WASHINGTON-The Federal Communications Commission has adopted recommendations for the World Radiocommunication Conference this fall in Geneva that are aimed at fostering development of global mobile satellite systems.
Proposals crafted by the FCC, Commerce Department and State Department will form the basis for U.S. positions at WRC-95, scheduled for Oct. 23 through Nov. 17.
Mike Synar, a former Democratic congressman from Oklahoma, will lead a U.S. delegation that includes FCC Commissioner Susan Ness and representatives from federal agencies and the telecommunications industry.
The United States will seek more spectrum for low-earth-orbit satellites, called big LEOs, that promise pocket telephone service worldwide, and for little LEOs that will provide mobile data communications.
Fixed microwave users have worried that operating mobile satellite systems on new frequencies could create harmful interference, but some of those concerns have been addressed.
WRC-95 is particularly important for the United States because American firms are among the world’s leaders in satellite technology. “These technologies have the potential to better the lives of all people by providing basic telecommunications and data services to people regardless of location, improving the economic productivity for nations, improving access to knowledge and social services and increasing cultural understanding,” said FCC Commissioner Rachelle Chong.
