The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has authorised 11 new and established communications satellite operators to provide broadband Ka-band services in the USA from geostationary orbit (GEO).
The companies are CAI Data Systems, Celsat America, Direct Com Networks, Hughes Communications, KaStarCom World Satellite, Lockheed Martin, Loral Cyberstar, Pacific Century, PanAmSat, Pegasus Development and TRW.
The licences to Hughes, Loral and PanAmSat allow them to expand the number of satellites equipped for Ka-band services following licences that were issued in 1997.
All companies except Celsat will provide fixed satellite services to US customers, while Celsat will use Ka-band for feeder links to support its mobile satellite system. Pacific Century intends to operate satellites approved by the UK to serve the USA.
Thirty-four GEO locations have been assigned for the Ka-band companies. PanAmSat receives six; five go to Lockheed Martin and Pegasus; Hughes and TRW get four; Celsat, DirectCom, Pacific Century and Loral Cyberstar all get two; and CAI and KaStar receive one each.
Source: Flight International
