FCC Regulation Document

Part: 
Topic: C

47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                              47 CFR Part 25 (Feb. 20, 2024)
Satellite Communications

This content is from the eCFR and is authoritative but unofficial.

Title 47 —Telecommunication
Chapter I —Federal Communications Commission
Subchapter B —Common Carrier Services

Part 25 Satellite Communications
  Subpart A General
      § 25.101 Basis and scope.
      § 25.102 Station authorization required.
      § 25.103 Definitions.
      § 25.104 Preemption of local zoning of earth stations.
      § 25.105 Citizenship.
      §§ 25.106-25.107 [Reserved]
      § 25.108 Incorporation by reference.
      § 25.109 Cross-reference.
  Subpart B Applications and Licenses
      General Application Filing Requirements
         § 25.110 Filing of applications, fees, and number of copies.
         § 25.111 Additional information, ITU filings, and ITU cost recovery.
         § 25.112 Dismissal and return of applications.
         § 25.113 Station construction, deployment approval, and operation of spare satellites.
         § 25.114 Applications for space station authorizations.
         § 25.115 Applications for earth station authorizations.
         § 25.116 Amendments to applications.
         § 25.117 Modification of station license.
         § 25.118 Modifications not requiring prior authorization.
         § 25.119 Assignment or transfer of control of station authorization.
         § 25.120 Application for special temporary authorization.
         § 25.121 License term and renewals.
         § 25.122 Applications for streamlined small space station authorization.
         § 25.123 Applications for streamlined small spacecraft authorization.
         § 25.124 Unified space station and earth station authorization.
         § 25.129 Equipment authorization for portable earth-station transceivers.
      Earth Stations
         §§ 25.130-25.131 [Reserved]
         § 25.132 Verification of earth station antenna performance.
         § 25.133 Period of construction; certification of commencement of operation.
         § 25.134 [Reserved]

47 CFR Part 25 (Feb. 20, 2024) (enhanced display)                                              page 1 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                               47 CFR Part 25 (Feb. 20, 2024)
Satellite Communications

          § 25.135 Licensing provisions for earth station networks in the non-voice, non-geostationary
                     Mobile-Satellite Service.
          § 25.136 Earth Stations in the 24.75–25.25 GHz, 27.5–28.35 GHz, 37.5–40 GHz, 47.2–48.2,
                     GHz and 50.4–51.4 GHz bands.
          § 25.137 Requests for U.S. market access through non-U.S.-licensed space stations.
          § 25.138 Earth Stations in the 3.7–4.2 GHz band.
          § 25.139 NGSO FSS coordination and information sharing between MVDDS licensees in the
                     12.2 GHz to 12.7 GHz band.
       Space Stations
          § 25.140 Further requirements for license applications for GSO space station operation in
                     the FSS and the 17/24 GHz BSS.
          § 25.142 Licensing provisions for the non-voice, non-geostationary Mobile-Satellite Service.
          § 25.143 Licensing provisions for the 1.6/2.4 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service and 2 GHz
                     Mobile-Satellite Service.
          § 25.144 Licensing provisions for the 2.3 GHz satellite digital audio radio service.
          § 25.146 Licensing and operating provisions for NGSO FSS space stations.
          § 25.147 Space Stations in the 3.7–4.2 GHz band.
          § 25.148 Licensing provisions for the Direct Broadcast Satellite Service.
          § 25.149 Application requirements for ancillary terrestrial components in Mobile-Satellite
                     Service networks operating in the 1.5./1.6 GHz and 1.6/2.4 GHz Mobile-Satellite
                     Service.
       Processing of Applications
          § 25.150 Receipt of applications.
          § 25.151 Public notice.
          § 25.152 [Reserved]
          § 25.153 Repetitious applications.
          § 25.154 Opposition to applications and other pleadings.
          § 25.155 Mutually exclusive applications.
          § 25.156 Consideration of applications.
          § 25.157 Consideration of applications for NGSO-like satellite operation.
          § 25.158 Consideration of applications for GSO-like satellite operation.
          § 25.159 Limits on pending applications and unbuilt satellite systems.
       Forfeiture, Termination, and Reinstatement of Station Authorization
          § 25.160 Administrative sanctions.
          § 25.161 Automatic termination of station authorization.
          § 25.162 Cause for termination of interference protection.
          § 25.163 Reinstatement.
          § 25.164 Milestones.
          § 25.165 Surety bonds.

47 CFR Part 25 (Feb. 20, 2024) (enhanced display)                                              page 2 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                             47 CFR Part 25 (Feb. 20, 2024)
Satellite Communications

     Reporting Requirements For Space Station Operators
        § 25.171 Space station point of contact reporting requirements.
        § 25.172 Requirements for reporting space station control arrangements.
        § 25.173 Results of in-orbit testing.
   Subpart C Technical Standards
     § 25.201 [Reserved]
     § 25.202 Frequencies, frequency tolerance, and emission limits.
     § 25.203 Choice of sites and frequencies.
     § 25.204 Power limits for earth stations.
     § 25.205 Minimum antenna elevation angle.
     § 25.206 Station identification.
     § 25.207 Cessation of emissions.
     § 25.208 Power flux-density limits.
     § 25.209 Earth station antenna performance standards.
     § 25.210 Technical requirements for space stations.
     § 25.211 Analog video transmissions in the FSS.
     § 25.212 Narrowband analog transmissions and digital transmissions in the GSO FSS.
     § 25.213 Inter-Service coordination requirements for the 1.6/2.4 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service.
     § 25.214 Technical requirements for space stations in the Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service
                and associated terrestrial repeaters.
     § 25.215 [Reserved]
     § 25.216 Limits on emissions from mobile earth stations for protection of aeronautical
                radionavigation-satellite service.
     § 25.217 Default service rules.
     § 25.218 Off-axis EIRP density envelopes for FSS earth stations transmitting in certain
                frequency bands.
     § 25.219 [Reserved]
     § 25.220 Non-routine transmit/receive earth station operations.
     §§ 25.221-25.223 [Reserved]
     § 25.224 Protection of receive-only earth stations in the 17/24 GHz BSS.
     § 25.225 Geographic Service Requirements for 17/24 GHz Broadcasting Satellite Service.
     §§ 25.226-25.227 [Reserved]
     § 25.228 Operating and coordination requirements for earth stations in motion (ESIMs).
     §§ 25.229-25.249 [Reserved]
     § 25.250 Sharing between NGSO MSS Feeder links Earth Stations in the 19.3–19.7 GHz and
                29.1–29.5 GHz Bands.
     § 25.251 Special requirements for coordination.
     § 25.252 [Reserved]
     § 25.253 Special requirements for ancillary terrestrial components operating in the

47 CFR Part 25 (Feb. 20, 2024) (enhanced display)                                            page 3 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                            47 CFR Part 25 (Feb. 20, 2024)
Satellite Communications

               1626.5–1660.5 MHz/1525–1559 MHz bands.
     § 25.254 Special requirements for ancillary terrestrial components operating in the
               1610–1626.5 MHz/2483.5–2500 MHz bands.
     § 25.255 Procedures for resolving harmful interference related to operation of ancillary
               terrestrial components operating in the 1.5/1.6 GHz and 1.6/2.4 GHz bands.
     § 25.256 Special Requirements for operations in the 3.65–3.7 GHz band.
     § 25.257 Special requirements for NGSO MSS operations in the 29.1–29.25 GHz band
               regarding LMDS.
     § 25.258 Sharing between NGSO MSS feeder-link stations and GSO FSS services in the
               29.25–29.5 GHz band.
     § 25.259 Time sharing between NOAA meteorological satellite systems and non-voice, non-
               geostationary satellite systems in the 137–138 MHz band.
     § 25.260 Time sharing between DoD meteorological satellite systems and non-voice, non-
               geostationary satellite systems in the 400.15–401 MHz band.
     § 25.261 Sharing among NGSO FSS space stations.
     § 25.262 Licensing and domestic coordination requirements for 17/24 GHz BSS space
               stations and FSS space stations transmitting in the 17.3–17.8 GHz band.
     § 25.263 Information sharing requirements for SDARS terrestrial repeater operators.
     § 25.264 Requirements to facilitate reverse-band operation in the 17.3–17.8 GHz band of 17/
               24 GHz BSS and DBS Service space stations.
     § 25.265 Acceptance of interference in 2000–2020 MHz.
   Subpart D Technical Operations
     § 25.271 Control of transmitting stations.
     § 25.272 General inter-system coordination procedures.
     § 25.273 Duties regarding space communications transmissions.
     § 25.274 Procedures to be followed in the event of harmful interference.
     § 25.275 Particulars of operation.
     § 25.276 Points of communication.
     § 25.277 Temporary fixed earth station operations.
     § 25.278 Additional coordination obligation for non-geostationary and geostationary satellite
               systems in frequencies allocated to the fixed-satellite service.
     § 25.279 Inter-satellite service.
     § 25.280 Inclined orbit operations.
     § 25.281 Transmitter identification requirements for video uplink transmissions.
     § 25.282 Orbit raising maneuvers.
     § 25.283 End-of-life disposal.
     § 25.284 [Reserved]
     § 25.285 Operation of MSS and ATC transmitters or transceivers on board civil aircraft.
     § 25.286 Antenna painting and lighting.

47 CFR Part 25 (Feb. 20, 2024) (enhanced display)                                           page 4 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                         47 CFR Part 25 (Feb. 20, 2024)
Satellite Communications

     § 25.287 Requirements pertaining to operation of mobile stations in the NVNG, 1.5/1.6 GHz,
               1.6/2.4 GHz, and 2 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service bands.
     § 25.288 Obligation to remedy interference caused by NGSO MSS feeder downlinks in the
               6700–6875 MHz band.
     § 25.289 Protection of GSO networks by NGSO systems.
     § 25.290 Responsibility of licensee for blanket-licensed earth station operation.
   Subpart E Miscellaneous
     § 25.301 Satellite Emergency Notification Devices (SENDs).
   Subpart F Competitive Bidding Procedures for DARS
     § 25.401 Satellite DARS applications subject to competitive bidding.
     § 25.402 [Reserved]
     § 25.403 Bidding application and certification procedures.
     § 25.404 Submission of down payment and filing of long-form applications.
     §§ 25.405-25.406 [Reserved]
   Subparts G–H [Reserved]
   Subpart I Equal Employment Opportunities
     § 25.601 Equal employment opportunities.
   Subpart J Public Interest Obligations
     § 25.701 Other DBS Public interest obligations.
     § 25.702 Other SDARS Public interest obligations.

PART 25—SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS
Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 301, 302, 303, 307, 309, 310, 319, 332, 605, and 721, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A—General
§ 25.101 Basis and scope.
     (a) The rules and regulations in this part are issued pursuant to the authority contained in section 201(c)(11)
         of the Communications Satellite Act of 1962, as amended, section 501(c)(6) of the International Maritime
         Satellite Telecommunications Act, and titles I through III of the Communications Act of 1934, as
         amended.

     (b) The rules and regulations in this part supplement, and are in addition to the rules and regulations
         contained in or to be added to, other parts of this chapter currently in force, or which may subsequently be
         promulgated, and which are applicable to matters relating to communications by satellites.

[28 FR 13037, Dec. 5, 1963, as amended at 56 FR 24015, May 28, 1991]

47 CFR 25.101(b) (enhanced display)                                                                       page 5 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                         47 CFR 25.102
Satellite Communications

§ 25.102 Station authorization required.
     (a) No person shall use or operate apparatus for the transmission of energy or communications or signals by
         space or earth stations except under, and in accordance with, an appropriate authorization granted by the
         Federal Communications Commission.

     (b) Protection from impermissible levels of interference to the reception of signals by earth stations in the
         Fixed-Satellite Service from terrestrial stations in a co-equally shared band is provided through the
         authorizations granted under this part.

[56 FR 24016, May 28, 1991]

§ 25.103 Definitions.
Terms with definitions including the “(RR)” designation are defined in the same way in § 2.1 of this chapter and in
the Radio Regulations of the International Telecommunication Union.

1.5/1.6 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service. Mobile-Satellite Service provided in any portion of the 1525–1559 MHz space-
to-Earth band and the 1626.5–1660.5 MHz Earth-to-space band, which are referred to in this rule part as the “1.5/
1.6 GHz MSS bands.”

1.6/2.4 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service. A Mobile-Satellite Service that operates in the 1610–1626.5 MHz and
2483.5–2500 MHz bands, or in any portion thereof.

    2 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service. A Mobile-Satellite Service that operates in the 2000–2020 MHz and 2180–2200
          MHz bands, or in any portion thereof.

    17/24 GHz Broadcasting-Satellite Service (17/24 GHz BSS). A radiocommunication service involving
          transmission from one or more feeder-link earth stations to other earth stations via geostationary
          satellites, in the 17.3–17.7 GHz (space-to-Earth) (domestic allocation), 17.3–17.8 GHz (space-to-Earth)
          (international allocation) and 24.75–25.25 GHz (Earth-to-space) bands. For purposes of the application
          processing provisions of this part, the 17/24 GHz BSS is a GSO-like service. Unless specifically stated
          otherwise, 17/24 GHz BSS systems are subject to the rules in this part applicable to FSS.

    Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC). A terrestrial communications network used in conjunction with a
           qualifying satellite network system authorized pursuant to these rules and the conditions established in
           the Orders issued in IB Docket No. 01–185, Flexibility for Delivery of Communications by Mobile-Satellite
           Service Providers in the 2 GHz Band, the L-Band, and the 1.6/2.4 GHz Band.

    Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC) base station. A terrestrial fixed facility used to transmit communications
           to or receive communications from one or more ancillary terrestrial component mobile terminals.

    Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC) mobile terminal. A terrestrial mobile facility used to transmit
           communications to or receive communications from an ancillary terrestrial component base station or a
           space station.

    Blanket license. A license for:

           (1) Multiple earth stations in the FSS or MSS, or for SDARS terrestrial repeaters, that may be operated
               anywhere within a geographic area specified in the license; or

           (2) For multiple space stations in non-geostationary-orbit.

47 CFR 25.103 “Blanket license” (2) (enhanced display)                                                    page 6 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                        47 CFR 25.103 “Contiguous United States (CONUS)”
Satellite Communications

    Contiguous United States (CONUS). For purposes of subparts B and C of this part, the contiguous United States
          consists of the contiguous 48 states and the District of Columbia as defined by Partial Economic Areas
          Nos. 1–41, 43–211, 213–263, 265–297, 299–359, and 361–411, which includes areas within 12 nautical
          miles of the U.S. Gulf coastline. In this context, the rest of the United States includes the Honolulu,
          Anchorage, Kodiak, Fairbanks, Juneau, Puerto Rico, Guam-Northern Mariana Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands,
          American Samoa, and the Gulf of Mexico PEAs (Nos. 42, 212, 264, 298, 360, 412–416). See § 27.6(m) of
          this chapter.

    Conventional C-band. The 3700–4200 MHz (space-to-Earth) and 5925–6425 MHz (Earth-to-space) FSS
         frequency bands.

    Conventional Ka-band. The 18.3–18.8 GHz (space-to-Earth), 19.7–20.2 GHz (space-to-Earth), 28.35–28.6 GHz
         (Earth-to-space), and 29.25–30.0 GHz (Earth-to-space) frequency bands, which the Commission has
         designated as primary for GSO FSS operation.

    Conventional Ku-band. The 11.7–12.2 GHz (space-to-Earth) and 14.0–14.5 GHz (Earth-to-space) FSS frequency
         bands.

    Coordination distance. When determining the need for coordination, the distance on a given azimuth from an
          earth station sharing the same frequency band with terrestrial stations, or from a transmitting earth
          station sharing the same bidirectionally allocated frequency band with receiving earth stations, beyond
          which the level of permissible interference will not be exceeded and coordination is therefore not required.
          (RR)

    Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) Service. A radiocommunication service in which signals transmitted or
           retransmitted by Broadcasting-Satellite Service space stations in the 12.2–12.7 GHz band are intended
           for direct reception by subscribers or the general public. For the purposes of this definition, the term direct
           reception includes individual reception and community reception.

    Earth station. A station located either on the Earth's surface or within the major portion of the Earth's
          atmosphere intended for communication:

           (1) With one or more space stations; or

           (2) With one or more stations of the same kind by means of one or more reflecting satellites or other
               objects in space. (RR)

    Earth Station Aboard Aircraft (ESAA). An earth station operating aboard an aircraft that receives from and
          transmits to Fixed-Satellite Service space stations.

    Earth Station in Motion (ESIM). A term that collectively designates ESV, VMES and ESAA earth stations, as
          defined in this section.

    Earth Station on Vessel (ESV). An earth station onboard a craft designed for traveling on water, receiving from
          and transmitting to Fixed-Satellite Service space stations.

    Equivalent diameter. When circular aperture reflector antennas are employed, the size of the antenna is generally
          expressed as the diameter of the antenna's main reflector. When non-reflector or non-circular-aperture
          antennas are employed, the equivalent diameter is the diameter of a hypothetical circular-aperture
          antenna with the same aperture area as the actual antenna. For example, an elliptical aperture antenna
          with major axis a and minor axis b will have an equivalent diameter of [a × b]1/2. A rectangular aperture
          antenna with length l and width w will have an equivalent diameter of [4(l × w)/π]1/2.

47 CFR 25.103 “Equivalent diameter” (enhanced display)                                                          page 7 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                     47 CFR 25.103 “Equivalent Power Flux Density (EPFD)”
Satellite Communications

    Equivalent Power Flux Density (EPFD). The sum of the power flux densities produced at a geostationary-orbit
          receive earth or space station on the Earth's surface or in the geostationary orbit, as appropriate, by all the
          transmit stations within a non-geostationary-orbit Fixed-Satellite Service system, taking into account the
          off-axis discrimination of a reference receiving antenna assumed to be pointing in its nominal direction.
          The equivalent power flux density, in dB(W/m2) in the reference bandwidth, is calculated using the
          following formula:

     Where:

     Na is the number of transmit stations in the non-geostationary orbit system that are visible from the GSO
     receive station considered on the Earth's surface or in the geostationary orbit, as appropriate;

     i is the index of the transmit station considered in the non-geostationary orbit system;

     Pi is the RF power at the input of the antenna of the transmit station, considered in the non-geostationary orbit
     system in dBW in the reference bandwidth;

     θi is the off-axis angle between the boresight of the transmit station considered in the non-geostationary orbit
     system and the direction of the GSO receive station;

     Gt(θi) is the transmit antenna gain (as a ratio) of the station considered in the non-geostationary orbit system in
     the direction of the GSO receive station;

     di is the distance in meters between the transmit station considered in the non-geostationary orbit system and
     the GSO receive station;

     φi is the off-axis angle between the boresight of the antenna of the GSO receive station and the direction of the
     ith transmit station considered in the non-geostationary orbit system;

     Gr(θi) is the receive antenna gain (as a ratio) of the GSO receive station in the direction of the ith transmit
     station considered in the non-geostationary orbit system;

     Gr,max is the maximum gain (as a ratio) of the antenna of the GSO receive station.

    Extended C-band. The 3600–3700 MHz (space-to-Earth), 5850–5925 MHz (Earth-to-space), and 6425–6725
          MHz (Earth-to-space) FSS frequency bands.

    Extended Ka-band. The 17.3–18.3 GHz (space-to-Earth), 18.8–19.4 GHz (space-to-Earth), 19.6–19.7 GHz
          (space-to-Earth), 27.5–28.35 GHz (Earth-to-space), and 28.6–29.1 GHz (Earth-to-space) FSS frequency
          bands.

    Extended Ku-band. The 10.95–11.2 GHz (space-to-Earth), 11.45–11.7 GHz (space-to-Earth), and 13.75–14.0
          GHz bands (Earth-to-space) FSS frequency bands.

47 CFR 25.103 “Extended Ku-band” (enhanced display)                                                           page 8 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                               47 CFR 25.103 “Feeder link”
Satellite Communications

    Feeder link. A radio link from a fixed earth station at a given location to a space station, or vice versa, conveying
         information for a space radiocommunication service other than the Fixed-Satellite Service. The given
         location may be at a specified fixed point or at any fixed point within specified areas. (RR)

    Fixed earth station. An earth station intended to be used at a fixed position. The position may be a specified
          fixed point or any fixed point within a specified area.

    Fixed-Satellite Service (FSS). A radiocommunication service between earth stations at given positions, when one
          or more satellites are used; the given position may be a specified fixed point or any fixed point within
          specified areas; in some cases this service includes satellite-to-satellite links, which may also be operated
          in the inter-satellite service; the Fixed-Satellite Service may also include feeder links of other space
          radiocommunication services. (RR)

    Geostationary-orbit (GSO) satellite. A geosynchronous satellite whose circular and direct orbit lies in the plane of
         the Earth's equator and which thus remains fixed relative to the Earth; by extension, a geosynchronous
         satellite which remains approximately fixed relative to the Earth.

    Inter-Satellite Service. A radiocommunication service providing links between artificial earth satellites.

    Ku band. In this rule part, the terms “Ku band” and “conventional Ku band” refer to the 11.7–12.2 GHz (space-to-
          Earth) and 14.0–14.5 GHz (Earth-to-space) bands. These paired bands are allocated to the Fixed-Satellite
          Service and are also referred to as the 12/14 GHz bands.

    Land earth station. An earth station in the Fixed-Satellite Service or, in some cases, in the Mobile-Satellite
          Service, located at a specified fixed point or within a specified area on land to provide a feeder link for the
          Mobile-Satellite Service. (RR)

    Land Mobile Earth Station. A mobile earth station in the land mobile-satellite service capable of surface
         movement within the geographical limits of a country or continent. (RR)

    Mobile Earth Station. An earth station in the Mobile-Satellite Service intended to be used while in motion or
          during halts at unspecified points. (RR)

    Mobile-Satellite Service (MSS).

           (1) A radiocommunication service:

                 (i)   Between mobile earth stations and one or more space stations, or between space stations used
                       by this service; or

                 (ii) Between mobile earth stations, by means of one or more space stations.

           (2) This service may also include feeder links necessary for its operation. (RR)

    Network Control and Monitoring Center (NCMC). An NCMC, as used in Part 25, is a facility that has the capability
         to remotely control earth stations operating as part of a satellite network or system.

    NGSO. Non-geostationary orbit.

    NGSO FSS gateway earth station. An earth station or complex of multiple earth station antennas that supports
         the routing and switching functions of an NGSO FSS system and that does not originate or terminate
         communication traffic. An NGSO FSS gateway earth station may also be used for telemetry, tracking, and
         command transmissions and is not for the exclusive use of any customer.

47 CFR 25.103 “NGSO FSS gateway earth station” (enhanced display)                                            page 9 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)                        47 CFR 25.103 “Non-Voice, Non-Geostationary (NVNG)
Satellite Communications                                                                       Mobile-Satellite Service”

    Non-Voice, Non-Geostationary (NVNG) Mobile-Satellite Service. A Mobile-Satellite Service reserved for use by
         non-geostationary satellites in the provision of non-voice communications which may include satellite
         links between land earth stations at fixed locations.

    Permitted Space Station List. A list of all U.S.-licensed geostationary-orbit space stations providing Fixed-
          Satellite Service in the conventional C band, the conventional Ku band, or the 18.3–18.8 GHz, 19.7–20.2
          GHz, 28.35–28.6 GHz, and 29.25–30.0 GHz bands, as well as non-U.S.-licensed geostationary-orbit space
          stations approved for U.S. market access to provide Fixed-Satellite Service in the conventional C band,
          conventional Ku band, or 18.3–18.8 GHz, 19.7–20.2 GHz, 28.35–28.6 GHz, and 29.25–30.0 GHz bands.

    Plane perpendicular to the GSO arc. The plane that is perpendicular to the “plane tangent to the GSO arc,” as
          defined below, and includes a line between the earth station in question and the GSO space station that it
          is communicating with.

    Plane tangent to the GSO arc. The plane defined by the location of an earth station's transmitting antenna and a
          line in the equatorial plane that is tangent to the GSO arc at the location of the GSO space station that the
          earth station is communicating with.

    Power flux density (PFD). The amount of power flow through a unit area within a unit bandwidth. The units of
         power flux density are those of power spectral density per unit area, namely watts per hertz per square
         meter. These units are generally expressed in decibel form as dB(W/Hz/m2), dB(W/m2) in a 4 kHz band, or
         dB(W/m2) in a 1 MHz band.

    Power Spectral Density (PSD). The amount of an emission's transmitted carrier power applied at the antenna
         input falling within the stated bandwidth. The units of power spectral density are watts per hertz and are
         generally expressed in decibel form as dB(W/Hz) when measured in a 1 Hz bandwidth, dB(W/4kHz) when
         measured in a 4 kHz bandwidth, or dB(W/MHz) when measured in a 1 MHz bandwidth.

    Protection areas. The geographic regions where U.S. Department of Defense meteorological satellite systems or
          National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration meteorological satellite systems, or both such
          systems, receive signals from low earth orbiting satellites. Also, areas around NGSO MSS feeder-link
          earth stations in the 1.6/2.4 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service determined in the manner specified in §
          25.203(j).

    Radiodetermination-Satellite Service. A radiocommunication service for the purpose of radiodetermination
          involving the use of one of more space stations. This service may also include feeder links necessary for
          its own operation. (RR)

    Routine processing or licensing. Expedited processing of unopposed applications for earth stations in the FSS
          communicating with GSO space stations that satisfy the criteria in § 25.211(d), § 25.212(c) through (f), or
          § 25.218, include all required information, are consistent with all Commission rules, and do not raise any
          policy issues. Some, but not all, routine earth station applications are eligible for an autogrant procedure
          under § 25.115(a)(3).

    Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service (SDARS). A radiocommunication service in which audio programming is
           digitally transmitted by one or more space stations directly to fixed, mobile, and/or portable stations, and
           which may involve complementary repeating terrestrial transmitters and telemetry, tracking and command
           facilities.

    Satellite system. A space system using one or more artificial earth satellites. (RR)

    Selected assignment. A spectrum assignment voluntarily identified by a 2 GHz MSS licensee at the time that the
          licensee's first 2 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service satellite reaches its intended orbit.

47 CFR 25.103 “Selected assignment” (enhanced display)                                                    page 10 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                      47 CFR 25.103 “Shapeable antenna beam”
Satellite Communications

    Shapeable antenna beam. A satellite transmit or receive antenna beam, the gain pattern of which can be
         modified at any time without physically repositioning a satellite antenna reflector.

    Skew angle. The angle between the minor axis of an axially asymmetric antenna beam and the plane tangent to
         the GSO arc.

    Small satellite. An NGSO space station eligible for authorization under the application process described in §
          25.122.

    Small spacecraft. An NGSO space station operating beyond Earth's orbit that is eligible for authorization under
          the application process described in § 25.123.

    Space radiocommunication. Any radiocommunication involving the use of one or more space stations or the use
         of one or more reflecting satellites or other objects in space.

    Space station. A station located on an object which is beyond, is intended to go beyond, or has been beyond, the
         major portion of the Earth's atmosphere. (RR)

    Space system. Any group of cooperating earth stations and/or space stations employing space
         radiocommunication for specific purposes. (RR)

    Spacecraft. A man-made vehicle which is intended to go beyond the major portion of the Earth's atmosphere.
         (RR)

    Terrestrial radiocommunication. Any radiocommunication other than space radiocommunication or radio
          astronomy. (RR)

    Terrestrial station. A station effecting terrestrial radiocommunication.

    Two-degree-compliant space station. A GSO FSS space station operating in the conventional or extended C-
         bands, the conventional or extended Ku-bands, the 24.75–25.25 GHz band, or the conventional or
         extended Ka-bands within the limits on downlink equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) density or
         PFD specified in § 25.140(a)(3) or (b)(3) and communicating only with earth stations operating in
         conformance with routine uplink parameters specified in § 25.211(d), § 25.212(c), (d), or (f), or § 25.218.

    Vehicle-Mounted Earth Station (VMES). An earth station, operating from a motorized vehicle that travels primarily
          on land, that receives from and transmits to Fixed-Satellite Service space stations and operates within the
          United States.

[79 FR 8311, Feb. 12, 2014, as amended at 79 FR 26868, May 12, 2014; 81 FR 55324, Aug. 18, 2016; 83 FR 34489, July 20, 2018;
84 FR 53651, Oct. 8, 2019; 84 FR 66779, Dec. 5, 2019; 85 FR 22864, Apr. 23, 2020; 85 FR 44786, July 24, 2020; 85 FR 43733, July
20, 2020; 87 FR 72403, Nov. 25, 2022]

§ 25.104 Preemption of local zoning of earth stations.
     (a) Any state or local zoning, land-use, building, or similar regulation that materially limits transmission or
         reception by satellite earth station antennas, or imposes more than minimal costs on users of such
         antennas, is preempted unless the promulgating authority can demonstrate that such regulation is
         reasonable, except that nonfederal regulation of radio frequency emissions is not preempted by this
         section. For purposes of this paragraph (a), reasonable means that the local regulation:

           (1) Has a clearly defined health, safety, or aesthetic objective that is stated in the text of the regulation
               itself; and

47 CFR 25.104(a)(1) (enhanced display)                                                                             page 11 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                        47 CFR 25.104(a)(2)
Satellite Communications

           (2) Furthers the stated health, safety or aesthetic objective without unnecessarily burdening the federal
               interests in ensuring access to satellite services and in promoting fair and effective competition
               among competing communications service providers.

     (b)

           (1) Any state or local zoning, land-use, building, or similar regulation that affects the installation,
               maintenance, or use of a satellite earth station antenna that is two meters or less in diameter and is
               located or proposed to be located in any area where commercial or industrial uses are generally
               permitted by non-federal land-use regulation shall be presumed unreasonable and is therefore
               preempted subject to paragraph (b)(2) of this section. No civil, criminal, administrative, or other legal
               action of any kind shall be taken to enforce any regulation covered by this presumption unless the
               promulgating authority has obtained a waiver from the Commission pursuant to paragraph (e) of this
               section, or a final declaration from the Commission or a court of competent jurisdiction that the
               presumption has been rebutted pursuant to paragraph (b)(2) of this section.

           (2) Any presumption arising from paragraph (b)(1) of this section may be rebutted upon a showing that
               the regulation in question:

                 (i)   Is necessary to accomplish a clearly defined health or safety objective that is stated in the text
                       of the regulation itself;

                 (ii) Is no more burdensome to satellite users than is necessary to achieve the health or safety
                      objective; and

                (iii) Is specifically applicable on its face to antennas of the class described in paragraph (b)(1) of
                      this section.

     (c) Any person aggrieved by the application or potential application of a state or local zoning or other
         regulation in violation of paragraph (a) of this section may, after exhausting all nonfederal administrative
         remedies, file a petition with the Commission requesting a declaration that the state or local regulation in
         question is preempted by this section. Nonfederal administrative remedies, which do not include judicial
         appeals of administrative determinations, shall be deemed exhausted when:

           (1) The petitioner's application for a permit or other authorization required by the state or local authority
               has been denied and any administrative appeal and variance procedure has been exhausted;

           (2) The petitioner's application for a permit or other authorization required by the state or local authority
               has been on file for ninety days without final action;

           (3) The petitioner has received a permit or other authorization required by the state or local authority
               that is conditioned upon the petitioner's expenditure of a sum of money, including costs required to
               screen, pole-mount, or otherwise specially install the antenna, greater than the aggregate purchase
               or total lease cost of the equipment as normally installed; or

           (4) A state or local authority has notified the petitioner of impending civil or criminal action in a court of
               law and there are no more nonfederal administrative steps to be taken.

     (d) Procedures regarding filing of petitions requesting declaratory rulings and other related pleadings will be
         set forth in subsequent Public Notices. All allegations of fact contained in petitions and related pleadings
         must be supported by affidavit of a person or persons with personal knowledge thereof.

47 CFR 25.104(d) (enhanced display)                                                                          page 12 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                        47 CFR 25.104(e)
Satellite Communications

     (e) Any state or local authority that wishes to maintain and enforce zoning or other regulations inconsistent
         with this section may apply to the Commission for a full or partial waiver of this section. Such waivers
         may be granted by the Commission in its sole discretion, upon a showing by the applicant that local
         concerns of a highly specialized or unusual nature create a necessity for regulation inconsistent with this
         section. No application for waiver shall be considered unless it specifically sets forth the particular
         regulation for which waiver is sought. Waivers granted in accordance with this section shall not apply to
         later-enacted or amended regulations by the local authority unless the Commission expressly orders
         otherwise.

     (f) A satellite earth station antenna that is designed to receive direct broadcast satellite service, including
         direct-to-home satellite services, that is one meter or less in diameter or is located in Alaska is covered by
         the regulations in § 1.4000 of this chapter.

[61 FR 10898, Mar. 18, 1996, as amended at 61 FR 46562, Sept. 4, 1996]

Effective Date Note: At 61 FR 46562, Sept. 4, 1996, § 25.104 was amended by revising paragraph (b)(1) and
adding paragraph (f). These paragraphs contain information collection and recordkeeping requirements and will not
become effective until approval has been given by the Office of Management and Budget.

§ 25.105 Citizenship.
The rules that establish the requirements and conditions for obtaining the Commission's prior approval of foreign
ownership in common carrier licensees that would exceed the 20 percent limit in section 310(b)(3) of the
Communications Act (47 U.S.C. 310(b)(3)) and/or the 25 percent benchmark in section 310(b)(4) of the Act (47
U.S.C. 310(b)(4)) are set forth in §§ 1.5000 through 1.5004 of this chapter.

[81 FR 86613, Dec. 1, 2016]

§§ 25.106-25.107 [Reserved]
§ 25.108 Incorporation by reference.

Link to an amendment published at 86 FR 49488, Sept. 3, 2021.

     (a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part with the approval of the Director of the Federal
         Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved incorporation by reference (IBR) material is
         available for inspection at the FCC and the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).
         Contact FCC through the Federal Communications Commission's Reference Information Center, phone:
         (202) 418–0270. For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/
         federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html or email fr.inspection@nara.gov or go to. The material may be
         obtained from the sources in the following paragraphs of this section.

     (b) European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), 650 Route des Lucioles, 06921 Sophia-Antipolis
         Cedex, France; http://www.etsi.org; Voice: +33 (0)4 92 94 42 00; Fax: +33 (0)4 93 65 47 16; email:
         webstore@etsi.org.

           (1) ETSI TS 103 129 V1.1.2 (2014–03), “Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB); Framing structure, channel
               coding and modulation of a carrier identification system (DVB–CID) for satellite transmission,”
               Version 1.1.2, March 2014. Incorporation by reference approved for § 25.281(b).
47 CFR 25.108(b)(1) (enhanced display)                                                                    page 13 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                     47 CFR 25.108(b)(2)
Satellite Communications

           (2) [Reserved]

     (c) International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Place des Nations, 1211 Geneva 20 Switzerland; www.itu.int;
         Voice: +41 22 730 5111; Fax: +41 22 733 7256; email: itumail@itu.int.

           (1) ITU Radio Regulations, Volume 1: Articles, Article 9, “Procedure for effecting coordination with or
               obtaining agreement of other administrations,” Section II, “Procedure for effecting coordination,”
               Edition of 2012, http://www.itu.int/pub/R–REG–RR–2012. Incorporation by reference approved for §
               25.111(e).

           (2) ITU Radio Regulations, Volume 1: Articles, Article 21, “Terrestrial and space services sharing
               frequency bands above 1 GHz,” Section V, “Limits of power flux-density from space stations,” Edition
               of 2016, copyright 2016, http://www.itu.int/pub/R-REG-RR-2016. Incorporation by reference approved
               for § 25.146(a).

           (3) ITU Radio Regulations, Volume 1: Articles, Article 22, “Space services,” Section II, “Control of
               interference to geostationary-satellite systems,” Edition of 2016, copyright 2016, http://www.itu.int/
               pub/R-REG-RR-2016. Incorporation by reference approved for §§ 25.146(a), 25.289.

           (4) ITU Radio Regulations, Volume 2: Appendices, Appendix 7, “Methods for the determination of the
               coordination areas around an earth station in the frequency bands between 100 MHz and 105 GHz,”
               Edition of 2012, http://www.itu.int/pub/R-REG-RR-2012. Incorporation by reference approved for §
               25.203(m).

           (5) ITU Radio Regulations, Volume 2: Appendices, Appendix 30, “Provisions for all services and
               associated Plans and List for the broadcasting-satellite service in the frequency bands 11.7–12.2
               GHz (in Region 3), 11.7–12.5 GHz (in Region 1) and 12.2–12.7 GHz (in Region 2),” Edition of 2012,
               http://www.itu.int/pub/R–REG–RR–2012. Incorporation by reference approved for §§ 25.110(b),
               25.117(h), and 25.118(e).

           (6) ITU Radio Regulations, Volume 2: Appendices, Appendix 30A, “Provisions and associated Plans and
               List for feeder links for the broadcasting-satellite service (11.7–12.5 GHz in Region 1, 12.2–12.7 GHz
               in Region 2 and 11.7–12.2 GHz in Region 3) in the frequency bands 14.5–14.8 GHz and 17.3–18.1
               GHz in Regions 1 and 3, and 17.3–17.8 GHz in Region 2,” Edition of 2012, http://www.itu.int/pub/R-
               REG-RR-2012. Incorporation by reference approved for §§ 25.110(b), 25.117(h), and 25.118(e).

           (7) ITU Radio Regulations, Volume 2: Appendices, Appendix 30B, “Provisions and associated Plan for the
               fixed-satellite service in the frequency bands 4 500–4 800 MHz, 6 725–7 025 MHz, 10.70–10.95
               GHz, 11.2–11.45 GHz and 12.75–13.25 GHz,” Edition of 2012, http://www.itu.int/pub/R-REG-RR-2012.
               Incorporation by reference approved for §§ 25.110(b) and 25.140(a).

           (8) ITU Radio Regulations, Volume 3: Resolutions and Recommendations, Resolution 76 (Rev.WRC-15),
               “Protection of geostationary fixed-satellite service and geostationary broadcasting-satellite service
               networks from the maximum aggregate equivalent power flux-density produced by multiple non-
               geostationary fixed-satellite service systems in frequency bands where equivalent power flux-density
               limits have been adopted,” Edition of 2016, copyright 2016, http://www.itu.int/pub/R-REG-RR-2016.
               Incorporation by reference approved for § 25.146(a).

47 CFR 25.108(c)(8) (enhanced display)                                                                    page 14 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                           47 CFR 25.108(c)(9)
Satellite Communications

           (9) ITU Radio Regulations, Volume 3: Resolutions and Recommendations, Resolution 85 (WRC–03),
               “Application of Article 22 of the Radio Regulations to the protection of geostationary fixed-satellite
               service and broadcasting-satellite service networks from non-geostationary fixed-satellite service
               systems,” Edition of 2016, copyright 2016, http://www.itu.int/pub/R-REG-RR-2016. Incorporation by
               reference approved for § 25.146(c).

          (10) Recommendation ITU–R M.1186 “Technical Considerations for the Coordination Between Mobile
               Satellite Service (MSS) Networks Utilizing Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and Other Spread
               Spectrum Techniques in the 1–3 GHz Band” (1995). Incorporation by reference approved for §
               25.254(c).

     (d) Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services (RTCM). 1611 N. Kent St., Suite 605, Arlington, VA
         22209; email: info@rtcm.org; website: www.rtcm.org.

           (1) RTCM 12800.0, “Satellite Emergency Notification Devices (SENDs),” dated August 1, 2011.
               Incorporation by reference approved for § 25.301.

           (2) [Reserved]

[81 FR 55324, Aug. 18, 2016, as amended at 82 FR 37029, Aug. 8, 2017; 82 FR 40494, Aug. 25, 2017; 82 FR 59984, Dec. 18, 2017;
85 FR 64407, Oct. 13, 2020; 86 FR 49488, Sept. 3, 2021; 88 FR 21439, Apr. 10, 2023]

§ 25.109 Cross-reference.
     (a) Space and earth stations in the Amateur Satellite Service are licensed under 47 CFR part 97.

     (b) Ship earth stations in the Maritime Mobile-Satellite Service transmitting in the 1626.5–1646.5 MHz band
         are subject to licensing under 47 CFR part 80.

     (c) Earth stations in the Aeronautical Mobile-Satellite (Route) Service are subject to licensing under 47 CFR
         part 87.

     (d) Space and earth stations in the Experimental Radio Service may be subject to licensing under 47 CFR part
         5.

     (e) Space and earth stations in the 3700–4200 MHz band may be subject to transition rules in part 27 of this
         chapter.

[78 FR 8420, Feb. 6, 2013, as amended at 85 FR 22864, Apr. 23, 2020]

Subpart B—Applications and Licenses

Source: 56 FR 24016, May 28, 1991, unless otherwise noted.

                                      GENERAL APPLICATION FILING REQUIREMENTS

§ 25.110 Filing of applications, fees, and number of copies.
     (a) Filing. Applications may be filed by going online at https://www.fcc.gov/icfs and submitting the application
         through the International Communications Filing System (ICFS).

     (b) Submitting your application.

47 CFR 25.110(b) (enhanced display)                                                                             page 15 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                      47 CFR 25.110(b)(1)
Satellite Communications

           (1) All earth station license applications must be filed electronically on FCC Form 312 in accordance
               with the applicable provisions of part 1, subpart Y of this chapter.

           (2) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(3) of this section, applications for space station licenses must
               be filed electronically on FCC Form 312 in accordance with the applicable provisions of part 1,
               subpart Y of this chapter and include all information required by § 25.114.

                (b)(3) A license application for 17/24 GHz BSS space station operation, for GSO FSS space station
                operation, or for GSO space station operation subject to the provisions in Appendices 30 and 30A of
                the ITU Radio Regulations (incorporated by reference, see § 25.108) may be submitted in two steps,
                as follows:

                 (i)   An application for 17/24 GHz BSS space station operation or for GSO FSS space station
                       operation not subject to the provisions in Appendix 30B of the ITU Radio Regulations
                       (incorporated by reference, see § 25.108) may be initiated by filing with the Commission, in
                       accordance with the applicable provisions of part 1, subpart Y of this chapter, a draft
                       Coordination Request and simplified Form 312 for the proposed operation and a declaration of
                       acceptance of ITU cost-recovery responsibility in accordance with § 25.111(d). The simplified
                       Form 312, Main Form submission must include the information required by items 1–17, 43, 45,
                       and 46.

