Service Rules and Policies for the Broadcasting Satellite Service (BSS)

In this document, the Federal Communications Commission adopts rules to mitigate space path interference between the 17/24 GHz Broadcasting-Satellite Service (BSS) space-to-Earth transmissions and the feeder link receiving antennas of Direct Broadcast Satellite Service (DBS) space stations that operate in the same frequency band. We adopt an off-axis power flux density (pfd) coordination trigger for 17/24 GHz BSS space stations. We also require a minimum orbital separation of 0.2 degrees between 17/24 GHz BSS space stations and DBS space stations. We place bounds on orbital eccentricity and inclination of 17/24 GHz BSS space stations and condition the protection of DBS networks to certain assumed limits on eccentricity and inclination. By these actions, we facilitate the introduction of the 17/24 GHz BSS and anticipate that it will provide new and innovative services, including video, audio, data, and video-on-demand, to consumers in the United States and promote increased competition among satellite and terrestrial services. We revised our informational requirements to require 17/24 GHz BSS space station applicants to file pfd calculations (and if the pfd coordination trigger is exceeded, to file coordination information), and to file predicted and measured transmitting antenna off-axis gain information. We also require both 17/24 GHz BSS applicants and DBS applicants to file maximum orbital eccentricity information with their application. Finally, we adopt procedures to enable pending applicants and existing authorization holders to file relevant information related to these rules.