Attachment Comments

Comments

COMMENT submitted by Mobile Satellite Ventures Subsidiary LLC

Comments

2006-11-13

This document pretains to SES-STA-20061109-01979 for Special Temporal Authority on a Satellite Earth Station filing.

IBFS_SESSTA2006110901979_538171

ORIGINAL Before the al Federal Communications Commission LED/ACCEPTED Washington, D.C. 20554 NOV 1.3 2098 In the matter of )j likk ~>iesgmnisen ceicee SkyWave Mobile Communications, ) File No. SES—STA—20061109—01979 (Call Sign Eo30055) Inc. Stratos Communications, Ic. File No. SES—STA—20061 109—01985 (Call Sign E010047) File No. SES—STA—20061 109—01986 (Call Sign E010048) File No. SES—STA—20061 109—01984 (Call Sign E0O0180) File No. SES—STA—20061 109—01987 (Call Sign E010049) File No. SES—STA—20061 109—01988 (Call Sign E010050) Satamatics, Inc. File No. SES—STA—20061 109—01980 (Call Sign E020074 Telenor Satellite Ic. File No. SES—STA—20061027—01896 (Call Sign E000280) File No. SES—STA—20061027—01887 (Call Sign E00O282) File No. SES—STA—20061027—01902 (Call Sign EOOO285) RECEIVED File No. SES—STA—20061027—01903 (Call Sign EO00284) File No. SES—STA—20061027—01900 (Call Sign EO0O283) NOV 1 4 2006 File No. SES—STA—20061027—01901 (Call Sign WB36) File No SES—STA—20061027—01899 (Call Sign KA313) Satelite Dision IntormationalBureau COMMENTS OF MOBILE SATELLITE VENTURES SUBSIDIARY LLC Mobile Satellite Ventures Subsidiary LLC (*MSV®) hereby files these Comments on the above—referenced applications filed by SkyWave Mobile Communications, Inc.("SkyWave‘"), Stratos Communications, Ic. (*Stratos"), Satamatics, Inc.("Satamatics"), and Telenor Satellte Inc. (‘Telenor®) (collectively, the "Applicants") fora fith 60—day renewal ofexisting grants of Special Temporary Authority ("STA") to operate earlier—generation mobile earth terminals using the uncoordinated Inmarsat 4F2 satellte at 52.75° W.L." The STAs expire on November 15, ‘ See SkyWave Mobile Communications,Inc., Requestfor Special Temporary Authority, File No. SES— STA—20061109—01979 (Call Sign ©030035) (filed November 9, 2006) ("SbyWave Application); Strtos Communications Inc., Request for Special Temporary Authorty, ile No SES—STA—20061 10901984 (Call Sign E000180) ea(filed November 9, 2006)(*Stratos Application"); Satamatics, Ic., Request for Special Temporary Authorit, File No. SES—STA—20061 109—01980 (Call Sign EO20074)(filed November

2006. MSV again urges the Burcau to continue to apply the conditions imposed on the original STA grants for earlier—generation services as well as to () immediately require Inmarsatto return the loaned frequencies and (i) establish a firm expiration date for these STAs without Inmarsa t having completed coordination of the Inmarsat 4F2 satellte with the United States Inmarsat continues to refuse to return certain L band frequencies that were coordinated under the 1999 Spectrum Sharing Arrangement ("SSA") for MSV and MSV Canada, which loaned them temporarly to Inmarsat,and which Inmarsat has refused to return." Critically, Inmarsat‘s refusalto retun the loaned frequencies blocks MSV from deploying new, bandwidth— intensive services on its present system, including important public safety services.. Public safety officials have informed the Commission that they are particularly prejudiced by Inmarsat‘s steadfast refusal to retum the loaned frequencies." Among other things, public safety users have expressed concem to the Commission that Inmarsat‘s refusalto return the loaned frequencies will impede the crtical services MSV offers today to public safety users. The Commonwealth of Kentucky‘s Division of Emergency Management, an MSV user, has informed the Commission 9, 2006) (‘Satamaries Application"); Telenor Satelite Ic., Request for Special Temporary Authority, File No. SES—STA—20061027—01896 etal(Call Sign EO0O280) t al(iled October 27, 2006)(Telenor Application), * The Bureau has defined these frequencies as "loaned" and described them as "those bandwidth segments that were loaned to Inmarsat by MSV and [Mobile Satelite Ventures (Canada) Inc., either as pat ofthe Revised 1999 Spectrum Sharing Arrangement (October 4, 1999), or lateras bilaterl arrangements between Inmarsatand MSV and Inmarsat and MSV Canada." See, eg., Telenor STA Grant,File No SES—STA—20060118—00055 ct al (January 18, 2006), at 3. > See Letter from Mississippi Senator Merle Flowers to Chairman Kevin . Martin, FCC, File No. SES— LFS—20050826—01175 etal(May 24, 2006) (°MSV needs L band spectrum t loaned to Inmarsat to be returned.....‘); Leterfrom Bolivar County (MS) Emergency Management Agency to Chairman Kevin J. Martin, FCG, File No. SEBS—LFS—20050826—01175 etal (May 24, 2006);Leter fom City of Orlando Emergeney Management to Chairman Kevin J. Martn, FCC, File No. SES—LES—20050826—01 175 etal (May 24, 2006); Lettr from Coller(FL) County Government to Chairman Kevin J. Martin, FCC, File No. SES—LFS—20050826—01175 etal (May 26, 2008); Lettefrom Allince to Save Florida‘s Traima Care to Chairman Kevin J. Martin, FCC, File No. SES—LFS—20050826—01175 et al (May 24, 2006};Leter fom Hemando County (FL) Emergeney Management to Chairman Kevin J. Martn, FCC, ile No. SES—LES— 20050826—01175 etal (June 12, 2006)

