these

satellites with MSV, agreements would have been made to ensure that MSV would be protected

from emissions from Inmarsat 4F2 as well as from the aggregate emissions from all of

Inmarsat‘s other satellites operating over North America. Having failed to coordinate its

satellites, Inmarsat cannot complain now if the Bureau attaches a condition intended to ensure

that MSV is protected from interference from aggregate emissions of all of Inmarsat‘s

coordinated and uncoordinated satellites."

        Conditions 2 and 5. MSV asked the Bureau to make clear that Inmarsat and the BGAN

Distributors are jointly and severally responsible for immediately rectifying any interference

caused by BGAN operations. MSY Petition, Exhibit A at 2. In addition, MSV asked the Bureau

to explain that any action taken or expense incurred by Inmarsat as a result of operations

pursuant to this STA is solely at Inmarsat‘s own risk. I4. In response, Inmarsat states that it has

"ample incentive" to ensure that the BGAN Distributors comply with the STA conditions.


* Inmarsat is operating uncoordinated satellites at 52.75°W, 98°W, 142°W, and 143.5°E.
* While Inmarsat complains that the Bureau never imposed an aggregate EIRP density limit on the
operations of MSV—1 and MSV—SA, Inmarsat never requested such a limit. In fact, Inmarsat never raised
any objections to MSV‘s applications to operate MSV—1 and MSV—SA. The Bureau cannot be fauited for
failing to adopt an interference limit when there was no record evidence to support such a limit. In any
event, MSV has since surrendered its license for the MSV—SA satellite.


Inmarsat et al Opposition at 3—4. As the operator of the satellite used for BGAN service,

Inmarsat‘s own compliance with the STA conditions, especially the obligation to take immediate

action to rectify any interference, is essential to help mitigate the harmful interference from

uncoordinated BGAN operations. Given that Inmarsat has "ample incentive"to help the BGAN

Distributors comply with these conditions, it will not be burdened should the Bureau clarify that

Conditions 2 and 5 apply to Inmarsat as well.

        Condition 3. MSV urged the Bureau to require each of the BGAN Distributors to submit

a certification from Inmarsat declaring that Inmarsat has not and will not assign any unauthorized

frequencies for operation of the earth stations covered by the STA. MSY Petition, Exhibit A at 2.

Once again, Inmarsat claims that it has "every incentive" to ensure that the BGAN Distributors

comply with this condition. Inmarsat et al Opposition at 4. As such, Inmarsat should have no

concern with providing the BGAN Distributors with such a certification. Requiring such a

certification will provide needed assurance to the Bureau, MSV, and the BGAN Distributors that

Inmarsat is complying with this condition. There is precedent for such a requirement. For

example, an applicant for a Fixed Satellite Service ("FSS") earth station that does not conform

with the Commission‘s rules must submit with its application certifications from the operators of

the satellites with which it intends to communicate demonstrating that all affected satellite

 operators have taken the non—routine operations into account in their coordination negotiations.

 47 C.E.R. § 25.220. In adopting this requirement, the Commission explained that "since the

 earth station operator will be a customer of the target satellite operator, the target satellite

 operator has an incentive to obtain the certifications.""




 $ See Fifth Report and Order, 20 FCC Red 5666, € 50 (March 15, 2005).


       Condition 4. MSV requested that the Bureau specify a guard band of at least 50 kHz

between the band edges of the carriers used by the BGAN service provider and the band edges of

MSV‘s coordinated frequencies to mitigate harmful interference to MSV. MSY Petfition, Exhibit

A at 2. Inmarsat claims that this condition is unwarranted because it is unclear that 50 kHz is the

appropriate guard band size. Inmarsat et al Opposition at 4—5. The fact is that BGAN operations

are permitted only on a strictly non—interference and unprotected basis. As MSV explained in its