                 (ii) An application for GSO FSS space station operation subject to the provisions in Appendix 30B
                      of the ITU Radio Regulations (incorporated by reference, see § 25.108) may be initiated by
                      submitting to the Commission, in accordance with the applicable provisions of part 1, subpart Y
                      of this chapter, a draft ITU filing to convert an allotment into an assignment, to introduce an
                      additional system, or to modify an assignment in the Appendix 30B List accompanied by a
                      simplified Form 312 and a declaration of acceptance of ITU cost-recovery responsibility in
                      accordance with § 25.111(d). The simplified Form 312, Main Form submission must include the
                      information required by items 1–17, 43, 45, and 46. In addition, the applicant must submit the
                      results of an analysis demonstrating that no U.S. filing under Appendix 30B would be deemed
                      affected by the proposed operation under the relevant ITU criteria or, for any affected filings, a
                      letter signed by the affected operator that it consents to the new filing.

                (iii) An application for GSO space station operation subject to the provisions in Appendices 30 and
                      30A of the ITU Radio Regulations (incorporated by reference, see § 25.108) may be initiated by
                      submitting to the Commission, in accordance with the applicable provisions of part 1, subpart Y
                      of this chapter, a draft ITU filing to: modify an existing frequency assignment in the Region 2
                      Plan; to include a new frequency assignment in the Region 2 Plan; or to include a new or
                      modified frequency assignment in the List of the Regions 1 and 3 Plan, accompanied by a
                      simplified Form 312 and a declaration of acceptance of ITU cost-recovery responsibility in
                      accordance with § 25.111(d). The simplified Form 312, Main Form submission must include the
                      information required by items 1–17, 43, 45, and 46. In addition, the applicant must submit the
                      results of an analysis demonstrating that no U.S. filing under Appendix 30 and 30A would be
                      deemed affected by the proposed operation under the relevant ITU criteria or, for any affected
                      filings, a letter signed by the affected operator that it consents to the new filing.

                (iv) An application initiated pursuant to paragraphs (b)(3)(i), (ii), or (iii) of this section will be
                     considered completed by the filing of an FCC Form 312 and the remaining information required
                     in a complete license application, including the information required by § 25.114, within two
                     years of the date of submission of the initial application materials.

47 CFR 25.110(b)(2)(iv) (enhanced display)                                                                 page 16 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                               47 CFR 25.110(c)
Satellite Communications

     (c) All correspondence concerning any application must identify:

           (1) The applicant's name,

           (2) The call sign of the space station or earth station, and

           (3) The file number of the application.

     (d) Copies. Applications must be filed electronically though ICFS. The Commission will not accept any paper
         version of any application.

     (e) Signing. Upon filing an application electronically, the applicant must print out the filed application, obtain
         the proper signatures, and keep the original in its files.

     (f) An applicant must pay the appropriate filing fee in accordance with part 1, subpart G of this chapter, at the
         time when it files a FCC Form 312.

[69 FR 47793, Aug. 6, 2004, as amended at 78 FR 8420, Feb. 6, 2013; 81 FR 55325, Aug. 18, 2016; 86 FR 49488, Sept. 3, 2021; 88
FR 21440, Apr. 10, 2023]

§ 25.111 Additional information, ITU filings, and ITU cost recovery.
     (a) The Commission may request from any party at any time additional information concerning any
         application, or any other submission or pleading regarding an application, filed under this part.

     (b) Applicants and licensees of radio stations governed by this part must provide the Commission with the
         information required for Advance Publication, Coordination, and Notification of frequency assignment
         filings, including due diligence information, pursuant to the Radio Regulations of the International
         Telecommunication Union. No protection from interference caused by radio stations authorized by other
         Administrations is guaranteed unless ITU procedures are timely completed or, with respect to individual
         Administrations, coordination agreements are successfully completed. A license for which such
         procedures have not been completed may be subject to additional terms and conditions required for
         coordination of the frequency assignments with other Administrations.

     (c) In the Direct Broadcast Satellite service, applicants and licensees shall also provide the Commission with
         all information it requires in order to modify the plans for the Broadcasting-Satellite Service (BSS) in
         Appendix 30 of the ITU Radio Regulations (RR) and associated feeder-link plans in Appendix 30A of the
         ITU RR, if the system has technical characteristics differing from those specified in the Appendix 30 BSS
         Plans, the Appendix 30A feederlink Plans, Annex 5 to Appendix 30, or Annex 3 to Appendix 30A. For such
         systems, no protection from interference caused by radio stations authorized by other Administrations is
         guaranteed until the agreement of all affected Administrations is obtained and the frequency assignment
         becomes a part of the appropriate Region 2 BSS and feeder-link Plans. Authorizations for which
         coordination is not completed and/or for which the necessary agreements under Appendices 30 and 30A
         have not been obtained may be subject to additional terms and conditions as required to effect
         coordination or obtain the agreement of other Administrations. Applicants and licensees shall also
         provide the Commission with the information required by Appendix 4 of the ITU RR for advance
         publication and notification or coordination of the frequencies to be used for tracking, telemetry and
         control functions of DBS systems.

     (d) The Commission will submit filings to the ITU on behalf of an applicant, licensee, or other requesting party
         only after the party has filed a signed declaration of unconditional acceptance of all consequent ITU cost-
         recovery responsibility. Applicants and licensees must file the declaration electronically in the application

47 CFR 25.111(d) (enhanced display)                                                                               page 17 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                              47 CFR 25.111(e)
Satellite Communications

           file in the International Communications Filing System (ICFS). In addition, applicants and licensees must
           reference the call sign and name of the satellite network in the declaration. All cost-recovery declarations
           must include the name(s), address(es), email address(es), and telephone number(s) of a contact person,
           or persons, responsible for cost recovery inquiries and ITU correspondence and filings. Supplements must
           be filed as necessary to apprise the Commission of changes in the contact information until the ITU cost-
           recovery responsibility is discharged. The applicant, licensee, or other party must remit payment of any
           resultant cost-recovery fee to the ITU by the due date specified in the ITU invoice, unless an appeal is
           pending with the ITU that was filed prior to the due date. A license granted in reliance on such a
           commitment will be conditioned upon discharge of any such cost-recovery obligation. Where an applicant
           or licensee has an overdue ITU cost-recovery fee and does not have an appeal pending with the ITU, the
           Commission will dismiss any application associated with that satellite network.

     (e) The Commission will process and forward to the ITU up to five Advance Publication filings by an entity
         that are not accompanied by a complete space station license application or by an application pursuant
         to § 25.110(b)(3)(i) or (b)(3)(ii). Such Advance Publication filing requests not contained in an application
         must be accompanied by a letter request and a signed ITU cost-recovery declaration pursuant to
         paragraph (d) of this section. A request for filing of Advance Publication information will be attributed to
         an entity in the same manner as a space station license application under the criteria set forth in §
         25.159(c).

           Note to paragraph (e): After June 30, 2016, the Commission will not forward Advance Publication
           information for satellite networks or systems subject to Article 9, Section II of the ITU Radio
           Regulations (incorporated by reference, see § 25.108).

[56 FR 24016, May 28, 1991, as amended at 67 FR 51113, Aug. 7, 2002; 68 FR 63997, Nov. 12, 2003; 78 FR 8421, Feb. 6, 2013; 79
FR 8314, Feb. 12, 2014; 81 FR 55325, Aug. 18, 2016; 86 FR 54399, Oct. 1, 2021; 88 FR 21440, Apr. 10, 2023]

§ 25.112 Dismissal and return of applications.
     (a) An application will be unacceptable for filing and will be returned to the applicant with a brief statement
         identifying the omissions or discrepancies if:

           (1) The application is defective with respect to completeness of answers to questions, informational
               showings, internal inconsistencies, execution, or other matters of a formal character; or

           (2) The application does not substantially comply with the Commission's rules, regulations, specific
               requests for additional information, or other requirements.

           (3) [Reserved]

           (4) The application is identical to a pending application that was timely filed pursuant to § 25.157 or §
               25.158.

     (b) Applications for space station authority found defective under paragraph (a)(4) of this section will not be
         considered. Applications for authority found defective under paragraph (a)(1) or (2) of this section may be
         accepted for filing if:

           (1) The application is accompanied by a request which sets forth the reasons in support of a waiver of
               (or an exception to), in whole or in part, any specific rule, regulation, or requirement with which the
               application is in conflict;

47 CFR 25.112(b)(1) (enhanced display)                                                                          page 18 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                           47 CFR 25.112(b)(2)
Satellite Communications

           (2) The Commission, upon its own motion, waives (or allows an exception to), in whole or in part, any
               rule, regulation or requirement.

     (c) The Commission will dismiss an application for failure to prosecute or for failure to respond substantially
         within a specified time period to official correspondence or requests for additional information. Dismissal
         will be without prejudice unless the application is mutually exclusive pursuant to § 25.155, in which case
         it will be dismissed with prejudice.

     (d) An application will be dismissed without prejudice as a matter of right if the applicant requests its
         dismissal prior to final Commission action.

[56 FR 24016, May 28, 1991, as amended at 68 FR 51502, Aug. 27, 2003; 79 FR 8314, Feb. 12, 2014; 81 FR 55326, Aug. 18, 2016;
85 FR 43733, July 20, 2020; 88 FR 84753, Dec. 6, 2023]

§ 25.113 Station construction, deployment approval, and operation of spare satellites.
     (a) Construction permits are not required for earth stations. Construction of such stations may commence
         prior to grant of an earth station license at the applicant's own risk, subject to the requirements of §
         1.1312 and part 17 of this chapter concerning environmental processing and construction, marking, and
         lighting of antenna structures.

     (b) Construction permits are not required for Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC) stations. A party with
         licenses issued under this part for launch and operation of 1.5/1.6 GHz or 1.6/2.4 GHz GHz Mobile-
         Satellite Service space stations and operation of associated ATC facilities may commence construction
         of ATC base stations at its own risk after commencing physical construction of the space stations,
         subject to the requirements of § 1.1312 and part 17 of this chapter. Such an MSS/ATC licensee may also
         conduct equipment tests for the purpose of making adjustments and measurements necessary to ensure
         compliance with the terms of its ATC license, applicable rules in this part, and technical design
         requirements. Prior to commencing such construction and pre-operational testing, an MSS/ATC licensee
         must notify the Commission of the commencement of physical satellite construction and the licensee's
         intention to construct and test ATC facilities. This notification must be filed electronically in the
         appropriate file in the International Communications Filing System database. The notification must
         specify the frequencies the licensee proposes to use for pre-operational testing and the name, address,
         and telephone number of a representative for the reporting and mitigation of any interference resulting
         from such testing. MSS/ATC licensees engaging in pre-operational testing must comply with §§ 5.83,
         5.85(c), 5.111, and 5.117 of this chapter regarding experimental operations. An MSS/ATC licensee may
         not offer ATC service to the public for compensation during pre-operational testing.

    (c)–(e) [Reserved]

     (f) Construction permits are not required for U.S.-licensed space stations, except for stations that the
         applicant proposes to operate to disseminate program content to be received by the public at large, rather
         than only by subscribers. Construction of a station for which a construction permit is not required may
         commence, at the applicant's own risk, prior to grant of a license.

     (g) Except as set forth in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this section, approval for orbital deployment and a station
         license (i.e., operating authority) must be applied for and granted before a space station may be deployed
         and operated in orbit. Approval for orbital deployment may be requested in an application for a space
         station license. However, an application for authority to deploy and operate an on-ground spare satellite
         will be considered pursuant to the following procedures:

47 CFR 25.113(g) (enhanced display)                                                                             page 19 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                             47 CFR 25.113(g)(1)
Satellite Communications

            (1) Applications for deployment and operation of an on-ground spare NGSO-like satellite will be
                considered pursuant to the procedures set forth in § 25.157, except as provided in paragraph (g)(3)
                of this section.

            (2) Applications for deployment and operation of an on-ground spare GSO-like satellite will be
                considered pursuant to the procedures set forth in § 25.158, except as provided in paragraph (g)(3)
                of this section.

            (3) Neither paragraph (g)(1) nor (g)(2) of this section will apply in cases where the space station to be
                deployed is determined to be an emergency replacement for a previously authorized space station
                that has been lost as a result of a launch failure or a catastrophic in-orbit failure.

     (h) An operator of NGSO space stations under a blanket license granted by the Commission, except for those
         granted pursuant to the application process in § 25.122 or § 25.123, need not apply for license
         modification to operate technically identical in-orbit spare satellites in an authorized orbit. However, the
         licensee must notify the Commission within 30 days of bringing an in-orbit spare into service and certify
         that its activation has not exceeded the number of space stations authorized to provide service and that
         the licensee has determined by measurement that the activated spare is operating within the terms of the
         license.

      (i)   An operator of NGSO space stations under a blanket license granted by the Commission, except for those
            granted pursuant to the application process in § 25.122 or § 25.123, need not apply for license
            modification to deploy and operate technically identical replacement satellites in an authorized orbit
            within the term of the system authorization. However, the licensee must notify the Commission of the
            intended launch at least 30 days in advance and certify that its operation of the additional space
            station(s) will not increase the number of space stations providing service above the maximum number
            specified in the license.

[56 FR 24016, May 28, 1991, as amended at 61 FR 4366, Feb. 6, 1996; 61 FR 9951, Mar. 12, 1996; 61 FR 55582, Oct. 28, 1996; 62
FR 5927, Feb. 10, 1997; 62 FR 64172, Dec. 4, 1997; 68 FR 51502, Aug. 27, 2003; 69 FR 47794, Aug. 6, 2004; 70 FR 32253, June 2,
2005; 77 FR 3954, Jan. 26, 2012; 78 FR 8421, Feb. 6, 2013; 79 FR 8314, Feb. 12, 2014; 79 FR 27503, May 14, 2014; 81 FR 55326,
Aug. 18, 2016; 85 FR 43733, July 20, 2020; 88 FR 21440, Apr. 10, 2023]

§ 25.114 Applications for space station authorizations.

Link to an amendment published at 85 FR 52450, Aug. 25, 2020.

Link to an amendment published at 86 FR 49489, Sept. 3, 2021.

Link to an amendment published at 87 FR 72403, Nov. 25, 2022.

     (a)

            (1) A license application filed pursuant to § 25.110(b)(2) for a GSO space station or NGSO space station
                or space-station constellation must comprise a comprehensive proposal and must be submitted on
                FCC Form 312, Main Form and Schedule S, with attached exhibits required by paragraph (d) of this
                section.

47 CFR 25.114(a)(1) (enhanced display)                                                                           page 20 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                      47 CFR 25.114(a)(2)
Satellite Communications

           (2) An application for blanket authority for an NGSO constellation of space stations that are not all
               technically identical must provide the information required by paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section
               for each type of station in the constellation.

           (3) For an application filed pursuant to the two-step procedure in § 25.110(b)(3), the filing pursuant to §
               25.110(b)(3)(iii) must be submitted on FCC Form 312, Main Form and Schedule S, with attached
               exhibits as required by paragraph (d) of this section, and must constitute a comprehensive proposal.

     (b) Each application for a new or modified space station authorization must contain the formal waiver
         required by 47 U.S.C. 304.

     (c) The following information shall be filed on FCC Form 312, Main Form and Schedule S:

           (1) Name, address, and telephone number of the applicant;

           (2) Name, address, and telephone number of the person(s), including counsel, to whom inquiries or
               correspondence should be directed;

           (3) Type of authorization requested (e.g., launch authority, station license, modification of authorization);

           (4)

                  (i)    For each space station transmitting and receiving antenna beam (including telemetry and
                         tracking beams but not command beams), specify channel center frequencies and bandwidths
                         and polarization plan. For command beams, specify each of the center frequencies within a 5
                         MHz range or a range of 2 percent of the assigned bandwidth, whichever is smaller, and the
                         polarization plan. If the space station can vary channel bandwidth in a particular frequency
                         band with on-board processing, specify only the range of frequencies in that band over which
                         the beam can operate and the polarization plan.

                  (ii) Specify maximum EIRP and maximum EIRP density for each space station transmitting antenna
                       beam. If the satellite uses shapeable antenna beams, as defined in § 25.103, specify instead
                       maximum possible EIRP and maximum possible EIRP density within each shapeable beam's
                       proposed coverage area. Provide this information for each frequency band in which the
                       transmitting antenna would operate. For bands below 15 GHz, specify EIRP density in dBW/4
                       kHz; for bands at and above 15 GHz, specify EIRP density in dBW/MHz. If the EIRP density
                       varies over time, specify the maximum possible EIRP density.

                 (iii)–(iv) [Reserved]

                  (v) For each space station receiving beam other than command beams, specify the gain-to-
                      temperature ratio at beam peak. For receiving beams fed into transponders, also specify the
                      minimum and maximum saturation flux density at beam peak. If the satellite uses shapeable
                      beams, specify the minimum and maximum gain-to-temperature ratio within each shapeable
                      beam's proposed coverage area, and for shapeable receiving beams fed into transponders,
                      specify the minimum and maximum saturation power flux density within the 0 dB relative
                      antenna gain isoline. Provide this information for each frequency band in which the receiving
                      beam can operate. For command beams, specify the beam peak flux density at the command
                      threshold;

                  (vi)

47 CFR 25.114(c)(4)(vi) (enhanced display)                                                                 page 21 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                47 CFR 25.114(c)(4)(vi)(A)
Satellite Communications

                      (A) For space stations in geostationary orbit, specify predicted space station antenna gain
                          contour(s) for each transmit and receive antenna beam, except for beams where the
                          contour at 8 dB below peak falls entirely beyond the edge of the visible Earth. These
                          contour(s) should be plotted on an area map at 2 dB intervals down to 10 dB below the
                          peak gain and at 5 dB intervals between 10 dB and 20 dB below the peak gain. Applicants
                          must present this information in a GIMS-readable format.

                      (B) For space stations in non-geostationary orbits, specify for each unique orbital plane the
                          predicted antenna gain contour(s) for each transmit and receive antenna beam for one
                          space station if all space stations are identical in the constellation. If individual space
                          stations in the constellation have different antenna beam configurations, specify the
                          predicted antenna gain contours for each transmit and receive beam for each space
                          station type and orbit or orbital plane requested. The contours should be plotted on an
                          area map with the beam depicted on the surface of the earth with the space stations' peak
                          antenna gain pointed at nadir to a latitude and longitude within the proposed service area.
                          The contour(s) should be plotted at 2 dB intervals down to 10 dB below the peak gain and
                          at 5 dB intervals between 10 dB and 20 dB below the peak gain. For intersatellite links,
                          specify the peak antenna gain and 3 dB beamwidth.

                      (C) For space stations with shapeable antenna beams, specify the contours, as defined in
                          paragraph (c)(4)(vi)(A) or (B) of this section, for the transmitting beam configuration that
                          results in the highest EIRP density for the beams listed in paragraph (c)(4)(ii) of this
                          section and for the receiving beam configuration with the smallest gain-to-temperature
                          ratio and the highest required saturation power flux density for the beams listed in
                          paragraph (c)(4)(v) of this section. If the shapeable beams are also steerable, include the
                          contours that would result from moving the beam peak around the limit of the effective
                          beam peak area and the 0 dB relative antenna gain isoline. The proposed maximum
                          coverage area must be clearly specified.

                      (D) For a space station with steerable beams that are not shapeable, specify the applicable
                          contours, as defined in paragraph (c)(4)(vi)(A) or (c)(4)(vi)(B) of this section, with a
                          description of a proposed coverage area for each steerable beam or provide the contour
                          information described in paragraph (c)(4)(vi)(C) of this section for each steerable beam.

                (vii) For geostationary satellites with large numbers of identical fixed spot beams, other than DBS
                      satellites, applicants may, as an alternative to submitting the information described in
                      paragraph (c)(4)(vi) of this section with respect to these beams, provide the predicted antenna
                      gain contours for one transmit and receive antenna beam, together with one of the following:

                      (A) An area map showing all of the spot beams depicted on the surface of the Earth;

                      (B) A table identifying the maximum antenna gain point(s) in latitude and longitude to the
                          nearest 0.1 degree; or

                      (C) A map of the isolines formed by combining all of the spot beams into one or more
                          composite beams. For non-geostationary satellites with large numbers of identical fixed
                          beams on each satellite, applicants may, as an alternative to submitting the information
                          described in paragraph (c)(4)(vi) of this section with respect to those beams, specify the
                          predicted antenna gain contours for one transmit and receive beam pointed to nadir,

47 CFR 25.114(c)(4)(vii)(C) (enhanced display)                                                             page 22 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                         47 CFR 25.114(c)(5)
Satellite Communications

                            together with an area map showing all of the spot beams depicted on the surface of the
                            earth with the satellites' peak antenna gain pointed to a selected latitude and longitude
                            within the service area.

           (5) For space stations in geostationary orbit:

                 (i)   Orbital location requested,

                 (ii) [Reserved]

                (iii) East-west station-keeping range,

                (iv) North-south station-keeping range, and

                 (v) Accuracy to which antenna axis attitude will be maintained;

           (6) For space stations in non-geostationary orbits:

                 (i)   The number of orbital planes and the number of space stations in each plane,

                 (ii) The inclination of the orbital plane(s),

                (iii) The orbital period,

                (iv) The apogee,

                 (v) The perigee,

                (vi) The argument(s) of perigee,

                (vii) Active service arc(s),

                (viii) Right ascension of the ascending node(s), and

                (ix) For each satellite in each orbital plane, the initial phase angle at the reference time;

           (7) The frequency bands, types of service, and coverage areas;

           (8) Calculated maximum power flux-density levels within each coverage area and energy dispersal
               bandwidths, if any, needed for compliance with § 25.208, for the angles of arrival specified in the
               applicable paragraph(s) of § 25.208, except for an NGSO FSS applicant certifying compliance with
               PFD limits under § 25.146(a)(1);

           (9) [Reserved]

          (10) Estimated operational lifetime;

          (11) Whether the space station is to be operated on a common carrier basis;

          (12) [Reserved]

          (13) And the polarization information necessary to determine compliance with § 25.210(i).

     (d) The following information in narrative form shall be contained in each application, except space station
         applications filed pursuant to § 25.122 or § 25.123:

           (1) Overall description of system facilities, operations and services and explanation of how uplink
               frequency bands would be connected to downlink frequency bands;

         (2)–(5) [Reserved]

47 CFR 25.114(d)(2) (enhanced display)                                                                          page 23 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                       47 CFR 25.114(d)(6)
Satellite Communications

           (6) Public interest considerations in support of grant;

           (7) Applicants for authorizations for space stations in the Fixed-Satellite Service, including applicants
               proposing feeder links for space stations operating in the 17/24 GHz Broadcasting-Satellite Service,
               must also include the information specified in § 25.140(a). Applicants for authorizations for space
               stations in the 17/24 GHz Broadcasting-Satellite Service must also include the information specified
               in § 25.140(b);

           (8) Applications for authorizations in the Mobile-Satellite Service in the 1545–1559/1646.5–1660.5 MHz
               frequency bands shall also provide all information necessary to comply with the policies and
               procedures set forth in Rules and Policies Pertaining to the Use of Radio Frequencies in a Land
               Mobile Satellite Service, 2 FCC Rcd 485 (1987) (Available at address in § 0.445 of this chapter.);

           (9) Applications to license multiple space station systems in the non-voice, non-geostationary mobile-
               satellite service under blanket operating authority shall also provide all information specified in §
               25.142; and

          (10) An application for space station authorization in the 1.6/2.4 GHz or 2 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service
               must include information required by § 25.143(b);

          (11) Applications for space stations in the Direct Broadcast Satellite Service must include a clear and
               detailed statement of whether the space station is to be operated on a broadcast or non-broadcast
               basis;

          (12) The information required by § 25.146, if the application is for an NGSO FSS system authorization
               within the 10.7–30 GHz band.

          (13) For satellite applications in the Direct Broadcast Satellite Service, if the proposed system's technical
               characteristics differ from those specified in the Appendix 30 BSS Plans, the Appendix 30A feeder
               link Plans, Annex 5 to Appendix 30 or Annex 3 to Appendix 30A of the ITU Radio Regulations, each
               applicant must provide:

                 (i)   The information requested in Appendix 4 of the ITU Radio Regulations. Further, applicants must
                       provide sufficient technical showing that the proposed system could operate satisfactorily if all
                       assignments in the BSS and feeder link Plans were implemented.

                 (ii) Analyses of the proposed system with respect to the limits in Annex 1 to Appendices 30 and
                      30A of the ITU Radio Regulations.

          (14) A description of the design and operational strategies that will be used to mitigate orbital debris,
               including the following information:

                 (i)   A statement that the space station operator has assessed and limited the amount of debris
                       released in a planned manner during normal operations, and has assessed and limited the
                       probability of the space station becoming a source of debris by collisions with small debris or
                       meteoroids that could cause loss of control and prevent post-mission disposal;

                 (ii) A statement that the space station operator has assessed and limited the probability of
                      accidental explosions during and after completion of mission operations. This statement must
                      include a demonstration that debris generation will not result from the conversion of energy
                      sources on board the spacecraft into energy that fragments the spacecraft. Energy sources
                      include chemical, pressure, and kinetic energy. This demonstration should address whether
                      stored energy will be removed at the spacecraft's end of life, by depleting residual fuel and

47 CFR 25.114(d)(14)(ii) (enhanced display)                                                                page 24 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                    47 CFR 25.114(d)(14)(iii)
Satellite Communications

                       leaving all fuel line valves open, venting any pressurized system, leaving all batteries in a
                       permanent discharge state, and removing any remaining source of stored energy, or through
                       other equivalent procedures specifically disclosed in the application;

                (iii) A statement that the space station operator has assessed and limited the probability of the
                      space station becoming a source of debris by collisions with large debris or other operational
                      space stations. Where a space station will be launched into a low-Earth orbit that is identical, or
                      very similar, to an orbit used by other space stations, the statement must include an analysis of
                      the potential risk of collision and a description of what measures the space station operator
                      plans to take to avoid in-orbit collisions. If the space station operator is relying on coordination
                      with another system, the statement must indicate what steps have been taken to contact, and
                      ascertain the likelihood of successful coordination of physical operations with, the other
                      system. The statement must disclose the accuracy—if any—with which orbital parameters of
                      non-geostationary satellite orbit space stations will be maintained, including apogee, perigee,
                      inclination, and the right ascension of the ascending node(s). In the event that a system is not
                      able to maintain orbital tolerances, i.e., it lacks a propulsion system for orbital maintenance,
                      that fact should be included in the debris mitigation disclosure. Such systems must also
                      indicate the anticipated evolution over time of the orbit of the proposed satellite or satellites.
                      Where a space station requests the assignment of a geostationary-Earth orbit location, it must
                      assess whether there are any known satellites located at, or reasonably expected to be located
                      at, the requested orbital location, or assigned in the vicinity of that location, such that the
                      station keeping volumes of the respective satellites might overlap. If so, the statement must
                      include a statement as to the identities of those parties and the measures that will be taken to
                      prevent collisions;

                (iv) A statement detailing the post-mission disposal plans for the space station at end of life,
                     including the quantity of fuel—if any—that will be reserved for post-mission disposal
                     maneuvers. For geostationary-Earth orbit space stations, the statement must disclose the
                     altitude selected for a post-mission disposal orbit and the calculations that are used in deriving
                     the disposal altitude. The statement must also include a casualty risk assessment if planned
                     post-mission disposal involves atmospheric re-entry of the space station. In general, an
                     assessment should include an estimate as to whether portions of the spacecraft will survive re-
                     entry and reach the surface of the Earth, as well as an estimate of the resulting probability of
                     human casualty. Applicants for space stations to be used only for commercial remote sensing
                     may, in lieu of submitting detailed post-mission disposal plans to the Commission, certify that
                     they have submitted such plans to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for
                     review.

                 (v) For non-U.S.-licensed space stations, the requirement to describe the design and operational
                     strategies to minimize orbital debris risk can be satisfied by demonstrating that debris
                     mitigation plans for the space station(s) for which U.S. market access is requested are subject
                     to direct and effective regulatory oversight by the national licensing authority.

          (15) Each applicant for a space station license in the 17/24 GHz broadcasting-satellite service shall
               include the following information as an attachment to its application:

                 (i)   If the applicant proposes to operate in the 17.3–17.7 GHz frequency band, a demonstration that
                       the proposed space station will comply with the power flux density limits in § 25.208(w) unless
                       the applicant provides a certification under paragraph (d)(15)(ii) of this section.

47 CFR 25.114(d)(15)(i) (enhanced display)                                                                   page 25 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                         47 CFR 25.114(d)(15)(ii)
Satellite Communications

                 (ii) In cases where the proposed space station will not comply with the power flux density limits set
                      forth in § 25.208(w) of this part, the applicant will be required to provide a certification that all
                      potentially affected parties acknowledge and do not object to the use of the applicant's higher
                      power flux densities. The affected parties with whom the applicant must coordinate are those
                      GSO 17/24 GHz BSS satellite networks located up to ±6° away for excesses of up to 3 dB above
                      the power flux-density levels specified in § 25.208(w) of this part, and up to ±10° away greater
                      for excesses greater than 3 dB above those levels.

                 (iii) If the applicant proposes to provide international service in the 17.7–17.8 GHz frequency band,
                       a certification that the proposed space station will comply with the power flux density limits in
                       § 25.208(c).

                 (iv) Any information required by § 25.264(a)(6), 25.264(b)(4), or 25.264(d).

            (16) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (d)(15) of this section, each applicant for a license to
                 operate a 17/24 GHz BSS space station that will be used to provide video programming directly to
                 consumers in the United States, that will not meet the requirements of § 25.225 of this part, must
                 include as an attachment to its application a technical analysis demonstrating that providing video
                 programming service to consumers in Alaska and Hawaii that is comparable to the video
                 programming service provided to consumers in the 48 contiguous United States (CONUS) is not
                 feasible as a technical matter or that, while technically feasible, such service would require so many
                 compromises in satellite design and operation as to make it economically unreasonable.

            (17) [Reserved]

            (18) For space stations in the Direct Broadcast Satellite service or the 17/24 GHz broadcasting-satellite
                 service, maximum orbital eccentricity.

[68 FR 63997, Nov. 12, 2003, as amended at 69 FR 29901, May 26, 2004; 69 FR 47794, Aug. 6, 2004; 69 FR 54587, Sept. 9, 2004;
72 FR 50027, Aug. 29, 2007; 72 FR 60278, Oct. 24, 2007; 76 FR 50431, Aug. 15, 2011; 78 FR 8421, Feb. 6, 2013; 79 FR 8314, Feb.
12, 2014; 81 FR 55326, Aug. 18, 2016; 82 FR 59984, Dec. 18, 2017; 83 FR 34489, July 20, 2018; 85 FR 43733, July 20, 2020]

Effective Date Notes: 1. At 85 FR 52450, Aug. 25, 2020, § 25.114 was amended by revising paragraph (d)(14).
This amendment contains information collection and recordkeeping requirements and will not become effective
until approval has been given by the Office of Management and Budget. For the convenience of the user, the revised
text is set forth below:

§ 25.114 Applications for space station authorizations.

(d) * * *
            *     *        *         *        *
(14) A description of the design and operational strategies that will be used to mitigate orbital debris, including the
following information:

(i) A statement that the space station operator has assessed and limited the amount of debris released in a planned
manner during normal operations. Where applicable, this statement must include an orbital debris mitigation
disclosure for any separate deployment devices, distinct from the space station launch vehicle, that may become a
source of orbital debris;

47 CFR 25.114(d)(18) (enhanced display)                                                                          page 26 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                     47 CFR 25.114(d)(18)
Satellite Communications

(ii) A statement indicating whether the space station operator has assessed and limited the probability that the
space station(s) will become a source of debris by collision with small debris or meteoroids that would cause loss
of control and prevent disposal. The statement must indicate whether this probability for an individual space station
is 0.01 (1 in 100) or less, as calculated using the NASA Debris Assessment Software or a higher fidelity assessment
tool;

(iii) A statement that the space station operator has assessed and limited the probability, during and after
completion of mission operations, of accidental explosions or of release of liquids that will persist in droplet form.
This statement must include a demonstration that debris generation will not result from the conversion of energy
sources on board the spacecraft into energy that fragments the spacecraft. Energy sources include chemical,
pressure, and kinetic energy. This demonstration should address whether stored energy will be removed at the
spacecraft's end of life, by depleting residual fuel and leaving all fuel line valves open, venting any pressurized
system, leaving all batteries in a permanent discharge state, and removing any remaining source of stored energy, or
through other equivalent procedures specifically disclosed in the application;

(iv) A statement that the space station operator has assessed and limited the probability of the space station(s)
becoming a source of debris by collisions with large debris or other operational space stations.

(A) Where the application is for an NGSO space station or system, the following information must also be included:

(1) A demonstration that the space station operator has assessed and limited the probability of collision between
any space station of the system and other large objects (10 cm or larger in diameter) during the total orbital lifetime
of the space station, including any de-orbit phases, to less than 0.001 (1 in 1,000). The probability shall be
calculated using the NASA Debris Assessment Software or a higher fidelity assessment tool. The collision risk may
be assumed zero for a space station during any period in which the space station will be maneuvered effectively to
avoid colliding with large objects.

(2) The statement must identify characteristics of the space station(s)' orbits that may present a collision risk,
including any planned and/or operational space stations in those orbits, and indicate what steps, if any, have been
taken to coordinate with the other spacecraft or system, or what other measures the operator plans to use to avoid
collision.

(3) If at any time during the space station(s)' mission or de-orbit phase the space station(s) will transit through the
orbits used by any inhabitable spacecraft, including the International Space Station, the statement must describe
the design and operational strategies, if any, that will be used to minimize the risk of collision and avoid posing any
operational constraints to the inhabitable spacecraft.

(4) The statement must disclose the accuracy, if any, with which orbital parameters will be maintained, including
apogee, perigee, inclination, and the right ascension of the ascending node(s). In the event that a system is not able
to maintain orbital tolerances, e.g., its propulsion system will not be used for orbital maintenance, that fact must be
included in the debris mitigation disclosure. Such systems must also indicate the anticipated evolution over time of
the orbit of the proposed satellite or satellites. All systems must describe the extent of satellite maneuverability,
whether or not the space station design includes a propulsion system.

47 CFR 25.114(d)(18) (enhanced display)                                                                    page 27 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                       47 CFR 25.114(d)(18)
Satellite Communications

(5) The space station operator must certify that upon receipt of a space situational awareness conjunction warning,
the operator will review and take all possible steps to assess the collision risk, and will mitigate the collision risk if
necessary. As appropriate, steps to assess and mitigate the collision risk should include, but are not limited to:
Contacting the operator of any active spacecraft involved in such a warning; sharing ephemeris data and other
appropriate operational information with any such operator; and modifying space station attitude and/or operations.

(B) Where a space station requests the assignment of a geostationary orbit location, it must assess whether there
are any known satellites located at, or reasonably expected to be located at, the requested orbital location, or
assigned in the vicinity of that location, such that the station keeping volumes of the respective satellites might
overlap or touch. If so, the statement must include a statement as to the identities of those satellites and the
measures that will be taken to prevent collisions;

(v) A statement addressing the trackability of the space station(s). Space station(s) operating in low-Earth orbit will
be presumed trackable if each individual space station is 10 cm or larger in its smallest dimension, excluding
deployable components. Where the application is for an NGSO space station or system, the statement shall also
disclose the following:

(A) How the operator plans to identify the space station(s) following deployment and whether space station
tracking will be active or passive;

(B) Whether, prior to deployment, the space station(s) will be registered with the 18th Space Control Squadron or
successor entity; and

(C) The extent to which the space station operator plans to share information regarding initial deployment,
ephemeris, and/or planned maneuvers with the 18th Space Control Squadron or successor entity, other entities that
engage in space situational awareness or space traffic management functions, and/or other operators.

(vi) A statement disclosing planned proximity operations, if any, and addressing debris generation that will or may
result from the proposed operations, including any planned release of debris, the risk of accidental explosions, the
risk of accidental collision, and measures taken to mitigate those risks.

(vii) A statement detailing the disposal plans for the space station, including the quantity of fuel—if any—that will be
reserved for disposal maneuvers. In addition, the following specific provisions apply:

(A) For geostationary orbit space stations, the statement must disclose the altitude selected for a disposal orbit and
the calculations that are used in deriving the disposal altitude.

(B) For space stations terminating operations in an orbit in or passing through the low-Earth orbit region below
2,000 km altitude, the statement must disclose whether the spacecraft will be disposed of through atmospheric re-
entry, specifying if direct retrieval of the spacecraft will be used. The statement must also disclose the expected
time in orbit for the space station following the completion of the mission.

(C) For space stations not covered by either paragraph (d)(14)(vii)(A) or (B) of this section, the statement must
indicate whether disposal will involve use of a storage orbit or long-term atmospheric re-entry and rationale for the
selected disposal plan.

47 CFR 25.114(d)(18) (enhanced display)                                                                     page 28 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                             47 CFR 25.115
Satellite Communications

(D) For all space stations under paragraph (d)(14)(vii) (B) or (C) of this section, the following additional specific
provisions apply:

(1) The statement must include a demonstration that the probability of success of the chosen disposal method will
be 0.9 or greater for any individual space station. For space station systems consisting of multiple space stations,
the demonstration should include additional information regarding efforts to achieve a higher probability of
success, with a goal, for large systems, of a probability of success for any individual space station of 0.99 or better.
For space stations under paragraph (d)(14)(vii)(B) of this section, successful disposal is defined as atmospheric re-
entry of the spacecraft within 25 years or less following completion of the mission. For space stations under
paragraph (d)(14)(vii)(C) of this section, successful disposal will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

(2) If planned disposal is by atmospheric re-entry, the statement must also include:

(i) A disclosure indicating whether the atmospheric re-entry will be an uncontrolled re-entry or a controlled targeted
reentry.

(ii) An assessment as to whether portions of any individual spacecraft will survive atmospheric re-entry and impact
the surface of the Earth with a kinetic energy in excess of 15 joules, and demonstration that the calculated casualty
risk for an individual spacecraft using the NASA Debris Assessment Software or a higher fidelity assessment tool is
less than 0.0001 (1 in 10,000).

(E) Applicants for space stations to be used only for commercial remote sensing may, in lieu of submitting detailed
post-mission disposal plans to the Commission, certify that they have submitted such plans to the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration for review.

(viii) For non-U.S.-licensed space stations, the requirement to describe the design and operational strategies to
minimize orbital debris risk can be satisfied by demonstrating that debris mitigation plans for the space station(s)
for which U.S. market access is requested are subject to direct and effective regulatory oversight by the national
licensing authority.

        *          *        *        *        *
§ 25.115 Applications for earth station authorizations.

Link to an amendment published at 87 FR 72404, Nov. 25, 2022.

     (a)

            (1)

                  (i)   Transmitting earth stations. Commission authorization must be obtained for authority to
                        operate a transmitting earth station. Applications must be filed electronically on FCC Form 312,
                        Main Form and Schedule B, and include the information specified in this section, except as set
                        forth in paragraphs (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(2) of this section.

47 CFR 25.115(a)(1)(i) (enhanced display)                                                                    page 29 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                       47 CFR 25.115(a)(1)(ii)
Satellite Communications

                 (ii) Certification of compliance with space station authorization. An earth station applicant
                      certifying that it will comply with the applicable terms and conditions of the authorization of
                      any space station with which it communicates need not provide technical demonstrations or
                      other information that is duplicative or unnecessary due to the certification. This provision does
                      not apply to FSS operation in bands below 10 GHz or in bands subject to § 25.136.

           (2) Applicants for licenses for transmitting earth stations in the FSS may file on FCC Form 312EZ if all of
               the following criteria are met:

                 (i)   The application is for a single station that will transmit to an FSS GSO space station, or stations,
                       in the 5925–6425 MHz band, or for single or multiple stations that will transmit to an FSS GSO
                       space station, or stations, in the 14.0–14.5 GHz, 28.35–28.6 GHz, and/or 29.5–30.0 GHz band;

                 (ii) The earth station(s) will not be installed or operated on ships, aircraft, or other moving vehicles;

                (iii) The application meets all relevant criteria in § 25.211 or § 25.212 or includes information filed
                      pursuant to paragraph (g)(1) of this section indicating that off-axis EIRP density from the
                      proposed earth stations will not exceed relevant levels specified in § 25.218; and

                (iv) Operation of the proposed station has been successfully coordinated with terrestrial systems, if
                     the station would transmit in the 5925–6425 MHz band;

                 (v) The application includes an environmental impact statement pursuant to § 1.1311 of this
                     chapter, if required;

                (vi) The applicant does not propose to communicate via non-U.S.-licensed space stations not on
                     the Permitted Space Station List; and

                (vii) If the proposed station(s) will receive in the 18.3–18.8 GHz and/or 19.7–20.2 GHz bands, the
                      applicant proposes to communicate only via satellites for which coordination has been
                      completed pursuant to Footnote US334 of the U.S. Table of Frequency Allocations with respect
                      to Federal Government systems authorized on a primary basis, under an agreement previously
                      approved by the Commission and the National Telecommunications and Information
                      Administration, and the applicant certifies that it will operate consistently with the agreement.

           (3) Unless the Commission orders otherwise, an application filed on FCC Form 312EZ in accordance
               with paragraph (a)(2) of this section will be deemed granted 35 days after the date of the public
               notice that the application has been accepted for filing, provided no objection is filed during the
               30-day public notice period.

           (4) [Reserved]

           (5) Applicants that are not permitted to submit applications under paragraph (a)(2) of this section on
               Form 312EZ, must submit, as an attachment to their application, the following information to be
               used as an “informative” in the public notice issued under § 25.151:

                 (i)   A detailed description of the service to be provided, including frequency bands and satellites to
                       be used. The applicant must identify either the specific satellite(s) with which it plans to
                       operate, or the eastern and western boundaries of the arc it plans to coordinate.

