Mobile VSATs An Overview of KuBand Mobile Satellite

Mobile VSATs An Overview of Ku-Band Mobile Satellite Services Presentation to NSMA Spectrum Management 2008 May 21, 2008 Carlos M. Nalda Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L. L. P.

Mobile VSATs • Earth Stations onboard Vessels (ESVs) • Vehicle-Mounted Earth Stations (VMESs) • Aeronautical Mobile-Satellite Service (AMSS) Aircraft Earth Stations (AESs) • Many similarities from a spectrum management perspective – Off-axis e. i. r. p. spectral density, pointing accuracy and automatic shut-off requirements – Coordination with co-frequency users – Network control functionality • Regulatory status (co-primary vs. secondary)

Mobile VSATs ESV VMES/LMSS AMSS

Ku-Band ESV Rules • ESV Order released Jan. 6, 2005 (FCC 04 -286, IB Docket No. 02 -10) • Rules set forth in 47 CFR § 25. 222 – Co-primary status in 14. 0 -14. 5 GHz (uplink) and 11. 712. 2 GHz (downlink) bands; unprotected use of 10. 9511. 2 an 11. 45 -11. 7 GHz (extended Ku-band downlink) – Coordination requirements near NASA TDRSS facilities in 14. 0 -14. 2 GHz and RAS facilities in 14. 47 -14. 5 GHz • Reconsideration Pending – Higher power operations, non-conforming antennas – Pointing error considerations – Resolution 902 minimum distance (125 km vs. 300 km)

VMES Rulemaking • General Dynamics’ VMES Petition – Petition filed May 24, 2006, NPRM May 15, 2007 (FCC 07 -36, IB Docket No. 07 -101; ) – Proposes co-primary status in 14. 0 -14. 5 GHz (uplink) and 11. 7 -12. 2 GHz (downlink) bands; unprotected use of 10. 9511. 2 an 11. 45 -11. 7 GHz (extended Ku-band downlink) – Coordination requirements near NASA TDRSS facilities in 14. 0 -14. 2 GHz and RAS facilities in 14. 47 -14. 5 GHz – Comment cycle closed; FCC preparing an R&O • Still an opportunity to license LMSS systems on a secondary basis (e. g. , Raysat Antenna Systems, LLC)

AMSS Rulemaking • Petition for rulemaking filed July 21, 2003 by Boeing in support of the Connexion system • NPRM released Feb. 9, 2005 (FCC 05 -14, IB Docket No. 05 -20), comment cycle closed • Connexion ceased commercial operations December 31, 2006; Boeing continues to serve U. S. government customers • Proceeding is dormant, but…. – Additional AMSS licenses issued to ARINC and Via. Sat – New players: Row 44, Panasonic Avionics, etc.

Mobile VSAT Issues • Primary technical issue is avoiding interference to traditional Ku-band FSS operations • Requirement to coordinate with other incumbent users of the band (TDRSS and RAS, minimal use by other services) • Commercial vs. experimental licensing • Effect of UTC Petition? – VMES operations along rail lines and roadways – ESV operations along the coast and inland waterways – AMSS operations in certain stages of flight

Mobile VSATs Thank you! Please feel free to contact me with any questions: Carlos M. Nalda Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L. L. P. 1201 Pennsylvania Avenue, N. W. Suite 500 Washington, DC 20004 -2401 +1. 202. 626. 6659 cnalda@ssd. com