17 GHz Earth Stations Needn't Wait for WRC-23, Hughes Says

Letting blanket-licensed earth stations receive in the 17 GHz band doesn't need to wait for the outcome of the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference, especially when satellites already are transmitting in the band, Hughes representatives told FCC International Bureau staffers, per docket 20-330 Tuesday. Hughes said blanket-licensed fixed satellite service earth stations and earth stations in motion can operate in the band under the same technical limits that govern geostationary fixed satellite service downlinks, and the 17 GHz band is unsuitable for 5G.