                 (ii) The diameter or equivalent diameter of the antenna.

                (iii) Proposed power and power density levels.

                (iv) Identification of any random access technique, if applicable.

47 CFR 25.115(a)(5)(iv) (enhanced display)                                                                    page 30 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                      47 CFR 25.115(a)(5)(v)
Satellite Communications

                 (v) Identification of a specific rule or rules for which a waiver is requested.

           (6)

                 (i)   Applicants for earth stations transmitting in frequency bands shared with equal rights between
                       terrestrial and space services must provide a frequency coordination analysis in accordance
                       with § 25.203(b) and must include any notification or demonstration required by any other
                       relevant provision in § 25.203.

                 (ii) Applicants for user transceiver units associated with the NVNG MSS must provide the
                      information required by § 25.135.

                 (iii) Applicants for 1.6/2.4 GHz MSS user transceivers must demonstrate that the transceivers will
                       operate in compliance with relevant requirements in § 25.213.

                 (iv) Applicants for earth stations licensed in accordance with § 25.136 must demonstrate that the
                      transmitting earth stations will meet the relevant criteria specified in that section, including any
                      showings required under § 25.136(a)(4), (c), (d)(4), and/or (e)(4).

           (7) In those cases where an applicant is filing a number of essentially similar applications, showings of a
               general nature applicable to all of the proposed stations may be submitted in the initial application
               and incorporated by reference in subsequent applications.

           (8) Transmissions of signals or programming to non-U.S. licensed satellites, and to and/or from foreign
               points by means of U.S.-licensed fixed satellites may be subject to restrictions as a result of
               international agreements or treaties. The Commission will maintain public information on the status
               of any such agreements.

           (9) Applicants seeking to operate in a shared government/non-government band must provide the half-
               power beam width of their proposed earth station antenna, as an attachment to their applications.

          (10) With the exception of applications for blanket-licensed earth station networks filed pursuant to §
               25.115(c) or § 25.218; applications for conventional Ka-band hub stations filed pursuant to §
               25.115(e); applications for NGSO FSS gateway earth stations filed pursuant to § 25.115(f);
               applications for individually licensed earth stations filed pursuant to § 25.136; applications for ESIMs
               filed pursuant to § 25.115(l), § 25.115(m), or § 25.115(n); or applications for 29 GHz NGSO MSS
               feeder-link stations in a complex as defined in § 25.257, parties may apply, either in an initial
               application or an application for modification of license, for operating authority for multiple
               transmitting FSS earth stations that are not eligible for blanket or network licensing under another
               section of this part in the following circumstances:

                 (i)   The antennas would transmit in frequency bands shared with terrestrial services on a co-
                       primary basis and the antennas would be sited within an area bounded by 1 second of latitude
                       and 1 second of longitude.

                 (ii) The antennas would transmit in frequency bands allocated to FSS on a primary basis and there
                      is no co-primary allocation for terrestrial services, and the antennas would be sited within an
                      area bounded by 10 seconds of latitude and 10 seconds of longitude.

47 CFR 25.115(a)(10)(ii) (enhanced display)                                                                  page 31 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                            47 CFR 25.115(b)
Satellite Communications

     (b) Receive-only earth stations. Except as provided in paragraphs (b)(1) and (8) of this section, applications
         for licenses for receive-only earth stations must be submitted on FCC Form 312, Main Form and Schedule
         B, accompanied by any required exhibits and the information described in paragraphs (a)(5)(i) through (v)
         of this section. Such applications must be filed electronically through the International Communications
         Filing System (ICFS) in accordance with the applicable provisions of part 1, subpart Y, of this chapter.

           (1) Receive-only earth stations in the FSS that operate with U.S.-licensed space stations, or with non-
               U.S.-licensed space stations that have been duly approved for U.S. market access, may be registered
               with the Commission in order to protect them from interference from terrestrial microwave stations
               in bands shared co-equally with the Fixed Service in accordance with the procedures of §§ 25.203
               and 25.251, subject to the stricture in § 25.209(c).

           (2) Licensing or registration of receive-only earth stations with the Commission confers no authority to
               receive and use signals or programming received from satellites. See Section 705 of the
               Communications Act. 47 U.S.C. 605.

           (3) Applications for registration must be accompanied by the coordination exhibit required by § 25.203
               and any other required exhibits.

           (4) Complete applications for registration will be placed on public notice for 30 days and automatically
               granted if no objection is submitted to the Commission and served on the applicant. Additional
               pleadings are authorized in accordance with § 1.45 of this chapter.

           (5) The registration of a receive-only earth station results in the listing of an authorized frequency band
               at the location specified in the registration. Interference protection levels are those agreed to during
               coordination.

           (6) Reception of signals or programming from non-U.S. satellites may be subject to restrictions as a
               result of international agreements or treaties. The Commission will maintain public information on
               the status of any such agreements.

           (7) Registration term: Registrations for receive-only earth stations governed by this section will be
               issued for a period of 15 years from the date on which the application was filed. Applications for
               renewals of registrations must be submitted on FCC Form 312R (Application for Renewal of Radio
               Station License in Specified Services) no earlier than 90 days and no later than 30 days before the
               expiration date of the registration.

           (8) Applications for modification of license or registration of receive-only earth stations must be made in
               conformance with §§ 25.117 and 25.118. In addition, registrants are required to notify the
               Commission when a receive-only earth station is no longer operational or when it has not been used
               to provide any service during any 6-month period.

           (9)

                 (i)   Except as set forth in paragraph (b)(9)(ii) of this section, receive-only earth stations operating
                       with non-U.S. licensed space stations must file an FCC Form 312 requesting a license or
                       modification to operate such station.

                 (ii) Operators of receive-only earth stations need not apply for a license to receive transmissions
                      from non-U.S.-licensed space stations that have been duly approved for U.S. market access,
                      provided the space station operator and earth station operator comply with all applicable rules
                      in this chapter and with applicable conditions in the Permitted Space Station List or market-
                      access grant.

47 CFR 25.115(b)(9)(ii) (enhanced display)                                                                    page 32 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                         47 CFR 25.115(c)
Satellite Communications

     (c)

           (1) GSO FSS earth stations in 10.7–12.2 GHz or 14–14.5 GHz. A blanket license application for operation
               in the 10.7–12.2 GHz or 14–14.5 GHz bands may be filed on FCC Form 312 or Form 312EZ, with a
               Schedule B for each large (5 meters or larger) hub station antenna and each representative type of
               small antenna (less than 5 meters) operating within the network; however, blanket licensing in the
               10.7–11.7 GHz band is on an unprotected basis with respect to the fixed service.

                 (i)   Applications to license networks of earth stations operating in the 11.7–12.2 GHz and
                       14.0–14.5 GHz bands under blanket operating authority that meet the requirements of §
                       25.212(c) or § 25.218(e) or (f) will be routinely processed.

                 (ii) Applications to license networks of earth stations operating in the 11.7–12.2 GHz and
                      14.0–14.5 GHz bands under blanket operating authority that do not meet the requirements of §
                      25.212(c) or § 25.218(e) or (f) must comply with the requirements in § 25.220 and must be
                      filed on FCC Form 312 with a Schedule B for each large (5 meters or larger) hub station antenna
                      and each representative type of small antenna (less than 5 meters) operating within the
                      network.

           (2) Networks of earth stations operating in the 3700–4200 MHz and 5925–6425 MHz bands.
               Applications to license networks of earth stations operating in the 3700–4200 MHz and 5925–6425
               MHz bands must be filed electronically on FCC Form 312, Main Form and Schedule B. Applications
               will be routinely processed provided that frequency coordination has been satisfactorily completed
               and that the proposed earth stations comply with the applicable provisions in § 25.211(d) or §
               25.212(d). Alternatively, applicants that have satisfactorily completed frequency coordination may
               be routinely processed if the proposed earth stations comply with the applicable off-axis EIRP
               density limits in § 25.218(c) or (d).

                 (i)   For earth station antennas operating with power levels not consistent with the applicable
                       provisions in § 25.211(d) or § 25.212(d), or with EIRP density levels not consistent with those
                       specified in § 25.218(c) or (d), the applicant must file an initial lead application providing a
                       detailed overview of the complete network. Such lead applications must fully identify the scope
                       and nature of the service to be provided, as well as the complete technical details of each
                       representative type of antenna that will operate within the network. Such lead applications for a
                       single system must identify:

                       (A) No more than three geostationary satellites to be accessed;

                       (B) The amount of frequency bandwidth sought, up to a maximum of 20 MHz of spectrum in
                           each direction at each of the satellites (The same 20 MHz of uplink and 20 MHz of
                           downlink spectrum at each satellite would be accessible by all earth stations in the
                           system. The 20 MHz of uplink and 20 MHz of downlink spectrum need not be the same at
                           each satellite location);

                       (C) The maximum number of earth station sites;

                 (ii) Following the issuance of a license for the lead application, the licensee shall notify the
                      Commission of the complete technical parameters of each individual earth station site before
                      that site is bought into operation under the lead authorization. Full frequency coordination of
                      each individual site (e.g., for each satellite and the spectrum associated therewith) shall be

47 CFR 25.115(c)(2)(ii) (enhanced display)                                                                 page 33 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                     47 CFR 25.115(c)(2)(iii)
Satellite Communications

                      completed prior to filing Commission notification. The coordination must be conducted in
                      accordance with § 25.203. Such notification shall be done by electronic filing and shall be
                      consistent with the technical parameters of Schedule B of FCC Form 312.

                (iii) Following successful coordination of such an earth station, if the earth station operator does
                      not file a lead application or a Schedule B within six months after it successfully completes
                      coordination, it will be assumed that such frequency use is no longer desired, unless a second
                      notification has been received within ten days prior to the end of the six month period. Such
                      renewal notifications must be sent to all parties concerned. If the lead application or Schedule
                      B, or renewal notification, is not timely received, the coordination will lapse and the licensee
                      must re-coordinate the relevant earth stations if it still wishes to bring them into operation.

                (iv) Operation of each individual site may commence immediately after the public notice is released
                     that identifies the notification sent to the Commission and if the requirements of paragraph
                     (c)(2)(vi) of this section are met. Continuance of operation of each station for the duration of
                     the lead license term shall be dependent upon successful completion of the normal public
                     notice process. If any objections are received to the new station prior to the end of the 30 day
                     comment period of the Public Notice, the licensee shall immediately cease operation of those
                     particular stations until the coordination dispute is resolved and the licensee informs the
                     Commission of the resolution. If the requirements of paragraph (c)(2)(vi) of this section are not
                     met, operation may not commence until the Commission issues the public notice acting on the
                     terminal authorization.

                 (v) Each licensee shall annually provide the Commission an updated list of all operational earth
                     stations in its system. The annual list shall also include a list of all earth stations deactivated
                     during the year and identification of the satellites providing service to the network as of the
                     date of the report.

                (vi) Conditional authorization.

                      (A) An applicant for a new radio station or modification of an existing station authorized under
                          paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section in the 3700–4200; or 5925–6425 MHz bands may
                          operate the proposed station during the pendency of its application after the release of the
                          public notice accepting the notification for filing that complies with paragraph (c)(2)(ii) of
                          this section. The applicant, however, must first certify that the following conditions are
                          satisfied:

                            (1) The frequency coordination procedures of § 25.203 have been successfully
                                completed;

                            (2) The antenna structure has been previously studied by the Federal Aviation
                                Administration and determined to pose no hazard to aviation safety as required by
                                subpart B of part 17 of this chapter; or the antenna or tower structure does not
                                exceed 6.1 meters above ground level or above an existing man-made structure
                                (other than an antenna structure), if the antenna or tower has not been previously
                                studied by the Federal Aviation Administration and cleared by the FCC;

                            (3) The grant of the application(s) does not require a waiver of the Commission's rules
                                (with the exception of a request for waiver pertaining to fees);

47 CFR 25.115(c)(2)(vi)(A)(3) (enhanced display)                                                             page 34 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                47 CFR 25.115(c)(2)(vi)(A)(4)
Satellite Communications

                            (4) The applicant has determined that the facility(ies) will not significantly affect the
                                environment as defined in § 1.1307 of this chapter after complying with any
                                applicable environmental notification procedures specified in § 17.4(c) of this
                                chapter.

                            (5) The station site does not lie within 56.3 kilometers of any international border or
                                within a radio “Quiet Zone” identified in § 1.924 of this chapter; and

                            (6) The filed application is consistent with the proposal that was coordinated pursuant to
                                § 25.251.

                       (B) Conditional authority ceases immediately if the Schedule B is returned by the Commission
                           because it is not accepted for filing.

                       (C) A conditional authorization pursuant to paragraphs (c)(2)(vi)(A) and (c)(2)(vi)(B) of this
                           section is evidenced by retaining a copy of the Schedule B notification with the station
                           records. Conditional authorization does not prejudice any action the Commission may
                           take on the subject application(s) or the Schedule B notifications.

                       (D) Conditional authority is accepted with the express understanding that such authority may
                           be modified or cancelled by the Commission at any time without hearing if, in the
                           Commission's discretion, the need for such action arises. An applicant operating pursuant
                           to this conditional authority assumes all risks associated with such operation, the
                           termination or modification of the conditional authority, or the subsequent dismissal or
                           denial of its application(s).

                       (E) The copy of the Schedule B notification form must be posted at each station operating
                           pursuant to this section.

                (vii) Period of construction. Construction of each earth station must be completed and the station
                      must be brought into regular operation within twelve months from the date that action is taken
                      to authorize that station to operate under the lead authorization, except as may be otherwise
                      determined by the Commission for any particular application.

           (3) Networks of earth stations operating in the 18.3–18.8 GHz, 19.7–20.2 GHz, 28.35–28.6 GHz, and
               29.25–30 GHz bands with U.S.-licensed or non-U.S.-licensed satellites for domestic or international
               services.

                 (i)   Applications to license networks of earth stations that will transmit digitally modulated signals
                       to GSO space stations in the 28.35–28.6 GHz and/or 29.25–30.0 GHz bands under blanket
                       operating authority must be filed on FCC Form 312, or Form 312EZ if available, with a Schedule
                       B for each large (5 meters or larger) hub station antenna and each representative type of small
                       antenna (less than 5 meters) operating within the network and may be routinely processed if
                       the criteria in paragraphs (c)(3)(i)(A) and (B) of this section are met:

                       (A) The applicant certifies pursuant to § 25.132(a)(1) that the off-axis gain of transmitting
                           antennas in the network will not exceed the relevant levels specified in § 25.209(a) and (b)
                           and the power spectral density of any digitally modulated carrier into any transmitting
                           earth station antenna in the proposed network will not exceed 3.5 dBW/MHz as specified
                           in § 25.212(e).

47 CFR 25.115(c)(3)(i)(A) (enhanced display)                                                                  page 35 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                 47 CFR 25.115(c)(3)(i)(B)
Satellite Communications

                       (B) The application includes information filed pursuant to paragraph (g)(1) of this section
                           indicating that off-axis EIRP density from the proposed earth stations will not exceed
                           relevant routine levels specified in § 25.218(i).

                 (ii) Applications to license networks of earth stations operating in the 28.35–28.6 GHz and/or
                      29.25–30.0 GHz bands under blanket operating authority that do not meet the requirements of
                      § 25.212(e) or § 25.218(i) must comply with the requirements in § 25.220 and must be filed on
                      FCC Form 312 with a Schedule B for each large (5 meters or larger) hub station antenna and
                      each representative type of small antenna (less than 5 meters) operating within the network.

     (d) Mobile-Satellite Service user transceivers need not be individually licensed. Service vendors may file
         blanket applications for such transceivers using FCC Form 312, Main Form and Schedule B, specifying the
         number of units to be covered by the blanket license. A blanket license application for 1.5/1.6 GHz MSS
         user transceivers must include an explanation of how the applicant will comply with the priority and
         preemptive access requirements in § 25.287.

     (e) GSO FSS earth stations in 17.8–30 GHz. (1) An application for a GSO FSS earth station license in the
         17.8–19.4 GHz, 19.6–20.2 GHz, 27.5–29.1 GHz, or 29.25–30 GHz bands not filed on FCC Form 312EZ
         pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of this section must be filed on FCC Form 312, Main Form and Schedule B,
         and must include any information required by paragraphs (a)(5) through (10) or (g) or (j) of this section.

     (f) NGSO FSS earth stations in 10.7–30.0 GHz.

           (1) An application for an NGSO FSS earth station license in the 10.7–30.0 GHz band must include the
               certification described in § 25.146(a)(2).

           (2) Individual or blanket license applications may be filed for operation in the 10.7–12.7 GHz, 14–14.5
               GHz, 17.8–18.6 GHz, 18.8–19.4 GHz, 19.6–20.2 GHz, 28.35–29.1 GHz, or 29.5–30.0 GHz bands;
               however, ESIMs cannot operate in the 28.35–28.4 GHz band and blanket licensing in the 10.7–11.7
               GHz, 17.8–18.3 GHz, 19.3–19.4 GHz, and 19.6–19.7 GHz bands is on an unprotected basis with
               respect to current and future systems operating in the fixed service.

           (3) Individual license applications only may be filed for operation in the 12.75–13.15 GHz,
               13.2125–13.25 GHz, 13.75–14 GHz, or 27.5–28.35 GHz bands.

     (g) Applications for earth stations that will transmit to GSO space stations in any portion of the 5850–6725
         MHz, 13.75–14.5 GHz, 24.75–25.25 GHz, 28.35–28.6 GHz, or 29.25–30.0 GHz bands must include, in
         addition to the particulars of operation identified on FCC Form 312 and associated Schedule B, the
         information specified in either paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this section for each earth station antenna
         type.

           (1) Specification of off-axis EIRP density calculated from measurements made consistent with the
               requirements in § 25.132(b)(1), in accordance with the following requirements. For purposes of this
               rule, the “off-axis angle” is the angle in degrees from a line between an earth station antenna and the
               target satellite.

                 (i)   A plot of maximum co-polarized EIRP density in the plane tangent to the GSO arc at off-axis
                       angles from minus 180° to plus 180°;

                 (ii) A plot of maximum co-polarized EIRP density in the plane tangent to the GSO arc at off-axis
                      angles from minus 10° to plus 10°;

47 CFR 25.115(g)(1)(ii) (enhanced display)                                                                page 36 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                     47 CFR 25.115(g)(1)(iii)
Satellite Communications

                 (iii) A plot of maximum co-polarized EIRP density in the plane perpendicular to the GSO arc at off-
                       axis angles from 0° to plus 30°;

                 (iv) A plot of maximum cross-polarized EIRP density in the plane tangent to the GSO arc at off-axis
                      angles from minus 7° to plus 7°;

                 (v) A plot of maximum cross-polarized EIRP density in the plane perpendicular to the GSO arc at
                     off-axis angles from minus 7° to plus 7°;

                 (vi) For antennas for which gain measurements are made pursuant to § 25.132(b)(1)(iv), the EIRP
                      density plots specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (v) of this section must be provided over
                      the specified angular ranges in two orthogonal planes, one of which is tangent to the GSO arc
                      and with the antenna operating at its maximum skew angle, which the applicant must specify.

                 (vii) The relevant off-axis EIRP density envelopes in § 25.218 must be superimposed on plots
                       submitted pursuant to paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (vi) of this section.

                (viii) The showing must include a supplemental table for each off-axis angular range in which the
                       relevant EIRP density envelope will be exceeded, specifying angular coordinates in degrees off-
                       axis and corresponding calculated off-axis EIRP density at 0.2° increments over the angular
                       range in which the routine envelope will be exceeded and one degree on each side of that
                       range.

            (2) An applicant that certifies pursuant to § 25.132(a)(1) that a proposed antenna's measured gain
                pattern conforms to relevant standards in § 25.209(a) and (b) and that input power density to the
                antenna will not exceed the relevant limit in § 25.211 or § 25.212 need not provide a showing
                pursuant to paragraph (g)(1) of this section for operation with that antenna.

     (h) [Reserved]

      (i)   An earth station applicant filing an application for a blanket-licensed earth station network made up of
            FSS earth stations and planning to use a contention protocol must include in its application a certification
            that its contention protocol usage will be reasonable.

      (j)   An application for a new fixed earth station or modification involving alteration of the overall height of one
            or more existing earth station antenna structures must include the FCC Antenna Structure Registration
            Number(s) for the antenna structure(s), if assigned. If no such number has been assigned, the application
            must state whether prior FAA notification is required by part 17 of this chapter and, if so, whether the
            applicant or owner of the structure has notified the FAA of the proposed construction or alteration and
            applied for an Antenna Structure Registration Number in accordance with part 17 of this chapter.
            Applicants who maintain that prior FAA notification is not required for construction or alteration of a
            structure with overall height more than 6.1 meters above ground level must explain in the application why
            such prior notification is not required.

     (k)

            (1) Applicants for FSS earth stations that qualify for routine processing in the conventional or extended
                C-bands, the conventional or extended Ku-bands, the conventional Ka-band, or the 24.75–25.25 GHz
                band, including ESV applications filed pursuant to paragraph (m)(1) or (n)(1) of this section, VMES
                applications filed pursuant to paragraph (m)(1) or (n)(1) of this section, and ESAA applications filed
                pursuant to paragraph (m)(1) or (n)(1) of this section, may designate the Permitted Space Station
                List as a point of communication. Once such an application is granted, the earth station operator

47 CFR 25.115(k)(1) (enhanced display)                                                                       page 37 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                      47 CFR 25.115(k)(2)
Satellite Communications

                 may communicate with any space station on the Permitted Space Station List, provided that the
                 operation is consistent with the technical parameters and conditions in the earth station license and
                 any limitations placed on the space station authorization or noted in the Permitted Space Station
                 List.

            (2) Notwithstanding paragraph (k)(1) of this section, an earth station that would receive signals in the
                17.8–20.2 GHz band may not communicate with a space station on the Permitted Space Station List
                in that band until the space station operator has completed coordination under Footnote US334 to §
                2.106 of this chapter.

      (l)   The requirements of this paragraph apply to applications for ESV operation in the 5925–6425 MHz (Earth-
            to-space) band with GSO satellites in the Fixed-Satellite Service, in addition to the requirements in
            paragraphs (a)(1), (5), (6), and (i) of this section:

            (1) Applications where any necessary frequency coordination has been satisfactorily completed, and the
                proposed earth station transmissions comport with the applicable provisions in § 25.212(d) or the
                applicable off-axis EIRP density limits in § 25.218(d) will be routinely processed. Such applications
                must include the relevant information specified by paragraph (g) of this section. Applicants for
                ESIMs operating in a network using variable power density control of earth stations transmitting
                simultaneously in shared frequencies to the same target satellite receiving beam must also provide
                the certification required by § 25.212(g) or § 25.218(d)(4), whichever is applicable.

            (2) Applications where the proposed earth station transmissions do not comport with the applicable
                provisions in § 25.212(d) or the applicable off-axis EIRP density limits in § 25.218(d) must include
                the information specified by paragraph (g)(1) of this section, and are subject to the requirements of
                § 25.220.

            (3) Applications must include the following information:

                 (i)   ESIM applicants that meet the relevant off-axis EIRP density mask must certify that an ESIM
                       system is self-monitoring and capable of automatically ceasing or reducing emissions within
                       100 milliseconds if the ESIM transmitter exceeds the relevant off-axis EIRP density limits. ESIM
                       applicants that do not meet the relevant off-axis EIRP density mask must provide a detailed
                       showing that an ESIM system is self-monitoring and capable of automatically ceasing or
                       reducing emissions within 100 milliseconds if the ESIM transmitter exceeds the relevant off-
                       axis EIRP density limits. Variable-power ESIM applicants must certify that one or more
                       transmitters are capable of automatically ceasing or reducing emissions within 100
                       milliseconds of receiving a command to do so from the system's network control and
                       monitoring center, if the aggregate off axis EIRP densities of the transmitter or transmitters
                       exceed the relevant off-axis EIRP density limits.

                 (ii) An exhibit describing the geographic area(s) in which the ESVs will operate.

                 (iii) The point of contact information referred to in § 25.228(e)(2).

                 (iv) Applicants for ESVs that will exceed the guidelines in § 1.1310 of this chapter for radio
                      frequency radiation exposure must provide, with their environmental assessment, a plan for
                      mitigation of radiation exposure to the extent required to meet those guidelines.

     (m) The requirements of this paragraph apply to applications for ESIM operation in the 14.0–14.5 GHz (Earth-
         to-space) band with GSO satellites in the Fixed-Satellite Service, in addition to the requirements in
         paragraphs (a)(1) and (5) and (i) of this section:

47 CFR 25.115(m) (enhanced display)                                                                       page 38 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                        47 CFR 25.115(m)(1)
Satellite Communications

           (1) Applications where any necessary frequency coordination has been satisfactorily completed, and the
               proposed earth station transmissions comport with the applicable provisions in § 25.212(c)(2) or the
               applicable off-axis EIRP density limits in § 25.218(f) will be routinely processed. Such applications
               must include the relevant information specified by paragraph (g) of this section. Applicants for
               ESIMs operating in a network using variable power density control of earth stations transmitting
               simultaneously in shared frequencies to the same target satellite receiving beam must also provide
               the certification required by § 25.212(g) or § 25.218(f)(4), whichever is applicable.

           (2) Applications where the proposed earth station transmissions do not comport with the applicable
               provisions in § 25.212(c)(2) or the applicable off-axis EIRP density limits in § 25.218(f) must include
               the information specified by paragraph (g)(1) of this section, and are subject to the requirements of
               § 25.220.

           (3) Applications must include the following information:

                 (i)   ESIM applicants that meet the relevant off-axis EIRP density mask must certify that an ESIM
                       system is self-monitoring and capable of automatically ceasing or reducing emissions within
                       100 milliseconds if the ESIM transmitter exceeds the relevant off-axis EIRP density limits. ESIM
                       applicants that do not meet the relevant off-axis EIRP density mask must provide a detailed
                       showing that an ESIM system is self-monitoring and capable of automatically ceasing or
                       reducing emissions within 100 milliseconds if the ESIM transmitter exceeds the relevant off-
                       axis EIRP density limits. Variable-power ESIM applicants must certify that one or more
                       transmitters are capable of automatically ceasing or reducing emissions within 100
                       milliseconds of receiving a command to do so from the system's network control and
                       monitoring center, if the aggregate off axis EIRP densities of the transmitter or transmitters
                       exceed the relevant off-axis EIRP density limits.

                 (ii) An exhibit describing the geographic area(s) in which the ESIMs will operate.

                (iii) The point of contact information referred to in § 25.228(e)(2), (f), or (g)(1) as appropriate.

                (iv) Applicants for ESIMs that will exceed the guidelines in § 1.1310 of this chapter for radio
                     frequency radiation exposure must provide, with their environmental assessment, a plan for
                     mitigation of radiation exposure to the extent required to meet those guidelines.

     (n) The requirements of this paragraph apply to applications for ESIM operation in the 28.35–28.6 GHz or
         29.25–30.0 GHz (Earth-to-space) band with GSO satellites in the Fixed-Satellite Service, in addition to the
         requirements in paragraphs (a)(1) and (5) and (i) of this section:

           (1) Applications where any necessary frequency coordination has been satisfactorily completed, and the
               proposed earth station transmissions comport with the applicable provisions in § 25.212(e) or the
               applicable off-axis EIRP density limits in § 25.218(i) will be routinely processed. Such applications
               must include the relevant information specified by paragraph (g) of this section. Applicants for
               ESIMs operating in a network using variable power density control of earth stations transmitting
               simultaneously in shared frequencies to the same target satellite receiving beam must also provide
               the certification required by § 25.212(g) or § 25.218(i)(5), whichever is applicable.

           (2) Applications where the proposed earth station transmissions do not comport with the applicable
               provisions in § 25.212(e) or the applicable off-axis EIRP density limits in § 25.218(i) must include the
               information specified by paragraph (g)(1) of this section, and are subject to the requirements of §
               25.220.

47 CFR 25.115(n)(2) (enhanced display)                                                                       page 39 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                        47 CFR 25.115(n)(3)
Satellite Communications

           (3) Applications must include the following information:

                 (i)   ESIM applicants that meet the relevant off-axis EIRP density mask must certify that an ESIM
                       system is self-monitoring and capable of automatically ceasing or reducing emissions within
                       100 milliseconds if the ESIM transmitter exceeds the relevant off-axis EIRP density limits. ESIM
                       applicants that do not meet the relevant off-axis EIRP density mask must provide a detailed
                       showing that an ESIM system is self-monitoring and capable of automatically ceasing or
                       reducing emissions within 100 milliseconds if the ESIM transmitter exceeds the relevant off-
                       axis EIRP density limits. Variable-power ESIM applicants must certify that one or more
                       transmitters are capable of automatically ceasing or reducing emissions within 100
                       milliseconds of receiving a command to do so from the system's network control and
                       monitoring center, if the aggregate off axis EIRP densities of the transmitter or transmitters
                       exceed the relevant off-axis EIRP density limits.

                 (ii) An exhibit describing the geographic area(s) in which the ESIMs will operate.

                (iii) The point of contact information referred to in § 25.228(e)(2), (f), or (g)(1) as appropriate.

                (iv) Applicants for ESIMs that will exceed the guidelines in § 1.1310 of this chapter for radio
                     frequency radiation exposure must provide, with their environmental assessment, a plan for
                     mitigation of radiation exposure to the extent required to meet those guidelines.

     (o) The requirements in this paragraph apply to applications for ESIMs operation with NGSO satellites in the
         Fixed-Satellite Service, in addition to the requirements in paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(5), and (i) of this section:

           (1) An exhibit describing the geographic area(s) in which the ESIMs will operate and the location of hub
               and/or gateway stations.

           (2) The point of contact information referred to in § 25.228(e)(2), (f), or (g)(1) as appropriate.

           (3) Applicants for ESIMs that will exceed the guidelines in § 1.1310 of this chapter for radio frequency
               radiation exposure must provide, with their environmental assessment, a plan for mitigation of
               radiation exposure to the extent required to meet those guidelines.

     (p) The licensee and grantees shall ensure compliance with the Commission's radio frequency exposure
         requirements in §§ 1.1307(b), 2.1091, and 2.1093 of this chapter, as appropriate. An Environmental
         Assessment may be required if RF radiation from the proposed facilities would, in combination with
         radiation from other sources, cause RF power density or field strength in an accessible area to exceed the
         applicable limits specified in § 1.1310 of this chapter. See § 1.1307(b)(5)(ii).

[62 FR 5928, Feb. 10, 1997]

Editorial Note 1.: For FEDERAL REGISTER citations affecting § 25.115, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which
appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.

Editorial Note 2.: At 84 FR 53651, Oct. 8, 2019, § 25.115 was amended in part by revising paragraph (c)(1);
however, the amendment could not be incorporated because no new text was set out for paragraph (c)(1).

47 CFR 25.115(p) (enhanced display)                                                                          page 40 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                                 47 CFR 25.116
Satellite Communications

§ 25.116 Amendments to applications.
     (a) Unless otherwise specified, any pending application may be amended until designated for hearing, a
         public notice is issued stating that a substantive disposition of the application is to be considered at a
         forthcoming Commission meeting, or a final order disposing of the matter is adopted by the Commission.

     (b) Major amendments submitted pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section are subject to the public notice
         requirements of § 25.151. An amendment will be deemed to be a major amendment under the following
         circumstances:

           (1) If the amendment increases the potential for interference, or changes the proposed frequencies or
               orbital locations to be used.

           (2) If the amendment would convert the proposal into an action that may have a significant
               environmental effect under § 1.1307 of this chapter.

           (3) [Reserved]

           (4) If the amendment, or the cumulative effect of the amendment, is determined by the Commission
               otherwise to be substantial pursuant to section 309 of the Communications Act.

           (5) Amendments to “defective” space station applications, within the meaning of § 25.112 will not be
               considered.

     (c) Any application for an NGSO-like satellite license within the meaning of § 25.157 will be considered to be
         a newly filed application if it is amended by a major amendment (as defined by paragraph (b) of this
         section) after a “cut-off” date applicable to the application, except under the following circumstances:

           (1) The amendment resolves frequency conflicts with authorized stations or other pending applications
               but does not create new or increased frequency conflicts;

           (2) The amendment reflects only a change in ownership or control found by the Commission to be in the
               public interest and, for which a requested exemption from a “cut-off” date is granted;

           (3) The amendment corrects typographical, transcription, or similar clerical errors which are clearly
               demonstrated to be mistakes by reference to other parts of the application, and whose discovery
               does not create new or increased frequency conflicts; or

           (4) The amendment does not create new or increased frequency conflicts, and is demonstrably
               necessitated by events which the applicant could not have reasonably foreseen at the time of filing.

     (d) Any application for a GSO-like satellite license within the meaning of § 25.158 will be considered to be a
         newly filed application if it is amended by a major amendment (as defined by paragraph (b) of this
         section), and will cause the application to lose its status relative to later-filed applications in the “queue”
         as described in § 25.158.

     (e) Any amendment to an application shall be filed electronically through the International Communications
         Filing System (ICFS) in accordance with the applicable provisions of part 1, subpart Y of this chapter.
         Amendments to space station applications must be filed on Form 312 and Schedule S. Amendments to
         earth station applications must be filed on Form 312 and Schedule B.

[56 FR 24016, May 28, 1991, as amended at 68 FR 51503, Aug. 27, 2003; 69 FR 47794, Aug. 6, 2004; 78 FR 8421, Feb. 6, 2013; 88
FR 21440, Apr. 10, 2023]

47 CFR 25.116(e) (enhanced display)                                                                             page 41 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                            47 CFR 25.117
Satellite Communications

§ 25.117 Modification of station license.

Link to an amendment published at 87 FR 72404, Nov. 25, 2022.

     (a) Except as provided for in § 25.118 (Modifications not requiring prior authorization), no modification of a
         radio station governed by this part which affects the parameters or terms and conditions of the station
         authorization shall be made except upon application to and grant of such application by the Commission.

     (b) Both earth station and space station modification applications must be filed electronically through the
         International Communications Filing System (ICFS) in accordance with the applicable provisions of part 1,
         subpart Y, of this chapter.

     (c) Applications for modification of earth station authorizations must be submitted on FCC Form 312, Main
         Form and Schedule B. Applications for modification of space station authorizations must be submitted on
         FCC Form 312, Main Form and Schedule S. Only those items that change need to be specified, provided
         that the applicant certifies that the remaining information has not changed.

     (d)

           (1) Except as set forth in § 25.118(e), applications for modifications of space station authorizations
               shall be filed in accordance with § 25.114 and/or § 25.122 or § 25.123, as applicable, but only those
               items of information listed in § 25.114 and/or § 25.122 or § 25.123 that change need to be
               submitted, provided the applicant certifies that the remaining information has not changed.

           (2) Applications for modifications of space station authorizations will be granted except under the
               following circumstances:

                 (i)   Granting the modification would make the applicant unqualified to operate a space station
                       under the Commission's rules.

                 (ii) Granting the modification request would not serve the public interest, convenience, and
                      necessity.

                (iii) Except as set forth in paragraph (d)(2)(iv) of this section, applications for modifications of GSO-
                      like space station authorizations granted pursuant to the procedure set forth in § 25.158, which
                      seek to relocate a GSO satellite or add a frequency band to the authorization, will be placed in a
                      queue pursuant to § 25.158 and considered only after previously filed space station license
                      applications or space station modification applications have been considered.

                (iv) Applications for modifications of space station authorizations to increase the authorized
                     bandwidth will not be considered in cases in which the original space station authorization was
                     granted pursuant to the procedures set forth in § 25.157(e) or § 25.158(c)(4).

                 (v) Any 17/24 GHz BSS space station operator whose license is conditioned to operate at less than
                     the power level otherwise permitted by § 25.208(c) and/or (w) of this part, and is conditioned to
                     accept interference from a neighboring 17/24 GHz BSS space station, may file a modification
                     application to remove those two conditions in the event that the license for that neighboring
                     space station is cancelled or surrendered. In the event that two or more such modification
                     applications are filed, and those applications are mutually exclusive, the modification
                     applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis pursuant to the procedure set
                     forth in § 25.158 of this part.

47 CFR 25.117(d)(2)(v) (enhanced display)                                                                   page 42 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                         47 CFR 25.117(d)(3)
Satellite Communications

           (3) In the event that a space station licensee provides notification of a planned license modification
               pursuant to § 25.118(e), and the Commission finds that the proposed modification does not meet
               the requirements of § 25.118(e), the Commission will issue a public notice announcing that the
               proposed license modification will be considered pursuant to the procedure specified in paragraphs
               (d)(1) and (d)(2) of this section.

     (e) Any application for modification of authorization to extend a required date of completion, as set forth in §
         25.133 for earth station authorizations or § 25.164 for space stations, or included as a condition of any
         earth station or space station authorization, must include a verified statement from the applicant:

           (1) That states that the additional time is required due to unforeseeable circumstances beyond the
               applicant's control, describes these circumstances with specificity, and justifies the precise
               extension period requested; or

           (2) That states there are unique and overriding public interest concerns that justify an extension,
               identifies these interests and justifies a precise extension period.

     (f) An application for modification of a space station license to add an ancillary terrestrial component to an
         eligible satellite network will be treated as a request for a minor modification if the particulars of
         operations provided by the applicant comply with the criteria specified in § 25.149. Notwithstanding the
         treatment of such an application as a minor modification, the Commission shall place any initial
         application for the modification of a space station license to add an ancillary terrestrial component on
         notice for public comment. Except as provided for in § 25.149(f), no application for authority to add an
         ancillary terrestrial component to an eligible satellite network shall be granted until the applicant has
         demonstrated actual compliance with the criteria specified in § 25.149(b).

     (g) The licensee and grantees shall ensure compliance with the Commission's radio frequency exposure
         requirements in §§ 1.1307(b), 2.1091, and 2.1093 of this chapter, as appropriate. An Environmental
         Assessment may be required if RF radiation from the proposed facilities would, in combination with
         radiation from other sources, cause RF power density or field strength in an accessible area to exceed the
         applicable limits specified in § 1.1310 of this chapter. See § 1.1307(b)(5)(iii).

     (h) Unless otherwise ordered by the Commission, an application for any of the following kinds of modification
         of the operation of a GSO space station will be deemed granted 35 days after the date of the public notice
         that the application has been accepted for filing, provided no objection is filed during the 30-day notice
         period and the application does not propose a change that would be inconsistent with a Commission rule
         or require modification of the BSS plan in Appendix 30 or the associated feeder-link Plan in Appendix 30A
         of the ITU Radio Regulations (both incorporated by reference, see § 25.108).

           (1) Relocation of a DBS or GSO FSS space station by no more than 0.15° from the initially authorized
               orbital location, provided the application includes a signed certification that:

                 (i)   The space station operator has assessed and limited the probability of the satellite becoming a
                       source of debris as a result of collisions with large debris or other operational satellites at the
                       new orbital location; and

                 (ii) The proposed station-keeping volume of the satellite following relocation will not overlap a
                      station-keeping volume reasonably expected to be occupied by any other satellite, including
                      those authorized by the Commission, applied for and pending before the Commission, or
                      otherwise the subject of an ITU filing and either in orbit or progressing towards launch.

47 CFR 25.117(h)(1)(ii) (enhanced display)                                                                   page 43 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                           47 CFR 25.117(h)(2)
Satellite Communications

            (2) Repositioning one or more antenna beams by no more than 0.3 angular degrees from a line between
                the space station and the initially authorized boresight location(s).

      (i)   Unless otherwise ordered by the Commission, an application to add a space station point of
            communication to an earth station authorization will be deemed granted 35 days after the date of the
            public notice that the application has been accepted for filing, provided:

            (1) The license modification is only to add one or more points of communication;

            (2) The modification will not cause the earth station transmissions to exceed the highest EIRP, EIRP
                density, and bandwidth prescribed for any already authorized emission; and

            (3) The new space station point of communication will operate with the earth station only in frequency
                bands that are not shared with Federal or terrestrial wireless users and are not subject to
                coordination requirements with other non-Federal satellite services.

[56 FR 24016, May 28, 1991, as amended at 61 FR 9952, Mar. 12, 1996; 62 FR 5928, Feb. 10, 1997; 68 FR 33649, June 5, 2003; 68
FR 47858, Aug. 12, 2003; 68 FR 51503, Aug. 27, 2003; 68 FR 62248, Nov. 3, 2003; 68 FR 63998, Nov. 12, 2003; 69 FR 47794, Aug.
6, 2004; 70 FR 32253, June 2, 2005; 72 FR 60279, Oct. 24, 2007; 78 FR 8421, Feb. 6, 2013; 81 FR 55328, Aug. 18, 2016; 85 FR
18150, Apr. 1, 2020; 85 FR 43733, July 20, 2020; 88 FR 21440, Apr. 10, 2023; 88 FR 84754, Dec. 6, 2023]

§ 25.118 Modifications not requiring prior authorization.
     (a) Earth station modifications, notification required. Earth station licensees may make the following
         modifications without prior Commission authorization, provided they notify the Commission, using FCC
         Form 312 and Schedule B, within 30 days of the modification. The notification must be filed electronically
         through the International Communications Filing System (ICFS) in accordance with the applicable
         provisions of part 1, subpart Y of this chapter.

            (1) Blanket-licensed earth station operators may add remote terminals operating on a primary basis
                without prior authorization, provided they have complied with all applicable frequency coordination
                procedures in accordance with § 25.251.

            (2) A licensee providing service on a private carrier basis may change its operations to common carrier
                status without obtaining prior Commission authorization. The licensee must notify the Commission
                using FCC Form 312 within 30 days after the completed change to common carrier status.

            (3) An earth station operator may change a point of communication without prior authorization, provided
                the operator does not repoint the earth station's antenna beyond any coordinated range; and

                 (i)   The change results from a space station relocation described in paragraph (e) of this section, or

                 (ii) The new point of communication is a replacement GSO space station within ±0.15° of orbital
                      longitude of the same location, with authority to serve the U.S., and the change does not entail
                      any increase in the earth station's EIRP or EIRP density.

