NGSO Operators Push for Processing Round for Amazon's Kuiper

Other non-geostationary orbit operators continue to have problems with Amazon's proposed Kuiper mega constellation, with numerous reply comments filed this week arguing it needs to be part of a new NGSO Ka-band processing round. OneWeb said FCC rules mandate that the Kuiper application should trigger a new processing round. It also said Kuiper's request to share spectrum on an equal basis with first-round licensees and applicants should be denied to protect the NGSO interference environment and existing investments. Giving Kuiper the same status as other qualified applicants that were part of the 2016 processing round "would eviscerate the processing round framework and violate ... clear Commission policies," SES/O3b said. SpaceX said Amazon arguments it won't preclude future entrants since two applicants from the first round won't operate "defies common sense" since Amazon plans magnitudes more satellites than the original applicants. Iridium said Kuiper hasn't shown why it shouldn't need a waiver for its plan to use feeder links in the 19.4-19.6 GHz, 29.1-29.25 GHz, and 29.25-29.5 GHz bands or to operate in the 19.7-20.2 GHz and 29.5-30.0 GHz bands. Urging denial of the Kuiper application, Theia said if the agency approves it, it also should extend the milestones for already-authorized Ka-band systems to give those operators time to address the disruption Kuiper's entry would bring. Telesat dismissed Amazon arguments its directional antennas justify waiving the processing round rules, saying use of those antennas is irrelevant. Amazon argued a processing round waiver wouldn't eliminate its spectrum sharing obligations (see 1911140004).