The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau opened a filing window for eligible Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) space station operators in the 3.7-4.2 GHz band (C-band) to submit changes to their repack plans. Original plans were filed last August.
In the 3.7 GHz Report and Order, the Commission adopted rules to make 280 MHz of mid-band spectrum available for flexible use (plus a 20 MHz guard band) throughout the contiguous U.S. by transitioning existing services out of the lower portion of the band and into the upper 200 MHz of the C-band. The agency established a December 2025 deadline by which incumbent satcos must move. But all five eligible space station operators chose to move on a faster schedule, with a Phase I deadline of December 5, 2021, and a Phase II deadline of December 5, 2023.
They were required to describe their repack plans, including the number and location of earth stations receiving their transmissions. In September 2020, the bureau opened a limited window for space station operators to modify their plans; it allowed them to remove earth stations that elected a lump sum payment.
Space station operators must file quarterly reports detailing their progress. This new filing window is to enable them to file modified repack plans to account for updates since October 2020.
All amendments, explanations, and updated final repack plans must be filed in GN Docket Nos. 18-122 and 20-173 no later than July 7. Once this limited window closes, the bureau anticipates opening an additional repack amendment window later this year to enable eligible space station operators to finalize the details of their Phase I plans.
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