            (4) An earth station licensee may additionally:

                 (i)   Decrease antenna height; or

                 (ii) Increase or decrease the earth station's PFD contour, provided the modification does not involve
                      a change listed in paragraph (b)(2) of this section.

     (b) Earth station modifications, notification not required. Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this section:

47 CFR 25.118(b) (enhanced display)                                                                             page 44 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                           47 CFR 25.118(b)(1)
Satellite Communications

           (1) Equipment in an authorized earth station may be replaced without prior authorization and without
               notifying the Commission if the new equipment is electrically identical to the existing equipment.

           (2) Licensees may make other changes to their authorized earth stations, including the addition of new
               transceiver/antenna combinations, without notifying the Commission, provided the modification
               does not involve:

                 (i)   An increase in EIRP or EIRP density (either main lobe or off-axis);

                 (ii) Additional operating frequencies;

                (iii) A change in polarization;

                (iv) An increase in antenna height;

                 (v) Antenna repointing beyond any coordinated range; or

                (vi) A change from the originally authorized coordinates of more than 1 second of latitude or
                     longitude for stations operating in frequency bands shared with terrestrial systems or more
                     than 10 seconds of latitude or longitude for stations operating in frequency bands not shared
                     with terrestrial systems.

    (c)–(d) [Reserved]

     (e) Relocation of GSO space stations. A space station licensee may relocate a GSO space station without
         prior authorization, but upon 30 days prior notice to the Commission and any potentially affected licensed
         spectrum user, provided that the operator meets the following requirements. The notification must be filed
         electronically on FCC Form 312 through the International Communications Filing System (ICFS) in
         accordance with the applicable provisions of part 1, subpart Y of this chapter:

           (1) The space station will be relocated to a position within ±0.15° of an orbital location assigned to the
               same licensee.

           (2) The licensee certifies that the space station will operate after the relocation within the technical
               parameters authorized and coordinated for the space station previously assigned to that location.

           (3) The licensee certifies that it will comply with all the conditions of its license for operation at the
               changed location.

           (4) The licensee certifies that it will limit operations of the space station to tracking, telemetry, and
               command functions during the relocation and satellite drift transition period.

           (5) The licensee certifies that:

                 (i)   It has assessed and limited the probability of the satellite becoming a source of debris as a
                       result of collisions with large debris or other operational satellites at the new orbital location;
                       and

                 (ii) The proposed station-keeping volume of the satellite following relocation will not overlap a
                      station-keeping volume reasonably expected to be occupied by any other satellite, including
                      those authorized by the Commission, applied for and pending before the Commission, or
                      otherwise the subject of an ITU filing and either in orbit or progressing towards launch.

           (6) The licensee certifies that the relocation will not result in a lapse of service for any current customer.

47 CFR 25.118(e)(6) (enhanced display)                                                                         page 45 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                             47 CFR 25.118(e)(7)
Satellite Communications

           (7) If the space station to be relocated is a DBS space station, the licensee certifies that there will be no
               increase in interference due to the operations of the relocated space station that would require the
               Commission to submit a proposed modification to the ITU Appendix 30 Broadcasting-Satellite
               Service Plan and/or the Appendix 30A feeder-link Plan (both incorporated by reference, see §
               25.108) to the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau. A DBS licensee that meets this certification
               requirement is not subject to the requirements in paragraph (e)(2) of this section.

           (8) If the space station to be relocated is a DBS space station, the licensee certifies that it will meet the
               geographic service requirements in § 25.148(c) after the relocation.

     (f) Repositioning of NGSO space stations. A licensee may reposition NGSO space stations within an
         authorized orbital plane without prior Commission approval, provided the licensee notifies the
         Commission of the repositioning 10 days in advance by electronic filing on Form 312 in the International
         Communications Filing System. The notification must specify all changes in previously authorized
         parameters and must certify the following:

           (1) The licensee will continue to comply with the conditions of the space station license and all
               applicable Commission rules, including geographic coverage requirements, after the repositioning;

           (2) The repositioning will not increase risk of harmful interference to other systems not permitted by
               coordination agreements;

           (3) The licensee will not request increased interference protection because of the repositioning;

           (4) The licensee will monitor collision risk during the maneuver and take any necessary evasive
               measures.

           (5) Any change of orbital altitude entailed by the repositioning will not exceed 10 kilometers in extent or
               30 days in duration and the licensee has notified, or will notify, the operator(s) of any satellite within
               20 kilometers of the interim orbit at least 10 days before commencing the repositioning maneuver.

[62 FR 5928, Feb. 10, 1997, as amended at 68 FR 62248, Nov. 3, 2003; 68 FR 63999, Nov. 12, 2003; 69 FR 47794, Aug. 6, 2004; 70
FR 32253, June 2, 2005; 79 FR 8317, Feb. 12, 2014; 81 FR 55329, Aug. 18, 2016; 86 FR 11887, Mar. 1, 2021; 88 FR 21440, Apr. 10,
2023]

§ 25.119 Assignment or transfer of control of station authorization.
     (a) You must file an application for Commission authorization before you can transfer, assign, dispose of
         (voluntarily or involuntarily, directly or indirectly, or by transfer of control of any corporation or any other
         entity) your construction permit or station license, or accompanying rights, except as provided in
         paragraph (h) of this section. The Commission will grant your application only if it finds that doing so will
         serve the public interest, convenience, and necessity.

     (b) For purposes of this section, transfers of control requiring Commission approval shall include any and all
         transactions that:

           (1) Change the party controlling the affairs of the licensee, or

           (2) Effect any change in a controlling interest in the ownership of the licensee, including changes in legal
               or equitable ownership.

47 CFR 25.119(b)(2) (enhanced display)                                                                           page 46 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                          47 CFR 25.119(c)
Satellite Communications

     (c) Assignment of license. You must submit an FCC Form 312, Main Form and Schedule A to voluntarily
         assign (e.g., as by contract or other agreement) or involuntarily assign (e.g., as by death, bankruptcy, or
         legal disability) your station authorization. You must file these forms electronically through ICFS.

     (d) Transfer of control of corporation holding license. If you want to transfer control of a corporation, which
         holds one or more licenses voluntarily or involuntarily (de jure or de facto), you must submit an FCC Form
         312, Main Form and Schedule A. You must file these forms electronically through ICFS. For involuntary
         transfers, you must file your application within 10 days of the event causing the transfer of control. You
         can also use FCC Form 312, Main Form and Schedule A for non-substantial (pro forma) transfers of
         control.

     (e) Whenever a group of station licenses in the same radio service for the same class of facility licensed to
         the same entity is to be assigned or transferred to a single assignee or transferee, a single application
         may be filed to cover the entire group, if the application identifies in an exhibit each station by call sign,
         station location and expiration date of license.

     (f) Assignments and transfers of control shall be completed within 180 days from the date of authorization.
         Within 30 days of consummation, the Commission shall be notified by letter of the date of consummation
         and the file numbers of the applications involved in the transaction.

     (g) The Commission retains discretion in reviewing assignments and transfers of control of space station
         licenses to determine whether the initial license was obtained in good faith with the intent to construct a
         satellite system.

     (h) Pro forma transactions involving a telecommunications carrier. You do not need prior Commission
         approval for a non-substantial (pro forma) transfer of control or assignment of license involving a
         telecommunications carrier, as defined in 47 U.S.C. 153(51). However, the pro forma transferee or
         assignee must file a notification with the Commission no later than 30 days after the transfer or
         assignment is completed. The notification must be filed on FCC Form 312, Main Form and Schedule A
         and must contain a certification that the transfer of control or assignment was pro forma and that,
         together with all previous pro forma transactions, it did not result in a change in the actual controlling
         party.

      (i)   Pro forma transactions not involving a telecommunications carrier. A complete application for
            Commission approval of a non-substantial (pro forma) transfer of control or assignment of license not
            involving a telecommunications carrier, as defined in 47 U.S.C. 153(51), will be deemed granted one
            business day after filing, provided that:

            (1) Approval does not require a waiver of, or a declaratory ruling pertaining to, any applicable
                Commission rule; and

            (2) The application includes a certification that the proposed transfer of control or assignment is pro
                forma and that, together with all previous pro forma transactions, it would not result in a change in
                the actual controlling party.

      (j)   Receive-only earth station registrations. You do not need prior Commission approval for a transfer of
            control or assignment of a receive-only earth station registration. For all such transactions other than non-
            substantial (pro forma) transfers of control, the transferee or assignee must file a notification with the
            Commission on FCC Form 312, Main Form and Schedule A no later than 30 days after the transfer or
            assignment is completed. No notification is required for a pro forma transfer of control of a receive-only
            earth station registrant.

47 CFR 25.119(j) (enhanced display)                                                                         page 47 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                                47 CFR 25.120
Satellite Communications

[56 FR 24016, May 20, 1991; 56 FR 29757, June 20, 1991. Redesignated and amended at 62 FR 5928, 5929, Feb. 10, 1997; 68 FR
51503, Aug. 27, 2003; 69 FR 29901, May 26, 2004; 78 FR 8421, Feb. 6, 2013; 79 FR 51264, Aug. 28, 2014; 81 FR 55329, Aug. 18,
2016; 88 FR 21440, Apr. 10, 2023]

§ 25.120 Application for special temporary authorization.
     (a) In circumstances requiring immediate or temporary use of facilities, request may be made for special
         temporary authority to install and/or operate new or modified equipment. The request must contain the
         full particulars of the proposed operation including all facts sufficient to justify the temporary authority
         sought and the public interest therein. No request for temporary authority will be considered unless it is
         received by the Commission at least 3 working days prior to the date of proposed construction or
         operation or, where an extension is sought, the expiration date of the existing temporary authorization. A
         request received within less than 3 working days may be accepted only upon due showing of
         extraordinary reasons for the delay in submitting the request which could not have been earlier foreseen
         by the applicant. A copy of the request for special temporary authority also shall be forwarded to the
         Commission's Columbia Operations Center, 9200 Farm House Lane, Columbia, MD 21046–1609.

     (b)

           (1) The Commission may grant a temporary authorization only upon a finding that there are
               extraordinary circumstances requiring temporary operations in the public interest and that delay in
               the institution of these temporary operations would seriously prejudice the public interest.
               Convenience to the applicant, such as marketing considerations or meeting scheduled customer in-
               service dates, will not be deemed sufficient for this purpose.

           (2) The Commission may grant a temporary authorization for a period not to exceed 180 days, with
               additional periods not exceeding 180 days, if the Commission has placed the special temporary
               authority (STA) request on public notice.

           (3) The Commission may grant a temporary authorization for a period not to exceed 60 days, if the STA
               request has not been placed on public notice, and the applicant plans to file a request for regular
               authority for the service.

           (4) The Commission may grant a temporary authorization for a period not to exceed 30 days, if the STA
               request has not been placed on public notice, and an application for regular authority is not
               contemplated.

     (c) Each application proposing construction of one or more earth station antennas or alteration of the overall
         height of one or more existing earth station antenna structures, where FAA notification prior to such
         construction or alteration is required by part 17 of this chapter, must include the FCC Antenna Structure
         Registration Number(s) for the affected satellite earth station antenna(s). If no such number has been
         assigned at the time the application(s) is filed, the applicant must state in the application whether the
         satellite earth station antenna owner has notified the FAA of the proposed construction or alteration and
         applied to the FCC for an Antenna Structure Registration Number in accordance with part 17 of this
         chapter. Applications proposing construction of one or more earth station antennas or alteration of the
         overall height of one or more existing earth station antennas, where FAA notification prior to such
         construction or alteration is not required by part 17 of this chapter, must indicate such and, unless the
         satellite earth station antenna is 6.10 meters or less above ground level (AGL), must contain a statement
         explaining why FAA notification is not required.

47 CFR 25.120(c) (enhanced display)                                                                            page 48 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                               47 CFR 25.121
Satellite Communications

[56 FR 24016, May 28, 1991, as amended at 61 FR 4367, Feb. 6, 1996. Redesignated and amended at 62 FR 5928, 5929, Feb. 10,
1997; 66 FR 9973, Feb. 13, 2001; 68 FR 51503, Aug. 27, 2003]

§ 25.121 License term and renewals.

Link to an amendment published at 85 FR 52451, Aug. 25, 2020.

     (a) License Term.

           (1) Except for licenses for SDARS space stations and terrestrial repeaters, DBS and 17/24 GHz BSS
               space stations licensed as broadcast facilities, and licenses for which the application was filed
               pursuant to §§ 25.122 and 25.123, licenses for facilities governed by this part will be issued for a
               period of 15 years.

           (2) Licenses for DBS space stations and 17/24 GHz BSS space stations licensed as broadcast facilities,
               and for SDARS space stations and terrestrial repeaters, will be issued for a period of 8 years.
               Licenses for DBS space stations not licensed as broadcast facilities will be issued for a period of 10
               years.

           (3) Licenses for which the application was filed pursuant to § 25.122 or § 25.123 will be issued for a
               period of 6 years, without the possibility of extension or replacement authorization.

     (b) The Commission reserves the right to grant or renew station licenses for less than 15 years if, in its
         judgment, the public interest, convenience and necessity will be served by such action.

     (c) For earth stations, the license term will be specified in the instrument of authorization.

     (d) Space stations.

           (1) For geostationary-orbit space stations, the license term will begin at 3 a.m. Eastern Time on the date
               when the licensee notifies the Commission pursuant to § 25.173(b) that the space station has been
               successfully placed into orbit at its assigned orbital location and that its operations conform to the
               terms and conditions of the space station authorization.

           (2) For non-geostationary orbit space stations, except for those granted under § 25.122 or § 25.123, the
               license period will begin at 3 a.m. Eastern Time on the date when the licensee notifies the
               Commission pursuant to § 25.173(b) that operation of an initial space station is compliant with the
               license terms and conditions and that the space station has been placed in its authorized orbit.
               Operating authority for all space stations subsequently brought into service pursuant to the license
               will terminate upon its expiration.

           (3) For non-geostationary orbit space stations granted under § 25.122 or § 25.123, the license period
               will begin at 3 a.m. Eastern Time on the date when the licensee notifies the Commission pursuant to
               § 25.173(b) that operation of an initial space station is compliant with the license terms and
               conditions and that the space station has been placed in its authorized orbit and has begun
               operating. Operating authority for all space stations subsequently brought into service pursuant to
               the license will terminate upon its expiration.

47 CFR 25.121(d)(3) (enhanced display)                                                                        page 49 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                              47 CFR 25.121(e)
Satellite Communications

     (e) Renewal of licenses. Applications for renewals of earth station licenses must be submitted on FCC Form
         312R no earlier than 90 days, and no later than 30 days, before the expiration date of the license.
         Applications for space station system replacement authorization for non-geostationary orbit satellites
         shall be filed no earlier than 90 days, and no later than 30 days, prior to the end of the twelfth year of the
         existing license term.

[56 FR 24016, May 28, 1991, as amended at 58 FR 68059, Dec. 23, 1993; 59 FR 53327, Oct. 21, 1994. Redesignated and amended
at 62 FR 5928, 5929, Feb. 10, 1997; 65 FR 59142, Oct. 4, 2000; 67 FR 12485, Mar. 19, 2002; 67 FR 51113, Aug. 7, 2002; 68 FR
51503, Aug. 27, 2003; 68 FR 63999, Nov. 12, 2003; 72 FR 50027, Aug. 29, 2007; 75 FR 45067, Aug. 2, 2010; 79 FR 8317, Feb. 12,
2014; 85 FR 43733, July 20, 2020; 86 FR 49489, Sept. 3, 2021]

§ 25.122 Applications for streamlined small space station authorization.

Link to an amendment published at 85 FR 52452, Aug. 25, 2020.

     (a) This section shall only apply to applicants for NGSO systems that are able to certify compliance with the
         certifications set forth in paragraph (c) of this section. For applicants seeking to be authorized under this
         section, a comprehensive proposal for Commission evaluation must be submitted for each space station
         in the proposed system on FCC Form 312, Main Form and Schedule S, as described in § 25.114(a)
         through (c), together with the certifications described in paragraph (c) of this section and the narrative
         requirements described in paragraph (d) of this section.

     (b) Applications for NGSO systems may be filed under this section, provided that the total number of space
         stations requested in the application is ten or fewer.

           (1) To the extent that space stations in the satellite system will be technically identical, the applicant
               may submit an application for blanket-licensed space stations.

           (2) Where the space stations in the satellite system are not technically identical, the applicant must
               certify that each space station satisfies the criteria in paragraph (c) of this section, and submit
               technical information for each type of space station.

     (c) Applicants filing for authorization under the streamlined procedure described in this section must include
         with their applications certifications that the following criteria will be met for all space stations to be
         operated under the license:

           (1) The space station(s) will operate only in non-geostationary orbit;

           (2) The total in-orbit lifetime for any individual space station will be six years or less;

           (3) The space station(s):

                 (i)   Will be deployed at an orbital altitude of 600 km or below; or

                 (ii) Will maintain a propulsion system and have the ability to make collision avoidance and deorbit
                      maneuvers using propulsion;

           (4) Each space station will be identifiable by a unique signal-based telemetry marker distinguishing it
               from other space stations or space objects;

           (5) The space station(s) will release no operational debris;

47 CFR 25.122(c)(5) (enhanced display)                                                                         page 50 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                      47 CFR 25.122(c)(6)
Satellite Communications

           (6) The space station operator has assessed and limited the probability of accidental explosions,
               including those resulting from the conversion of energy sources on board the space station(s) into
               energy that fragments the spacecraft;

           (7) The probability of a collision between each space station and any other large object (10 centimeters
               or larger) during the orbital lifetime of the space station is 0.001 or less as calculated using current
               National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) software or other higher fidelity model;

           (8) The space station(s) will be disposed of post-mission through atmospheric re-entry. The probability
               of human casualty from portions of the spacecraft surviving re-entry and reaching the surface of the
               Earth is zero as calculated using current NASA software or higher fidelity models;

           (9) Operation of the space station(s) will be compatible with existing operations in the authorized
               frequency band(s). Operations will not materially constrain future space station entrants from using
               the authorized frequency band(s);

          (10) The space station(s) can be commanded by command originating from the ground to immediately
               cease transmissions and the licensee will have the capability to eliminate harmful interference when
               required under the terms of the license or other applicable regulations;

          (11) Each space station is 10 cm or larger in its smallest dimension; and

          (12) Each space station will have a mass of 180 kg or less, including any propellant.

     (d) The following information in narrative form shall be contained in each application:

           (1) An overall description of system facilities, operations, and services and an explanation of how uplink
               frequency bands would be connected to downlink frequency bands;

           (2) Public interest considerations in support of grant;

           (3) A description of means by which requested spectrum could be shared with both current and future
               operators, (e.g., how ephemeris data will be shared, antenna design, earth station geographic
               locations) thereby not materially constraining other operations in the requested frequency band(s);

           (4) For space stations with any means of maneuverability, including both active and passive means, a
               description of the design and operation of maneuverability and deorbit systems, and a description of
               the anticipated evolution over time of the orbit of the proposed satellite or satellites; and

           (5) In any instances where spacecraft capable of having crew aboard will be located at or below the
               deployment orbital altitude of the space station seeking a license, a description of the design and
               operational strategies that will be used to avoid in-orbit collision with such crewed spacecraft shall
               be furnished at time of application. This narrative requirement will not apply to space stations that
               will operate beyond Earth's orbit.

           (6) A list of the FCC file numbers or call signs for any known applications or Commission grants related
               to the proposed operations (e.g., experimental license grants, other space station or earth station
               applications or grants).

[85 FR 43734, July 20, 2020]

§ 25.123 Applications for streamlined small spacecraft authorization.

47 CFR 25.123 (enhanced display)                                                                           page 51 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                        47 CFR 25.123(a)
Satellite Communications

Link to an amendment published at 85 FR 52452, Aug. 25, 2020.

     (a) This section shall only apply to applicants for space stations that will operate beyond Earth's orbit and that
         are able to certify compliance with the certifications set forth in paragraph (b) of this section. For
         applicants seeking to be authorized under this section, a comprehensive proposal for Commission
         evaluation must be submitted for each space station in the proposed system on FCC Form 312, Main
         Form and Schedule S, as described in § 25.114(a) through (c), together with the certifications described in
         paragraph (b) of this section and the requirements described in paragraph (c) of this section.

     (b) Applicants filing for authorization under the streamlined procedure described in this section must include
         with their applications certifications that the following criteria will be met for all space stations to be
         operated under the license:

           (1) The space station(s) will operate and be disposed of beyond Earth's orbit;

           (2) The total lifetime from deployment to spacecraft end-of-life for any individual space station will be
               six years or less;

           (3) Each space station will be identifiable by a unique signal-based telemetry marker distinguishing it
               from other space stations or space objects;

           (4) The space station(s) will release no operational debris;

           (5) No debris will be generated in an accidental explosion resulting from the conversion of energy
               sources on board the space station(s) into energy that fragments the spacecraft;

           (6) The probability of a collision between each space station and any other large object (10 centimeters
               or larger) during the lifetime of the space station is 0.001 or less as calculated using current NASA
               software or higher fidelity models;

           (7) Operation of the space station(s) will be compatible with existing operations in the authorized
               frequency band(s). Operations will not materially constrain future space station entrants from using
               the authorized frequency band(s);

           (8) The space station(s) can be commanded by command originating from the ground to immediately
               cease transmissions and the licensee will have the capability to eliminate harmful interference when
               required under the terms of the license or other applicable regulations;

           (9) Each space station is 10 cm or larger in its smallest dimension; and

          (10) Each space station will have a mass of 500 kg or less, including any propellant.

     (c) Applicants must also provide the information specified in § 25.122(d) in narrative form.

[85 FR 43734, July 20, 2020]

§ 25.124 Unified space station and earth station authorization.
     (a) A single authorization may be issued for the operations of a GSO space station or NGSO space station(s)
         and the blanket-licensed earth stations that will operate within that satellite system, excluding GSO FSS
         and NGSO FSS satellite systems operating in bands below 10 GHz and bands subject to § 25.136. The
         available frequency bands are:

47 CFR 25.124(a) (enhanced display)                                                                       page 52 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                       47 CFR 25.124(a)(1)
Satellite Communications

           (1) Non-Voice, Non-Geostationary MSS: 137–138 MHz, 148–150.05 MHz, 399.9–400.05 MHz, and
               400.15–401 MHz;

           (2) 1.5/1.6 GHz MSS: 1525–1559 MHz and 1626.5–1660.5 MHz;

           (3) 1.6/2.4 GHz MSS: 1610–1626.5 MHz and 2483.5–2500 MHz;

           (4) 2 GHz MSS: 2000–2020 MHz and 2180–2200 MHz;

           (5) GSO FSS: 10.7–12.2 GHz, 14–14.5 GHz, 18.3–18.8 GHz, 19.7–20.2 GHz, 28.35–28.6 GHz, 29.25–30
               GHz, 40–42 GHz, and 48.2–50.2 GHz;

           (6) NGSO FSS: 10.7–12.7 GHz, 14–14.5 GHz, 17.8–18.6 GHz, 18.8–19.4 GHz, 19.6–20.2 GHz,
               28.35–29.1 GHz, 29.5–30 GHz, 40–42 GHz, and 48.2–50.2 GHz; and

           (7) GSO and NGSO MSS: 19.7–20.2 GHz and 29.5–30 GHz.

     (b) An application for a satellite system license described in paragraph (a) must contain:

           (1) The information required by § 25.114 or, for a non-U.S.-licensed space station, § 25.137;

           (2) A certification that earth station operations under the satellite system license will comply with part 1,
               subpart I and part 17 of this chapter; and

           (3) Any additional information required under this part, including under § 25.115, for operation of the
               blanket-licensed earth stations that is not duplicative or unnecessary due to the information
               provided for the space station operation.

[86 FR 11887, Mar. 1, 2021]

§ 25.129 Equipment authorization for portable earth-station transceivers.
     (a) Except as expressly permitted by § 2.803 or § 2.1204 of this chapter, prior authorization must be obtained
         pursuant to the equipment certification procedure in part 2, subpart J of this chapter for importation, sale
         or lease in the United States, or offer, shipment, or distribution for sale or lease in the United States of
         portable earth-station transceivers subject to regulation under part 25. This requirement does not apply,
         however, to devices imported, sold, leased, or offered, shipped, or distributed for sale or lease before
         November 20, 2004.

     (b) For purposes of this section, an earth-station transceiver is portable if it is a “portable device” as defined
         in § 2.1093(b) of this chapter, i.e., if its radiating structure(s) would be within 20 centimeters of the
         operator's body when the transceiver is in operation.

     (c) In addition to the information required by § 2.1033(c) of this chapter, applicants for certification required
         by this section shall submit any additional equipment test data necessary to demonstrate compliance
         with pertinent standards for transmitter performance prescribed in §§ 25.138, 25.202(f), 25.204, 25.209,
         and 25.216, must demonstrate compliance with the labeling requirement in § 25.285(b), and shall ensure
         compliance with the Commission's radio frequency exposure requirements in §§ 1.1307(b), 2.1091, and
         2.1093 of this chapter, as appropriate. An Environmental Assessment may be required if RF radiation from
         the proposed facilities would, in combination with radiation from other sources, cause RF power density
         or field strength in an accessible area to exceed the applicable limits specified in § 1.1310 of this chapter.
         Applications for equipment authorization of mobile or portable devices operating under this section must
         contain a statement confirming compliance with these requirements. Technical information showing the
         basis for this statement must be submitted to the Commission upon request.
47 CFR 25.129(c) (enhanced display)                                                                         page 53 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                               47 CFR 25.129(d)
Satellite Communications

     (d) Applicants for certification required by this section must submit evidence that the devices in question are
         designed for use with a satellite system that may lawfully provide service to users in the United States
         pursuant to an FCC license or order reserving spectrum.

[69 FR 5709, Feb. 6, 2004, as amended at 79 FR 8317, Feb. 12, 2014; 81 FR 55330, Aug. 18, 2016; 84 FR 53654, Oct. 8, 2019; 85
FR 18150, Apr. 1, 2020]

                                                      EARTH STATIONS

§§ 25.130-25.131 [Reserved]
§ 25.132 Verification of earth station antenna performance.
     (a)

           (1) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, applications for transmitting earth stations in
               the FSS, including feeder-link stations, must include a certification that the applicant has reviewed
               the results of a series of radiation pattern tests performed by the antenna manufacturer on
               representative equipment in representative configurations, and the test results demonstrate that the
               equipment meets relevant off-axis gain standards in § 25.209, measured in accordance with
               paragraph (b)(1) of this section. Applicants and licensees must be prepared to submit the radiation
               pattern measurements to the Commission on request.

           (2) Applicants that specify off-axis EIRP density pursuant to § 25.115(g)(1) are exempt from the
               certification requirement in paragraph (a)(1) of this section.

     (b)

           (1) For purposes of paragraph (a)(1) of this section and § 25.115(g)(1), the following measurements on
               a production antenna performed on calibrated antenna range must be made at the top and bottom
               of each frequency band assigned for uplink transmission:

                 (i)

                       (A) Co-polarized gain in the azimuth plane must be measured across a range extending to
                           180° on each side of the main-lobe axis, and the measurements must be represented in
                           two plots: one across the entire angular range of ±180° from the main-lobe axis and the
                           other across ±10° from the main-lobe axis.

                       (B) Co-polarized gain must be measured from 0° to 30° from beam peak in the elevation
                           plane.

                 (ii) Cross-polarization gain must be measured across a range of plus and minus 7° from beam
                      peak in the azimuth and elevation planes.

                (iii) Main beam gain.

                (iv) For antennas with asymmetric apertures or beams, where the minor axis of the antenna beam
                     (major axis of the antenna aperture) will not always be aligned parallel to the plane tangent to
                     the GSO arc, the measurements in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) through (iii) of this section must be
                     made over the angular ranges specified in paragraphs (b)(1)(i)(A) and (B) of this section in two
                     orthogonal planes, with the antenna oriented at the maximum skew angle at which it will
                     operate.

47 CFR 25.132(b)(1)(iv) (enhanced display)                                                                       page 54 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                             47 CFR 25.132(b)(2)
Satellite Communications

           (2) The relevant envelope specified in § 25.209 must be superimposed on each measured pattern.

     (c) The tests specified in paragraph (b) of this section are normally performed at the manufacturer's facility;
         but for those antennas that are very large and only assembled on-site, on-site measurements may be
         used for product qualification data. If on-site data is to be used for qualification, the test frequencies and
         number of patterns should follow, where possible, the recommendations in paragraph (b) of this section,
         and the test data is to be submitted in the same manner as described in paragraph (a) of this section.

     (d) For each new or modified transmitting antenna over 3 meters in diameter, the following on-site verification
         measurements must be completed at one frequency on an available transponder in each frequency band
         of interest and submitted to the Commission.

           (1) Co-polarized patterns in the elevation plane, plus and minus 7 degrees, in the transmit band.

           (2) Co-polarized patterns in the azimuth and elevation planes, plus and minus 7 degrees, in the receive
               band.

           (3) System cross-polarization discrimination on-axis. The FCC envelope specified in § 25.209 shall be
               superimposed on each pattern. The transmit patterns are to be measured with the aid of a co-
               operating earth station in coordination with the satellite system control center under the provisions
               of § 25.272.

     (e) Certification that the tests required by paragraph (c) of this section have been satisfactorily performed
         shall be provided to the Commission in notification that construction of the facilities has been completed
         as required by § 25.133.

     (f) Antennas less than 3 meters in diameter and antennas on simple (manual) drive mounts that are operated
         at a fixed site are exempt from the requirements of paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section provided that a
         detailed technical showing is made that confirms proper installation, pointing procedures, and
         polarization alignment and manufacturing quality control. These showing must also include a plan for
         periodic testing and field installation procedures and precautions.

     (g) Records of the results of the tests required by this section must be maintained at the antenna site or the
         earth station operator's control center and be available for inspection.

[58 FR 13419, Mar. 11, 1993, as amended at 69 FR 5710, Feb. 6, 2004; 70 FR 32253, June 2, 2005; 72 FR 50028, Aug. 29, 2007; 74
FR 47102, Sept. 15, 2009; 74 FR 57098, Nov. 4, 2009; 78 FR 14926, Mar. 8, 2013; 79 FR 8318, Feb. 12, 2014; 81 FR 55330, Aug. 18,
2016; 84 FR 53654, Oct. 8, 2019]

§ 25.133 Period of construction; certification of commencement of operation.
     (a) An earth station, or network of blanket-licensed earth stations, must be brought into operation within the
         longest of the time periods below, unless the Commission determines otherwise:

           (1) For an earth station authorized to communicate with a GSO FSS space station in the 3600–4200
               MHz band (space-to-Earth) operating outside of CONUS, or in the 5850–6725 MHz band (Earth-to-
               space), within one year from the date of the license grant;

           (2) For any other earth station or network of earth stations, within one year from the date of the license
               grant or six months after the bringing into operation of a GSO space station, or NGSO system under
               § 25.164(b)(1), with which the earth station or earth station network was authorized to communicate
               when it was licensed, as notified under § 25.173(b).

47 CFR 25.133(a)(2) (enhanced display)                                                                            page 55 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                                47 CFR 25.133(b)
Satellite Communications

     (b)

           (1) Each initial license for a transmitting earth station or modified license authorizing operation of an
               additional transmitting antenna, except for blanket licenses, will also specify as a condition therein
               that upon completion of construction, the licensee must file with the Commission a certification
               containing the following information:

                 (i)   The name of the licensee;

                 (ii) File number of the application;

                (iii) Call sign of the antenna;

                (iv) Date of the license;

                 (v) A certification that the facility as authorized has been completed and that each antenna has
                     been tested and found to perform within authorized gain patterns or off-axis EIRP density
                     levels; and

                (vi) The date when the earth station became operational.

                (vii) A statement that the station will remain operational during the license period unless the license
                      is submitted for cancellation.

           (2) For FSS earth stations authorized under a blanket license, the licensee must notify the Commission
               when the earth station network commences operation. The notification should include the
               information described in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) through (iv) of this section and a certification that each
               hub antenna, and a type of antenna used in remote stations in the network, has been tested and
               found to perform within authorized gain patterns or off-axis EIRP density levels. For any type of
               antenna whose performance was not certified when the network commenced operation, the licensee
               must submit the information and certification stated above for the antenna type when it is first
               deployed.

     (c) [Reserved]

     (d) Each receiving earth station licensed or registered pursuant to § 25.115(b) must be constructed and
         placed into service within 6 months after coordination has been completed. Each licensee or registrant
         must file with the Commission a certification that the facility is completed and operating as provided in
         paragraph (b) of this section, with the exception of certification of antenna patterns.

[56 FR 24016, May 28, 1991, as amended at 58 FR 68059, Dec. 23, 1993; 59 FR 53327, Oct. 21, 1994; 65 FR 59142, Oct. 4, 2000;
70 FR 32254, June 2, 2005; 78 FR 8421, Feb. 6, 2013; 79 FR 8318, Feb. 12, 2014; 81 FR 55330, Aug. 18, 2016; 84 FR 53654, Oct. 8,
2019; 86 FR 11887, Mar. 1, 2021]

§ 25.134 [Reserved]
§ 25.135 Licensing provisions for earth station networks in the non-voice, non-geostationary
Mobile-Satellite Service.
     (a) Each applicant for a blanket earth station license in the non-voice, non-geostationary mobile-satellite
         service shall demonstrate that transceiver operations will not cause unacceptable interference to other
         authorized users of the spectrum, based on existing system information publicly available at the
         Commission at the time of filing, and will comply with operational conditions placed upon the systems

47 CFR 25.135(a) (enhanced display)                                                                               page 56 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                         47 CFR 25.135(b)
Satellite Communications

           with which they are to operate in accordance with § 25.142(b). This demonstration shall include a
           showing as to all the technical parameters, including duty cycle and power limits, under which the
           individual user transceivers will operate.

     (b) [Reserved]

     (c) Transceiver units in this service are authorized to communicate with and through U.S.-authorized space
         stations only.

[58 FR 68059, Dec. 23, 1993, as amended at 69 FR 5710, Feb. 6, 2004; 79 FR 8319, Feb. 12, 2014]

§ 25.136 Earth Stations in the 24.75–25.25 GHz, 27.5–28.35 GHz, 37.5–40 GHz, 47.2–48.2, GHz and
50.4–51.4 GHz bands.
     (a) FSS is secondary to the Upper Microwave Flexible Use Service in the 27.5–28.35 GHz band.
         Notwithstanding that secondary status, an applicant for a license for a transmitting earth station in the
         27.5–28.35 GHz band that meets one of the following criteria may be authorized to operate without
         providing interference protection to stations in the Upper Microwave Flexible Use Service:

           (1) The FSS licensee also holds the relevant Upper Microwave Flexible Use Service license(s) for the
               area in which the earth station generates a power flux density (PFD), at 10 meters above ground
               level, of greater than or equal to −77.6 dBm/m2/MHz;

           (2) The FSS earth station was authorized prior to July 14, 2016; or

           (3) The application for the FSS earth station was filed prior to July 14, 2016 and has been subsequently
               granted; or

           (4) The applicant demonstrates compliance with all of the following criteria in its application:

                 (i)   There are no more than two other authorized earth stations operating in the 27.5–28.35 GHz
                       band within the county where the proposed earth station is located that meet the criteria
                       contained in either paragraph (a)(1), (2), (3), or (4) of this section. For purposes of this
                       requirement, multiple earth stations that are collocated with or at a location contiguous to each
                       other shall be considered as one earth station;

47 CFR 25.136(a)(4)(i) (enhanced display)                                                                  page 57 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                   47 CFR 25.136(a)(4)(ii)
Satellite Communications

                 (ii) The area in which the earth station generates a PFD, at 10 meters above ground level, of greater
                      than or equal to −77.6 dBm/m2/MHz, together with the similar area of any other earth station
                      authorized pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section, does not cover, in the aggregate, more
                      than the amount of population of the UMFUS license area within which the earth station is
                      located as noted in table 1 to this paragraph (a)(4)(ii):

                                                   Table 1 to Paragraph (a)(4)(ii)

                                                                        Maximum permitted aggregate population
                          Population within UMFUS license area           within −77.6 dBm/m2/MHz PFD contour
                                                                                    of earth stations
                       Greater than 450,000                      0.1 percent of population in UMFUS license area.
                       Between 6,000 and 450,000                 450 people.
                       Fewer than 6,000                          7.5 percent of population in UMFUS license area.

                (iii) The area in which the earth station generates a PFD, at 10 meters above ground level, of greater
                      than or equal to −77.6 dBm/m2/MHz does not contain any major event venue, urban mass
                      transit route, passenger railroad, or cruise ship port. In addition, the area mentioned in
                      paragraph (a)(4)(ii) of this section shall not cross any of the following types of roads, as
                      defined in functional classification guidelines issued by the Federal Highway Administration
                      pursuant to 23 CFR 470.105(b): Interstate, Other Freeways and Expressways, or Other Principal
                      Arterial. The Federal Highway Administration Office of Planning, Environment, and Realty
                      Executive Geographic Information System (HEPGIS) map contains information on the
                      classification of roads. For purposes of this rule, an urban area shall be an Adjusted Urban Area
                      as defined in section 101(a)(37) of Title 21 of the United States Code.

                (iv) The applicant has successfully completed frequency coordination with the UMFUS licensees
                     within the area in which the earth station generates a PFD, at 10 meters above ground level, of
                     greater than or equal to −77.6 dBm/m2/MHz with respect to existing facilities constructed and
                     in operation by the UMFUS licensee. In coordinating with UMFUS licensees, the applicant shall
                     use the applicable processes contained in § 101.103(d) of this chapter.

     (b) Applications for earth stations in the 37.5–40 GHz band shall provide an exhibit describing the zone within
         which the earth station will require protection from transmissions of Upper Microwave Flexible Use
         Service licensees. For purposes of this rule, the protection zone shall consist of the area where UMFUS
         licensees may not locate facilities without the consent of the earth station licensee. The earth station
         applicant shall demonstrate in its application, using reasonable engineering methods, that the requested
         protection zone is necessary in order to protect its proposed earth station.

     (c) The protection zone (as defined in paragraph (b) of this section) shall comply with the following criteria.
         The applicant must demonstrate compliance with all of the following criteria in its application:

           (1) There are no more than two other authorized earth stations operating in the 37.5–40 GHz band
               within the county within which the proposed earth station is located that meet the criteria contained
               in paragraph (c) of this section, and there are no more than 14 other authorized earth stations
               operating in the 37.5–40 GHz band within the PEA within which the proposed earth station is located
               that meet the criteria contained in paragraph (c) of this section. For purposes of this requirement,
               multiple earth stations that are collocated with or at a location contiguous to each other shall be
               considered as one earth station;
47 CFR 25.136(c)(1) (enhanced display)                                                                     page 58 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                         47 CFR 25.136(c)(2)
Satellite Communications

           (2) The protection zone, together with the protection zone of other earth stations in the same PEA
               authorized pursuant to this, does not cover, in the aggregate, more than the amount of population of
               the PEA within which the earth station is located as noted in table 2 to this paragraph (c)(2):

                                                   Table 2 to Paragraph (c)(2)

                                                                                        Maximum permitted aggregate
                 Population within Partial Economic Area (PEA) where earth station                population
                                              is located                                within protection zone of earth
                                                                                                    stations
                 Greater than 2,250,000                                              0.1 percent of population in PEA.
                 Between 60,000 and 2,250,000                                        2,250 people.
                 Fewer than 60,000                                                   3.75 percent of population in PEA.

           (3) The protection zone does not contain any major event venue, urban mass transit route, passenger
               railroad, or cruise ship port. In addition, the area mentioned in the preceding sentence shall not cross
               any of the following types of roads, as defined in functional classification guidelines issued by the
               Federal Highway Administration pursuant to 23 CFR 470.105(b): Interstate, Other Freeways and
               Expressways, or Other Principal Arterial. The Federal Highway Administration Office of Planning,
               Environment, and Realty Executive Geographic Information System (HEPGIS) map contains
               information on the classification of roads. For purposes of this rule, an urban area shall be an
               Adjusted Urban Area as defined in section 101(a)(37) of Title 21 of the United States Code.

           (4) The applicant has successfully completed frequency coordination with the UMFUS licensees within
               the protection zone with respect to existing facilities constructed and in operation by the UMFUS
               licensee. In coordinating with UMFUS licensees, the applicant shall use the applicable processes
               contained in § 101.103(d) of this chapter.

     (d) Notwithstanding that FSS is co-primary with the Upper Microwave Flexible Use Service in the 47.2–48.2
         GHz band, earth stations in the 47.2–48.2 GHz band shall be limited to individually licensed earth
         stations. An applicant for a license for a transmitting earth station in the 47.2–48.2 GHz band must meet
         one of the following criteria to be authorized to operate without providing any additional interference
         protection to stations in the Upper Microwave Flexible Use Service:

           (1) The FSS licensee also holds the relevant Upper Microwave Flexible Use Service license(s) for the
               area in which the earth station generates a PFD, at 10 meters above ground level, of greater than or
               equal to −77.6 dBm/m2/MHz; or

           (2) The earth station in the 47.2–48.2 GHz band was authorized prior to February 1, 2018; or

           (3) The application for the earth station in the 47.2–48.2 GHz band was filed prior to February 1, 2018; or

           (4) The applicant demonstrates compliance with all of the following criteria in its application:

                 (i)   There are no more than two other authorized earth stations operating in the 47.2–48.2 GHz
                       band within the county where the proposed earth station is located that meet the criteria
                       contained in paragraph (d)(1), (2), (3), or (4) of this section, and there are no more than 14 other
                       authorized earth stations operating in the 47.2–48.2 GHz band within the PEA where the

47 CFR 25.136(d)(4)(i) (enhanced display)                                                                     page 59 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                       47 CFR 25.136(d)(4)(ii)
Satellite Communications

                      proposed earth station is located that meet the criteria contained in paragraph (d)(1), (2), (3), or
                      (4) of this section. For purposes of this requirement, multiple earth stations that are collocated
                      with or at a location contiguous to each other shall be considered as one earth station;

                 (ii) The area in which the earth station generates a PFD, at 10 meters above ground level, of greater
                      than or equal to −77.6 dBm/m2/MHz, together with the similar area of any other earth station
                      authorized pursuant to paragraph (d) of this section, does not cover, in the aggregate, more
                      than the amount of population of the PEA within which the earth station is located as noted in
                      table 3 to this paragraph (d)(4)(ii):

                                                    Table 3 to Paragraph (d)(4)(ii)

                                                                                         Maximum permitted aggregate
                                                                                                    population
                         Population within Partial Economic Area (PEA) where earth
                                                                                         within −77.6 dBm/m2/MHz PFD
                                             station is located
                                                                                                     contour
                                                                                                 of earth stations
                       Greater than 2,250,000                                          0.1 percent of population in PEA.
                       Between 60,000 and 2,250,000                                    2,250 people.
                       Fewer than 60,000                                               3.75 percent of population in PEA.

