Next Constellation Ratchets Up Need for Spectrum, Iridium Says

Given the pending launch of the first satellites in Iridium's Next constellation (see 1606140026), the need for and public benefit of more spectrum is growing, the satellite company told FCC International Bureau staff as it pushed its proposal for sharing the 1616-1618.725 MHz band with Globalstar (see 1504230054), said an ex parte filing Wednesday in RM-11685. Iridium said it told the bureau that Next's design is intended to protect radio astronomy services, so any dismissal of company's petition based on concern about its effect on RAS "would be premature."