Petition, its initial observation of experimental BGAN signals revealed that a minimum 50 kHz

guard band is needed to protect MSV from interference. MSYPetition, Exhibit A at 2. While

real world experience may demonstrate that a larger guard band is needed, specification of a 50

kHz guard band now in advance of coordination is a reasonable means to help mitigate harmful

interference to MSV‘s customers. Inmarsat also complains that MSV is trying to "shift the entire

operational burden of coordination to Inmarsat." Inmarsat et al Opposition at 5. Of course,

MSV‘s request is not a substitute for coordination. The conditions attached to the STAs are

temporary measures to minimize interference in the absence of a coordination agreement. Once

Inmarsat takes the necessary steps to complete coordination of its satellite with MSV, the size

and location of any guardbands can be determined more precisely.

        Conditions 6, 7, and 10. MSV also urged the Bureau to explain that it expects Inmarsat

to diligently conclude coordination of its Inmarsat 4F2 satellite with respect to the current and

planned operations of MSV and MSV Canada before it can make a definitive determination that

operation of the Inmarsat 4F2 satellite will not result in unacceptable interference and before it

can grant the pending applications for full BGAN authority. MSY Petifion, Exhibit A at 2—3. In

response, Inmarsat claims that this condition is inappropriate because Inmarsat 4F2 is operating

within the technical envelope coordinated with MSV. Inmarsat et al Opposition at 6. In fact,


this "technical envelope" simply does not exist because Inmarsat has not diligently coordinated

all of its operations in order to establish such an envelope. The fact is that the key technical

parameters of Inmarsat 4F2 used to support BGAN services, such as its proposed use of loaned

frequencies, increased number of co—channel reuse beams, higher aggregate EIRP, and wideband

carriers, have not been previously coordinated, thus making operation of Inmarsat 4F2 on a non—

harmful interference basis relative to other L band systems unlikely.© Inmarsat also contends

that this condition is unfair because it provides MSV with "sole control" over whether the

Commission will ever grant full authority for BGAN service. Inmarsat et al Opposition at 6.

MSV, however, has been and continues to be ready and willing to coordinate with Inmarsat. If

the parties commit to making a good faith effort to complete a comprehensive regional

coordination agreement, MSV‘s view is that coordination can be completed in a matter of a few

months. Inmarsat next argues that completion of coordination is not a condition precedent to

 issuance of an authorization to provide MSS. Inmarsat et al Opposition at 6. In fact, the Bureau

 requires prior coordination unless there is a reasonable basis to conclude that harmful

 interference will not occur in the absence of international coordination. The Bureau will not

 authorize uncoordinated satellites or services when there is evidence that harmful interference

 might occur, as in the case of Inmarsat 4F2.‘ Inmarsat also claims that such a condition is

 inconsistent with how the Bureau treated MSV in granting it licenses for its next—generation

 satellites. Inmarsat et al Opposition at 6. In those cases, however, no entity claimed that these

 satellites would cause harmful interference, It was thus entirely reasonable for the Bureau to

 © See, e.g., Mobile Satellite Ventures Subsidiary LLC, Petition to Hold in Abeyance, File No. SES—LFS—
 20060303—00343, File No. SES—AMD—20060316—00448 (Call Sign EO60076) (April 14, 2006), at 14—19.
 MSV incorporates this filing by reference.
 ? See Letter from Thomas S. Tycz, FCC, to Joseph A. Godles, Counsel for PanAmSat, File No. SAT—
 STA—19980902—00057 (September 15, 1998); Loral Orion Services, Inc., Order and Authorization, DA
 99—2222, 14 FCC Red 17665, 10 (October 18, 1999); BTNorth America Inc., Order, DA 00—162, 15
 FCC Red 15602 (February 1, 2000).


license these satellites in advance of coordination. Conversely, in the case of the Inmarsat 4F2

satellite, its proposed use of loaned frequencies, as well as its wider bandwidth carriers, higher

aggregate EIRP, and greater number of co—channel reuse beams relative to any satellite Inmarsat

has operated previously means that harmful interference will occur absent prior coordination. In

addition, MSV‘s next—generation satellite is years away from launch, making it reasonable for

the Bureau to conclude that any interference issues will be resolved through coordination prior to

actual operation. Conversely, an earth station application such as that presented here is

fundamentally different because it means that operation of the uncoordinated Inmarsat 4F2

satellite and the resulting harmful interference are imminent. Moreover, in granting the MSV—1

and MSV—SA licenses, the Bureau specifically stated that an authorization for which

coordination has not been completed may be subject to additional terms and conditions as

required to effect coordination with other Administrations."