                (iii) The area in which the earth station generates a PFD, at 10 meters above ground level, of greater
                      than or equal to −77.6 dBm/m2/MHz does not contain any major event venue, any highway
                      classified by the U.S. Department of Transportation under the categories Interstate, Other
                      Freeways and Expressways, or Other Principal Arterial, or an urban mass transit route,
                      passenger railroad, or cruise ship port; and

                (iv) The applicant has successfully completed frequency coordination with the UMFUS licensees
                     within the area in which the earth station generates a PFD, at 10 meters above ground level, of
                     greater than or equal to −77.6 dBm/m2/MHz with respect to existing facilities constructed and
                     in operation by the UMFUS licensee. In coordinating with UMFUS licensees, the applicant shall
                     use the applicable processes contained in § 101.103(d) of this chapter.

     (e) Notwithstanding that FSS is co-primary with the Upper Microwave Flexible Use Service in the 24.75–25.25
         GHz and 50.4–51.4 GHz bands, earth stations in these bands shall be limited to individually licensed earth
         stations. An applicant for a license for a transmitting earth station in the 24.75–25.25 GHz or 50.4–51.4
         GHz band must meet one of the following criteria to be authorized to operate without providing any
         additional interference protection to stations in the Upper Microwave Flexible Use Service:

           (1) The FSS licensee also holds the relevant Upper Microwave Flexible Use Service license(s) for the
               area in which the earth station generates a power flux density (PFD), at 10 meters above ground
               level, of greater than or equal to −77.6dBm/m2/MHz;

           (2) The earth station in the 24.75–25.25 GHz band was authorized prior to August 20, 2018; or the earth
               station in the 50.4–51.4 GHz band was authorized prior to June 12, 2019; or

           (3) The application for the earth station in the 24.75–25.25 GHz band was filed prior to August 20, 2018;
               or the application for the earth station in the 50.4–51.4 GHz band was filed prior to June 12, 2019; or

           (4) The applicant demonstrates compliance with all of the following criteria in its application:

47 CFR 25.136(e)(4) (enhanced display)                                                                         page 60 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                       47 CFR 25.136(e)(4)(i)
Satellite Communications

                 (i)   There are no more than two other authorized earth stations operating in the same frequency
                       band within the county where the proposed earth station is located that meet the criteria
                       contained in either paragraph (e)(1), (2), (3), or (4) of this section, and there are no more than 14
                       other authorized earth stations operating in the same frequency band within the Partial
                       Economic Area where the proposed earth station is located that meet the criteria contained in
                       paragraph (e)(1), (2), (3), or (4) of this section. For purposes of the requirement in this
                       paragraph (e)(4), multiple earth stations that are collocated with or at a location contiguous to
                       each other shall be considered as one earth station;

                 (ii) The area in which the earth station generates a power flux density (PFD), at 10 meters above
                      ground level, of greater than or equal to −77.6 dBm/m2/MHz, together with the similar area of
                      any other earth station operating in the same frequency band authorized pursuant to paragraph
                      (e) of this section, does not cover, in the aggregate, more than the amount of population of the
                      county within which the earth station is located as noted in table 4 to this paragraph (e)(4)(ii):

                                                     Table 4 to Paragraph (e)(4)(ii)

                        Population within the County where       Maximum permitted aggregate population within −77.6
                             earth station is located                dBm/m2/MHz PFD contour of earth stations
                        Greater than 450,000                  0.1 percent of population in county.
                        Between 6,000 and 450,000             450 people.
                        Fewer than 6,000                      7.5 percent of population in county.

                (iii) The area in which the earth station generates a PFD, at 10 meters above ground level, of greater
                      than or equal to −77.6 dBm/m2/MHz does not contain any major event venue, urban mass
                      transit route, passenger railroad, or cruise ship port. In addition, the area mentioned in
                      paragraph (e)(4)(ii) of this section shall not cross any of the following types of roads, as
                      defined in functional classification guidelines issued by the Federal Highway Administration
                      pursuant to 23 CFR 470.105(b): Interstate, Other Freeways and Expressways, or Other Principal
                      Arterial. The Federal Highway Administration Office of Planning, Environment, and Realty
                      Executive Geographic Information System (HEPGIS) map contains information on the
                      classification of roads. For purposes of this paragraph (e)(4), an urban area shall be an
                      Adjusted Urban Area as defined in section 101(a)(37) of Title 21 of the United States Code; and

                (iv) The applicant has successfully completed frequency coordination with the UMFUS licensees
                     within the area in which the earth station generates a PFD, at 10 meters above ground level, of
                     greater than or equal to −77.6 dBm/m2/MHz with respect to existing facilities constructed and
                     in operation by the UMFUS licensee. In coordinating with UMFUS licensees, the applicant shall
                     use the applicable processes contained in § 101.103(d) of this chapter.

     (f) If an earth station applicant or licensee in the 24.75–25.25 GHz, 27.5–28.35 GHz, 37.5–40 GHz,
         47.2–48.2 GHz and/or 50.4–51.4 GHz bands enters into an agreement with an UMFUS licensee, their
         operations shall be governed by that agreement, except to the extent that the agreement is inconsistent
         with the Commission's rules or the Communications Act.

     (g) Any earth station authorizations issued pursuant to paragraph (a)(4), (c), (d)(4), or (e)(4) of this section
         shall be conditioned upon operation being in compliance with the criteria contained in the applicable
         paragraph.

47 CFR 25.136(g) (enhanced display)                                                                           page 61 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                              47 CFR 25.136(h)
Satellite Communications

     (h) Re-coordination. An earth station licensed under this section that is brought into operation later than one
         year after the date of the license grant must be re-coordinated with UMFUS stations using the applicable
         processes in § 101.103(d) of this chapter. The earth station licensee must complete re-coordination
         within one year before its commencement of operation. The re-coordination should account for any
         demographic or geographic changes as well as changes to the earth station equipment or configuration.
         A re-coordination notice must be filed in ICFS before commencement of earth station operations.

[81 FR 79937, Nov. 14, 2016, as amended at 83 FR 63, Jan. 2, 2018; 83 FR 34489, July 20, 2018; 84 FR 20819, May 13, 2019; 84
FR 47147, Sept. 9, 2019; 86 FR 11887, Mar. 1, 2021; 88 FR 21440, Apr. 10, 2023]

§ 25.137 Requests for U.S. market access through non-U.S.-licensed space stations.
     (a) Earth station applicants requesting authority to communicate with a non-U.S.-licensed space station and
         entities filing a petition for declaratory ruling to access the United States market using a non-U.S.-licensed
         space station must attach an exhibit with their FCC Form 312 demonstrating that U.S.-licensed satellite
         systems have effective competitive opportunities to provide analogous services in:

           (1) The country in which the non-U.S. licensed space station is licensed; and

           (2) All countries in which communications with the U.S. earth station will originate or terminate. The
               applicant bears the burden of showing that there are no practical or legal constraints that limit or
               prevent access of the U.S. satellite system in the relevant foreign markets. The exhibit required by
               this paragraph must also include a statement of why grant of the application is in the public interest.
               This paragraph shall not apply with respect to requests for authority to operate using a non-U.S.
               licensed satellite that is licensed by or seeking a license from a country that is a member of the
               World Trade Organization for services covered under the World Trade Organization Basic
               Telecommunications Agreement.

     (b) Any request pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section must be filed electronically through the International
         Communications Filing System and must include an exhibit providing legal and technical information for
         the non-U.S.-licensed space station of the kind that § 25.114, § 25.122, or § 25.123 would require in a
         license application for that space station, including but not limited to, information required to complete
         Schedule S. An applicant may satisfy this requirement by cross-referencing a pending application
         containing the requisite information or by citing a prior grant of authority to communicate via the space
         station in question in the same frequency bands to provide the same type of service.

     (c) A non-U.S.-licensed NGSO-like satellite system seeking to serve the United States can be considered
         contemporaneously with other U.S. NGSO-like satellite systems pursuant to § 25.157 and considered
         before later-filed applications of other U.S. satellite system operators, and a non-U.S.-licensed GSO-like
         satellite system seeking to serve the United States can have its request placed in a queue pursuant to §
         25.158 and considered before later-filed applications of other U.S. satellite system operators, if the non-
         U.S.-licensed satellite system:

           (1) Is in orbit and operating;

           (2) Has a license from another administration; or

           (3) Has been submitted for coordination to the International Telecommunication Union.

47 CFR 25.137(c)(3) (enhanced display)                                                                           page 62 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                               47 CFR 25.137(d)
Satellite Communications

     (d) Earth station applicants requesting authority to communicate with a non-U.S.-licensed space station and
         entities filing a petition for declaratory ruling to access the United States market must demonstrate that
         the non-U.S.-licensed space station has complied with all applicable Commission requirements for non-
         U.S.-licensed systems to operate in the United States, including but not limited to the following:

           (1) Milestones;

           (2) Reporting requirements;

           (3) Any other applicable service rules;

           (4) The surety bond requirement in § 25.165, for non-U.S.-licensed space stations that are not in orbit
               and operating.

           (5) Entities that have one market access request on file with the Commission for NGSO-like satellite
               operations in a particular frequency band will not be permitted to request access to the U.S. market
               for another NGSO-like satellite system in that frequency band in the same processing round subject
               to the procedures of §§ 25.157 and 25.261.

     (e) An entity requesting access to the United States market through a non-U.S.-licensed space station
         pursuant to a petition for declaratory ruling may amend its request by submitting an additional petition for
         declaratory ruling. Such additional petitions will be treated on the same basis as amendments filed by
         U.S. space station applicants for purposes of determining the order in which the petitions will be
         considered relative to pending applications and petitions.

     (f) A non-U.S.-licensed space station operator that has been granted access to the United States market
         pursuant to a declaratory ruling may modify its U.S. operations under the procedures set forth in §§
         25.117(d) and (h) and 25.118(e).

     (g) A non-U.S.-licensed satellite operator that acquires control of a non-U.S.-licensed space station that has
         been permitted to serve the United States must notify the Commission within 30 days after
         consummation of the transaction so that the Commission can afford interested parties an opportunity to
         comment on whether the transaction affected any of the considerations we made when we allowed the
         satellite operator to enter the U.S. market. A non-U.S.-licensed satellite that has been transferred to new
         owners may continue to provide service in the United States unless and until the Commission determines
         otherwise. If the transferee or assignee is not licensed by, or seeking a license from, a country that is a
         member of the World Trade Organization for services covered under the World Trade Organization Basic
         Telecommunications Agreement, the non-U.S.-licensed satellite operator will be required to make the
         showing described in paragraph (a) of this section.

[62 FR 64172, Dec. 4, 1997, as amended at 64 FR 61792, Nov. 15, 1999; 65 FR 16327, Mar. 28, 2000; 65 FR 59143, Oct. 4, 2000; 68
FR 51503, Aug. 27, 2003; 68 FR 62249, Nov. 3, 2003; 69 FR 51587, Aug. 20, 2004; 78 FR 8422, Feb. 6, 2013; 81 FR 55331, Aug. 18,
2016; 81 FR 75344, Oct. 31, 2016; 85 FR 43735, July 20, 2020; 88 FR 21440, Apr. 10, 2023; 88 FR 84754, Dec. 6, 2023]

§ 25.138 Earth Stations in the 3.7–4.2 GHz band.
     (a) Applications for new, modified, or renewed earth station licenses and registrations in the 3.7–4.0 GHz
         portion of the band in CONUS are no longer accepted.

     (b) Applications for new earth station licenses or registrations within CONUS in the 4.0–4.2 GHz portion of
         the band will not be accepted until the transition is completed and upon announcement by the Space
         Bureau via Public Notice that applications may be filed.

47 CFR 25.138(b) (enhanced display)                                                                              page 63 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                        47 CFR 25.138(c)
Satellite Communications

     (c) Fixed and temporary fixed earth stations operating in the 3.7–4.0 GHz portion of the band within CONUS
         will be protected from interference by licensees in the 3.7 GHz Service subject to the deadlines set forth in
         § 27.1412 of this chapter and are eligible for transition into the 4.0–4.2 GHz band so long as they:

           (1) Were operational as of April 19, 2018 and continue to be operational;

           (2) Were licensed or registered (or had a pending application for license or registration) in the ICFS
               database on November 7, 2018; and

           (3) Timely certified the accuracy of the information on file with the Commission by May 28, 2019.

     (d) Fixed and temporary earth station licenses and registrations that meet the criteria in paragraph (c) of this
         section may be renewed or modified to maintain operations in the 4.0–4.2 GHz band.

     (e) Applications for new, modified, or renewed licenses and registrations for earth stations outside CONUS
         operating in the 3.7–4.2 GHz band will continue to be accepted.

[85 FR 22864, Apr. 23, 2020, as amended at 88 FR 21440, Apr. 10, 2023]

§ 25.139 NGSO FSS coordination and information sharing between MVDDS licensees in the 12.2
GHz to 12.7 GHz band.
     (a) NGSO FSS licensees shall maintain a subscriber database in a format that can be readily shared with
         MVDDS licensees for the purpose of determining compliance with the MVDDS transmitting antenna
         spacing requirement relating to qualifying existing NGSO FSS subscriber receivers set forth in § 101.129
         of this chapter. This information shall not be used for purposes other than set forth in § 101.129 of this
         chapter. Only sufficient information to determine compliance with § 101.129 of this chapter is required.

     (b) Within ten business days of receiving notification of the location of a proposed MVDDS transmitting
         antenna, the NGSO FSS licensee shall provide sufficient information from the database to enable the
         MVDDS licensee to determine whether the proposed MVDDS transmitting site meets the minimum
         spacing requirement.

     (c) If the location of the proposed MVDDS transmitting antenna site does not meet the separation
         requirements of § 101.129 of this chapter, then the NGSO FSS licensee shall also indicate to the MVDDS
         licensee within the same ten day period specified in paragraph (b) of this section whether the proposed
         MVDDS transmitting site is acceptable at the proposed location.

     (d) Nothing in this section shall preclude NGSO FSS and MVDDS licensees from entering into an agreement to
         accept MVDDS transmitting antenna locations that are shorter-spaced from existing NGSO FSS
         subscriber receivers than the distance set forth in § 101.129 of this chapter.

[67 FR 43037, June 26, 2002, as amended at 68 FR 43945, July 25, 2003]

                                                      SPACE STATIONS

§ 25.140 Further requirements for license applications for GSO space station operation in the
FSS and the 17/24 GHz BSS.

Link to an amendment published at 86 FR 49489, Sept. 3, 2021.

47 CFR 25.140 (enhanced display)                                                                          page 64 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                        47 CFR 25.140(a)
Satellite Communications

Link to an amendment published at 87 FR 72404, Nov. 25, 2022.

     (a)

           (1) In addition to the information required by § 25.114, an applicant for GSO FSS space station operation
               involving transmission of analog video signals must certify that the proposed analog video operation
               has been coordinated with operators of authorized co-frequency space stations within six degrees of
               the requested orbital location.

           (2) In addition to the information required by § 25.114, an applicant for GSO FSS space station
               operation, including applicants proposing feeder links for space stations operating in the 17/24 GHz
               BSS, that will be located at an orbital location less than two degrees from the assigned location of an
               authorized co-frequency GSO space station, must either certify that the proposed operation has been
               coordinated with the operator of the co-frequency space station or submit an interference analysis
               demonstrating the compatibility of the proposed system with the co-frequency space station. Such
               an analysis must include, for each type of radio frequency carrier, the link noise budget, modulation
               parameters, and overall link performance analysis. (See Appendices B and C to Licensing of Space
               Stations in the Domestic Fixed-Satellite Service, FCC 83–184, and the following public notices,
               copies of which are available in the Commission's EDOCS database, available at
               https://www.fcc.gov/edocs: DA 03–3863 and DA 04–1708.) The provisions in this paragraph do not
               apply to proposed analog video operation, which is subject to the requirement in paragraph (a)(1) of
               this section.

           (3) In addition to the information required by § 25.114, an applicant for a GSO FSS space station,
               including applicants proposing feeder links for space stations operating in the 17/24 GHz BSS, must
               provide the following for operation other than analog video operation:

                 (i)   With respect to proposed operation in the conventional or extended C-bands, a certification that
                       downlink EIRP density will not exceed 3 dBW/4kHz for digital transmissions or 8 dBW/4kHz for
                       analog transmissions and that associated uplink operation will not exceed applicable EIRP
                       density envelopes in § 25.218 unless the non-routine uplink and/or downlink operation is
                       coordinated with operators of authorized co-frequency space stations at assigned locations
                       within six degrees of the orbital location of the proposed space station and except as provided
                       in paragraph (d) of this section.

                 (ii) With respect to proposed operation in the conventional or extended Ku-bands, a certification
                      that downlink EIRP density will not exceed 14 dBW/4kHz for digital transmissions or 17 dBW/
                      4kHz for analog transmissions and that associated uplink operation will not exceed applicable
                      EIRP density envelopes in § 25.218 unless the non-routine uplink and/or downlink operation is
                      coordinated with operators of authorized co-frequency space stations at assigned locations
                      within six degrees of the orbital location of the proposed space station and except as provided
                      in paragraph (d) of this section.

                (iii) With respect to proposed operation in the conventional Ka-band, a certification that the
                      proposed space station will not generate power flux-density at the Earth's surface in excess of
                      −118 dBW/m2/MHz and that associated uplink operation will not exceed applicable EIRP
                      density envelopes in § 25.218(i) unless the non-routine uplink and/or downlink operation is
                      coordinated with operators of authorized co-frequency space stations at assigned locations
                      within six degrees of the orbital location and except as provided in paragraph (d) of this
                      section.

47 CFR 25.140(a)(3)(iii) (enhanced display)                                                               page 65 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                   47 CFR 25.140(a)(3)(iv)
Satellite Communications

                (iv) With respect to proposed operation in the 24.75–25.25 GHz band (Earth-to-space), a
                     certification that the proposed uplink operation will not exceed the applicable EIRP density
                     envelopes in § 25.138(a) and that the associated space station will not generate a power flux
                     density at the Earth's surface in excess of the applicable limits in this part, unless the non-
                     routine uplink and/or downlink FSS operation is coordinated with operators of authorized co-
                     frequency space stations at assigned locations within six degrees of the orbital location and
                     except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section.

                 (v) With respect to proposed operation in the 4500–4800 MHz (space-to-Earth), 6725–7025 MHz
                     (Earth-to-space), 10.70–10.95 GHz (space-to-Earth), 11.20–11.45 GHz (space-to-Earth), and/or
                     12.75–13.25 GHz (Earth-to-space) bands, a statement that the proposed operation will take
                     into account the applicable requirements of Appendix 30B of the ITU Radio Regulations
                     (incorporated by reference, see § 25.108) and a demonstration that it is compatible with other
                     U.S. ITU filings under Appendix 30B.

                (vi) With respect to proposed operation in other FSS bands, an interference analysis demonstrating
                     compatibility with any previously authorized co-frequency space station at a location two
                     degrees away or a certification that the proposed operation has been coordinated with the
                     operator(s) of the previously authorized space station(s). If there is no previously authorized
                     space station at a location two degrees away, the applicant must submit an interference
                     analysis demonstrating compatibility with a hypothetical co-frequency space station two
                     degrees away with the same receiving and transmitting characteristics as the proposed space
                     station.

     (b) Each applicant for a license to operate a space station transmitting in the 17.3–17.8 GHz band must
         provide the following information, in addition to that required by § 25.114:

         (1)–(2) [Reserved]

           (3) An applicant for a license to operate a space station transmitting in the 17.3–17.8 GHz band must
               certify that the downlink power flux density on the Earth's surface will not exceed the values
               specified in § 25.208(c) and/or (w), or must provide the certification specified in § 25.114(d)(15)(ii).

           (4) An applicant for a license to operate a space station transmitting in the 17.3–17.8 GHz band to be
               located less than four degrees from a previously licensed or proposed space station transmitting in
               the 17.3–17.8 GHz band, must either certify that the proposed operation has been coordinated with
               the operator of the co-frequency space station or provide an interference analysis of the kind
               described in paragraph (a) of this section, except that the applicant must demonstrate that its
               proposed network will not cause more interference to the adjacent space station transmitting in the
               17.3–17.8 GHz band operating in compliance with the technical requirements of this part, than if the
               applicant were locate at an orbital separation of four degrees from the previously licensed or
               proposed space station.

           (5) In addition to the requirements of paragraphs (b)(3) and (4) of this section, the link budget for any
               satellite in the 17.3–17.8 GHz band (space-to-Earth) must take into account longitudinal
               stationkeeping tolerances. Any applicant for a space station transmitting in the 17.3–17.8 GHz band
               that has reached a coordination agreement with an operator of another space station to allow that
               operator to exceed the pfd levels specified in § 25.208(c) or § 25.208(w), must use those higher pfd
               levels for the purpose of this showing.

     (c) [Reserved]

47 CFR 25.140(c) (enhanced display)                                                                        page 66 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                               47 CFR 25.140(d)
Satellite Communications

     (d) An operator of a GSO FSS space station in the conventional or extended C-bands, conventional or
         extended Ku-bands, 24.75–25.25 GHz band (Earth-to-space), or conventional Ka-band may notify the
         Commission of its non-routine transmission levels and be relieved of the obligation to coordinate such
         levels with later applicants and petitioners.

           (1) The letter notification must include the downlink off-axis EIRP density levels or power flux density
               levels and/or uplink off-axis EIRP density levels, specified per frequency range and space station
               antenna beam, that exceed the relevant routine limits set forth in paragraphs (a)(3)(i) through (iii) of
               this section and § 25.218.

           (2) The notification will be placed on public notice pursuant to § 25.151(a)(11).

           (3) Non-routine transmissions notified pursuant to this paragraph (d) need not be coordinated with
               operators of authorized co-frequency space stations that filed their complete applications or
               petitions after the date of filing of the notification with the Commission. Such later applicants and
               petitioners must accept any additional interference caused by the notified non-routine
               transmissions.

           (4) An operator of a replacement space station, as defined in § 25.165(e), may operate with non-routine
               transmission levels to the extent permitted under paragraph (d)(3) of this section for the replaced
               space station.

    (e)–(g) [Reserved]

[62 FR 5929, Feb. 10, 1997, as amended at 68 FR 51504, Aug. 27, 2003; 72 FR 50028, Aug. 29, 2007; 72 FR 60279, Oct. 24, 2007;
78 FR 8422, Feb. 6, 2013; 79 FR 8319, Feb. 12, 2014; 79 FR 44312, July 31, 2014; 81 FR 55332, Aug. 18, 2016; 83 FR 34490, July
20, 2018; 84 FR 53654, Oct. 8, 2019]

§ 25.142 Licensing provisions for the non-voice, non-geostationary Mobile-Satellite Service.
     (a) Space station application requirements.

           (1) Each application for a space station system authorization in the non-voice, non-geostationary
               mobile-satellite service shall describe in detail the proposed non-voice, non-geostationary mobile-
               satellite system, setting forth all pertinent technical and operational aspects of the system, and the
               technical and legal qualifications of the applicant. In particular, each application shall include the
               information specified in § 25.114. Applicants must also file information demonstrating compliance
               with all requirements of this section, and showing, based on existing system information publicly
               available at the Commission at the time of filing, that they will not cause unacceptable interference
               to any non-voice, non-geostationary mobile-satellite service system authorized to construct or
               operate.

           (2) Applicants for a non-voice, non-geostationary Mobile-Satellite Service space station license must
               identify the power flux density produced at the Earth's surface by each space station of their system
               in the 137–138 MHz and 400.15–401 MHz bands, to allow determination of whether coordination
               with terrestrial services is required under any applicable footnote to the Table of Frequency
               Allocations in § 2.106 of this chapter. In addition, applicants must identify the measures they would
               employ to protect the radio astronomy service in the 150.05–153 MHz and 406.1–410 MHz bands
               from harmful interference from unwanted emissions.

           (3) Emission limitations.

47 CFR 25.142(a)(3) (enhanced display)                                                                            page 67 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                    47 CFR 25.142(a)(3)(i)
Satellite Communications

                 (i)   Applicants in the non-voice, non-geostationary mobile-satellite service shall show that their
                       space stations will not exceed the emission limitations of § 25.202(f) (1), (2) and (3), as
                       calculated for a fixed point on the Earth's surface in the plane of the space station's orbit,
                       considering the worst-case frequency tolerance of all frequency determining components, and
                       maximum positive and negative Doppler shift of both the uplink and downlink signals, taking
                       into account the system design.

                 (ii) Applicants in the non-voice, non-geostationary mobile-satellite service shall show that no signal
                      received by their satellites from sources outside of their system shall be retransmitted with a
                      power flux density level, in the worst 4 kHz, higher than the level described by the applicants in
                      paragraph (a)(2) of this section.

           (4) [Reserved]

     (b) Operating conditions. In order to ensure compatible operations with authorized users in the frequency
         bands to be utilized for operations in the non-voice, non-geostationary mobile-satellite service, non-voice,
         non-geostationary mobile-satellite service systems must operate in accordance with the conditions
         specified in this section.

           (1) Service limitation. Voice services may not be provided.

           (2) Coordination requirements with Federal government users.

                 (i)   The frequency bands allocated for use by the non-voice, non-geostationary mobile-satellite
                       service are also authorized for use by agencies of the Federal government. The Federal use of
                       frequencies in the non-voice, non-geostationary mobile-satellite service frequency bands is
                       under the regulatory jurisdiction of the National Telecommunications and Information
                       Administration (NTIA).

                 (ii) The Commission will use its existing procedures for liaison with NTIA to reach agreement with
                      respect to achieving compatible operations between Federal Government users under the
                      jurisdiction of NTIA and non-voice, non-geostationary Mobile-Satellite Service systems
                      (including user transceivers subject to blanket licensing under § 25.115(d)) through the
                      frequency assignment and coordination practices established by NTIA and the Interdepartment
                      Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC). In order to facilitate such frequency assignment and
                      coordination, applicants shall provide the Commission with sufficient information to evaluate
                      electromagnetic compatibility with the Federal government use of the spectrum, and any
                      additional information requested by the Commission. As part of the coordination process,
                      applicants shall show that they will not cause unacceptable interference to authorized Federal
                      government users, based upon existing system information provided by the Government. The
                      frequency assignment and coordination of the satellite system with Federal Government users
                      shall be completed prior to grant of authorization.

                (iii) The Commission shall also coordinate with NTIA/IRAC with regard to the frequencies to be
                      shared by those earth stations of non-voice, non-geostationary mobile-satellite service systems
                      that are not subject to blanket licensing under § 25.115(d), and authorized Federal government
                      stations in the fixed and mobile services, through the exchange of appropriate systems
                      information.

           (3) Coordination among non-voice, non-geostationary mobile-satellite service systems. Applicants for
               authority to establish non-voice, non-geostationary mobile-satellite service systems are encouraged
               to coordinate their proposed frequency usage with existing permittees and licensees in the non-

47 CFR 25.142(b)(3) (enhanced display)                                                                     page 68 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                           47 CFR 25.142(b)(4)
Satellite Communications

                voice, non-geostationary mobile-satellite service whose facilities could be affected by the new
                proposal in terms of frequency interference or restricted system capacity. All affected applicants,
                permittees, and licensees shall, at the direction of the Commission, cooperate fully and make every
                reasonable effort to resolve technical problems and conflicts that may inhibit effective and efficient
                use of the radio spectrum; however, the permittee or licensee being coordinated with is not obligated
                to suggest changes or re-engineer an applicant's proposal in cases involving conflicts.

           (4) Safety and distress communications. Stations operating in the non-voice, non-geostationary mobile-
               satellite service that are used to comply with any statutory or regulatory equipment carriage
               requirements may also be subject to the provisions of sections 321(b) and 359 of the
               Communications Act of 1934, as amended. Licensees are advised that these provisions give priority
               to radio communications or signals relating to ships in distress and prohibit a charge for the
               transmission of maritime distress calls and related traffic.

     (c) [Reserved]

[58 FR 68060, Dec. 23, 1993, as amended at 62 FR 5930, Feb. 10, 1997; 62 FR 59295, Nov. 3, 1997; 68 FR 51504, Aug. 27, 2003; 78
FR 8422, Feb. 6, 2013; 79 FR 8320, Feb. 12, 2014; 81 FR 55333, Aug. 18, 2016; 82 FR 59985, Dec. 18, 2017]

§ 25.143 Licensing provisions for the 1.6/2.4 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service and 2 GHz Mobile-
Satellite Service.
     (a) Authority to launch and operate a constellation of NGSO satellites will be granted in a single blanket
         license for operation of a specified number of space stations in specified orbital planes. An individual
         license will be issued for each GSO satellite, whether it is to be operated in a GSO-only system or in a
         GSO/NGSO hybrid system.

     (b) Qualification Requirements —

           (1) General Requirements. Each application for a space station system authorization in the 1.6/2.4 GHz
               Mobile-Satellite Service or 2 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service must include the information specified in §
               25.114. Applications for non-U.S.-licensed systems must comply with the provisions of § 25.137.

           (2) Technical qualifications. In addition to providing the information specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this
               section, each applicant and petitioner must demonstrate the following:

                 (i)   That a proposed system in the 1.6/2.4 GHz MSS frequency bands employs a non-geostationary
                       constellation or constellations of satellites;

                 (ii) That a system proposed to operate using non-geostationary satellites be capable of providing
                      Mobile-Satellite Service to all locations as far north as 70° North latitude and as far south as
                      55° South latitude for at least 75% of every 24-hour period, i.e., that at least one satellite will be
                      visible above the horizon at an elevation angle of at least 5° for at least 18 hours each day
                      within the described geographic area;

                (iii) That a system proposed to operate using non-geostationary satellites be capable of providing
                      Mobile-Satellite Service on a continuous basis throughout the fifty states, Puerto Rico and the
                      U.S. Virgin Islands, i.e., that at least one satellite will be visible above the horizon at an elevation
                      angle of at least 5° at all times within the described geographic areas; and

47 CFR 25.143(b)(2)(iii) (enhanced display)                                                                     page 69 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                         47 CFR 25.143(b)(2)(iv)
Satellite Communications

                (iv) That a system only using geostationary orbit satellites, at a minimum, be capable of providing
                     Mobile-Satellite Service on a continuous basis throughout the 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the
                     U.S. Virgin Islands, if technically feasible.

                 (v) That operations will not cause unacceptable interference to other authorized users of the
                     spectrum. In particular, each application in the 1.6/2.4 GHz frequency bands shall demonstrate
                     that the space station(s) comply with the requirements specified in § 25.213.

     (c) Safety and distress communications.

           (1) Stations operating in the 1.6/2.4 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service and 2 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service that
               are voluntarily installed on a U.S. ship or are used to comply with any statute or regulatory equipment
               carriage requirements may also be subject to the requirements of sections 321(b) and 359 of the
               Communications Act of 1934. Licensees are advised that these provisions give priority to radio
               communications or signals relating to ships in distress and prohibits a charge for the transmission
               of maritime distress calls and related traffic.

           (2) Licensees offering distress and safety services should coordinate with the appropriate search and
               rescue organizations responsible for the licensees service area.

[59 FR 53328, Oct. 21, 1994, as amended at 61 FR 9945, Mar. 12, 1996; 62 FR 5930, Feb. 10, 1997; 65 FR 59143, Oct. 4, 2000; 68
FR 33649, June 5, 2003; 68 FR 47858, Aug. 12, 2003; 68 FR 51504, Aug. 27, 2003; 70 FR 59277, Oct. 12, 2005; 78 FR 8267, Feb. 5,
2013; 78 FR 8422, Feb. 6, 2013; 79 FR 8320, Feb. 12, 2014; 81 FR 55333, Aug. 18, 2016; 82 FR 59985, Dec. 18, 2017]

§ 25.144 Licensing provisions for the 2.3 GHz satellite digital audio radio service.
     (a) Qualification Requirements:

           (1) [Reserved]

           (2) General Requirements: Each application for a system authorization in the satellite digital audio radio
               service in the 2310–2360 MHz band shall describe in detail the proposed satellite digital audio radio
               system, setting forth all pertinent technical and operational aspects of the system, and the technical,
               legal, and financial qualifications of the applicant. In particular, applicants must file information
               demonstrating compliance with § 25.114 and all of the requirements of this section.

           (3) Technical Qualifications: In addition to the information specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section,
               each applicant shall:

                 (i)   Demonstrate that its system will, at a minimum, service the 48 contiguous states of the United
                       States (full CONUS);

                 (ii) Certify that its satellite DARS system includes a receiver that will permit end users to access all
                      licensed satellite DARS systems that are operational or under construction; and

     (b) Milestone requirements. Each applicant for system authorization in the satellite digital audio radio service
         must demonstrate within 10 days after a required implementation milestone as specified in the system
         authorization, and on the basis of the documentation contained in its application, certify to the
         Commission by affidavit that the milestone has been met or notify the Commission by letter that it has not
         been met. At its discretion, the Commission may require the submission of additional information
         (supported by affidavit of a person or persons with knowledge thereof) to demonstrate that the milestone
         has been met. The satellite DARS milestones are as follows, based on the date of authorization:

47 CFR 25.144(b) (enhanced display)                                                                              page 70 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                        47 CFR 25.144(b)(1)
Satellite Communications

           (1) One year: Complete contracting for construction of first space station or begin space station
               construction;

           (2) Two years: If applied for, complete contracting for construction of second space station or begin
               second space station construction;

           (3) Four years: In orbit operation of at least one space station; and

           (4) Six years: Full operation of the satellite system.

     (c) [Reserved]

     (d) The license term for each digital audio radio service satellite and any associated terrestrial repeaters is
         specified in § 25.121.

     (e) SDARS Terrestrial Repeaters.

           (1) Only entities holding or controlling SDARS space station licenses may construct and operate SDARS
               terrestrial repeaters and such construction and operation is permitted only in conjunction with at
               least one SDARS space station that is concurrently authorized and transmitting directly to
               subscribers.

           (2) SDARS terrestrial repeaters will be eligible for blanket licensing only under the following
               circumstances:

                 (i)   The SDARS terrestrial repeaters will comply with all applicable power limits set forth in §
                       25.214(d)(1) of this chapter and all applicable out-of-band emission limits set forth in §
                       25.202(h)(1) and (h)(2).

                 (ii) The SDARS terrestrial repeaters will meet all applicable requirements in part 1, subpart I, and
                      part 17 of this chapter. Operators of SDARS terrestrial repeaters must maintain demonstrations
                      of compliance with part 1, subpart I, of this chapter and make such demonstrations available to
                      the Commission upon request within three business days.

                 (iii) The SDARS terrestrial repeaters will comply with all requirements of all applicable international
                       agreements.

           (3) After May 20, 2010, SDARS licensees shall, before deploying any new, or modifying any existing,
               terrestrial repeater, notify potentially affected WCS licensees pursuant to the procedure set forth in §
               25.263.

           (4) SDARS terrestrial repeaters are restricted to the simultaneous retransmission of the complete
               programming, and only that programming, transmitted by the SDARS licensee's satellite(s) directly to
               the SDARS licensee's subscribers' receivers, and may not be used to distribute any information not
               also transmitted to all subscribers' receivers.

           (5) Operators of SDARS terrestrial repeaters are prohibited from using those repeaters to retransmit
               different transmissions from a satellite to different regions within that satellite's coverage area.

           (6) Operators of SDARS terrestrial repeaters are required to comply with all applicable provisions of part
               1, subpart I, and part 17 of this chapter.

           (7)

                 (i)   Each SDARS terrestrial repeater transmitter utilized for operation under this paragraph must be
                       of a type that has been authorized by the Commission under its certification procedure.

47 CFR 25.144(e)(7)(i) (enhanced display)                                                                    page 71 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                        47 CFR 25.144(e)(7)(ii)
Satellite Communications

                 (ii) In addition to the procedures set forth in subpart J of part 2 of this chapter, power
                      measurements for SDARS repeater transmitters may be made in accordance with a
                      Commission-approved average power technique. Peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR)
                      measurements for SDARS repeater transmitters should be made using either an instrument
                      with complementary cumulative distribution function (CCDF) capabilities to determine that the
                      PAPR will not exceed 13 dB for more than 0.1 percent of the time or another Commission
                      approved procedure. The measurement must be performed using a signal corresponding to the
                      highest PAPR expected during periods of continuous transmission.

                (iii) Any manufacturer of radio transmitting equipment to be used in these services may request
                      equipment authorization following the procedures set forth in subpart J of part 2 of this
                      chapter. Equipment authorization for an individual transmitter may be requested by an
                      applicant for a station authorization by following the procedures set forth in part 2 of this
                      chapter.

           (8) Applications for blanket authority to operate terrestrial repeaters must be filed using Form 312,
               except that Schedule B to Form 312 need not be filed. Such applications must also include the
               following information as an attachment:

                 (i)   The space station(s) with which the terrestrial repeaters will communicate, the frequencies and
                       emission designators of such communications, and the frequencies and emission designators
                       used by the repeaters to re-transmit the received signals.

                 (ii) The maximum number of terrestrial repeaters that will be deployed under the authorization at 1)
                      power levels equal to or less than 2-watt average EIRP, and 2) power levels greater than 2-watt
                      average EIRP (up to 12-kW average EIRP).

                (iii) A certification of compliance with the requirements of § 25.144(e)(1) through (7).

           (9) SDARS terrestrial repeaters that are ineligible for blanket licensing must be authorized on a site-by-
               site basis. Applications for site-by-site authorization must be filed using Form 312, except that
               Schedule B need not be provided. Such applications must also include the following information, as
               an attachment:

                 (i)   The technical information for each repeater required to be shared with potentially affected WCS
                       licensees as part of the notification requirement set forth in § 25.263(c)(2).

                 (ii) The space station(s) with which the terrestrial repeaters will communicate, the frequencies and
                      emission designators of such communications, and the frequencies and emission designators
                      used by the repeaters to re-transmit the received signals.

[62 FR 11105, Mar. 11, 1997, as amended at 68 FR 51504, Aug. 27, 2003; 70 FR 32254, June 2, 2005; 75 FR 45067, Aug. 2, 2010;
79 FR 8320, Feb. 12, 2014]

§ 25.146 Licensing and operating provisions for NGSO FSS space stations.
     (a) An NGSO FSS applicant proposing to operate in the 10.7–30 GHz frequency range must certify that it will
         comply with:

47 CFR 25.146(a) (enhanced display)                                                                             page 72 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                      47 CFR 25.146(a)(1)
Satellite Communications

           (1) Any applicable power flux-density levels in Article 21, Section V, Table 21–4 of the ITU Radio
               Regulations (incorporated by reference, § 25.108), except that in the 19.3–19.4 GHz and 19.6–19.7
               GHz bands applicants must certify that they will comply with the ITU PFD limits governing NGSO FSS
               systems in the 17.7–19.3 GHz band; and

           (2) Any applicable equivalent power flux-density levels in Article 22, Section II, and Resolution 76 of the
               ITU Radio Regulations (both incorporated by reference, § 25.108).

     (b) [Reserved]

     (c) Prior to the initiation of service, an NGSO FSS operator licensed or holding a market access authorization
         to operate in the 10.7–30 GHz frequency range must receive a “favorable” or “qualified favorable” finding
         by the ITU Radiocommunication Bureau, in accordance with Resolution 85 of the ITU Radio Regulations
         (incorporated by reference, § 25.108), regarding its compliance with applicable ITU EPFD limits. In
         addition, a market access holder in these bands must:

           (1) Communicate the ITU finding to the Commission; and

           (2) Submit the input data files used for the ITU validation software.

     (d) Coordination will be required between NGSO FSS systems and GSO FSS earth stations in the 10.7–12.75
         GHz band when:

           (1) The GSO satellite network has receive earth stations with earth station antenna maximum isotropic
               gain greater than or equal to 64 dBi; G/T of 44 dB/K or higher; and emission bandwidth of 250 MHz;
               and

           (2) The EPFDdown radiated by the NGSO satellite system into the GSO specific receive earth station,
               either within the U.S. for domestic service or any points outside the U.S. for international service, as
               calculated using the ITU software for examining compliance with EPFD limits exceeds—174.5
               dB(W/(m2/40kHz)) for any percentage of time for NGSO systems with all satellites only operating at
               or below 2500 km altitude, or—202 dB(W/(m2/40kHz)) for any percentage of time for NGSO systems
               with any satellites operating above 2500 km altitude.

     (e) An NGSO FSS licensee or market access recipient must ensure that ephemeris data for its constellation is
         available to all operators of authorized, in-orbit, co-frequency satellite systems in a manner that is
         mutually acceptable.

[82 FR 59985, Dec. 18, 2017, as amended at 86 FR 11644, Feb. 26, 2021]

§ 25.147 Space Stations in the 3.7–4.2 GHz band.
The 3.7–4.0 GHz portion of the band is being transitioned in CONUS from FSS GSO (space-to-Earth) to the 3.7 GHz
Service.

     (a) New applications for space station licenses and petitions for market access concerning space-to-Earth
         operations in the 3.7–4.0 GHz portion of the band within CONUS will no longer be accepted.

