At its July 12th meeting, the FCC voted to commence a proceeding looking to allow new broadband services in the “C-Band.” This comes as no surprise. It is important for broadcasters because both radio and television networks use C-Band earth stations to receive network and syndicated programming. The FCC’s decision recognized it needs more information about the number of earth stations operating in the C-Band. It also offered several ideas about how the band can be shared by C-Band earth stations and wireless broadband.
This proceeding will set off a complex engineering debate as to how this band can be shared without causing interference. Nonetheless, we believe there will be some form of sharing with broad band services. The only issue is how and what type of sharing will be approved. For example, the FCC may decide to set aside a portion of the C-Band for exclusive use by satellite services. Alternatively, it may adopt a more dynamic type of sharing based on geographic spacing.
IT IS ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL THAT YOU REGISTER ALL YOUR C-BAND EARTH STATIONS BY OCTOBER 17, 2018. IF YOU DO NOT REGISTER YOUR EARTH STATIONS YOU WILL NOT BE PROTECTED FROM INTERFERENCE BY THE FCC.
Registration Costs Lowered: Several weeks ago the FCC issued a Public Notice lowering the costs of registering C-Band Earth Stations.
- Stations may register all earth stations at a single geographic location or address with a single application and pay a single application fee of $435
- For stations with earth stations at multiple locations, the FCC will give users the option to register all those stations in one application that effectively caps the filing fee at $10,620
For more information see the FCC’s Public Notice HERE.
To register your C-Band Earth Stations on the FCC web portal click HERE.
To see a copy of the FCC’s decision click HERE.
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