that the loaned frequencies are "required for MSV to develop new and innovative service for public safety users, including additional services that frther improve interoperable communications."" For example, as MSV explained in Comments filed on the Commission‘s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (*NPRA) secking input on the recommendations of the Independent Panel Reviewing the Impact of Hurricane Katrina on Communications Networks ("Katrina Pane1")," MSV currently offers the only satellite—based push—to—talk ("PTT*) service in the country today.® This product allows point—to—point or point—to—multipoint voice communications among users in a customer—defined group using a PTT handset. Using a customer—defined calling group, a public safety user can communicate with one or up to 10,000 users simultancously. With this technology, all users within the call group receive the same information simultancously.. During emergencies when terrestrial infrastructure is impaired, MSV‘s PTT service can be ofcritical importance in keeping first responders informed. In addition, MSV‘s PTT service can be interfaced with existing terrestrial—based public safety radios (LMRs) or commercial Enhanced Specialized Mobile Radios (ESMR},and thus serve as a satelliterepeater to both technologies. This enables the radios to continue to function even when the terrestral infrastructure supporting the LMRs or ESMRs are destroyed. Tt is precisely this type of critical, interoperable public safety service that is being impeded by Inmarsat‘s continued refusal to return loaned frequencies and continued operation of uncoordinated satelltes. See Leter from Commonwealth of Kentucky‘s Division of Emergency Management to Ms. Mariene H. Dortch, FCC, File No. SES—LFS—20050826—01 175 etal (July 24, 2006); see also Leter from Southwest Texas Regional Advisory Council for Trauma to Ms. Marlene H. Dortch, FCC, File No. SES—LES— 20080826—01175 ct al (luly 17, 2006). * See Recommendations ofthe Independent Pane! Reviewing the Inpact ofHurricane Katrina on Communications Networks, NoticeofProposed Rulemaking, EB Dockt No. 06—119, FCC 06—$3 (June 16, 200) (NPRAr). * See Comments ofMobile Satelite Ventures Subsidiary LLC, EB Docket No. 06—1 19 (August 7, 2006

Moreover, Inmarsat‘s refusal precludes MSV from using these frequencies to support existing customers and for testing and deploying its interim—generation and next—generation integrated satellite—terrestrial network. Accordingly, operation of earlier—generation services with Inmarsat 4F2 pursuant to the STAs has adversely affected the interference environment in the L band. The Bureau has already taken action to prohibit Inmarsat‘ illegal usurpation of loaned. frequencies for its Broadband Global Area Network (*BGAN") service using the uncoordinated Inmarsat 4F2 satellite." MSV urges the Bureau to take the same action with respect to Inmarsat‘s earlier—generation services. While the Applicants filed reports almost nine months ago pertaining to their possible use of loaned frequencies for carlier—zeneration services, the Bureau has not yet acted to preclude Inmarsat from using the loaned frequencies for these services. These reports (to the extent they are publicly available) contain absolutely no analytical, statistica, or other support tojustify Inmarsat‘s continued refusalto relinguish the loaned frequencies despite the harm that is being caused to MSV and MSV Canada. This harm is occurring now and is exacerbated by Inmarsat‘s and the Applicants® refusalto return these frequencies to MSV and MSV Canada. In addition to requiring an immediate retur ofthe loaned frequencies, MSV urges the Bureau to provide a clear expiration date for these STAs unless Inmarsat has completed the coordination of the new and relocated Inmarsatsatellites and services. Not only will successful coordination mitigate the harmful interference that would otherwise result from operation of Inmarsat‘s uncoordinated satellte, this coordination should also facilitate rebanding of L. band spectrum into more contiguous frequency blocks that willincrease efficient use of L band " See, eg., Sratos Communications,Inc., Grant,File No. SES—STA—20060310—00419 (Call Sign 050249) (May 12, 2006),Condition No.3.