     (b) Applications for new or modified space station licenses or petitions for market access in the 4.0–4.2 GHz
         portion of the band within CONUS will not be accepted during the transition except by existing operators
         in the band to implement an efficient transition.

47 CFR 25.147(b) (enhanced display)                                                                        page 73 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                      47 CFR 25.147(c)
Satellite Communications

     (c) Applications for new or modified space station licenses or petitions for market access for space-to-Earth
         operations in the 3.7–4.2 GHz band outside CONUS will continue to be accepted.

[85 FR 22864, Apr. 23, 2020]

§ 25.148 Licensing provisions for the Direct Broadcast Satellite Service.
     (a) License terms. License terms for DBS facilities are specified in § 25.121(a).

     (b) [Reserved]

     (c) Geographic service requirements. Those entities acquiring DBS authorizations after January 19, 1996, or
         who after January 19, 1996 modify a previous DBS authorization to launch a replacement satellite, must
         provide DBS service to Alaska and Hawaii where such service is technically feasible from the authorized
         orbital location. This requirement does not apply to DBS satellites authorized to operate at the 61.5° W.L.
         orbital location. DBS applicants seeking to operate from locations other than 61.5° W.L. who do not
         provide service to Alaska and Hawaii, must provide technical analyses to the Commission demonstrating
         that such service is not feasible as a technical matter, or that while technically feasible such services
         would require so many compromises in satellite design and operation as to make it economically
         unreasonable.

    (d)–(e) [Reserved]

     (f) Technical qualifications. DBS operations must be in accordance with the sharing criteria and technical
         characteristics contained in Appendices 30 and 30A of the ITU's Radio Regulations. Operation of systems
         using differing technical characteristics may be permitted, with adequate technical showing, and if a
         request has been made to the ITU to modify the appropriate Plans to include the system's technical
         parameters.

[67 FR 51113, Aug. 7, 2002, as amended at 86 FR 49489, Sept. 3, 2021]

§ 25.149 Application requirements for ancillary terrestrial components in Mobile-Satellite
Service networks operating in the 1.5./1.6 GHz and 1.6/2.4 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service.
     (a) Applicants for ancillary terrestrial component authority shall demonstrate that the applicant does or will
         comply with the following through certification or explanatory technical exhibit, as appropriate:

           (1) ATC shall be deployed in the forward-band mode of operation whereby the ATC mobile terminals
               transmit in the MSS uplink bands and the ATC base stations transmit in the MSS downlink bands in
               portions of the 1626.5–1660.5 MHz/1525–1559 MHz bands (L-band) and the 1610–1626.5 MHz/
               2483.5–2500 MHz bands.

                 Note to paragraph (a)(1): An L-band MSS licensee is permitted to apply for ATC authorization
                 based on a non-forward-band mode of operation provided it is able to demonstrate that the
                 use of a non-forward-band mode of operation would produce no greater potential interference
                 than that produced as a result of implementing the rules of this section. A 1.6/2.4 GHz band
                 licensee is permitted to apply for ATC authorization on a non-forward-band mode of operation
                 where the equipment deployed will meet the requirements of paragraph (c)(4) of this section.

47 CFR 25.149(a)(1) (enhanced display)                                                                  page 74 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                        47 CFR 25.149(a)(2)
Satellite Communications

           (2) ATC operations shall be limited to certain frequencies:

                 (i)   [Reserved]

                 (ii) In the 1626.5–1660.5 MHz/1525–1559 MHz bands (L-band), ATC operations are limited to the
                      frequency assignments authorized and internationally coordinated for the MSS system of the
                      MSS licensee that seeks ATC authority.

                (iii) In the 1610–1626.5 MHz/2483.5–2500 MHz bands, ATC operations are limited to the
                      1610–1617.775 MHz, 1621.35–1626.5 MHz, and 2483.5–2495 MHz bands and to the specific
                      frequencies authorized for use by the MSS licensee that seeks ATC authority.

           (3) ATC operations shall not exceed the geographical coverage area of the Mobile-Satellite Service
               network of the applicant for ATC authority.

           (4) ATC base stations shall comply with all applicable antenna and structural clearance requirements
               established in part 17 of this chapter.

           (5) ATC base stations and mobile terminals shall comply with part 1 of this chapter, Subpart
               I—Procedures Implementing the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, including the guidelines
               for human exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields as defined in §§ 1.1307(b) and 1.1310
               of this chapter for PCS networks.

           (6) ATC base station operations shall use less than all available MSS frequencies when using all
               available frequencies for ATC base station operations would exclude otherwise available signals
               from MSS space-stations.

     (b) Applicants for an ancillary terrestrial component shall demonstrate that the applicant does or will comply
         with the following criteria through certification:

           (1) Geographic and temporal coverage.

                 (i)   [Reserved]

                 (ii) For the L-band, an applicant must demonstrate that it can provide space-segment service
                      covering all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands one-hundred percent of the time,
                      unless it is not technically possible for the MSS operator to meet the coverage criteria from its
                      orbital position.

                (iii) For the 1.6/2.4 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service bands, an applicant must demonstrate that it can
                      provide space-segment service to all locations as far north as 70° North latitude and as far
                      south as 55° South latitude for at least seventy-five percent of every 24-hour period, i.e., that at
                      least one satellite will be visible above the horizon at an elevation angle of at least 5° for at
                      least 18 hours each day, and on a continuous basis throughout the fifty states, Puerto Rico and
                      the U.S. Virgin Islands, i.e., that at least one satellite will be visible above the horizon at an
                      elevation angle of at least 5° at all times.

           (2) Replacement satellites.

                 (i)   Operational NGSO MSS ATC systems shall maintain an in-orbit spare satellite.

                 (ii) Operational GSO MSS ATC systems shall maintain a spare satellite on the ground within one
                      year of commencing operations and launch it into orbit during the next commercially
                      reasonable launch window following a satellite failure.

47 CFR 25.149(b)(2)(ii) (enhanced display)                                                                   page 75 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                 47 CFR 25.149(b)(2)(iii)
Satellite Communications

                (iii) All MSS ATC licensees must report any satellite failures, malfunctions or outages that may
                      require satellite replacement within ten days of their occurrence.

           (3) Commercial availability. Mobile-satellite service must be commercially available (viz., offering
               services for a fee) in accordance with the coverage requirements that pertain to each band as a
               prerequisite to an MSS licensee's offering ATC service.

           (4) Integrated services. MSS ATC licensees shall offer an integrated service of MSS and MSS ATC.
               Applicants for MSS ATC may establish an integrated service offering by affirmatively demonstrating
               that:

                 (i)   The MSS ATC operator will use a dual-mode handset that can communicate with both the MSS
                       network and the MSS ATC component to provide the proposed ATC service; or

                 (ii) Other evidence establishing that the MSS ATC operator will provide an integrated service
                      offering to the public.

           (5) In-band operation.

                 (i)   [Reserved]

                 (ii) In the 1.6/2.4 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service bands, MSS ATC is limited to no more than 7.775
                      MHz of spectrum in the L-band and 11.5 MHz of spectrum in the S-band. Licensees in these
                      bands may implement ATC only on those channels on which MSS is authorized, consistent with
                      the 1.6/2.4 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service band-sharing arrangement.

                (iii) In the L-band, MSS ATC is limited to those frequency assignments available for MSS use in
                      accordance with the Mexico City Memorandum of Understanding, its successor agreements or
                      the result of other organized efforts of international coordination.

     (c) Equipment certification.

           (1) Each ATC mobile station utilized for operation under this part and each transmitter marketed, as set
               forth in § 2.803 of this chapter, must be of a type that has been authorized by the Commission under
               its certification procedure for use under this part.

           (2) Any manufacturer of radio transmitting equipment to be used in these services may request
               equipment authorization following the procedures set forth in subpart J of part 2 of this chapter.
               Equipment authorization for an individual transmitter may be requested by an applicant for a station
               authorization by following the procedures set forth in part 2 of this chapter.

           (3) Licensees and manufacturers shall ensure compliance with the Commission's radio frequency
               exposure requirements in §§ 1.1307(b), 2.1091, and 2.1093 of this chapter, as appropriate. An
               Environmental Assessment may be required if RF radiation from the proposed facilities would, in
               combination with radiation from other sources, cause RF power density or field strength in an
               accessible area to exceed the applicable limits specified in § 1.1310 of this chapter. Applications for
               equipment authorization of mobile or portable devices operating under this section must contain a
               statement confirming compliance with these requirements. Technical information showing the basis
               for this statement must be submitted to the Commission upon request.

           (4) Applications for equipment authorization of terrestrial low-power system equipment that will operate
               in the 2483.5–2495 MHz band shall demonstrate the following:

                 (i)   The transmitted signal is digitally modulated;

47 CFR 25.149(c)(4)(i) (enhanced display)                                                                 page 76 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                   47 CFR 25.149(c)(4)(ii)
Satellite Communications

                 (ii) The 6 dB bandwidth is at least 500 kHz;

                (iii) The maximum transmit power is no more than 1 W with a peak EIRP of no more than 6 dBW;

                (iv) The maximum power spectral density conducted to the antenna is not greater than 8 dBm in
                     any 3 kHz band during any time interval of continuous transmission;

                 (v) Emissions below 2483.5 MHz are attenuated below the transmitter power (P) measured in
                     watts by a factor of at least 40 + 10 log (P) dB at the channel edge at 2483.5 MHz, 43 + 10 log
                     (P) dB at 5 MHz from the channel edge, and 55 + 10 log (P) dB at X MHz from the channel edge
                     where X is the greater of 6 MHz or the actual emission bandwidth.

                (vi) Emissions above 2495 MHz are attenuated below the transmitter power (P) measured in watts
                     by a factor of at least 43 + 10 log (P) dB on all frequencies between the channel edge at 2495
                     MHz and X MHz from this channel edge and 55 + 10 log (P) dB on all frequencies more than X
                     MHz from this channel edge, where X is the greater of 6 MHz or the actual emission bandwidth;

                (vii) Compliance with these rules is based on the use of measurement instrumentation employing a
                      resolution bandwidth of 1 MHz or greater. However, in the 1 MHz bands immediately above and
                      adjacent to the 2495 MHz a resolution bandwidth of at least 1 percent of the emission
                      bandwidth of the fundamental emission of the transmitter may be employed. If 1 percent of the
                      emission bandwidth of the fundamental emission is less than 1 MHz, the power measured
                      must be integrated over the required measurement bandwidth of 1 MHz. A resolution
                      bandwidth narrower than 1 MHz is permitted to improve measurement accuracy, provided the
                      measured power is integrated over the full required measurement bandwidth (i.e., 1 MHz). The
                      emission bandwidth of the fundamental emission of a transmitter is defined as the width of the
                      signal between two points, one below the carrier center frequency and one above the carrier
                      center frequency, outside of which all emissions are attenuated at least 26 dB below the
                      transmitter power. When an emission outside of the authorized bandwidth causes harmful
                      interference, the Commission may, at its discretion, require greater attenuation than specified in
                      this section; and

                      Note to paragraph (c)(4): Systems meeting the requirements set forth in this section are
                      deemed to have also met the requirements of § 25.254(a) through (d). No further
                      demonstration is needed for these systems with respect to § 25.254(a)–(d).

     (d) Applicants for an ancillary terrestrial component authority shall demonstrate that the applicant does or
         will comply with the provisions of § 1.924 of this chapter and §§ 25.203(e) through 25.203(g) and with §
         25.253 or § 25.254, as appropriate, through certification or explanatory technical exhibit.

     (e) Except as provided for in paragraphs (f) and (g) of this section, no application for an ancillary terrestrial
         component shall be granted until the applicant has demonstrated actual compliance with the provisions
         of paragraph (b) of this section. Upon receipt of ATC authority, all ATC licensees shall ensure continued
         compliance with this section and § 25.253 or § 25.254, as appropriate.

     (f) Special provision for operational MSS systems. Applicants for MSS ATC authority with operational MSS
         systems that are in actual compliance with the requirements prescribed in paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), and
         (b)(3) of this section at the time of application may elect to satisfy the requirements of paragraphs (b)(4)
         and (b)(5) of this section prospectively by providing a substantial showing in its certification regarding
         how the applicant will comply with the requirements of paragraphs (b)(4) and (b)(5) of this section.

47 CFR 25.149(f) (enhanced display)                                                                        page 77 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                              47 CFR 25.149(g)
Satellite Communications

           Notwithstanding § 25.117(f) and paragraph (e) of this section, the Commission may grant an application
           for ATC authority based on such a prospective substantial showing if the Commission finds that
           operations consistent with the substantial showing will result in actual compliance with the requirements
           prescribed in paragraphs (b)(4) and (b)(5) of this section. An MSS ATC applicant that receives a grant of
           ATC authority pursuant to this paragraph (f) shall notify the Commission within 30 days once it begins
           providing ATC service. This notification must take the form of a letter formally filed with the Commission
           in the appropriate MSS license docket and shall contain a certification that the MSS ATC service is
           consistent with its ATC authority.

     (g) Special provisions for terrestrial low-power systems in the 2483.5–2495 MHz band.

           (1) An operational MSS system that applies for authority to deploy ATC in the 2483.5–2495 MHz band
               for terrestrial low-power operations satisfying the equipment certification requirements of paragraph
               (c)(4) of this section is not required to demonstrate compliance with paragraph (b) of this section,
               except to demonstrate the commercial availability of MSS, without regard to coverage requirements.

           (2) An ATC licensee seeking to modify its license to add authority to operate a terrestrial low-power
               network shall certify in its modification application that its operations will utilize a Network Operating
               System (NOS), consisting of a network management system located at an operations center or
               centers. The NOS shall have the technical capability to address and resolve interference issues
               related to the licensee's network operations by reducing operational power; adjusting operational
               frequencies; shutting off operations; or any other appropriate means. The NOS shall also have the
               ability to resolve interference from the terrestrial low-power network to the licensee's MSS
               operations and to authorize access points to the network, which in turn may authorize access to the
               network by end-user devices. The NOS operations center shall have a point of contact in the United
               States available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with a phone number and address made
               publicly-available by the licensee.

           (3) All access points operating in the 2483.5–2495 MHz band shall only operate when authorized by the
               ATC licensee's NOS, and all client devices operating in the 2483.5–2495 MHz band shall only operate
               when under the control of such access points.

     (h) Spectrum leasing. Leasing of spectrum rights by MSS licensees or system operators to spectrum lessees
         for ATC use is subject to the rules for spectrum manager leasing arrangements (see § 1.9020) as set
         forth in part 1, subpart X of the rules (see § 1.9001 et seq.). In addition, at the time of the filing of the
         requisite notification of a spectrum manager leasing arrangement using Form 608 (see §§ 1.9020(e) and
         1.913(a)(5)), both parties to the proposed arrangement must have a complete and accurate Form 602
         (see § 1.913(a)(2)) on file with the Commission.

[68 FR 47859, Aug. 12, 2003, as amended at 69 FR 48162, Aug. 9, 2004; 70 FR 19318, Apr. 13, 2005, 73 FR 25592, May 7, 2008; 76
FR 31260, May 31, 2011; 78 FR 8267, Feb. 5, 2013; 78 FR 8424, Feb. 6, 2013; 79 FR 27502, May 14, 2014; 82 FR 8818, Jan. 31,
2017; 85 FR 18150, Apr. 1, 2020]

                                              PROCESSING OF APPLICATIONS

47 CFR 25.149(h) (enhanced display)                                                                             page 78 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                             47 CFR 25.150
Satellite Communications

§ 25.150 Receipt of applications.
Applications received by the Commission are given a file number and a unique station identifier for administrative
convenience. Neither the assignment of a file number and/or other identifier nor the listing of the application on
public notice as received for filing indicates that the application has been found acceptable for filing or precludes
subsequent return or dismissal of the application if it is found to be defective or not in accordance with the
Commission's rules.

[78 FR 8425, Feb. 6, 2013]

§ 25.151 Public notice.
     (a) At regular intervals, the Commission will issue public notices listing:

           (1) The receipt of applications for new station authorizations, except applications for space station
               licenses filed pursuant to § 25.110(b)(3)(i) or (ii) of this part;

           (2) The receipt of applications for license or registration of receive-only earth stations;

           (3) The receipt of applications for major modifications to station authorizations;

           (4) The receipt of major amendments to pending applications;

           (5) The receipt of applications to assign or transfer control of space station facilities, transmitting earth
               station facilities, or international receive-only earth station facilities;

           (6) Significant Commission actions regarding applications;

           (7) Information that the Commission in its discretion believes to be of public significance;

           (8) Special environmental considerations as required by part 1 of this chapter;

           (9) Submission of Coordination Requests and Appendix 30B filings to the ITU in response to requests
               filed pursuant to § 25.110(b)(3)(i) and (b)(3)(ii);

          (10) The receipt of space station application information filed pursuant to § 25.110(b)(3)(iii);

          (11) The receipt of notifications of non-routine transmission filed pursuant to § 25.140(d);

          (12) The receipt of EPFD input data files from an NGSO FSS licensee or market access recipient,
               submitted pursuant to § 25.111(b) or § 25.146(c)(2); and

          (13) The receipt of NGSO FSS compatibility showings filed pursuant to § 25.261(d).

     (b) Special public notices may also be issued at other times under special circumstances involving non-
         routine matters where speed is of the essence and efficiency of Commission process will be served
         thereby.

     (c) A public notice will not normally be issued for receipt of any of the following applications:

           (1) For authorization of a minor technical change in the facilities of an authorized station;

           (2) For temporary authorization pursuant to § 25.120.

           (3) For an authorization under any of the proviso clauses of section 308(a) of the Communications Act
               of 1934, as amended [47 U.S.C. 308(a)];

47 CFR 25.151(c)(3) (enhanced display)                                                                       page 79 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                           47 CFR 25.151(c)(4)
Satellite Communications

           (4) For consent to an involuntary assignment or transfer of control of a transmitting earth station
               authorization; or

           (5) For consent to an assignment or transfer of control of a space station authorization or a transmitting
               earth station authorization, where the assignment or transfer does not involve a substantial change
               in ownership or control; or

           (6) For change in location of an earth station operating in the 4/6 GHz and 10.95–11.7 GHz bands by no
               more than 1″ in latitude and/or longitude and for change in location of an earth station operating in
               the 12/14 GHz bands by no more than 10″ in latitude and/or longitude.

     (d) Except as specified in paragraph (e) of this section, no application that has appeared on public notice will
         be granted until the expiration of a period of thirty days following the issuance of the public notice listing
         the application, or any major amendment thereto. Any comments or petitions must be delivered to the
         Commission by that date in accordance with § 25.154.

     (e)

           (1) Applicants seeking authority to operate a temporary fixed earth station pursuant to § 25.277 may
               consider their applications “provisionally granted,” and may initiate operations upon the placement of
               the complete FCC Form 312 application on public notice, provided that

                 (i)   The temporary fixed earth station will operate only in the conventional Ku-band (14.0–14.5 GHz
                       and 11.7–12.2 GHz bands);

                 (ii) The temporary fixed earth station's operations will be consistent with all routine-licensing
                      requirements for the conventional Ku-band; and

                (iii) The temporary fixed earth station's operations will be limited to satellites on the Permitted
                      Space Station List.

           (2) Applications for authority granted pursuant to paragraph (e)(1) of this section shall be placed on
               public notice pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of this section. If no comments or petitions are filed within
               30 days of the public notice date, the authority granted will be considered a regular temporary fixed
               earth station authorization as of 30 days after the public notice date. If a comment or petition is filed
               within 30 days of the public notice date, the applicant must suspend operations immediately pending
               resolution of the issues raised in that comment or petition.

[56 FR 24016, May 28, 1991, as amended at 58 FR 68061, Dec. 23, 1993; 70 FR 32254, June 2, 2005; 81 FR 55333, Aug. 18, 2016;
82 FR 59985, Dec. 18, 2017; 88 FR 39792, June 20, 2023]

Editorial Note: At 82 FR 59985, Dec. 18, 2017, § 25.151 was amended by removing “and” from the end of
paragraph (b)(10) and by removing the period at the end of paragraph (b)(11) and adding “; and” in its place;
however, these amendments could not be incorporated because paragraphs (b)(10) and (b)(11) did not exist.

§ 25.152 [Reserved]

47 CFR 25.152 (enhanced display)                                                                               page 80 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                             47 CFR 25.153
Satellite Communications

§ 25.153 Repetitious applications.
     (a) Where an application has been denied or dismissed with prejudice, the Commission will not consider a
         like application involving service of the same kind to the same area by the same applicant, or by its
         successor or assignee, or on behalf of or for the benefit of any of the original parties in interest, until after
         the lapse of 12 months from the effective date of the Commission's action.

     (b) Where an appeal has been taken from the action of the Commission denying a particular application,
         another application for the same class of station and for the same area, in whole or in part, filed by the
         same applicant or by his successor or assignee, or on behalf or for the benefit of the original parties in
         interest, will not be considered until the final disposition of the appeal.

[56 FR 24016, May 28, 1991, as amended at 79 FR 8320, Feb. 12, 2014]

§ 25.154 Opposition to applications and other pleadings.
     (a) Petitions to deny, petitions for other forms of relief, and other objections or comments must:

           (1) Identify the application or applications (including applicant's name, station location, Commission file
               numbers, and radio service involved) with which it is concerned;

           (2) Be filed within thirty (30) days after the date of public notice announcing the acceptance for filing of
               the application or major amendment thereto (unless the Commission otherwise extends the filing
               deadline);

           (3) Filed in accordance with the pleading limitations, periods and other applicable provisions of §§ 1.41
               through 1.52 of this chapter, except that such petitions must be filed electronically through the
               International Communications Filing System (ICFS) in accordance with the applicable provisions of
               part 1, subpart Y, of this chapter;

           (4) Contain specific allegations of fact (except for those of which official notice may be taken) to
               support the specific relief requested, which shall be supported by affidavit of a person or persons
               with personal knowledge thereof, and which shall be sufficient to demonstrate that the petitioner (or
               respondent) is a party of interest and that a grant of, or other Commission action regarding, the
               application would be prima facie inconsistent with the public interest; and

           (5) Contain a certificate of service showing that it has been mailed to the applicant no later than the date
               the pleading is filed with the Commission.

     (b) The Commission will classify as informal objections:

           (1) Any pleading not filed in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section;

           (2) Any pleading to which the thirty (30) day public notice period of § 25.151 does not apply; or

           (3) Any objections to the grant of an application when the objections do not conform to either paragraph
               (a) of this section or to other Commission rules and requirements.

     (c) Except for opposition to petitions to deny an application filed pursuant to § 25.220, oppositions to
         petitions to deny an application or responses to comments and informal objections regarding an
         application may be filed within 10 days after the petition, comment, or objection is filed and must be in
         accordance with other applicable provisions of §§ 1.41 through 1.52 of this chapter, except that such
         oppositions must be filed electronically through the International Communications Filing System (ICFS) in
         accordance with the applicable provisions of part 1, subpart Y, of this chapter.
47 CFR 25.154(c) (enhanced display)                                                                          page 81 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                             47 CFR 25.154(d)
Satellite Communications

     (d) Reply comments by a party that filed a petition to deny may be filed in response to pleadings filed
         pursuant to paragraph (c) or (e) of this section within 5 days after expiration of the time for filing
         oppositions unless the Commission extends the filing deadline and must be in accordance with other
         applicable provisions of §§ 1.41 through 1.52 of this chapter, except that such reply comments must be
         filed electronically through the International Communications Filing System (ICFS) in accordance with the
         applicable provisions of part 1, subpart Y, of this chapter.

     (e) Within 30 days after a petition to deny an application filed pursuant to § 25.220 is filed, the applicant may
         file an opposition to the petition and must file a statement with the Commission, either in conjunction
         with, or in lieu of, such opposition, explaining whether the applicant has resolved all outstanding issues
         raised by the petitioner. This statement and any conjoined opposition must be in accordance with the
         provisions of §§ 1.41 through 1.52 of this chapter applicable to oppositions to petitions to deny, except
         that such reply comments must be filed electronically through the International Communications Filing
         System (ICFS) in accordance with the applicable provisions of part 1, subpart Y, of this chapter.

[56 FR 24016, May 28, 1991, as amended at 69 FR 47795, Aug. 6, 2004; 70 FR 32254, June 2, 2005; 79 FR 8320, Feb. 12, 2014; 88
FR 21440, Apr. 10, 2023]

§ 25.155 Mutually exclusive applications.
     (a) The Commission will consider applications to be mutually exclusive if their conflicts are such that the
         grant of one application would effectively preclude by reason of harmful interference, or other practical
         reason, the grant of one or more other applications.

     (b) A license application for NGSO-like satellite operation, as defined in § 25.157(a), will be entitled to
         comparative consideration with one or more mutually exclusive applications only if the application is
         received by the Commission in a condition acceptable for filing by the “cut-off” date specified in a public
         notice.

     (c) A license application for GSO-like satellite operation, as defined in § 25.158(a)(1), will be entitled to
         comparative consideration with another application only if:

           (1) The application is mutually exclusive with another application for GSO-like operation; and

           (2) The application is received by the Commission in a condition acceptable for filing at the same
               millisecond as the other application.

[68 FR 51505, Aug. 27, 2003, as amended at 81 FR 55333, Aug. 18, 2016]

§ 25.156 Consideration of applications.
     (a) Applications for a radio station authorization, or for modification or renewal of an authorization, will be
         granted if, upon examination of the application, any pleadings or objections filed, and upon consideration
         of such other matters as it may officially notice, the Commission finds that the applicant is legally,
         technically, and otherwise qualified, that the proposed facilities and operations comply with all applicable
         rules, regulations, and policies, and that grant of the application will serve the public interest, convenience
         and necessity.

     (b) [Reserved]

     (c) Reconsideration or review of any final action taken by the Commission will be in accordance with subpart
         A of part 1 of this chapter.

47 CFR 25.156(c) (enhanced display)                                                                             page 82 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                             47 CFR 25.156(d)
Satellite Communications

     (d)

           (1) Applications for NGSO-like satellite operation will be considered pursuant to the procedures set forth
               in § 25.157, except as provided in § 25.157(b) or (i), as appropriate.

           (2) Applications for GSO-like satellite operation will be considered pursuant to the procedures set forth
               in § 25.158, except as provided in § 25.158(a)(2).

           (3) Applications for both NGSO-like satellite operation and GSO-like satellite operation in two or more
               service bands will be treated as separate applications for each service band, and each service band
               request will be considered pursuant to § 25.157 or § 25.158, as appropriate.

           (4) Applications for feeder-link authority or inter-satellite link authority will be treated like an application
               separate from its associated service band. Each feeder-link request or inter-satellite link request will
               be considered pursuant to the procedure for applications for GSO-like operation or NGSO-like
               operation, as applicable.

           (5) [Reserved]

           (6) An application for DBS or DARS services will be entitled to comparative consideration with one or
               more conflicting applications only if:

                 (i)   The application is mutually exclusive with another application; and

                 (ii) The application is received by the Commission in a condition acceptable for filing by the “cut-
                      off” date specified in a public notice.

[56 FR 24016, May 28, 1991, as amended at 68 FR 51505, Aug. 27, 2003; 81 FR 55333, Aug. 18, 2016; 82 FR 59985, Dec. 18, 2017;
85 FR 43735, July 20, 2020]

§ 25.157 Consideration of applications for NGSO-like satellite operation.
     (a) This section specifies the procedures for considering license applications for “NGSO-like” satellite
         operation, except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (i) of this section. For purposes of this section, the
         term “NGSO-like satellite operation” means:

           (1) Operation of any NGSO satellite system; and

           (2) Operation of a GSO MSS satellite to communicate with earth stations with non-directional antennas.

     (b)

           (1) The procedures in this section do not apply to an application for authority to operate a replacement
               space station(s) that meets the relevant criteria in § 25.165(e)(1) and (2) and that will be launched
               before the space station(s) to be replaced is retired from service or within a reasonable time after
               loss of a space station during launch or due to premature failure in orbit.

           (2) Paragraphs (e), (f), and (g) of this section do not apply to an NGSO FSS application granted with a
               condition to share spectrum pursuant to § 25.261.

     (c) Each application for NGSO-like satellite operation that is acceptable for filing under § 25.112, except
         replacement applications described in paragraph (b) of this section, will be reviewed to determine whether
         it is a “competing application,” i.e., filed in response to a public notice initiating a processing round, or a
         “lead application,” i.e., all other applications for NGSO-like satellite operation.

47 CFR 25.157(c) (enhanced display)                                                                            page 83 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                       47 CFR 25.157(c)(1)
Satellite Communications

           (1) Competing applications that are acceptable for filing will be placed on public notice to provide
               interested parties an opportunity to file pleadings in response to the application pursuant to §
               25.154.

           (2) Lead applications that are acceptable for filing will be placed on public notice. This public notice will
               initiate a processing round, establish a cut-off date for competing NGSO-like satellite system
               applications, and provide interested parties an opportunity to file pleadings in response to the
               application pursuant to § 25.154.

     (d) After review of each of the applications in the processing round, and all the pleadings filed in response to
         each application, the Commission will grant all the applications that meet the standards of § 25.156(a),
         and deny the other applications.

     (e)

           (1) In the event that there is insufficient spectrum in the frequency band available to accommodate all
               the qualified applicants in a processing round, the available spectrum will be divided equally among
               the licensees whose applications are granted pursuant to paragraph (d) of this section, except as set
               forth in paragraph (e)(2) of this section.

           (2) In cases where one or more applicants apply for less spectrum than they would be warranted under
               paragraph (e)(1) of this section, those applicants will be assigned the bandwidth amount they
               requested in their applications. In those cases, the remaining qualified applicants will be assigned
               the lesser of the amount of spectrum they requested in their applications, or the amount of spectrum
               that they would be assigned if the available spectrum were divided equally among the remaining
               qualified applicants.

     (f)

           (1) Each licensee will be allowed to select the particular band segment it wishes to use no earlier than
               60 days before they plan to launch the first satellite in its system, and no later than 30 days before
               that date, by submitting a letter to the Secretary of the Commission. The licensee shall serve copies
               of this letter to the other participants in the processing round pursuant to § 1.47 of this chapter.

           (2) The licensee shall request contiguous bandwidth in both the uplink and downlink band. Each
               licensee's bandwidth selection in both the uplink and downlink band shall not preclude other
               licensees from selecting contiguous bandwidth.

           (3) If two or more licensees in a processing round request the same band segment, all licensees other
               than the first one to request that particular band segment will be required to make another selection.

     (g)

           (1) In the event that a license granted in a processing round pursuant to this section is cancelled for any
               reason, the Commission will redistribute the bandwidth allocated to that applicant equally among the
               remaining applicants whose licenses were granted concurrently with the cancelled license, unless
               the Commission determines that such a redistribution would not result in a sufficient number of
               licensees remaining to make reasonably efficient use of the frequency band.

           (2) In the event that the redistribution of bandwidth set forth in paragraph (g)(1) of this section would
               not result in a sufficient number of licensees remaining to make reasonably efficient use of the
               frequency band, the Commission will issue a public notice initiating a processing round, as set forth
               in paragraph (c) of this section, to invite parties to apply for an NGSO-like satellite system license to

47 CFR 25.157(g)(2) (enhanced display)                                                                     page 84 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                              47 CFR 25.157(h)
Satellite Communications

                 operate in a portion of the bandwidth made available as a result of the cancellation of the initial
                 applicant's license. Parties already holding licenses for NGSO-like satellite operation in that
                 frequency band will not be permitted to participate in that processing round.

     (h) Services offered pursuant to an NGSO-like license in a frequency band granted before the Commission
         has adopted frequency-band-specific service rules for that band will be subject to the default service rules
         in § 25.217.

      (i)   For consideration of license applications filed pursuant to the procedures described in § 25.122 or §
            25.123, the application will be processed and granted in accordance with §§ 25.150 through 25.156,
            taking into consideration the information provided by the applicant under § 25.122(d) or § 25.123(c), but
            without a processing round as described in this section and without a queue as described in § 25.158.

[68 FR 51505, Aug. 27, 2003, as amended at 81 FR 55334, Aug. 18, 2016; 81 FR 75344, Oct. 31, 2016; 82 FR 59985, Dec. 18, 2017;
85 FR 43735, July 20, 2020]

§ 25.158 Consideration of applications for GSO-like satellite operation.
     (a)

            (1) This section specifies the procedures for considering license applications for “GSO-like” satellite
                operation, except as provided in paragraph (a)(2) of this section. For purposes of this section, the
                term “GSO-like satellite operation” means operation of a GSO satellite to communicate with earth
                stations with directional antennas, including operation of GSO satellites to provide MSS feeder links.

            (2) The procedures prescribed in this section do not apply to an application for authority to launch and
                operate a replacement space station that meets the relevant criteria in § 25.165(e)(1) and (e)(2) and
                that will be launched before the space station to be replaced is retired from service or within a
                reasonable time after loss of a space station during launch or due to premature failure in orbit.

     (b) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, license applications for GSO-like satellite operation,
         including first-step filings pursuant to § 25.110(b)(3)(i) or (ii), will be placed in a queue and considered in
         the order that they are filed, pursuant to the following procedure:

            (1) The application will be reviewed to determine whether it is acceptable for filing within the meaning of
                § 25.112. If not, the application will be returned to the applicant.

            (2) If the application is acceptable for filing under § 25.112, the application will be placed on public
                notice pursuant to § 25.151.

                 (i)   For applications filed pursuant to § 25.110(b)(3)(i) or (b)(3)(ii), the public notice will announce
                       that the Coordination Request or Appendix 30B filing has been submitted to the ITU. When
                       further information is filed pursuant to § 25.110(b)(3)(iii), it will be reviewed to determine
                       whether it is substantially complete within the meaning of § 25.112. If so, a second public
                       notice will be issued pursuant to § 25.151 to give interested parties an opportunity to file
                       pleadings pursuant to § 25.154.

                 (ii) For any other license application for GSO-like satellite operation, the public notice will announce
                      that the application has been found acceptable for filing and will give interested parties an
                      opportunity to file pleadings pursuant to § 25.154.

            (3) The application will be granted only if it meets each of the following criteria:

47 CFR 25.158(b)(3) (enhanced display)                                                                          page 85 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                      47 CFR 25.158(b)(3)(i)
Satellite Communications

                 (i)   After review of the application and any pleadings filed in response to that application, the
                       Commission finds that the application meets the standards of § 25.156(a); and

                 (ii) The proposed satellite will not cause harmful interference to any previously licensed operations.

     (c) A license applicant for GSO-like satellite operation must not transfer, assign, or otherwise permit any other
         entity to assume its place in any queue.

     (d) In the event that two or more applications for GSO-like satellite operation are mutually exclusive within the
         meaning of § 25.155(c), the Commission will consider those applications pursuant to the following
         procedure:

           (1) Each application will be reviewed to determine whether it is acceptable for filing within the meaning
               of § 25.112. Any application not found acceptable for filing will be returned to the applicant.

           (2) All applications that are acceptable for filing will be placed on public notice pursuant to § 25.151, and
               interested parties will be given an opportunity to file pleadings pursuant to § 25.154.

           (3) Each application will be granted if it meets the criteria of paragraph (b)(3) of this section, and
               otherwise will be denied.

           (4) In the event that two or more applications are granted pursuant to paragraph (d)(3) of this section,
               the available bandwidth at the orbital location or locations in question will be divided equally among
               those licensees.

           (5) Licensees whose licenses are granted pursuant to paragraph (d)(4) of this section will be allowed to
               select the particular band segment it wishes to use no earlier than 60 days before they plan to
               launch the first satellite in its system, and no later than 30 days before that date, by submitting a
               letter to the Secretary of the Commission. The licensee shall serve copies of this letter to the other
               participants in the processing round pursuant to § 1.47 of this chapter.

           (6) Licensees whose licenses are granted pursuant to paragraph (d)(4) of this section shall request
               contiguous bandwidth in both the uplink and downlink band. Each licensee's bandwidth selection
               shall not preclude other licensees from selecting contiguous bandwidth.

           (7) If two or more licensees whose licenses are granted pursuant to paragraph (d)(4) of this section
               request the same band segment, all licensees other than the first one to request that particular band
               segment will be required to make another selection.

     (e) Services offered pursuant to a GSO-like license in a frequency band granted before the Commission has
         adopted frequency-band-specific service rules for that band will be subject to the default service rules in §
         25.217.

[68 FR 51506, Aug. 27, 2003, as amended at 81 FR 55334, Aug. 18, 2016]

§ 25.159 Limits on pending applications and unbuilt satellite systems.
     (a) [Reserved]

     (b) Applicants with an application for one NGSO-like satellite system license on file with the Commission in a
         particular frequency band will not be permitted to apply for another NGSO-like satellite system license in
         that frequency band in the same processing round subject to the procedures of §§ 25.157 and 25.261.

47 CFR 25.159(b) (enhanced display)                                                                          page 86 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                              47 CFR 25.159(c)
Satellite Communications

     (c) If an applicant has an attributable interest in one or more other entities seeking one or more space station
         licenses or grants of U.S. market access, the pending applications and licensed-but-unbuilt satellite
         systems filed by those other entities will be counted as filed by the applicant for purposes of the limits on
         the number of pending space station applications or requests for U.S. market access and licensed-but-
         unbuilt satellite systems in this section and in § 25.137(d)(5). For purposes of this section, an applicant
         has an “attributable interest” in another entity if:

           (1) It holds equity (including all stockholdings, whether voting or nonvoting, common or preferred) and
               debt interest or interests, in the aggregate, exceed thirty-three (33) percent of the total asset value
               (defined as the aggregate of all equity plus all debt) of that entity, or

           (2) It holds a controlling interest in that entity, or is the subsidiary of a party holding a controlling interest
               in that entity, within the meaning of 47 CFR 1.2110(b)(2).

           (3) For purposes of paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this section, ownership interests shall be calculated
               on a fully diluted basis, i.e., all agreements, such as warrants, stock options, and convertible
               debentures, will generally be treated as if the rights thereunder already have been fully exercised.

     (d) In the event that a licensee misses three or more milestones within any three-year period, the Commission
         will presume that the licensee obtained one or more of those licenses for speculative purposes. Unless
         the licensee rebuts this presumption, it will not be permitted to apply for a GSO-like satellite or an NGSO-
         like satellite system in any frequency band if it has two or more satellite applications pending, or two
         licensed-but-unbuilt satellite systems of any kind. This limit will remain in effect until the licensee provides
         adequate information to demonstrate that it is very likely to construct its licensed facilities if it were
         allowed to file more applications.

     (e) For purposes of this section, “frequency band” means one of the paired frequency bands available for
         satellite service listed in § 25.202.

[68 FR 51506, Aug. 27, 2003, as amended at 81 FR 55334, Aug. 18, 2016; 85 FR 43735, July 20, 2020; 88 FR 84754, Dec. 6, 2023]

                  FORFEITURE, TERMINATION, AND REINSTATEMENT OF STATION AUTHORIZATION

§ 25.160 Administrative sanctions.
     (a) A forfeiture may be imposed for failure to operate in conformance with the Communications Act, license
         specifications, any conditions imposed on an authorization, or any of the Commission's rules and
         regulations; or for failure to comply with Commission requests for information needed to complete
         international coordination or for failure to cooperate in Commission investigations with respect to
         international coordination.

     (b) A forfeiture will be imposed and the station license may be terminated for the malicious transmissions of
         any signal that causes harmful interference with any other radio communications or signals.

     (c) A station license may be revoked for any repeated and willful violation of the kind set forth in paragraphs
         (a) and (b) of this section.

     (d) The sanctions specified in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this section will be imposed only after the
         licensee has been provided an opportunity to be heard pursuant to titles III and V of the Communications
         Act of 1934, as amended.

47 CFR 25.160(d) (enhanced display)                                                                             page 87 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                              47 CFR 25.160(e)
Satellite Communications

     (e) For purposes of this section, the term “repeated” and “willful” are defined as set out in section 312(f) of
         the Communications Act, 47 U.S.C. 312(f).

§ 25.161 Automatic termination of station authorization.
A station authorization shall be automatically terminated in whole or in part without further notice to the licensee
upon:

     (a)

           (1) The failure to meet an applicable milestone specified in § 25.164(a) or (b), if no authorized space
               station is functional in orbit;

           (2) The failure to meet an applicable milestone specified in § 25.164(b)(1) or (2), if at least one
               authorized space station is functional in an authorized orbit, which failure will result in the
               termination of authority for the space stations not in orbit as of the milestone date, but allow for
               technically identical replacements; or

           (3) The failure to meet any other milestone or construction requirement imposed as a condition of
               authorization. In the case of a space station authorization when at least one authorized space
               station is functional in orbit, however, such termination will be with respect to only the authorization
               for any space stations not in orbit as of the milestone date.

     (b) The expiration of the license term, unless, in the case of an earth station license, an application for
         renewal of the license has been filed with the Commission pursuant to § 25.121(e) or, in the case of a
         space station license, an application for extension of the license term has been filed with the
         Commission; or

     (c) The removal or modification of the facilities which renders the station not operational for more than 90
         days, unless specific authority is requested.

     (d) The failure to maintain 50 percent of the maximum number of NGSO space stations authorized for service
         following the 9-year milestone period as functional space stations in authorized orbits, which failure will
         result in the termination of authority for the space stations not in orbit as of the date of noncompliance,
         but allow for technically identical replacements.

[56 FR 24016, May 28, 1991, as amended at 68 FR 51507, Aug. 27, 2003; 78 FR 8425, Feb. 6, 2013; 79 FR 8320, Feb. 12, 2014; 82
FR 59985, Dec. 18, 2017]

§ 25.162 Cause for termination of interference protection.
The protection from interference afforded by the registration of a receiving earth station shall be automatically
terminated if:

     (a) The request for registration is not submitted to the Commission within 3 months of the completion of the
         frequency coordination process, except as provided for in § 25.203;

     (b) The receiving earth station is not constructed and placed into service within 6 months after completion of
         coordination;

     (c) The Commission finds that the station has been used less than 50% of the time during any 12 month
         period;

47 CFR 25.162(c) (enhanced display)                                                                             page 88 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                             47 CFR 25.162(d)
Satellite Communications

     (d) The Commission finds that the station has been used for an unlawful purpose or otherwise in violation of
         the Commission's rules, regulations or policies;

     (e) The Commission finds that the actual use of the facility is inconsistent with what was set forth in the
         registrant's application; or

     (f) The Commission finds that the frequency coordination exhibit, upon which the granted registration is
         based, is incomplete or does not conform with established coordination procedures.

