SBCA Continues MVDDS Fight

The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association stepped up its fight of the Multichannel Video and Data Distribution Service (MVDDS), asking the Federal Communications Commission to scrap its earlier order on the matter. In addition, the association is making moves in court concerning the FCC's MVDDS work and a case involving MVDDS supporter Northpoint Technology.

Satellite interests, led by the SBCA, have fought MVDDS and Northpoint, concerned that the spectrum-sharing wireless service will interfere with satellite signals. In its petition for reconsideration, the association asked the FCC to rescind its authorization for MVDDS to share Ku-Band spectrum used by DBS services, saying the decision is arbitrary and contrary to law.

Throughout the MVDDS proceeding, the FCC disregarded evidence submitted by satellite TV operators and the findings and recommendations from the independent MITRE Corp., which found MVDDS to be an interference threat, the SBCA said.

In addition, the SBCA is stepping up efforts at the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. On July 22, the association filed with the court a petition for review of the FCC's First Report and Order and Memorandum Opinion and Order on the FCC MVDDS work.

In addition, the SBCA filed a "Notice of Intention to Intervene" in the same appeals court hearing Northpoint's challenge of part of the MVDDS rules. While the SBCA told the court it's opposed to the spectrum-sharing order, it supports the FCC mandate to auction MVDDS licenses, and allow DBS operators to bid on the spectrum.

Northpoint is fighting the auction portion of the MVDDS order in the same court.

From SkyReport (Used with Permission)