The Federal Communications Commission is looking to free up 90 megahertz of Mobile Satellite Services spectrum for commercial terrestrial wireless opportunities. The agency expects to start a proceeding in July because the rules regarding MSS spectrum need to be changed so the spectrum can be used for land-based services.
“This initiative is an opportunity to make additional spectrum available for mobile broadband by promoting greater spectrum efficiency and flexibility,” said Julie Knapp, Co-Chair of the FCC Task Force charged with finding up to 500 megahertz of spectrum by 2020 as part of the commission’s National Broadband Plan. “The Spectrum Task Force remains firmly committed to maintaining robust mobile satellite capability that serves important needs like disaster recovery and rural access. I am confident that we can achieve all of these goals and create a win-win solution.”
The FCC also pointed to the Harbinger Capital Partners’ $1.8 billion buy of SkyTerra Communications Inc., which has MSS spectrum, as part of its strategy to bring more broadband options to Americans. The FCC approved that acquisition with stipulations that Harbinger has to cover 190 million pops in five years. In May, the FCC also adopted the WCS-SDARS Order, making 25 megahertz of spectrum available for mobile broadband services.