§ 25.163 Reinstatement.
     (a) A station authorization terminated in whole or in part under the provisions of § 25.161 may be reinstated if
         the Commission, in its discretion, determines that reinstatement would best serve the public interest,
         convenience and necessity. Petitions for reinstatement will be considered only if:

           (1) The petition is filed within 30 days after the expiration date set forth in § 25.161(a) or § 25.161(b),
               whichever is applicable;

           (2) The petition explains the failure to file a timely notification or renewal application; and

           (3) The petition sets forth with specificity the procedures that have been established to ensure timely
               filings in the future.

     (b) A special temporary authorization shall automatically terminate upon the expiration date specified therein,
         or upon failure of the grantee to comply with any special terms or conditions set forth in the authorization.
         Temporary operation may be extended beyond the termination date only upon application to the
         Commission.

[56 FR 24016, May 28, 1991, as amended at 81 FR 55334, Aug. 18, 2016]

§ 25.164 Milestones.
     (a) The recipient of an initial license for a GSO space station, other than a SDARS space station, granted on or
         after August 27, 2003, must launch the space station, position it in its assigned orbital location, and
         operate it in accordance with the station authorization no later than five years after the grant of the
         license, unless a different schedule is established by this chapter or the Commission.

     (b)

           (1) The recipient of an initial authorization for an NGSO satellite system, other than an SDARS system,
               must launch 50 percent of the maximum number of space stations authorized for service, place
               them in their assigned orbits, and operate them in accordance with the station authorization no later
               than 6 years after the grant of the authorization, unless a different schedule is established by Title
               47, Chapter I. This paragraph does not apply to replacement NGSO space stations as defined in §
               25.165(e).

           (2) A licensee that satisfies the requirement in paragraph (b)(1) of this section must launch the
               remaining space stations necessary to complete its authorized service constellation, place them in
               their assigned orbits, and operate each of them in accordance with the authorization no later than
               nine years after the grant of the authorization.

    (c)–(e) [Reserved]

47 CFR 25.164(c) (enhanced display)                                                                            page 89 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                              47 CFR 25.164(f)
Satellite Communications

     (f) A licensee subject to the requirements in paragraph (a) or (b) of this section must either demonstrate
         compliance with the applicable requirement or notify the Commission in writing that the requirement was
         not met, within 15 days after the specified deadline. Compliance with a milestone requirement in
         paragraph (a) or (b) of this section may be demonstrated by certifying pursuant to § 25.121(d) that the
         space station(s) in question, has, or have, been launched and placed in the authorized orbital location or
         non-geostationary orbit(s) and that in-orbit operation of the space station or stations has been tested and
         found to be consistent with the terms of the authorization.

     (g) Licensees of satellite systems that include both NGSO satellites and GSO satellites must meet the
         requirement in paragraph (a) of this section with respect to the GSO satellite(s) and the applicable
         requirements in paragraph (b) of this section with respect to the NGSO satellites.

     (h) In cases where the Commission grants a satellite authorization in different stages, such as a license for a
         satellite system using feeder links or inter-satellite links, the earliest of the milestone schedules will be
         applied to the entire satellite system.

[68 FR 51507, Aug. 27, 2003, as amended at 69 FR 51587, Aug. 20, 2004; 79 FR 8320, Feb. 12, 2014; 81 FR 55334, Aug. 18, 2016;
82 FR 59985, Dec. 18, 2017; 86 FR 49489, Sept. 3, 2021]

§ 25.165 Surety bonds.
     (a) For all space station licenses issued after September 20, 2004, other than licenses for SDARS space
         stations, space stations licensed in accordance with § 25.122 or § 25.123, and replacement space
         stations as defined in paragraph (e) of this section, the licensee must post a bond within 30 days of the
         grant of its license. Space station licensed in accordance with § 25.122 or § 25.123 must post a bond
         within one year plus 30 days of the grant of the license. Failure to post a bond will render the license null
         and void automatically.

           (1) An NGSO licensee must have on file a surety bond requiring payment in the event of default as
               defined in paragraph (c) of this section, in an amount, at a minimum, determined according to the
               following formula, with the resulting dollar amount rounded to the nearest $10,000: A = $1,000,000 +
               $4,000,000 * D/2192, where A is the amount to be paid and D is the lesser of 2192 or the number of
               days that elapsed from the date of license grant until the date when the license was surrendered.

           (2) A GSO licensee must have on file a surety bond requiring payment in the event of default as defined
               in paragraph (c) of this section, in an amount, at a minimum, determined according to the following
               formula, with the resulting dollar amount rounded to the nearest $10,000: A = $1,000,000 +
               $2,000,000 * D/1827, where A is the amount to be paid and D is the lesser of 1827 or the number of
               days that elapsed from the date of license grant until the date when the license was surrendered.

           (3) Licensees of satellite systems including both NGSO space stations and GSO space stations that will
               operate in the same frequency bands must file a surety bond requiring payment in the event of
               default as defined in paragraph (c) of this section, in an amount, at a minimum, to be determined
               according to the formula in paragraph (a)(1) of this section.

     (b) The licensee must use a surety company deemed acceptable within the meaning of 31 U.S.C. 9304 et seq.
         (See, e.g., Department of Treasury Fiscal Service, Companies Holding Certificates of Authority as
         Acceptable Sureties on Federal Bonds and As Acceptable Reinsurance Companies, 57 FR 29356, July 1,
         1992.) The bond must name the U.S. Treasury as beneficiary in the event of the licensee's default. The
         licensee must provide the Commission with a copy of the performance bond, including all details and
         conditions.

47 CFR 25.165(b) (enhanced display)                                                                             page 90 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                              47 CFR 25.165(c)
Satellite Communications

     (c) A licensee will be considered to be in default with respect to a bond filed pursuant to paragraph (a) of this
         section if it surrenders the license before meeting an applicable milestone requirement in § 25.164(a) or
         (b)(1) or if it fails to satisfy any such milestone.

     (d) A licensee will be relieved of its bond obligation under paragraph (a) of this section upon a Commission
         finding that the licensee has satisfied the applicable milestone requirement(s) in § 25.164(a) and (b)(1)
         for the authorization.

     (e) A replacement space station is one that:

           (1) Is authorized to operate at an orbital location within ±0.15° of the assigned location of a GSO space
               station to be replaced or is authorized for NGSO operation and will replace an existing NGSO space
               station in its authorized orbit, except for space stations authorized under § 25.122 or § 25.123;

           (2) Is authorized to operate in the same frequency bands, and with the same coverage area as the space
               station to be replaced; and

           (3) Is scheduled to be launched so that it will be brought into use at approximately the same time as, but
               no later than, the existing space station is retired.

     (f) An applicant that has submitted a Coordination Request pursuant to § 25.110(b)(3)(i) or an Appendix 30B
         filing pursuant to § 25.110(b)(3)(ii) must obtain a surety bond in the amount of $500,000 in accordance
         with the requirements in paragraph (b) of this section for licensees. The application will be returned as
         defective pursuant to § 25.112 if a copy of the required bond is not filed with the Commission within 30
         days after release of a public notice announcing that the Commission has submitted the Coordination
         Request or Appendix 30B filing to the ITU.

     (g) An applicant will be considered to be in default with respect to a bond filed pursuant to paragraph (f) of
         this section if the applicant fails to submit a complete, acceptable license application pursuant to §
         25.110(b)(3)(iii) for the operation proposed in the initial application materials filed pursuant to §
         25.110(b)(3)(i) or (b)(3)(ii) within two years of the date of submission of the initial application materials.

[68 FR 51507, Aug. 27, 2003, as amended at 69 FR 51587, Aug. 20, 2004; 81 FR 55335, Aug. 18, 2016; 82 FR 59986, Dec. 18, 2017;
85 FR 43735, July 20, 2020; 86 FR 49489, Sept. 3, 2021]

                            REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR SPACE STATION OPERATORS

§ 25.171 Space station point of contact reporting requirements.
     (a) Annual report. On June 30 of each year, a space station licensee or market access recipient must provide
         a current listing of the names, titles, addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers of the points of
         contact for resolution of interference problems and for emergency response. Contact personnel should
         include those responsible for resolution of short-term, immediate interference problems at the system
         control center, and those responsible for long-term engineering and technical design issues.

     (b) Updated information. If a space station licensee or market access recipient point of contact information
         changes, the space station licensee or market access recipient must file the updated information within
         10 days of the change.

     (c) Electronic filing. Filings under paragraph (a) or (b) of this section must be made electronically in the
         Commission's International Communications Filing System (ICFS) in the “Other Filings” tab of the station's
         current authorization file.

47 CFR 25.171(c) (enhanced display)                                                                             page 91 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                              47 CFR 25.172
Satellite Communications

[86 FR 11888, Mar. 1, 2021, as amended at 88 FR 21441, Apr. 10, 2023]

§ 25.172 Requirements for reporting space station control arrangements.
     (a) The operator of any space station licensed by the Commission or granted U.S. market access must file the
         following information with the Commission prior to commencing operation with the space station, or, in
         the case of a non-U.S.-licensed space station, prior to commencing operation with U.S. earth stations.

           (1) The information required by § 25.171(a).

           (2) The call signs of any telemetry, tracking, and command earth station(s) communicating with the
               space station from any site in the United States.

           (3) The location, by city and country, of any telemetry, tracking, and command earth station that
               communicates with the space station from any point outside the United States.

           (4) Alternatively, instead of listing the call signs and/or locations of earth stations currently used for
               telemetry, tracking, and command, the space station operator may provide 24/7 contact information
               for a satellite control center and a list of the call signs of any U.S. earth stations, and the locations of
               any non-U.S. earth stations, that are used or may be used for telemetry, tracking, and command
               communication with the space station(s) in question.

     (b) The information required by paragraph (a) of this section must be filed electronically in the Commission's
         International Communications Filing System (ICFS), in the “Other Filings” tab of the space station's current
         authorization file. If call sign or location information provided pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section
         becomes invalid due to a change of circumstances, the space station operator must file updated
         information in the same manner within 30 days, except with respect to changes less than 30 days in
         duration, for which no update is necessary.

[79 FR 8321, Feb. 12, 2014, as amended at 86 FR 11888, Mar. 1, 2021; 88 FR 21441, Apr. 10, 2023]

§ 25.173 Results of in-orbit testing.
     (a) Space station operators must measure the co-polarized and cross-polarized performance of space station
         antennas through in-orbit testing and submit the measurement data to the Commission upon request.

     (b) Within 15 days after completing in-orbit testing of a space station licensed under this part, the operator
         must notify the Commission that such testing has been completed and certify that the space station's
         measured performance is consistent with the station authorization and that the space station is capable
         of using its assigned frequencies or inform the Commission of any discrepancy. The licensee must also
         indicate in the filing whether the space station has been placed in the assigned geostationary orbital
         location or non-geostationary orbit. If the licensee files a certification pursuant to this paragraph before
         the space station has been placed in its assigned orbit or orbital location, the licensee must separately
         notify the Commission that the space station has been placed in such orbit or orbital location within 3
         days after such placement and that the station's measured performance is consistent with the station
         authorization.

[79 FR 8321, Feb. 12, 2014]

47 CFR 25.173(b) (enhanced display)                                                                          page 92 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                            47 CFR 25.201
Satellite Communications

Subpart C—Technical Standards

Source: 30 FR 7176, May 28, 1965; 36 FR 2562, Feb. 6, 1971, unless otherwise noted.

§ 25.201 [Reserved]
§ 25.202 Frequencies, frequency tolerance, and emission limits.
     (a)

           (1) In addition to the frequency-use restrictions set forth in § 2.106 of this chapter, the following
               restrictions apply:

                 (i)   In the 27.5–28.35 GHz band, the FSS (Earth-to-space) is secondary to the Upper Microwave
                       Flexible Use Service authorized pursuant to part 30 of this chapter, except for FSS operations
                       associated with earth stations authorized pursuant to § 25.136.

                 (ii) Use of the 37.5–40 GHz band by the FSS (space-to-Earth) is limited to individually licensed
                      earth stations. Earth stations in this band must not be ubiquitously deployed and must not be
                      used to serve individual consumers.

                 (iii) The U.S. non-Federal Table of Frequency Allocations, in § 2.106 of this chapter, is applicable
                       between Commission space station licensees relying on a U.S. ITU filing and transmitting to or
                       receiving from anywhere on Earth, including airborne earth stations, in the 17.7–20.2 GHz or
                       27.5–30 GHz bands.

           (2) [Reserved]

           (3) The following frequencies are available for use by the non-voice, non-geostationary mobile-satellite
               service:

           137–138 MHz: Space-to-Earth

           148–150.05 MHz: Earth-to-space

           399.9–400.05 MHz: Earth-to-space

           400.15–401 MHz: Space-to-Earth

           (4)

                 (i)   The following frequencies are available for use by the 1.6/2.4 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service:

                 1610–1626.5 MHz: User-to-Satellite Link

                 1613.8–1626.5 MHz: Satellite-to-User Link (secondary)

                 2483.5–2500 MHz: Satellite-to-User Link

                 (ii) The following frequencies are available for use by the 2 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service:
                      2000–2020 MHz: User-to-Satellite Link; 2180–2200 MHz: Satellite-to-User Link.

47 CFR 25.202(a)(4)(ii) (enhanced display)                                                                 page 93 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                   47 CFR 25.202(a)(4)(iii)
Satellite Communications

                (iii)

                        (A) The following frequencies are available for use by the 1.5/1.6 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service:

                        1525–1559 MHz: space-to-Earth

                        1626.5–1660.5 MHz: Earth-to-space

                        (B) The use of the frequencies 1544–1545 MHz and 1645.5–1646.5 MHz is limited to distress
                            and safety communications.

           (5) The following frequencies are available for use by the inter-satellite service:

          22.55–23.00 GHz

          23.00–23.55 GHz

          24.45–24.65 GHz

          24.65–24.75 GHz

          54.25–56.90 GHz

          57.00–58.20 GHz

          65.00–71.00 GHz

           (6) The following frequencies are available for use by the Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service (SDARS),
               and for any associated terrestrial repeaters: 2320–2345 MHz (space-to-Earth)

           (7) The following frequencies are available for use by the Direct Broadcast Satellite service:

          12.2–12.7 GHz: Space-to-Earth.

          12.2–12.7 GHz: Space-to-Earth.

           (8) The following frequencies are available for use by Earth Stations on Vessels (ESVs) communicating
               with GSO FSS space stations, subject to the provisions in § 2.106 of this chapter:

          3700–4200 MHz (space-to-Earth)

          5925–6425 MHz (Earth-to-space)

           (9) The following frequencies are available for use by the Broadcasting-Satellite Service after 1 April
               2007:

          17.3–17.7 GHz (space-to-Earth)

          17.7–17.8 GHz (space-to-Earth)

47 CFR 25.202(a)(9) (enhanced display)                                                                      page 94 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                  47 CFR 25.202(a)(10)
Satellite Communications

           Note 1 to paragraph (a)(9): Use of the 17.3–17.7 GHz band by the broadcasting-satellite service is
           limited to geostationary satellite orbit systems.

           Note 2 to paragraph (a)(9): Use of the 17.7–17.8 GHz band (space-to-Earth) by the broadcasting-
           satellite service is limited to transmissions from geostationary satellite orbit systems to receiving
           earth stations located outside of the United States and its Possessions. In the United States and
           its Possessions, the 17.7–17.8 GHz band is allocated on a primary basis to the Fixed Service.

          (10)

                 (i)   The following frequencies are available for use by Vehicle-Mounted Earth Stations (VMESs):

                 10.95–11.2 GHz (space-to-Earth)

                 11.45–11.7 GHz (space-to-Earth)

                 11.7–12.2 GHz (space-to-Earth)

                 14.0–14.5 GHz (Earth-to-space)

                 18.3–18.8 GHz (space-to-Earth)

                 19.7–20.2 GHz (space-to-Earth)

                 28.35–28.6 GHz (Earth-to-space)

                 29.25–30.0 GHz (Earth-to-space)

                 (ii) The following frequencies are available for use by Earth Stations in Motion (ESIMs)
                      communicating with GSO FSS space stations, subject to the provisions in § 2.106 of this
                      chapter:

                       (A) 10.7–11.7 GHz (space-to-Earth).

                       (B) 11.7–12.2 GHz (space-to-Earth).

                       (C) 14.0–14.5 GHz (Earth-to-space).

                       (D) 17.3–17.7 GHz (space-to-Earth).

                       (E) 17.7–17.8 GHz (space-to-Earth).

                       (F) 17.8–18.3 GHz (space-to-Earth).

                       (G) 18.3–18.8 GHz (space-to-Earth).

                       (H) 18.8–19.3 GHz (space-to-Earth)

                       (I)   19.3–19.4 GHz (space-to-Earth).

47 CFR 25.202(a)(10)(ii)(I) (enhanced display)                                                          page 95 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                               47 CFR 25.202(a)(10)(ii)(J)
Satellite Communications

                      (J) 19.6–19.7 GHz (space-to-Earth).

                      (K) 19.7–20.2 GHz (space-to-Earth).

                      (L) 28.35–28.6 GHz (Earth-to-space).

                      (M) 28.6–29.1 GHz (Earth-to-space).

                      (N) 29.25–30.0 GHz (Earth-to-space).

                (iii) The following frequencies are available for use by Earth Stations in Motion (ESIMs)
                      communicating with NGSO FSS space stations, subject to the provisions in § 2.106 of this
                      chapter:

                10.7–11.7 GHz (space-to-Earth)

                11.7–12.2 GHz (space-to-Earth)

                14.0–14.5 GHz (Earth-to-space)

                17.8–18.3 GHz (space-to-Earth)

                18.3–18.6 GHz (space-to-Earth)

                18.8–19.3 GHz (space-to-Earth)

                19.3–19.4 GHz (space-to-Earth)

                19.6–19.7 GHz (space-to-Earth)

                19.7–20.2 GHz (space-to-Earth)

                28.4–28.6 GHz (Earth-to-space)

                28.6–29.1 GHz (Earth-to-space)

                29.5–30.0 GHz (Earth-to-space)

          (11) [Reserved]

          (12) The following frequencies are available for use by the mobile-satellite service (Earth-to-space) for the
               reception of Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) broadcast messages from ships:

          156.7625–156.7875 MHz

          156.8125–156.8375 MHz

          161.9625–161.9875 MHz

          162.0125–162.0375 MHz

47 CFR 25.202(a)(12) (enhanced display)                                                                    page 96 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                       47 CFR 25.202(b)
Satellite Communications

     (b) Other frequencies and associated bandwidths of emission may be assigned on a case-by-case basis to
         space systems under this part in conformance with § 2.106 of this chapter and the Commission's rules
         and policies.

     (c) [Reserved]

     (d) Frequency tolerance, Earth stations. The carrier frequency of each earth station transmitter authorized in
         these services shall be maintained within 0.001 percent of the reference frequency.

     (e) Frequency tolerance, space stations. The carrier frequency of each space station transmitter authorized in
         these services shall be maintained within 0.002 percent of the reference frequency.

     (f) Emission limitations. Except for SDARS terrestrial repeaters and as provided for in paragraph (i), the mean
         power of emissions shall be attenuated below the mean output power of the transmitter in accordance
         with the schedule set forth in paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(4) of this section. The out-of-band emissions
         of SDARS terrestrial repeaters shall be attenuated in accordance with the schedule set forth in paragraph
         (h) of this section.

           (1) In any 4 kHz band, the center frequency of which is removed from the assigned frequency by more
               than 50 percent up to and including 100 percent of the authorized bandwidth: 25 dB;

           (2) In any 4 kHz band, the center frequency of which is removed from the assigned frequency by more
               than 100 percent up to and including 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth: 35 dB;

           (3) In any 4 kHz band, the center frequency of which is removed from the assigned frequency by more
               than 250 percent of the authorized bandwidth: An amount equal to 43 dB plus 10 times the logarithm
               (to the base 10) of the transmitter power in watts;

           (4) In any event, when an emission outside of the authorized bandwidth causes harmful interference, the
               Commission may, at its discretion, require greater attenuation than specified in paragraphs (f) (1), (2)
               and (3) of this section.

     (g)

           (1) Telemetry, tracking, and command signals may be transmitted in frequencies within the assigned
               bands that are not at a band edge only if the transmissions cause no greater interference and require
               no greater protection from harmful interference than the communications traffic on the satellite
               network or have been coordinated with operators of authorized co-frequency space stations at
               orbital locations within six degrees of the assigned orbital location.

           (2) Frequencies, polarization, and coding of telemetry, tracking, and command transmissions must be
               selected to minimize interference into other satellite networks.

     (h) Out-of-band emission limitations for SDARS terrestrial repeaters.

           (1) Any SDARS terrestrial repeater operating at a power level greater than 2-watt average EIRP is
               required to attenuate its out-of-band emissions below the transmitter power P by a factor of not less
               than 90 + 10 log (P) dB in a 1-megahertz bandwidth outside the 2320–2345 MHz band, where P is
               average transmitter output power in watts.

           (2) Any SDARS terrestrial repeater operating at a power level equal to or less than 2-watt average EIRP is
               required to attenuate its out-of-band emissions below the transmitter power P by a factor of not less
               than 75 + 10 log (P) dB in a 1-megahertz bandwidth outside the 2320–2345 MHz band, where P is
               average transmitter output power in watts.

47 CFR 25.202(h)(2) (enhanced display)                                                                    page 97 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                       47 CFR 25.202(h)(3)
Satellite Communications

            (3) SDARS repeaters are permitted to attenuate out-of-band emissions less than the levels specified in
                paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2), of this section unless a potentially affected WCS licensee provides
                written notice that it intends to commence commercial service within the following 365 days.
                Starting 180 days after receipt of such written notice, SDARS repeaters within the area notified by the
                potentially affected WCS licensee must attenuate out-of-band emissions to the levels specified in
                paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this section.

            (4) For the purpose of this section, a WCS licensee is potentially affected if it is authorized to operate a
                base station in the 2305–2315 MHz or 2350–2360 MHz bands within 25 kilometers of a repeater
                seeking to operate with an out of band emission attenuation factor less than those prescribed in
                paragraphs (h)(1) or (2) of this section.

                 (i)   The WCS licensee is authorized to operate a base station in the 2305–2315 MHz or 2350–2360
                       MHz bands in the same Major Economic Area (MEA) as that in which a SDARS terrestrial
                       repeater is located.

                 (ii) The WCS licensee is authorized to operate a base station in the 2315–2320 MHz or 2345–2350
                      MHz bands in the same Regional Economic Area Grouping (REAG) as that in which a SDARS
                      terrestrial repeater is located.

                 (iii) A SDARS terrestrial repeater is located within 5 kilometers of the boundary of an MEA or REAG
                       in which the WCS licensee is authorized to operate a WCS base station.

      (i)   The following unwanted emissions power limits for non-geostationary satellites operating in the inter-
            satellite service that transmit in the 22.55–23.55 GHz band shall apply in any 200 MHz of the 23.6–24
            GHz passive band, based on the date that complete advance publication information is received by the
            ITU's Radiocommunication Bureau:

            (1) For information received before January 1, 2020: −36 dBW.

            (2) For information received on or after January 1, 2020: −46 dBW.

      (j)   For earth stations in the Fixed-Satellite Service (Earth-to-space) that transmit in the 49.7–50.2 GHz and
            50.4–50.9 GHz bands, the unwanted emission power in the 50.2–50.4 GHz band shall not exceed −20
            dBW/200 MHz (measured at the input of the antenna), except that the maximum unwanted emission
            power may be increased to −10 dBW/200 MHz for earth stations having an antenna gain greater than or
            equal to 57 dBi. These limits apply under clear-sky conditions. During fading conditions, the limits may be
            exceeded by earth stations when using uplink power control.

[30 FR 7176, May 28, 1965]

Editorial Note: For FEDERAL REGISTER citations affecting § 25.202, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which
appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.

§ 25.203 Choice of sites and frequencies.

Link to an amendment published at 87 FR 72405, Nov. 25, 2022.

47 CFR 25.203 (enhanced display)                                                                            page 98 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                        47 CFR 25.203(a)
Satellite Communications

     (a) Sites and frequencies for earth stations, other than ESVs, operating in frequency bands shared with equal
         rights between terrestrial and space services, shall be selected, to the extent practicable, in areas where
         the surrounding terrain and existing frequency usage are such as to minimize the possibility of harmful
         interference between the sharing services.

     (b) An applicant for an earth station authorization, other than an ESV, in a frequency band shared with equal
         rights with terrestrial microwave services shall compute the great circle coordination distance contour(s)
         for the proposed station in accordance with the procedures set forth in § 25.251. The applicant shall
         submit with the application a map or maps drawn to appropriate scale and in a form suitable for
         reproduction indicating the location of the proposed station and these contours. These maps, together
         with the pertinent data on which the computation of these contours is based, including all relevant
         transmitting and/or receiving parameters of the proposed station that is necessary in assessing the
         likelihood of interference, an appropriately scaled plot of the elevation of the local horizon as a function of
         azimuth, and the electrical characteristics of the earth station antenna(s), shall be submitted by the
         applicant in a single exhibit to the application. The coordination distance contour plot(s), horizon
         elevation plot, and antenna horizon gain plot(s) required by this section may also be submitted in tabular
         numerical format at 5° azimuthal increments instead of graphical format. At a minimum, this exhibit shall
         include the information listed in paragraph (c)(2) of this section. An earth station applicant shall also
         include in the application relevant technical details (both theoretical calculations and/or actual
         measurements) of any special techniques, such as the use of artificial site shielding, or operating
         procedures or restrictions at the proposed earth station which are to be employed to reduce the likelihood
         of interference, or of any particular characteristics of the earth station site which could have an effect on
         the calculation of the coordination distance.

     (c) Prior to the filing of its application, an applicant for operation of an earth station, other than an ESV, VMES
         or ESAA, shall coordinate the proposed frequency usage with existing terrestrial users and with applicants
         for terrestrial station authorizations with previously filed applications in accordance with the following
         procedure:

           (1) An applicant for an earth station authorization shall perform an interference analysis in accordance
               with the procedures set forth in § 25.251 for each terrestrial station, for which a license or
               construction permit has been granted or for which an application has been accepted for filing, which
               is or is to be operated in a shared frequency band to be used by the proposed earth station and
               which is located within the great circle coordination distance contour(s) of the proposed earth
               station.

           (2) The earth station applicant shall provide each such terrestrial station licensee, permittee, and prior
               filed applicant with the technical details of the proposed earth station and the relevant interference
               analyses that were made. At a minimum, the earth station applicant shall provide the terrestrial user
               with the following technical information:

                 (i)   The geographical coordinates of the proposed earth station antenna(s),

                 (ii) Proposed operating frequency band(s) and emission(s),

                (iii) Antenna center height above ground and ground elevation above mean sea level,

                (iv) Antenna gain pattern(s) in the plane of the main beam,

                 (v) Longitude range of geostationary satellite orbit (GSO) satellites at which antenna may be
                     pointed, for proposed earth station antenna(s) accessing GSO satellites,

47 CFR 25.203(c)(2)(v) (enhanced display)                                                                 page 99 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                   47 CFR 25.203(c)(2)(vi)
Satellite Communications

                (vi) Horizon elevation plot,

                (vii) Antenna horizon gain plot(s) determined in accordance with § 25.251 for satellite longitude
                      range specified in paragraph (c)(2)(v) of this section, taking into account the provisions of §
                      25.251 for earth stations operating with non-geostationary satellites,

                (viii) Minimum elevation angle,

                (ix) Maximum equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) density in the main beam in any 4 kHz
                     band, (dBW/4 kHz) for frequency bands below 15 GHz or in any 1 MHz band (dBW/MHz) for
                     frequency band above 15 GHz,

                 (x) Maximum available RF transmit power density in any 1 MHz band and in any 4 kHz band at the
                     input terminals of the antenna(s),

                (xi) Maximum permissible RF interference power level as determined in accordance with § 25.251
                     for all applicable percentages of time, and

                (xii) A plot of great circle coordination distance contour(s) and rain scatter coordination distance
                      contour(s) as determined by § 25.251.

           (3) The coordination procedures specified in § 101.103 of this chapter and § 25.251 shall be applicable
               except that the information to be provided shall be that set forth in paragraph (c)(2) of this section,
               and that the 30-day period allowed for response to a request for coordination may be increased to a
               maximum of 45 days by mutual consent of the parties.

           (4) Where technical problems are resolved by an agreement or operating arrangement between the
               parties that would require special procedures be taken to reduce the likelihood of harmful
               interference (such as the use of artificial site shielding) or would result in lessened quality or
               capacity of either system, the details thereof shall be contained in the application.

           (5) The Commission may, in the course of examining any application, require the submission of
               additional showings, complete with pertinent data and calculations in accordance with § 25.251,
               showing that harmful interference is not likely to result from the proposed operation.

           (6) Multiple antennas in an NGSO FSS gateway earth station complex located within an area bounded by
               one second of latitude and one second of longitude may be regarded as a single earth station for
               purposes of coordination with terrestrial services.

     (d) An applicant for operation of an earth station, other than an ESV, VMES or an ESAA, shall also ascertain
         whether the great circle coordination distance contours and rain scatter coordination distance contours,
         computed for those values of parameters indicated in § 25.251 (Appendix 7 of the ITU RR) for
         international coordination, cross the boundaries of another Administration. In this case, the applicant
         shall furnish the Commission copies of these contours on maps drawn to appropriate scale for use by the
         Commission in effecting coordination of the proposed earth station with the Administration(s) affected.

     (e) Protection for Table Mountain Radio Receiving Zone, Boulder County, Colorado.

           (1) Applicants for a station authorization to operate in the vicinity of Boulder County, Colorado under this
               part are advised to give due consideration, prior to filing applications, to the need to protect the Table
               Mountain Radio Receiving Zone from harmful interference. These are the research laboratories of
               the Department of Commerce, Boulder County, Colorado. To prevent degradation of the present
               ambient radio signal level at the site, the Department of Commerce seeks to ensure that the field
               strengths of any radiated signals (excluding reflected signals) received on this 1800 acre site (in the

47 CFR 25.203(e)(1) (enhanced display)                                                                    page 100 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                       47 CFR 25.203(e)(2)
Satellite Communications

                vicinity of coordinates 40°07′50″ N Latitude, 105°14′40″ W Longitude) resulting from new
                assignments (other than mobile stations) or from the modification or relocation of existing facilities
                do not exceed the following values:

                                                                 In authorized bandwidth of service
                       Frequency range
                                                  Field strength (mV/m)             Power flux density1 (dBW/m2)
                 Below 540 kHz                                            10                                           −65.8
                 540 to 1600 kHz                                          20                                           −59.8
                                                                                                                   2
                 1.6 to 470 MHz                                           10                                           −65.8
                                                                                                                   2
                 470 to 890 MHz                                           30                                           −56.2
                 Above 890 MHz                                             1                                       2−85.8

                1Equivalent values of power flux density are calculated assuming free space characteristic
                impedance of 376.7 = 120π ohms.

                2 Space stations shall conform to the power flux density limits at the earth's surface specified in
                appropriate parts of the FCC rules, but in no case should exceed the above levels in any 4 kHz band
                for all angles of arrival.

           (2) Advance consultation is recommended particularly for those applicants who have no reliable data
               which indicates whether the field strength or power flux density figures in the above table would be
               exceeded by their proposed radio facilities (except mobile stations). In such instances, the following
               is a suggested guide for determining whether coordination is recommended:

                 (i)   All stations within 2.5 kilometers;

                 (ii) Stations within 5 kilometers with 50 watts or more average effective radiated power (ERP) in
                      the primary plane of polarization in the azimuthal direction of the Table Mountain Radio
                      Receiving Zone;

                (iii) Stations within 15 kilometers with 1 kW or more average ERP in the primary plane of
                      polarization in the azimuthal direction of Table Mountain Receiving Zone;

                (iv) Stations within 80 kilometers with 25 kW or more average ERP in the primary plane of
                     polarization in the azimuthal direction of Table Mountain Receiving Zone.

           (3) Applicants concerned are urged to communicate with the Radio Frequency Management
               Coordinator, Department of Commerce, Research Support Services, NOAA R/E5X2, Boulder
               Laboratories, Boulder, CO 80303; telephone (303) 497–6548, in advance of filing their applications
               with the Commission.

           (4) The Commission will not screen applications to determine whether advance consultation has taken
               place. However, applicants are advised that such consultation can avoid objections from the
               Department of Commerce or proceedings to modify any authorization which may be granted which,
               in fact, delivers a signal at the site in excess of the field strength specified herein.

     (f) Notification to the National Radio Astronomy Observatory: In order to minimize possible harmful
         interference at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory site at Green Bank, Pocahontas County, W. Va.,
         and at the Naval Radio Research Observatory site at Sugar Grove, Pendleton County, W. Va., any applicant
         for operating authority under this part for a new transmit or transmit-receive earth station, other than a
47 CFR 25.203(f) (enhanced display)                                                                        page 101 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                         47 CFR 25.203(g)
Satellite Communications

           mobile or temporary fixed station, within the area bounded by 39°15′ N. on the north, 78°30′ W. on the
           east, 37°30′ N. on the south and 80°30′ W. on the west or for modification of an existing license for such
           station to change the station's frequency, power, antenna height or directivity, or location must, when filing
           the application with the Commission, simultaneously notify the Director, National Radio Astronomy
           Observatory, P.O. Box No. 2, Green Bank, W. Va. 24944, in writing, of the technical particulars of the
           proposed station. Such notification shall include the geographical coordinates of the antenna, antenna
           height, antenna directivity if any, proposed frequency, type of emission, and power. In addition, the
           applicant shall indicate in his application to the Commission the date notification was made to the
           observatory. After receipt of such applications, the Commission will allow a period of 20 days for
           comments or objections in response to the notifications indicated. If an objection to the proposed
           operation is received during the 20-day period from the National Radio Astronomy Observatory for itself or
           on behalf of the Naval Radio Research Observatory, the Commission will consider all aspects of the
           problem and take whatever action is deemed appropriate.

     (g) Protection for Federal Communications Commission monitoring stations:

           (1) Applicants for authority to operate a new transmitting earth station in the vicinity of an FCC
               monitoring station or to modify the operation of a transmitting earth station in a way that would
               increase the field strength produced at such a monitoring station above that previously authorized
               should consider the possible need to protect the FCC stations from harmful interference. Geographic
               coordinates of the facilities that require protection are listed in § 0.121(c) of this chapter.
               Applications for fixed stations that will produce field strength greater than 10 mV/m or power flux
               density greater than −65.8 dBW/m2 in the authorized emission bandwidth at any of the referenced
               coordinates may be examined to determine the extent of possible interference. Depending on the
               theoretical field strength value and existing root-sum-square or other ambient radio field signal levels
               at the referenced coordinates, a condition to protect the monitoring station may be included in the
               station authorization.

           (2) In the event that the calculated value of the expected field strength exceeds 10 mV/m (−65.8
               dBW/m2) at the reference coordinates, or if there is any question whether field strength levels might
               exceed the threshold value, advance consultation with the FCC to discuss any protection necessary
               should be considered. See § 0.401 of this chapter for contact information.

           (3) Advance consultation is suggested particularly for those applicants who have no reliable data which
               indicates whether the field strength or power flux density figure indicated would be exceeded by their
               proposed radio facilities (except mobile stations). In such instances, the following is a suggested
               guide for determining whether an applicant should coordinate:

                 (i)   All stations within 2.5 kilometers;

                 (ii) Stations within 5 kilometers with 50 watts or more average effective radiated power (ERP) in
                      the primary plane of polarization in the azimuthal direction of the Monitoring Station;

                (iii) Stations within 15 kilometers with 1 kW or more average ERP in the primary plane of
                      polarization in the azimuthal direction of the Monitoring Station;

                (iv) Stations within 80 kilometers with 25 kW or more average ERP in the primary plane of
                     polarization in the azimuthal direction of the Monitoring Station.

47 CFR 25.203(g)(3)(iv) (enhanced display)                                                                page 102 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                       47 CFR 25.203(g)(4)
Satellite Communications

            (4) Advance coordination for stations operating above 1000 MHz is recommended only where the
                proposed station is in the vicinity of a monitoring station designated as a satellite monitoring facility
                in § 0.121(c) of this chapter and also meets the criteria outlined in paragraphs (g)(2) and (3) of this
                section.

            (5) The Commission will not screen applications to determine whether advance consultation has taken
                place. However, applicants are advised that such consultation can avoid objections from the Federal
                Communications Commission or modification of any authorization which will cause harmful
                interference.

     (h) Sites and frequencies for GSO and NGSO earth stations, operating in a frequency band where both have a
         co-primary allocation, shall be selected to avoid earth station antenna mainlobe-to-satellite antenna
         mainlobe coupling, between NGSO systems and between NGSO and GSO systems, in order to minimize
         the possibility of harmful interference between these services. Prior to filing an earth station application,
         in bands with co-primary allocations to NGSO and GSO earth stations, the applicant shall coordinate the
         proposed site and frequency usage with existing earth station licensees and with current earth station
         authorization applicants.

      (i)   Any applicant for a new permanent transmitting fixed earth station to be located on the island of Puerto
            Rico, Desecheo, Mona, Vieques, or Culebra, or for modification of an existing authorization to change the
            frequency, power, antenna height, directivity, or location of such a station on one of these islands in a way
            that would increase the likelihood of causing interference, must notify the Interference Office, Arecibo
            Observatory, HC3 Box 53995, Arecibo, Puerto Rico 00612, in writing or electronically, of the technical
            parameters of the proposal. Applicants may wish to consult interference guidelines, which will be
            provided by Cornell University. Applicants who choose to transmit information electronically should e-mail
            to: prcz@naic.edu.

            (1) The notification to the Interference Office, Arecibo Observatory shall be made prior to, or
                simultaneously with, the filing of the application with the Commission. The notification must specify
                the geographical coordinates of the antenna (NAD–83 datum), antenna height above ground, ground
                elevation at the antenna, antenna directivity and gain, proposed frequency, relevant FCC rule part,
                type of emission, effective radiated power, and whether the proposed use is itinerant. Generally,
                submission of the information in the technical portion of the FCC license application is adequate
                notification. In addition, the applicant shall indicate in its application to the Commission the date
                notification was made to the Arecibo Observatory.

            (2) After receipt of such applications, the Commission will allow the Arecibo Observatory a period of 20
                days for comments or objections in response to the notification indicated. The applicant will be
                required to make reasonable efforts in order to resolve or mitigate any potential interference
                problem with the Arecibo Observatory and to file either an amendment to the application or a
                modification application, as appropriate. If the Commission determines that an applicant has
                satisfied its responsibility to make reasonable efforts to protect the Observatory from interference,
                its application may be granted.

            (3) The provisions of this paragraph do not apply to operations that transmit on frequencies above 15
                GHz.

      (j)   Applicants for NGSO 1.6/2.4 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service/Radiodetermination-Satellite Service feeder
            links in the 17.7–20.2 GHz and 27.5–30.0 GHz bands must coordinate with licensees of FSS and
            terrestrial-service systems sharing the band to determine geographic protection areas around each NGSO
            MSS/Radiodetermination-Satellite Service feeder-link earth station.

47 CFR 25.203(j) (enhanced display)                                                                        page 103 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                                 47 CFR 25.203(k)
Satellite Communications

     (k) An applicant for operation of an earth station, other than an ESV, VMES or an ESAA, that will operate with a
         geostationary satellite or non-geostationary satellite in a shared frequency band in which the non-
         geostationary system is (or is proposed to be) licensed for feeder links, shall demonstrate in its
         applications that its proposed earth station will not cause unacceptable interference to any other satellite
         network that is authorized to operate in the same frequency band, or certify that the operations of its
         earth station shall conform to established coordination agreements between the operator(s) of the space
         station(s) with which the earth station is to communicate and the operator(s) of any other space station
         licensed to use the band.

      (l)   [Reserved]

     (m) Feeder links to DBS space stations:

            (1) Each applicant for a license to construct a new FSS earth station to provide feeder-link service to
                DBS space stations in the frequency band 17.3–17.8 GHz, or to modify any such station currently
                authorized except where the modification is for a new station within one kilometer of a currently-
                licensed earth station and modification will not increase the aggregate pfd, measured at any point
                3–10 meters above the ground, above that generated by the current earth station, shall identify a
                coordination zone around its proposed new or modified earth station by the methodology outlined in
                Annex 3 of Appendix 7 of the ITU Radio Regulations, using the following values for the parameters in
                Table 9b of Annex 7 of Appendix 7:

                 Space service designation in                                       Fixed-satellite
                 which the transmitting earth
                 station operates
                 Frequency bands (GHz)                                                  17.3–17.8
                 Space service designation in                                   Broadcasting-satellite
                 which the receiving earth station
                 operates
                 Orbit                                                                     GSO
                 Modulation at receiving earth                                          N (digital)
                 station
                 Receiving earth station
                 interference parameters and
                 criteria:
                     p0 (%)                                                               0.015
                     n                                                                      2
                     p (%)                                                                0.015
                     NL(dB)                                                                 1
                     Ms (dB)                         In the area specified in     In the area specified   In the area specified
                                                     47 CFR § 25.209(w)(1)        in 47 CFR §             in 47 CFR §
                                                     and (4)                      25.209(w)(2)            25.209(w)(3).
                                                     4.8                          3.0                     1.8.
                     W (dB)                                                                 4
                 Receiving earth station
                 parameters:
                     Gm (dBi)                                                               36

47 CFR 25.203(m)(1) (enhanced display)                                                                            page 104 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                    47 CFR 25.203(m)(2)
Satellite Communications

                       Gr                                                            0
                       εmin                                                          20°
                       Te (K)                                                     150
                 Reference bandwidth:
                       B (Hz)                                                        106
                 Permissible interference power:   −146.8                   −149.8               −152.8.
                 Pr(p) (dBW) in B

           (2) Each applicant for such new or modified feeder-link earth station shall provide the following
               information to a third-party coordinator of its choice for use in coordination required by this
               paragraph:

                 (i)   The geographical coordinates of the proposed earth station antenna(s);

                 (ii) Proposed operating frequency band(s) and emission(s);

                (iii) Antenna diameter (meters);

                (iv) Antenna center height above ground and ground elevation above mean sea level;

                 (v) Antenna gain pattern(s) in the plane of the main beam;

                (vi) Longitude range of geostationary satellite orbit (GSO) satellites at which an antenna may be
                     pointed;

                (vii) Horizon elevation plot;

                (viii) Antenna horizon gain plot(s) determined in accordance with the procedure in Section 2.1 of
                       Annex 5 to Appendix 7 of the ITU Radio Regulations;

                (ix) Minimum elevation angle;

                 (x) Maximum equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) density in the main beam in any 1
                     MHz band;

                (xi) Maximum available RF transmit power density in any 1 MHz band at the input terminals of the
                     antenna(s);

                (xii) A plot of the coordination distance contour(s) and rain scatter coordination distance contour(s)
                      as determined by Table 2 of Section 3 to Appendix 7 of the ITU Radio Regulations.

