Spectrum Five Again Looks to Enter US DBS Market

Days after surrendering its license authorizing launch and operation of a 17/24 GHz broadcasting satellite service satellite at 95.15 degrees west, Spectrum Five is renewing its plans to begin offering DBS in the U.S. In an FCC International Bureau filing Tuesday, Spectrum Five asked for a declaratory ruling it can enter the U.S. market with the satellite operating at 95.15 degrees west. The company said it previously was authorized to operate at that location with a Netherlands-authorized satellite, but it had to shift its business strategies from DBS to broadband when it couldn't secure international rights for DBS spectrum at that orbital location. It surrendered its license to the FCC last month, it said in a filing. In its Tuesday filing, Spectrum Five said it anticipates launch and being operational within five years, with the satellite designed to provide direct-to-home services using 17.3-17.7 GHz downlinks and 24.75-25.25 GHz uplinks. The company said it hasn't settled on exact specifications for the satellite's physical design and therefore hasn't contracted for its construction.