Attachment Cover Letter

This document pretains to SES-STA-20100301-00280 for Special Temporal Authority on a Satellite Earth Station filing.

IBFS_SESSTA2010030100280_804183

March 1, 2010 System Analysis Branch Satellite Division International Bureau Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street SW Washington, DC 20554 Re: Request for Special Temporary Authority – Southwestern Energy Company Pursuant to Section 25.120(a) of the Rules and Regulations (“Regulations”) of the Federal Communications Commission (“Commission”), Southwestern Engergy Company. (“Southwestern”) seeks Commission consideration for a Special Temporary Authority (“STA”) to operate a VSAT station (callsign E070245) while an application for modification of authority undergoes Commission review. According to Section 25.120(b)(3) of the Regulations, the Commission may grant temporary authority for a period not to exceed 60 days, if the STA request has not been placed on public notice, and the applicant plans to file a request for regular authority for the service. In the instant case, the STA request has not been placed on public notice but Southwestern has filed an application for modification of authority. See Submission ID: IB2010000748. Therefore, Southwestern respectfully requests an STA for a period not to exceed 60 days. Southwestern is a natural gas exploration and production company with storage and pipeline facilities located throughout the United States, including locations in remote and isolated areas where satellite is the only means of communications. Southwestern uses its VSAT network for monitoring its gas transmissions lines, communications with on-site personnel, and other critical uses. Communications between its Network Operations Center and remote locations is vital so that Southwestern may monitor and control equipment operated to maintain safe operation of these facilities at all times. Without a fully functioning communications system, Southwestern would be required to shut down the transmission of natural gas throughout its lines. Southwestern currently requires expanding the capacity of its network to accommodate demand and alleviate congestion in the system. This increased capacity requirement translates into a need to increase the maximum aggregate EIRP at both the hub and the remotes. According to Section 25.120 (b)(1) of the Regulations, "The Commission may grant a temporary authorization only upon a finding that there are extraordinary circumstances requiring temporary operations in the public interest and that delay in the institution of these temporary operations would seriously prejudice the public interest". Because of the important nature of the communications carried by Southwestern’s system, it is critical that Southwestern continue to operate while the application for modification is underway. As this is a Ku-band system operating in the standard band, no prior frequency coordination is needed. Also, radiation hazard studies have been performed and submitted to make sure that the increase power is within the regulated limits. The requested date for prior use is March 5, 2010. In accordance to Section 25.120(a) of the Regulations, this STA is being filed at least 3 working days prior to the date of proposed operation. Sincerely, /s/ Raul Magallanes Attorney


Document Created: 2010-03-01 11:50:36
Document Modified: 2010-03-01 11:50:36
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