8 See Mobile Satellite Ventures Subsidiary LLC, Order and Authorization, DA 05—1492 (May 23, 2005)
("MSY—1 Order"), at «| 79; Mobile Satellite Ventures Subsidiary LLC, Order and Authorization, DA 05—50
(January 10, 2005) ("MSY—SA Order"), at [ 58. MSV has since surrendered its license for the MSV—SA
satellite.


                                           Conclusion

       MSV requests that the Bureau adopt MSV‘s requested clarifications to the conditions

imposed on the STAs granted for BGAN operations in the United States to improve their

effectiveness in mitigating harmful interference to other L band operators.

                                     Respectfully submitted,




  L ILG_
 Bruce D. Jacobs
                                                     JY 4 /4
                                                 /fennifer A. Manner
 David S. Konczal                                  Vice President, Regulatory Affairs
 PILLSBURY WINTHROP                                 MOBILE SATELLITE VENTURES
      SHAW PITTMAN LLP                                  SUBSIDIARY LLC
 2300 N Street, NW                                  10802 Parkridge Boulevard
 Washington, DC 20037—1128                          Reston, Virginia 20191
 (202) 663—8000                                     (703) 390—2700

Dated: June 29, 2006


                                    Technical Certification

        I, Richard 0. Evans of Mobile Satellite Ventures Subsidiary LLC, certify under penalty
of perjury that:                                                        -

       I am the technically qualified person with overall responsibility for the technical
information contained in this Reply. Iam familiar with the Commission‘s rules, and the
information contained in the Reply is true and correct to the best ofmy knowledge and belief.


                                                    _fReShDO. E_
                                                    Richarda O. Evans


                                                    Dated: June 29, 2006


                                CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

         1, Sylvia A Davis, a secretary with the law firm of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman
LLP, hereby certify that on this 29th day of June 2006, I served a true copy of the foregoing by
first—class United States mail, postage prepaid, upon the following:
Roderick Porter*                                  Gardner Foster*
International Bureau                              International Bureau
Federal Communications Commission                 Federal Communications Commission
445 12"" Street, S.W.                             445 12 Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20554                              Washington, DC 20554

James Ball*                                       Cassandra Thomas*
International Bureau                              International Bureau
Federal Communications Commission                 Federal Communications Commission
445 12"" Street, S.W.                             445 12"" Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20554                              Washington, DC 20554

Karl Kensinger*                                   Fern Jarmulnek*
International Bureau                              International Bureau
Federal Communications Commission                 Federal Communications Commission
445 12"" Street, S.W.                             445 12 Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20554                              Washington, DC 20554

Robert Nelson*                                    Howard Griboff*
International Bureau                              International Bureau
Federal Communications Commission                 Federal Communications Commission
445 12 Street, S.W.                               445 12"" Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20554                              Washington, DC 20554

Andrea Kelly*                                     Scott Kotler*®
International Bureau                              International Bureau
Federal Communications Commission                 Federal Communications Commission
445 12" Street, S.W.                              445 12 Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20554                              Washington, DC 20554

Stephen Duall*                                    Alfred M. Mamlet
International Bureau                              Steptoe & Johnson LLP
Federal Communications Commission                  1330 Connecticut Avenue N.W.
445 12" Street, S.W.                               Washington, D.C. 20036
Washington, DC 20554
                                                   Counsel for Stratos Communications, Inc.

