WASHINGTON-Fresh revelations of terrestrial repeaters being improperly operated by a satellite radio company further fueled a mushrooming controversy at the Federal Communications Commission, one with potentially major implications for wireless broadband companies planning to invest millions of dollars in coming years on U.S. WiMAX deployment.
Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. became the second satellite radio company in recent weeks to disclose that some repeaters-in this case, 11-do not comply with a special temporary authorization issued by the FCC.
The Wireless Communications Association International said the Sirius disclosure “is not a trivial issue” in light of the satellite radio company’s petition to effectively grandfather allegedly unlawful operations while the FCC crafts permanent rules for satellite radio terrestrial repeaters.
Earlier this month, the other major satellite radio operator, XM Satellite Radio Inc., notified the FCC that 221 land-based repeaters were operating above authorized power levels and 19 repeaters were transmitting outside the scope of its STA.
Last week, the National Association of Broadcasters, whose members compete with XM and Sirius, asked FCC Chairman Kevin Martin to investigate both satellite radio companies to determine whether to impose penalties.
Wireless broadband carriers with 2.3 GHz licenses and manufacturers are lobbying for a three-year extension of next August’s construction deadline, pointing in part to potential interference from satellite radio land-based facilities and the uncertainty created for WiMAX players.