spectrum" and maximize the potential for offering broadband services, which Chairman Martin recently explained is the Commission‘s top priority." Indeed, numerous public safety users and government entities have fled letters urging the Commission to promote the coordination of contiguous L band frequency assignments in order to faciitate broadband satellite services for first responders."" " The Commission has identified the promotion of"effcient and effective" use ofspectzum as one of ts strategic objectives (see RCC, Strategic Plan: 2006—2011 (September 30, 2005)), and it has recognized the assignment of contiguous frequency blocks as a means ofachieving this efficiency. See generally Improving Public Sefety Communications in the 800 Mz Band, Report and Order, 19 FCC Red 14969 (August 6, 2004); Anendment ofPart 2 ofthe Commission‘s Rules to Allocate Spectrum Below 3 GHsfor Mobile and Fixed Services to Supportthe Introduction ofNew Advanced Wireless Services, including Third Generation Wireless Systems, Third Report and Order, Third Notice ofProposed Rule Making, and Second Memorandum Opinion and Order, 18 FCC Red 2223, 1 68 (2003); Amendment ofPart2 ofthe Commission‘s Rules to Allocate Spectrum Below 3 GHiSecond Report and Order, 17 ECC Red 23193, 4 16 (November 15, 2002)("The record alsoidentifes general benefits oflarge contiguous blacks of harmonized spectrum, including economicsof scale in equipment development and quicker deployment ofdvanced services."), * See Remarks ofFCC Chairman Kevin J. Martin, Imagining the Digital Healtheare Futurein the Rural West, Montana State University— Bozeman (July 7, 2006)(‘Since becoming Chairman about 16 months ago, I have made broadband deployment the Commission‘s top pronity....); see also White House, 4 New Generation ofAmerican Innowation (April 2004) ("The President has calledfor universa, affordable access for broadband technology by the year 2007 and wants to make sure we give Americans plenty of technology choices when it comes to purchasing broadband. Broadband technology will enbance our Nation‘s economic competitveness and will help improve education and health care foall Americans.") (available athtps infocus/technology/economichtm; RCC, Strategic Plan: 2006—2011 (September 30, 2005)(identfying the promotion ofbroadband as one ofthe Commission‘s six general goals for the nextfive years) " See Leter from Santa Rosa County (FL) Division of Emergency Management to Chairman Kevin J. Martin, FCC, File No. SES—LFS—20050826—01 175 etal (June 15, 2006) (asking the Commission t "take measure to ensure that satellite providers in our state have access to enough contiguous spectrum to offer the new types of services thatwill make a difference for ourfirst responders");See Letter from Charles Barbour,Supervisor, Hinds County (MS) to Chairman Kevin J. Martn, FCC, File No. SES—LES— 20050826—01 175 etal (May 26, 2006) (‘the L band spectrum used currently by five parties needs to be redistribated sothat all partes® shares are contiguous"); Leter rom BluCross and Blue Shild of Florida to Chairman Kevin J Martin, FCC, File No. SES—LFS—20050826—01 175 etal(May 23, 2006); Letter rom Hinds County (MS) Sherif‘s Departmentto Chairman Kevin J. Martin, PCC, File No. SBS— LFS—20050826—01175 etal (May 23, 2006); Letter from Community Development Leagues of America, Inc.to Chairman Kevin J Martin, FCC, File No. SES—LFS—20050826—01 175 ctal(May 25, 2006);Leter from Seminole County (FL) Department ofInformation Technologiesto Chairman Kevin J. Martn, FCC, File No SES—LFS—20050826—01175 et al (June 8, 2006);Leter fom Florida Department ofAgriculture and Consumer Services to Chairman Kevin J. Martin, FCC, File No. SES—LES—20050826—01 175 otal . (May 24, 2006); Letter from Kenneth W. Stole, Member, Virginia Senate,to Chairman Kevin J. Martin, FCC, File No. SES—LES—20080826—01175 etal (July 12, 2006); Leter from John M. O‘Bannon, l MD,

