2 GHz for Use by the Mobile Satellite Service

By this action, the Commission allocates 70 megahertz of spectrum at 1990-2025 MHz and 2165-2200 MHz to the Mobile-Satellite Service (MSS), to become available January 1, 2000. In order to make this spectrum available for MSS use, we are modifying the current Broadcast Auxiliary Service (BAS), Cable Television Relay Service (CARS), and Local Television Transmission Service (LTTS) allocation at 1990-2110 MHz by providing an allocation instead at 2025-2130 MHz and proposing to rechannelize these latter services at 2 GHz, from seven channels of 17- and 18-megahertz bandwidths to seven channels of 15- megahertz bandwidth. This allocation will allow the United States to participate in global MSS systems and realize the benefits to consumers of such systems. The 70 megahertz will also provide sufficient bandwidth for the operation of multiple service providers.