MSV Files ATC Application With the FCC

Reston, Va.-based Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV) filed an application Thursday with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to add an ancillary terrestrial component (ATC) to its L -band mobile satellite service (MSS) systems.

The FCC approved MSS use of ATC last January. MSV’s filing last week appears to be the first attempt by an MSS operator to take advantage of the opportunity that the controversial regulatory change allows.

Terrestrial wireless service operators adamantly oppose MSS companies offering ATC. They argue that the MSS operators received their spectrum allocations free of charge, where as they had to pay hefty sums for their spectrum through auctions.

ATC allows MSS operators to use terrestrial repeaters to ensure satellite signals can be received or transmitted indoors, as well as outdoors.

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