Upper and Lower L-Band

This document establishes licensing policies governing mobile- satellite service ("MSS") in certain portions of the L-band. It assigns lower L-band frequencies to Motient Services, Inc. ("Motient") in lieu of upper L-band frequencies that have been assigned to Motient, and that the United States has been unable to coordinate internationally for use by a U.S. licensee. Any coordinated lower L-band spectrum not required to secure Motient an aggregate of 20 megahertz of L-band spectrum will be made available for other MSS applicants that may wish to apply for assignment of the frequencies. This document also adopts and incorporates into part 25 of the Commission's service rules specific operational parameters and technical requirements to ensure that the integrity of maritime distress and safety communications service will not be compromised by MSS operation in the lower L-band.