1f, however, the Bureau continues to renew STAs for use of Inmarsat‘s new satellite and services without insi i that Inmarsatfirst complete coordination, there are no reasonable prospects that such coordination will ever be successfully completed.. Instead, Inmarsat will continue to shirk its obligation to coordinate its satellites with other North Ameri can L band operators, thercby thwarting the Commission‘s goals of increasing efficient spectrum use and promoting broadband deployment. Respectfully submitted, ‘?o x¥ i 4 frerts#s., PVA Bruce D. Jacobs Jennifer 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: November 13, 2006 Delegate, 73" Distrct, Member, Virginia House of Delegates to Chairman Kevin J. Martin, FCC, File No. SES—LFS—20050826—01175 etal(July 28, 2006); Leter rom L. Scott Lingamfeler, Member, Virginia House of Delegates, o Chairman KevinJ.Marti, FCC, File No. SES—LFS—20050826—01178 et al (July 17, 2006); Lette from David B. Albo, Member, Virginia House of Delegates, o Chairman Kevin J. Martin, FCC, File No. SES—LES—20050826—01 175 et al (uly 12, 2006);Leter from John W. ones, Executive Director, Virginia Sherifs® Association, to Chairman Kevin J.Martin, PCC, File No. SES— LES—20050826—01175 etal (July 24, 2006); etter rom J. Bradley Reynolds, Commissioner Northeast Ward, Nacogdoches, Texas,to Chairman Kevin J. Martin, FCC, File No. SES—LFS—20050826—01 175 ctal (July 19, 2008)

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE 1. Sylvia A. Davis, a secretary with the law firm of Pillsbury Winthro Shaw Pitman LLP, hereby certify that on this 13th day ofNovember 2006, served pa true ofthe foregoing by first—class United States mail, postage prepaid, upon the followincopy g: John Giusti® Roderick Porter® International Bureau International Bureau Federal Communications Commission Federal Communications Commission 445 12® Street, SW 445 12® Street, SW Washington, DC 20554 Washington, DC 20554 Gardner Foster® Richard Engelmant Intenational Bureau International Burcau Federal Communications Commission Federal Communications Commission 445 12° Street, SW. 445 12" Street, S.W. Washington, DC 20554 Washington, DC 20554 Robert Nelson* Cassandra Thomas* International Bureau International Bureau Federal Communications Commission Federal Communications Commission 445 12® Strcet, S.W. 445 12® Stree, S.W. Washington, DC 20554 Washington, DC 20554 Karl Kensinger* Fem Jarmulnck® Interational Bureau International Burcau Federal Communications Commission Federal Communications Commission 445 12° Street, S.W. 445 12" Street, S.W. Washington, DC 20554 Washington, DC 20554 John Martin® Kathymn Mediey® International Bureau International Bureau Federal Communications Commission Federal Communications Commission 445 12® Street, SW 445 12® Street, S.W. Washington, DC 20554 Washington, DC 20554 Scott Kotler® Howard Giboff® International Bureau Intemational Bureau Federal Communications Commission Federal Communications Commission 445 12® Street, S.W. 445 12° Street, SW. Washington, DC 20554 Washington, DC 20554 Stephen Duall* Alfted M. Mamict International Bureau Steptoc & Johnson LLP Federal Communications Commission 1330 Connectiont Avenve N.W. 445 12® Street, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20036 Washington, DC 20554 Counse for Stratos Communications,Inc, SkyWave Mobile Communications, Corp and Satamatics, Inc

Keith H. Fagan DianeJ. Comell Telenor Satelte, Ic. Vice President, Goverment Atiirs 1101 Wootton Parkway Inmarsat, Ic. 10Floor 1100 Wilson Blvd, Suite 1425 Rockuille, MD 20852 Arlington, VA 22200 John P.Janka Ani Tourian Joffiey A. Marks SkyWave Mobile Communications, Corp. Latham & Watkins LLP 1145 Innovation Drive, Unit 288 555 Eleventh Streat, NW. Ottawa, ON Canada K2K 3G8 Suite 1000 Washington, DC 20004 Brian Hester Satamatics, Ic. P.0. Box 303 Buckeystown, MD 21717 *By electronic mail


Document Created: 2006-12-07 17:08:41
Document Modified: 2006-12-07 17:08:41
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