FCC Announces Available Ka-Band Orbital Locations, Frequencies

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the availability of several Ka-band orbital locations, following the surrendering of those locations from previous license holders. All orbital locations and frequencies became available for reassignment July 23.

• On April 14, Hughes Network Systems filed a letter surrendering its authorization to construct, launch and operate a Ka-band fixed satellite service (FSS) satellite at 101 degrees East longitude in the 18.3 GHz-18.8 GHz, 19.7 GHz -20.2 GHz, 28.35 GHz -28.6 GHz, and 29.25 GHz-30 GHz frequency bands. Hughes on the same day surrendered authorization to operate a satellite at 49 degrees West longitude in the same frequency bands.
• On May 19, Hughes filed a similar letter surrendering its authorization to operate a Ka-band FSS satellite at 25 degrees East longitude in the 18.3 GHz -18.8 GHz, 19.7 GHz – 20.2 GHz, 28.35 GHz -28.6 GHz, and 29.25 GHz-30 GHz frequency bands.
• On July 17, Celsat America Inc. surrendered its authorization to operate in a portion of the 2 GHz band using feeder links in specific frequencies in the Ka-band. Specifically, Celsat was authorized to operate feeder links, for use with service at 83 degrees West longitude in the 18.3 GHz -18.8 GHz, 28.35 GHz -28.6 GHz and 29.25 GHz -30 GHz frequency bands.

The FCC also said Hughes surrendered authorization to operate a Ka-band FSS satellite at 111 degrees East longitude in the 18.3 GHz -18.8 GHz, 19.7 GHz -20.2 GHz, 28.35 GHz – 28.6 GHz, and 29.25 GHz -30 GHz frequency bands. The agency said this orbit location in the 17.8 GHz -20.2 GHz band is not available for reassignment.

Why is Hughes letting these licenses go? Find out in an upcoming issue of Satellite News. For subscription information, go to https://www.satellitetoday.com .