NRAO Petitions for 1.6/2.4 GHz Protections From Direct-to-Handset Service

The FCC should make clear that satellite use of the 1.6/2.4 GHz mobile satellite service (MSS) bands for radiocommunication with mobile phones is subject to the MSS rules, or it should start a rulemaking proceeding with the aim of making that clarification, National Radio Astronomy Observatory petitioned Wednesday. Citing direct-to-handset service available now from Globalstar and forthcoming from Iridium in the 1610-1626.5 MHz and 2483.5-2500 MHz bands, NRAO said mobile phones are operating like unlicensed MSS mobile earth stations and the number of mobile devices capable of using the 1.6/2.4 GHz bands "is poised to increase by factors of 100 or more." If those phones don't obey the 1.6/2.4 MSS rules when communicating with satellites, the radio astronomy protections "will be mooted," it said.