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Satellite interests in Washington, D.C., expressed disappointment with a decision to allow spectrum-sharing between satellite and wireless offerings in frequencies already used by small dish services.
Late Tuesday, the Federal Communications Commission issued its decision on Multichannel Video Distribution and Data Service (MVDDS), which allows for the sharing of 12 GHz spectrum between satellite services and wireless offerings. DBS uses the 12 GHz band. While the order seeks to protect satellite services and their customers from interference, some were still concerned that the new entry would impede satellite signals.
The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association said the decision allowing MVDDS to access the 12 GHz band doesn't reflect results of a Congressionally-mandated independent test finding spectrum-sharing will create significant interference for DBS subscribers.
"This decision is particularly difficult to understand in light of the fact that there is ample spectrum available outside the DBS band to allow a MVDDS competitor into the market without causing interference to DBS subscribers," the SBCA said in a statement.
"While we are pleased that the FCC order apparently makes an effort to protect DBS consumers, we will need to wait until the FCC order is released to determine if existing and future DBS subscribers are adequately protected," the SBCA said, adding that it "intends to continue to work to protect the interests of DBS customers."
DirecTV spokesman Bob Marsocci said the company agrees with the SBCA statement on the MVDDS matter. "It never has been about competition, It always has been about protecting our customers," he said.
Marsocci added that DirecTV supports the FCC on the auction issue. But the company hasn't yet decided whether it will participate in any bidding process. "We are considering our options on the auctions," Marsocci said.
EchoStar also responded to the FCC decision, saying it welcomes the new competition. Concerning auctions, EchoStar is in favor of putting the spectrum through a competitive bidding process "because it puts the spectrum in the hands of the people who will put it to its best use for the American public," said EchoStar spokesman Marc Lumpkin.
Lumpkin said the company will read the FCC order first before making a decision concerning its participation in any spectrum auctions.
From http://www.skyreport.com (Used with permission)
Late Tuesday, the Federal Communications Commission issued its decision on Multichannel Video Distribution and Data Service (MVDDS), which allows for the sharing of 12 GHz spectrum between satellite services and wireless offerings. DBS uses the 12 GHz band. While the order seeks to protect satellite services and their customers from interference, some were still concerned that the new entry would impede satellite signals.
The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association said the decision allowing MVDDS to access the 12 GHz band doesn't reflect results of a Congressionally-mandated independent test finding spectrum-sharing will create significant interference for DBS subscribers.
"This decision is particularly difficult to understand in light of the fact that there is ample spectrum available outside the DBS band to allow a MVDDS competitor into the market without causing interference to DBS subscribers," the SBCA said in a statement.
"While we are pleased that the FCC order apparently makes an effort to protect DBS consumers, we will need to wait until the FCC order is released to determine if existing and future DBS subscribers are adequately protected," the SBCA said, adding that it "intends to continue to work to protect the interests of DBS customers."
DirecTV spokesman Bob Marsocci said the company agrees with the SBCA statement on the MVDDS matter. "It never has been about competition, It always has been about protecting our customers," he said.
Marsocci added that DirecTV supports the FCC on the auction issue. But the company hasn't yet decided whether it will participate in any bidding process. "We are considering our options on the auctions," Marsocci said.
EchoStar also responded to the FCC decision, saying it welcomes the new competition. Concerning auctions, EchoStar is in favor of putting the spectrum through a competitive bidding process "because it puts the spectrum in the hands of the people who will put it to its best use for the American public," said EchoStar spokesman Marc Lumpkin.
Lumpkin said the company will read the FCC order first before making a decision concerning its participation in any spectrum auctions.
From http://www.skyreport.com (Used with permission)