Keith H. Fagan                                     Diane J. Cornell
Telenor Satellite, Inc.                            Vice President, Government Affairs
1101 Wootton Parkway                               Inmarsat, Inc.
 10 Floor                                          1100 Wilson Blvd, Suite 1425
Rockville, MD 20852                                Arlington, VA 22209


John P. Janka                        Linda J. Cicco
Jeffrey A. Marks                     BT Americas Inc.
Latham & Watkins LLP                 11440 Commerce Park Drive
555 Eleventh Street, N.W.            Reston, VA 20191
Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20004

William K. Coulter                   Lawrence J. Movshin
DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary US LLP   Stephen L. Goodman
1200 Nineteenth Street, N.W.         Lee J. Rosen
Washington, DC 20036—2412            Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP
                                     2300 N St. NW, Suite 700
Counsel for FTMSC US, LLC            Washington, DC 20037

                                     Counsel for MVS USA, Inc.




*By electronic mail


                                CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

         I, Sylvia A. Davis, a secretary with the law firm of Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman
LLP, hereby certify that on this 10°" day of July 2006, I served a true copy of the foregoing by
first—class United States mail, postage prepaid, upon the following:


John Giusti*                                      Roderick Porter*
International Bureau                              International Bureau
Federal Communications Commission                 Federal Communications Commission
445 12" Street, S.W.                              445 12"" Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20554                              Washington, DC 20554

Gardner Foster*®                                   Cassandra Thomas*
International Bureau                               International Bureau
Federal Communications Commission                  Federal Communications Commission
445 12"" Street, S.W.                              445 12"" Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20554                               Washington, DC 20554

Karl Kensinger*                                    Fern Jarmulnek*
International Bureau                               International Bureau
Federal Communications Commission                  Federal Communications Commission
445 12"" Street, S.W.                              445 12"" Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20554                               Washington, DC 20554

Robert Nelson*                                     Howard Griboff*
International Bureau                               International Bureau
Federal Communications Commission                  Federal Communications Commission
445 12"" Street, S.W.                              445 12"" Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20554                               Washington, DC 20554

Andrea Kelly*                                      Kathyrn Medley*
International Bureau                               International Bureau
Federal Communications Commission                  Federal Communications Commission
445 12"" Street, S.W.                              445 12"" Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20554                               Washington, DC 20554

Stephen Duall*                                     Scott Kotler*®
International Bureau                               International Bureau
Federal Communications Commission                  Federal Communications Commission
445 12"" Street, S.W.                              445 12"" Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20554                               Washington, DC 20554

Keith H. Fagan                                     Diane J. Cornell
Telenor Satellite, Inc.                            Vice President, Government Affairs
1101 Wootton Parkway                               Inmarsat, Inc.
10 Floor                                           1100 Wilson Blyvd, Suite 1425
Rockville, MD 20852                                Arlington, VA 22209


John P. Janka                              Linda J. Cicco
Jeffrey A. Marks                           BT Americas Inc.
Latham & Watkins LLP                       11440 Commerce Park Drive
555 Eleventh Street, NW.                   Reston, VA 20191
Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20004

William K. Coulter                         Lawrence J. Movshin
DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary US LLP         Stephen L. Goodman
1200 Nineteenth Street, NW.                Lee J. Rosen
Washington, DC 20036—2412                  Wilkinson Barker Knauer, LLP
                                           2300 N St. NW, Suite 700
Counsel for FTMSC US, LLC                  Washington, DC 20037

                                           Counsel for MVS USA, Inc.

Alfred M. Mamlet
Steptoe & Johnson LLP
1330 Connecticut Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036

Counsel for Stratos Communications, Inc.


                                             /
                                                 /)/
                                                 /
                                                        £o
                                                        /
                                                             >

                                                       Ad2t      A ;   I . fl_::::*:-—».,%

                                           Sylvia A. Davis /

*By electronic mail



Document Created: 2019-04-28 17:29:10
Document Modified: 2019-04-28 17:29:10

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