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Business Review 1996/1997
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Business Review 1996/1997
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Mobile Satellite Services
Following the allocations made at WARC-92 and WRC-95, several satellite systems using non-geostationary satellite orbits (N-GSO) are currently being brought in to operation with a view to providing personal communications from around the year 2000. The new generation of geostationary systems will also have the capability to offer personal communications. The Agency, with the support of industry, has played a key role in developing the regulatory framework and standards needed within Europe for the introduction of the Satellite-Personal Communications Services (S-PCS) offered by these systems. The provision of S-PCS will permit true global roaming of personal communications.
One key concern within Europe has been the growth of
'paper' satellite systems which contribute to the artificial congestion of spectrum. In
developing the element of regulatory framework within CEPT for the harmonisation of
frequency bands to be used by the terminals of S-PCS systems operating within the bands
1.6/2.4 GHz and 1.9/2.1 GHz, certain methods for the elimination of such paper satellites
have been adopted. The Agency considers this to be a significant step towards the handling
of the growing problem of paper satellites. Regulations are also being adopted within the
CEPT for the free circulation of S-PCS terminals.
The Agency has been leading discussions within Europe on the re-allocation of the land,
maritime and aeronautical mobile satellite bands at 1.5/1.6 GHz to generic mobile
satellite whilst providing for additional protection of distress and safety
communications. It is anticipated that this re-allocation will occur at WRC-97. This will
increase the flexibility with which the bands can be used and, consequently, facilitate
co-ordination of the new geostationary satellite systems. Allied to this, the Agency is
actively participating in ongoing multilateral discussions to pave the way for the
introduction of new mobile satellite systems, including UK-based mobile satellite systems,
in these bands.
Given the growing demand for satellite services it is anticipated that WRC-97 - or future WRCs - may also consider certain limited allocations within the 1-3 GHz bands.
Mobile satellite systems operating below 1 GHz, usually known as 'Little LEOs', are also being brought into operation. These systems are expected to offer low speed data communications. The Agency has taken the view that the introduction of these systems should not adversely impact the existing and planned services within frequency bands concerned. The Agency is currently engaged in discussions with the proponents of 'Little LEO' systems to address these issues.
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