MVDDS 5G Coalition Presses FCC to Deny OneWeb Application

Section 2.106 of FCC own rules limits deployment in the 12.2-12.7 GHz band to fixed service, broadcast satellite service and fixed satellite service, not mobile satellite service, meaning OneWeb's planned non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite constellation should be denied, MVDDS 5G Coalition representatives told FCC staffers, according to an ex parte filing Friday in the OneWeb proceeding. The coalition said the OneWeb application isn't in the public interest because its use of 12.2-12.7 GHz "would essentially destroy any realistic prospect of MVDDS rollout" because of the inability of MVDDS and NGSO to coexist under current rules due to NGSO satellite receivers receiving interference from MVDDS transmitters. Since OneWeb proposes mobile service, that "makes the death blow to MVDDS that much more definitive" because the precise locations and operating times for the receivers would be unknown, MVDDS 5G said. The additional 5,400 MHz of spectrum OneWeb seeks outside 12.2-12.7 MHz band should more than suffice, coalition members said. Representing the group were Dish Network staffers including Deputy General Counsel Jeff Blum. Representing the FCC at the meeting were staffers including International Bureau Satellite Division Chief Jose Albuquerque and Wireless Bureau Chief Engineer Chris Helzer. OneWeb didn't comment Monday.