           (3) Each applicant for such new or modified feeder-link earth stations shall file with its application
               memoranda of coordination with each licensee authorized to construct BSS receive earth stations
               within the coordination zone.

     (n) From December 5, 2021 until December 5, 2030, consolidated telemetry, tracking, and control (TT&C)
         operations at no more than four locations may be authorized on a primary basis to support space station
         operations, and no other TT&C operations shall be entitled to interference protection in the 3.7–4.0 GHz
         band.

[30 FR 7176, May 28, 1965]

Editorial Note: For FEDERAL REGISTER citations affecting § 25.203, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which
47 CFR 25.203(n) (enhanced display)                                                                        page 105 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                           47 CFR 25.204
Satellite Communications

appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.

§ 25.204 Power limits for earth stations.
     (a) In bands shared coequally with terrestrial radio communication services, the equivalent isotropically
         radiated power transmitted in any direction towards the horizon by an earth station, other than an ESV,
         operating in frequency bands between 1 and 15 GHz, shall not exceed the following limits except as
         provided for in paragraph (c) of this section:

           + 40 dBW in any 4 kHz band for θ ≤0°

           + 40 + 3θ dBW in any 4 kHz band for 0° <θ ≤5°
     where θ is the angle of elevation of the horizon viewed from the center of radiation of the antenna of the earth
     station and measured in degrees as positive above the horizontal plane and negative below it.

     (b) In bands shared coequally with terrestrial radiocommunication services, the equivalent isotropically
         radiated power transmitted in any direction towards the horizon by an earth station operating in frequency
         bands above 15 GHz shall not exceed the following limits except as provided for in paragraph (c) of this
         section:

           + 64 dBW in any 1 MHz band for θ ≤0°

           + 64 + 3 θ dBW in any 1 MHz band for 0° <θ ≤5°
     where θ is as defined in paragraph (a) of this section.

     (c) For angles of elevation of the horizon greater than 5° there shall be no restriction as to the equivalent
         isotropically radiated power transmitted by an earth station towards the horizon.

     (d) Notwithstanding the e.i.r.p. and e.i.r.p. density limits specified in the station authorization, each earth
         station transmission shall be conducted at the lowest power level that will provide the required signal
         quality as indicated in the application and further amended by coordination agreements.

     (e) To the extent specified in paragraphs (e)(1) through (e)(3) of this section, earth stations in the Fixed-
         Satellite Service may employ uplink adaptive power control or other methods of fade compensation to
         facilitate transmission of uplinks at power levels required for desired link performance while minimizing
         interference between networks.

           (1) Except when paragraphs (e)(2) through (e)(3) of this section apply, transmissions from FSS earth
               stations in frequencies above 10 GHz may exceed the uplink EIRP and EIRP density limits specified
               in the station authorization under conditions of uplink fading due to precipitation by an amount not
               to exceed 1 dB above the actual amount of monitored excess attenuation over clear sky propagation
               conditions. EIRP levels must be returned to normal as soon as the attenuating weather pattern
               subsides.

           (2) An FSS earth station transmitting to a geostationary space station in the 13.77–13.78 GHz band
               must not generate more than 71 dBW EIRP in any 6 MHz band. An FSS earth station transmitting to a
               non-geostationary space station in the 13.77–13.78 GHz band must not generate more than 51 dBW
               EIRP in any 6 MHz band. Automatic power control may be used to increase the EIRP density in a 6

47 CFR 25.204(e)(2) (enhanced display)                                                                    page 106 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                           47 CFR 25.204(e)(3)
Satellite Communications

                MHz uplink band in this frequency range to compensate for rain fade, provided that the power flux-
                density at the space station does not exceed the value that would result when transmitting with an
                EIRP of 71 dBW or 51 dBW, as appropriate, in that 6 MHz band in clear-sky conditions.

           (3) FSS earth stations transmitting to geostationary space stations in the 28.35–28.6 GHz and/or
               29.25–30.0 GHz bands may employ uplink adaptive power control or other methods of fade
               compensation. For stations employing uplink power control, the values in § 25.218(i)(1), (2), and

           (4) may be exceeded by up to 20 dB under conditions of uplink fading due to precipitation. The amount
               of such increase in excess of the actual amount of monitored excess attenuation over clear sky
               propagation conditions must not exceed 1.5 dB or 15 percent of the actual amount of monitored
               excess attenuation in dB, whichever is larger, with a confidence level of 90 percent except over
               transient periods accounting for no more than 0.5 percent of the time during which the excess is no
               more than 4.0 dB.

     (f) An earth station in the Fixed-Satellite Service transmitting in the 13.75–14 GHz band must have a
         minimum antenna diameter of 4.5 m, and the EIRP of any emission in that band should be at least 68 dBW
         and should not exceed 85 dBW.

     (g) [Reserved]

[48 FR 40255, Sept. 6, 1983, as amended at 58 FR 13420, Mar. 11, 1993; 61 FR 52307, Oct. 7, 1996; 62 FR 61457, Nov. 18, 1997;
66 FR 10623, Feb. 16, 2001; 70 FR 4784, Jan. 31, 2005; 70 FR 32255, June 2, 2005; 72 FR 50029, Aug. 29, 2007; 74 FR 57098, Nov.
4, 2009; 78 FR 8427, Feb. 6, 2013; 78 FR 14927, Mar. 8, 2013; 79 FR 8322, Feb. 12, 2004; 81 FR 55336, Aug. 18, 2016; 83 FR
34491, July 20, 2018; 84 FR 53655, Oct. 8, 2019]

§ 25.205 Minimum antenna elevation angle.
     (a) Earth station antennas must not transmit at elevation angles less than five degrees, measured from the
         horizontal plane to the direction of maximum radiation, in a frequency band shared with terrestrial radio
         services or in a frequency band with an allocation to space services operating in both the Earth-to-space
         and space-to-Earth directions. In other bands, earth station antennas must not transmit at elevation
         angles less than three degrees. In some instances, it may be necessary to specify greater minimum
         elevation angles because of interference considerations.

     (b) ESAAs in aircraft on the ground must not transmit at elevation angles less than three degrees. There is no
         minimum angle of antenna elevation for ESAAs while airborne.

[81 FR 55336, Aug. 18, 2016]

§ 25.206 Station identification.
The requirement to transmit station identification is waived for all radio stations licensed under this part with the
exception of earth stations subject to the requirements of § 25.281.

[79 FR 8322, Feb. 12, 2014]

§ 25.207 Cessation of emissions.
Space stations shall be made capable of ceasing radio emissions by the use of appropriate devices (battery life,
timing devices, ground command, etc.) that will ensure definite cessation of emissions.

47 CFR 25.207 (enhanced display)                                                                                page 107 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                       47 CFR 25.208
Satellite Communications

§ 25.208 Power flux-density limits.
     (a) In the band 3650–4200 MHz, the power flux density at the Earth's surface produced by emissions from a
         space station for all conditions and for all methods of modulation shall not exceed the following values:

     −152 dB(W/m2) in any 4 kHz band for angles of arrival between 0 and 5 degrees above the horizontal plane;

     −152 + (δ−5)/2 dB(W/m2) in any 4 kHz band for angles of arrival δ (in degrees) between 5 and 25 degrees
     above the horizontal plane; and

     −142 dB(W/m2) in any 4 kHz band for angles of arrival between 25 and 90 degrees above the horizontal plane

     These limits relate to the power flux density which would be obtained under assumed free-space propagation
     conditions.

     (b) In the bands 10.95–11.2 and 11.45–11.7 GHz for GSO FSS space stations and 10.7–11.7 GHz for NGSO
         FSS space stations, the power flux-density at the Earth's surface produced by emissions from a space
         station for all conditions and for all methods of modulation shall not exceed the lower of the following
         values:

           (1) −150 dB(W/m2) in any 4 kHz band for angles of arrival between 0 and 5 degrees above the horizontal
               plane; −150 + (δ−5)/2 dB(W/m2) in any 4 kHz band for angles of arrival (δ) (in degrees) between 5
               and 25 degrees above the horizontal plane; and −140 dB(W/m2) in any 4 kHz band for angles of
               arrival between 25 and 90 degrees above the horizontal plane; or

           (2) −126 dB(W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for angles of arrival between 0 and 5 degrees above the
               horizontal plane; −126 + (δ−5)/2 dB(W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for angles of arrival (δ) (in degrees)
               between 5 and 25 degrees above the horizontal plane; and −116 dB(W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for
               angles of arrival between 25 and 90 degrees above the horizontal plane.

                 Note to paragraph (b): These limits relate to the power flux density, which would be obtained
                 under assumed free-space propagation conditions.

     (c) For a GSO space station in the 17.7–19.7 GHz, 22.55–23.55 GHz, or 24.45–24.75 GHz bands, or for an
         NGSO space station in the 22.55–23.55 GHz or 24.45–24.75 GHz bands, the PFD at the Earth's surface
         produced by emissions for all conditions and for all methods of modulation must not exceed the
         following values:

           (1) −115 dB (W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for angles of arrival between 0 and 5 degrees above the
               horizontal plane.

           (2) −115 + 0.5 (δ-5) dB (W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for angles of arrival d (in degrees) between 5 and 25
               degrees above the horizontal plane.

           (3) −105 dB (W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for angles of arrival between 25 and 90 degrees above the
               horizontal plane.

     (d) In addition to the limits specified in paragraph (c) of this section, the power flux-density across the 200
         MHz band 18.6–18.8 GHz produced at the Earth's surface by emissions from a space station under
         assumed free-space propagation conditions shall not exceed −95 dB (W/m2) for all angles of arrival. This
         limit may be exceeded by up to 3 dB for no more than 5% of the time.

47 CFR 25.208(d) (enhanced display)                                                                   page 108 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                           47 CFR 25.208(e)
Satellite Communications

    (e)–(m) [Reserved]

     (n) The power-flux density at the Earth's surface produced by emissions from a space station in the Fixed-
         Satellite Service (space-to-Earth), for all conditions and for all methods of modulation, shall not exceed
         the limits given in Table N. These limits relate to the power flux-density which would be obtained under
         assumed free-space conditions.

               Table N—Limits of Power-Flux Density From Space Stations in the Band
                                        6700–7075 MHz

                               Limit in dB (W/m2) for angle of arrival (δ) above the horizontal
              Frequency                                                                               Reference
                                                           plane
                 band                                                                                 bandwidth
                                 0°–5°                   5°–25°                    25°–90°
            6700–6825         −137            −137 + 0.5(δ−5)                  −127               1 MHz.
            MHz
            6825–7075         −154            −154 + 0.5(δ−5)                  −144               4 kHz.
            MHz               and             and                              and
                              −134            −134 + 0.5(δ−5)                  −124               1 MHz.

     (o) In the band 12.2–12.7 GHz, for NGSO FSS space stations, the specified low-angle power flux-density at
         the Earth's surface produced by emissions from a space station shall not be exceeded into an operational
         MVDDS receiver:

           (1) −158 dB(W/m2) in any 4 kHz band for angles of arrival between 0 and 2 degrees above the horizontal
               plane; and

           (2) −158 + 3.33(δ−2) dB(W/m2) in any 4 kHz band for angles of arrival (δ) (in degrees) between 2 and 5
               degrees above the horizontal plane.

                 Note to paragraph (o): These limits relate to the power flux density, which would be obtained
                 under assumed free-space propagation conditions.

     (p) The power flux-density at the Earth's surface produced by emissions from a space station in either the
         Earth exploration-satellite service in the band 25.5–27 GHz or the inter-satellite service in the band
         25.25–27.5 GHz for all conditions and for all methods of modulation shall not exceed the following
         values:

           −115 dB(W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for angles of arrival between 0 and 5 degrees above the horizontal
           plane;

           −115 + 0.5(−5) dB(W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for angles of arrival between 5 and 25 degrees above the
           horizontal plane;

           −105 dB(W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for angles of arrival between 25 and 90 degrees above the horizontal
           plane.

           These limits relate to the power flux-density which would be obtained under assumed free-space
           propagation conditions.

47 CFR 25.208(p) (enhanced display)                                                                          page 109 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                   47 CFR 25.208(q)
Satellite Communications

     (q) In the band 37.5–40.0 GHz, the power flux-density at the Earth's surface produced by emissions from a
         geostationary space station for all methods of modulation shall not exceed the following values.

           (1) This limit relates to the power flux-density which would be obtained under assumed free space
               conditions (that is, when no allowance is made for propogation impairments such as rain-fade):

                −139 dB(W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for angles of arrival between 0 and 5 degrees above the
                horizontal plane;

                −139 + 4/3 (δ−5) dB(W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for angles of arrival δ (in degrees) between 5 and 20
                degrees above the horizontal plane; and

                −119 + 0.4 (δ−20) dB(W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for angles of arrival δ (in degrees) between 20 and
                25 degrees above the horizontal plane;

                −117 dB(W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for angles of arrival between 25 and 90 degrees above the
                horizontal plane;

           (2) This limit relates to the maximum power flux-density which would be obtained anywhere on the
               surface of the Earth during periods when FSS system raises power to compensate for rain-fade
               conditions at the FSS Earth station:

                −127 dB(W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for angles of arrival between 0 and 5 degrees above the
                horizontal plane;

                −127 + 4/3 (δ−5) dB(W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for angles of arrival δ (in degrees) between 5 and 20
                degrees above the horizontal plane; and

                −107 + 0.4 (δ−20) dB(W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for angles of arrival δ (in degrees) between 20 and
                25 degrees above the horizontal plane;

                −105 dB(W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for angles of arrival between 25 and 90 degrees above the
                horizontal plane.

                 Note to paragraph (q): The conditions under which satellites may exceed the power flux-
                 density limits for normal free space propagation described in paragraph (p)(1) to compensate
                 for the effects of rain fading are under study and have therefore not yet been defined. Such
                 conditions and the extent to which these limits can be exceeded will be the subject of a
                 further rulemaking by the Commission on the satellite service rules.

     (r) In the band 37.5–40.0 GHz, the power flux-density at the Earth's surface produced by emissions from a
         non-geostationary space station for all methods of modulation shall not exceed the following values:

           (1) This limit relates to the power flux-density which would be obtained under assumed free space
               conditions (that is, when no allowance is made for propogation impairments such as rain-fade):

                −132 dB(W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for angles of arrival between 0 and 5 degrees above the
                horizontal plane;

                −132 + 0.75 (δ−5) dB(W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for angles of arrival δ (in degrees) between 5 and 25
                degrees above the horizontal plane; and

47 CFR 25.208(r)(1) (enhanced display)                                                               page 110 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                  47 CFR 25.208(r)(2)
Satellite Communications

                −117 dB(W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for angles of arrival between 25 and 90 degrees above the
                horizontal plane;

           (2) This limit relates to the maximum power flux-density which would be obtained anywhere on the
               surface of the Earth during periods when FSS system raises power to compensate for rain-fade
               conditions at the FSS Earth station:

                −120 dB(W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for angles of arrival between 0 and 5 degrees above the
                horizontal plane;

                −120 + 0.75 (δ−5) dB(W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for angles of arrival δ (in degrees) between 5 and 25
                degrees above the horizontal plane; and

                −105 dB(W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for angles of arrival between 25 and 90 degrees above the
                horizontal plane.

                 Note to paragraph (r): The conditions under which satellites may exceed these power flux-
                 density limits for normal free space propagation described in paragraph (q)(1) to compensate
                 for the effects of rain fading are under study and have therefore not yet been defined. Such
                 conditions and the extent to which these limits can be exceeded will be the subject of a
                 further rulemaking by the Commission on the satellite service rules.

     (s) In the 40.0–40.5 GHz band, the power flux density at the Earth's surface produced by emissions from a
         space station for all conditions and for all methods of modulation shall not exceed the following values:

           −115 dB(W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for angles of arrival between 0 and 5 degrees above the horizontal
           plane;

           −115 + 0.5 (δ−5) dB(W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for angles of arrival δ (in degrees) between 5 and 25
           degrees above the horizontal plane; and

           −105 dB(W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for angles of arrival between 25 and 90 degrees above the horizontal
           plane;

           Note to paragraph (s): These limits relate to the power flux-density that would be obtained under
           assumed free-space propagation conditions.

     (t) In the band 40.5–42.0 GHz, the power flux density at the Earth's surface produced by emissions from a
         non-geostationary space station for all conditions and for all methods of modulation shall not exceed the
         following values:

           −115 dB(W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for angles of arrival between 0 and 5 degrees above the horizontal
           plane;

           −115 + 0.5 (δ−5) dB(W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for angles of arrival δ (in degrees) between 5 and 25
           degrees above the horizontal plane; and

           −105 dB(W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for angles of arrival between 25 and 90 degrees above the horizontal
           plane;

47 CFR 25.208(t) (enhanced display)                                                                    page 111 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                    47 CFR 25.208(u)
Satellite Communications

           Note to paragraph (t): These limits relate to the power flux density that would be obtained under
           assumed free-space propagation conditions.

     (u) In the band 40.5–42.0 GHz, the power flux-density at the Earth's surface produced by emissions from a
         geostationary space station for all conditions and for all methods of modulation shall not exceed the
         following values:

           −120 dB(W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for angles of arrival between 0 and 5 degrees above the horizontal
           plane;

           −120 + (δ−5) dB(W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for angles of arrival δ (in degrees) between 5 and 15 degrees
           above the horizontal plane;

           −110 + 0.5 (δ−15) dB(W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for angles of arrival δ (in degrees) between 15 and 25
           degrees above the horizontal plane; and

           −105 dB(W/m2) in any 1 MHz band for angles of arrival between 25 and 90 degrees above the horizontal
           plane;

           Note to paragraph (u): These limits relate to the power flux-density that would be obtained under
           assumed free-space propagation conditions.

     (v) In the band 2496–2500 MHz, the power flux-density at the Earth's surface produced by emissions from
         non-geostationary space stations for all conditions and all methods of modulation shall not exceed the
         following values (these values are obtained under assumed free-space propagation conditions):

           (1) −144 dB (W/m^2) in 4 kHz for all angles of arrival between 0 and 5 degrees above the horizontal
               plane; −144 dB (W/m^2) + 0.65(δ −5) in 4 kHz for all angles of arrival between 5 and 25 degrees
               above the horizontal plane; and

                −131 dB (W/m^2) in 4 kHz and for all angles of arrival between 25 and 90 degrees above the
                horizontal plane.

           (2) −126 dB (W/m^2) in 1 MHz for all angles of arrival between 0 and 5 degrees above the horizontal
               plane; −126 dB (W/m^2) + 0.65(δ −5) in 1 MHz for all angles of arrival between 5 and 25 degrees
               above the horizontal plane; and

                −113 dB (W/m^2) in 1 MHz and for all angles of arrival between 25 and 90 degrees above the
                horizontal plane.

     (w) [Reserved]

[48 FR 40255, Sept. 6, 1983]

Editorial Note: For FEDERAL REGISTER citations affecting § 25.208, see the List of CFR Sections Affected, which
appears in the Finding Aids section of the printed volume and at www.govinfo.gov.

47 CFR 25.208(w) (enhanced display)                                                                   page 112 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                            47 CFR 25.209
Satellite Communications

§ 25.209 Earth station antenna performance standards.
     (a) Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, the co-polarization gain of any earth station antenna
         operating in the FSS and transmitting to a GSO satellite, including earth stations providing feeder links for
         satellite services other than FSS, may not exceed the following limits:

           (1) In the plane tangent to the GSO arc, as defined in § 25.103, for earth stations not operating in the
               conventional Ku-band, the 24.75–25.25 GHz band, or the 27.5–30 GHz band:

                 29–25log10θ                           dBi           for 1.5° ≤ θ ≤ 7°.
                 8                                     dBi           for 7° < θ ≤ 9.2°.
                 32–25log10θ                           dBi           for 9.2° < θ ≤ 48°.
                 −10                                   dBi           for 48° < θ ≤ 180°.

                Where θ is the angle in degrees from a line from the earth station antenna to the assigned orbital
                location of the target satellite, and dBi refers to dB relative to an isotropic radiator. This envelope
                may be exceeded by up to 3 dB in 10% of the range of θ angles from ±7–180°, and by up to 6 dB in
                the region of main reflector spillover energy.

           (2) In the plane tangent to the GSO arc, for earth stations operating in the conventional Ku-band:

                 29–25log10θ                          dBi          for 1.5° ≤ θ ≤ 7°.
                 8                                    dBi          for 7° < θ ≤ 9.2°.
                 32–25log10θ                          dBi          for 9.2° < θ ≤ 19.1°.
                 0                                    dBi          for 19.1° < θ ≤ 180°.

                Where θ and dBi are as defined in paragraph (a)(1) of this section. This envelope may be exceeded
                by up to 3 dB in 10% of the range of θ angles from ±7–180°, and by up to 6 dB in the region of main
                reflector spillover energy.

           (3) In the plane tangent to the GSO arc, for earth stations operating in the 24.75–25.25 GHz or 27.5–30
               GHz bands:

                 29–25log10θ                          dBi          for 2° ≤ θ ≤ 7°.
                 8                                    dBi          for 7° < θ ≤ 9.2°.
                 32–25log10θ                          dBi          for 9.2° < θ ≤ 19.1°.
                 0                                    dBi          for 19.1° < θ ≤ 180°.

                Where θ and dBi are as defined in paragraph (a)(1) of this section. This envelope may be exceeded
                by up to 3 dB in 10% of the range of θ angles from ±7–180°, and by up to 6 dB in the region of main
                reflector spillover energy.

           (4) In the plane perpendicular to the GSO arc, as defined in § 25.103, for earth stations not operating in
               the conventional Ku-band, the 24.75–25.25 GHz band, or the 27.5–30 GHz band:

                 32–25log10θ                           dBi           for 3° < θ ≤ 48°.

47 CFR 25.209(a)(4) (enhanced display)                                                                      page 113 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                    47 CFR 25.209(a)(5)
Satellite Communications

                 −10                                  dBi           for 48° < θ ≤ 180°.

                Where θ and dBi are as defined in paragraph (a)(1) of this section. This envelope may be exceeded
                by up to 6 dB in 10% of the range of θ angles from ±3–180°, and by up to 6 dB in the region of main
                reflector spillover energy.

           (5) In the plane perpendicular to the GSO arc, for earth stations operating in the conventional Ku-band:

                Outside the main beam, the gain of the antenna shall lie below the envelope defined by:

                 32–25log10θ                        dBi           for 3° < θ ≤ 19.1°.
                 0                                  dBi           for 19.1° < θ ≤ 180°.

                Where θ and dBi are as defined in paragraph (a)(1) of this section. This envelope may be exceeded
                by up to 6 dB in 10% of the range of θ angles from ±3–180°, and by up to 6 dB in the region of main
                reflector spillover energy.

           (6) In the plane perpendicular to the GSO arc, for earth stations operating in the 24.75–25.25 GHz or
               27.5–30 GHz bands:

                 32–25log10θ                        dBi           for 3.5° < θ ≤ 7°.
                 10.9                               dBi           for 7° < θ ≤ 9.2°.
                 35–25log10θ                        dBi           for 9.2° < θ ≤ 19.1°.
                 3                                  dBi           for 19.1° < θ ≤ 180°.

                Where θ and dBi are as defined in paragraph (a)(1) of this section. This envelope may be exceeded
                by up to 6 dB in 10% of the range of θ angles from ±3–180°, and by up to 6 dB in the region of main
                reflector spillover energy.

     (b) Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, the off-axis cross-polarization gain of any antenna
         used for transmission from an FSS earth station to a GSO satellite, including earth stations providing
         feeder links for satellite services other than FSS, may not exceed the following limits:

           (1) In the plane tangent to the GSO arc, for earth stations not operating in the 24.75–25.25 GHz or
               27.5–30 GHz bands:

                 19–25log10θ                              dBi          for 1.8° < θ ≤ 7°.

                Where θ and dBi are as defined in paragraph (a)(1) of this section.

           (2) In the plane perpendicular to the GSO arc, for earth stations not operating in the 24.75–25.25 GHz or
               27.5–30 GHz bands:

                 19–25log10θ                                dBi            for 3° < θ ≤ 7°.

                Where θ and dBi are as defined in paragraph (a)(1) of this section.

47 CFR 25.209(b)(2) (enhanced display)                                                                    page 114 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                             47 CFR 25.209(b)(3)
Satellite Communications

           (3) In the plane tangent to the GSO arc or in the plane perpendicular to the GSO arc, for earth stations
               operating in the 24.75–25.25 GHz or 27.5–30 GHz bands:

                  19–25log10θ                                  dBi             for 2° < θ ≤ 7°.

                  Where θ and dBi are as defined in paragraph (a)(1) of this section.

     (c)

           (1) An earth station licensed for operation with a GSO FSS space station or registered for reception of
               transmissions from such a space station pursuant to § 25.115(b)(1) and (b)(3) is not entitled to
               protection from interference from authorized operation of other stations that would not cause
               harmful interference to that earth station if it were using an antenna with receive-band gain patterns
               conforming to the levels specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section.

           (2) A 17/24 GHz BSS telemetry earth station is not entitled to protection from harmful interference from
               authorized space station operation that would not cause harmful interference to that earth station if
               it were using an antenna with receive-band gain patterns conforming to the levels specified in
               paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section. Receive-only earth stations in the 17/24 GHz BSS are entitled
               to protection from harmful interference caused by other space stations to the extent indicated in §
               25.224.

     (d) [Reserved]

     (e) An earth station using asymmetrical antennas without skew angle adjustment capability must comply
         with the gain values specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, in the plane orthogonal to the to the main
         plane of the antenna, or, alternatively, in the plane corresponding to the maximum skew angle experienced
         at any location at which the earth station may be located.

     (f) A GSO FSS earth station with an antenna that does not conform to the applicable standards in paragraphs
         (a) and (b) of this section will be authorized only if the applicant demonstrates that the antenna will not
         cause unacceptable interference. This demonstration must show that the transmissions of the earth
         station comport with the requirements in § 25.218 or the applicant must demonstrate that the operations
         of the earth station have been coordinated under § 25.220.

     (g) [Reserved]

     (h) The gain of any transmitting antenna in a gateway earth station communicating with NGSO FSS satellites
         in the 10.7–11.7 GHz, 12.75–13.15 GHz, 13.2125–13.25 GHz, 13.8–14.0 GHz, and/or 14.4–14.5 GHz
         bands must lie below the envelope defined as follows:

            29–25log10(θ)                              dBi           for 1° ≤ θ ≤ 36°.
            −10                                        dBi           for 36° ≤ θ ≤ 180°.

Where θ and dBi are as defined in paragraph (a)(1) of this section. This envelope may be exceeded by up to 3 dB in
10% of the range of θ angles from ±7–180°.

[48 FR 40255, Sept. 6, 1983, as amended at 50 FR 2675, Jan. 18, 1985; 50 FR 39004, Sept. 26, 1985; 58 FR 13420, Mar. 11, 1993;
66 FR 10630, Feb. 16, 2001; 70 FR 32255, June 2, 2005; 72 FR 50029, Aug. 29, 2007; 73 FR 70901, Nov. 24, 2008; 74 FR 57099,
Nov. 4, 2009; 78 FR 8427, Feb. 6, 2013; 78 FR 14927, Mar. 8, 2013; 79 FR 8322, Feb. 12, 2014; 81 FR 55336, Aug. 18, 2016; 83 FR
34491, July 20, 2018; 84 FR 53655, Oct. 8, 2019; 85 FR 44787, July 24, 2020; 87 FR 72406, Nov. 25, 2022]

47 CFR 25.209(h) (enhanced display)                                                                               page 115 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                                 47 CFR 25.210
Satellite Communications

§ 25.210 Technical requirements for space stations.
    (a)–(b) [Reserved]

     (c) Space station antennas operating in the Direct Broadcast Satellite Service or operating in the Fixed-
         Satellite Service for reception of feeder links for Direct Broadcast Satellite Service must be designed to
         provide a cross-polarization isolation such that the ratio of the on-axis co-polar gain to the cross-polar
         gain of the antenna in the assigned frequency band is at least 27 dB within the primary coverage area.

    (d)–(e) [Reserved]

     (f) All space stations in the Fixed-Satellite Service operating in any portion of the 3600–4200 MHz,
         5091–5250 MHz, 5850–7025 MHz, 10.7–12.7 GHz, 12.75–13.25 GHz, 13.75–14.5 GHz, 15.43–15.63
         GHz, 17.3–17.8 GHz (space-to-Earth), 18.3–20.2 GHz, 24.75–25.25 GHz, or 27.5–30.0 GHz bands,
         including feeder links for other space services, and in the Broadcasting-Satellite Service in the 17.3–17.8
         GHz band (space-to-Earth), shall employ state-of-the-art full frequency reuse, either through the use of
         orthogonal polarizations within the same beam and/or the use of spatially independent beams. This
         requirement does not apply to telemetry, tracking, and command operation.

    (g)–(i) [Reserved]

      (j)   Space stations operated in the geostationary satellite orbit must be maintained within 0.05° of their
            assigned orbital longitude in the east/west direction, unless specifically authorized by the Commission to
            operate with a different longitudinal tolerance, and except as provided in Section 25.283(b) (End-of-life
            Disposal).

[58 FR 13420, Mar. 11, 1993, as amended at 61 FR 9952, Mar. 12, 1996; 62 FR 5931, Feb. 10, 1997; 62 FR 61457, Nov. 18, 1997; 68
FR 51508, Aug. 27, 2003; 69 FR 54587, Sept. 9, 2004; 70 FR 32256, June 2, 2005; 72 FR 50029, Aug. 29, 2007; 78 FR 8428, Feb. 6,
2013; 79 FR 8323, Feb. 12, 2014; 81 FR 55338, Aug. 18, 2016; 83 FR 34491, July 20, 2018; 87 FR 72406, Nov. 25, 2022]

§ 25.211 Analog video transmissions in the FSS.
     (a) [Reserved]

     (b) All conventional C-band analog video transmissions must contain an energy dispersal signal at all times
         with a minimum peak-to-peak bandwidth set at whatever value is necessary to meet the power flux
         density limits specified in § 25.208(a) and successfully coordinated internationally and accepted by
         adjacent U.S. satellite operators based on the use of state of the art space and earth station facilities. All
         transmissions in frequency bands described in § 25.208(b) and (c) must also contain an energy dispersal
         signal at all times with a minimum peak-to-peak bandwidth set at whatever value is necessary to meet the
         power flux density limits specified in § 25.208(b) and (c) and successfully coordinated internationally and
         accepted by adjacent U.S. satellite operators based on the use of state of the art space and earth station
         facilities.

     (c) All initial analog video transmissions shall be preceded by a video test transmission at an uplink e.i.r.p. at
         least 10 dB below the normal operating level. The earth station operator shall not increase power until
         receiving notification from the satellite network control center that the frequency and polarization
         alignment are satisfactory pursuant to the procedures specified in § 25.272. The stationary earth station
         operator that has successfully transmitted an initial video test signal to a satellite pursuant to this
         paragraph is not required to make subsequent video test transmissions if subsequent transmissions are
         conducted using exactly the same parameters as the initial transmission.

47 CFR 25.211(c) (enhanced display)                                                                             page 116 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                              47 CFR 25.211(d)
Satellite Communications

     (d) An earth station may be routinely licensed for transmission of full-transponder analog video services in
         the 5925–6425 MHz band or 14.0–14.5 GHz band provided:

           (1) The application includes certification, pursuant to § 25.132(a)(1), of conformance with the antenna
               performance standards in § 25.209(a) and (b);

           (2) For transmission in the 5925–6425 MHz band, the input power into the antenna will not exceed 26.5
               dBW; or

           (3) For transmission in the 14.0–14.5 GHz band, the input power into the antenna will not exceed 27
               dBW.

     (e) Applications for authority for analog video uplink transmission in the 5925–6425 MHz or 14.0–14.5 GHz
         bands that are not eligible for routine processing under paragraph (d) of this section are subject to the
         requirements of § 25.220.

[58 FR 13421, Mar. 11, 1993, as amended at 61 FR 9952, Mar. 12, 1996; 62 FR 5931, Feb. 10, 1997; 70 FR 32256, June 2, 2005; 78
FR 8428, Feb. 6, 2013; 79 FR 8323, Feb. 12, 2014; 81 FR 55338, Aug. 18, 2016]

§ 25.212 Narrowband analog transmissions and digital transmissions in the GSO FSS.
     (a) Except as otherwise provided by this part, criteria for unacceptable levels of interference caused by other
         satellite networks shall be established on the basis of nominal operating conditions and with the objective
         of minimizing orbital separations between satellites.

     (b) Emissions with an occupied bandwidth of less than 2 MHz are not protected from interference from wider
         bandwidth transmissions if the r.f. carrier frequency of the narrowband signal is within ±1 MHz of one of
         the frequencies specified in § 25.211(a).

     (c)

           (1) An earth station, other than an ESIM, may be routinely licensed for analog transmissions in the
               conventional Ku-band or the extended Ku-band with bandwidths up to 200 kHz (or up to 1 MHz for
               command carriers at the band edge) if the input power spectral density into the antenna will not
               exceed −8 dBW/4 kHz, and the application includes certification pursuant to § 25.132(a)(1) of
               conformance with the antenna gain performance requirements in § 25.209(a) and (b).

           (2) An earth station may be routinely licensed for digital transmission, including digital video
               transmission, in the conventional Ku-band, or, except for an ESIM, in the extended Ku-band, if input
               power spectral density into the antenna will not exceed −14 dBW/4 kHz and the application includes
               certification pursuant to § 25.132(a)(1) of conformance with the antenna gain performance
               requirements in § 25.209(a) and (b).

     (d) An individual earth station may be routinely licensed for digital transmission in the conventional C-band or,
         except for an ESIM, in the extended C-band, if the applicant certifies conformance with relevant antenna
         performance standards in § 25.209(a) and (b), and power density into the antenna will not exceed −2.7
         dBW/4 kHz. An individual earth station, other than an ESIM, may be routinely licensed for analog
         transmission with carrier bandwidths up to 200 kHz (or up to 1 MHz for command carriers at the band
         edge) in the conventional C-band or the extended C-band, if the applicant certifies conformance with
         relevant antenna performance standards in § 25.209(a) and (b), and power density into the antenna will
         not exceed +0.5 dBW/4 kHz.

47 CFR 25.212(d) (enhanced display)                                                                             page 117 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                               47 CFR 25.212(e)
Satellite Communications

     (e) An earth station may be routinely licensed for digital transmission in the conventional or extended Ka-
         bands if the input power spectral density into the antenna will not exceed 3.5 dBW/MHz and the
         application includes certification pursuant to § 25.132(a)(1) of conformance with the antenna gain
         performance requirements in § 25.209(a) and (b).

     (f) In the 24.75–25.25 GHz band, an earth station that meets the antenna gain pattern requirements set forth
         in § 25.209(a) and (b) of this part may be routinely licensed if the maximum power density into the
         antenna does not exceed 3.5 dBW/MHz.

     (g) A license application for earth station operation in a network using variable power density control of earth
         stations transmitting simultaneously in shared frequencies to the same target satellite receiving beam
         may be routinely processed if the applicant certifies that the aggregate off-axis EIRP density from all co-
         frequency earth stations transmitting simultaneously to the same target satellite receiving beam, not
         resulting from colliding data bursts transmitted pursuant to a contention protocol, will not exceed the
         applicable off-axis EIRP density limits permissible for a single earth station, as specified in § 25.218.

     (h) Applications for authority for fixed earth station operation in the conventional C-band, the extended C-
         band, the conventional Ku-band, the extended Ku-band, the conventional Ka-band, or the extended Ka-
         band that do not qualify for routine processing under relevant criteria in this section, § 25.211, or § 25.218
         are subject to the requirements in § 25.220.

[58 FR 13421, Mar. 11, 1993, as amended at 62 FR 5931, Feb. 10, 1997; 62 FR 51378, Oct. 1, 1997; 70 FR 32256, June 2, 2005; 70
FR 33376, June 8, 2005; 72 FR 50030, Aug. 29, 2007; 73 FR 70902, Nov. 24, 2008; 78 FR 8428, Feb. 6, 2013; 79 FR 8323, Feb. 12,
2014; 81 FR 55338, Aug. 18, 2016; 84 FR 53655, Oct. 8, 2019; 87 FR 72406, Nov. 25, 2022]

§ 25.213 Inter-Service coordination requirements for the 1.6/2.4 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service.
     (a) Protection of the radio astronomy service in the 1610.6–1613.8 MHz band against interference from 1.6/
         2.4 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service systems.

           (1) Protection zones. All 1.6/2.4 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service systems shall be capable of determining
               the position of the user transceivers accessing the space segment through either internal
               radiodetermination calculations or external sources such as LORAN–C or the Global Positioning
               System.

                 (i)   In the band 1610.6–1613.8 MHz, within a 160 km radius of the following radio astronomy sites:

                                         Observatory                      Latitude (DMS)               Longitude (DMS)
                        Arecibo, PR                                                   18 20 46                       66 45 11
                        Green Bank Telescope, WV                                      38 25 59                       79 50 24
                                                                                      38 26 09                       79 49 42
                        Very Large Array, NM                                          34 04 43                      107 37 04
                        Owens Valley, CA                                              37 13 54                      118 17 36
                        Ohio State, OH                                                40 15 06                       83 02 54

                 (ii) In the band 1610.6–1613.8 MHz, within a 50 km radius of the following sites:

                                  Observatory                      Latitude (DMS)                   Longitude (DMS)
                        Pile Town, NM                                            34 18 04                           108 07 07

47 CFR 25.213(a)(1)(ii) (enhanced display)                                                                      page 118 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                          47 CFR 25.213(a)(1)(iii)
Satellite Communications

                                   Observatory                     Latitude (DMS)                    Longitude (DMS)
                       Los Alamos, NM                                             35 46 30                            106 14 42
                       Kitt Peak, AZ                                              31 57 22                            111 36 42
                       Ft. Davis, TX                                              30 38 06                            103 56 39
                       N. Liberty, IA                                             41 46 17                             91 34 26
                       Brewster, WA                                               48 07 53                            119 40 55
                       Owens Valley, CA                                           37 13 54                            118 16 34
                       St. Croix, VI                                              17 45 31                             64 35 03
                       Mauna Kea, HI                                              19 48 16                            155 27 29
                       Hancock, NH                                                42 56 01                             71 59 12

                (iii) Out-of-band emissions of a mobile earth station licensed to operate within the 1610.0–1626.5
                      MHz band shall be attenuated so that the power flux density it produces in the 1610.6–1613.8
                      MHz band at any radio astronomy site listed in paragraph (a)(1) (i) or (ii) of this section shall
                      not exceed the emissions of a mobile earth station operating within the 1610.6–1613.8 MHz
                      band at the edge of the protection zone applicable for that site. As an alternative, a mobile
                      earth station shall not operate during radio astronomy observations within the 1613.8–1615.8
                      MHz band within 100 km of the radio astronomy sites listed in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this
                      section, and within 30 km of the sites listed in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section, there being no
                      restriction on a mobile earth station operating within the 1615.8–1626.5 MHz band.

                (iv) For airborne mobile earth stations operating in the 1610.0–1626.5 MHz band, the separation
                     distance shall be the larger of the distances specified in paragraph (a)(1) (i), (ii) or (iii) of this
                     section, as applicable, or the distance, d, as given by the formula:

                      d (km) = 4.1 square root of (h)
                where h is the altitude of the aircraft in meters above ground level.

                 (v) Smaller geographic protection zones may be used in lieu of the areas specified in paragraphs
                     (a)(1) (i), (ii), (iii), and (iv) of this section if agreed to by the Mobile-Satellite Service licensee and
                     the Electromagnetic Spectrum Management Unit (ESMU), National Science Foundation,
                     Washington, D.C. upon a showing by the Mobile-Satellite Service licensee that the operation of
                     a mobile earth station will not cause harmful interference to a radio astronomy observatory
                     during periods of observation.

                (vi) The ESMU shall notify Mobile-Satellite Service space station licensees authorized to operate
                     mobile earth stations in the 1610.0–1626.5 MHz band of periods of radio astronomy
                     observations. The Mobile-Satellite systems shall be capable of terminating operations within
                     the frequency bands and protection zones specified in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) through (iv) of this
                     section, as applicable, after the first position fix of the mobile earth station either prior to
                     transmission or, based upon its location within the protection zone at the time of initial
                     transmission of the mobile earth station. Once the Mobile-Satellite Service system determines
                     that a mobile earth station is located within an RAS protection zone, the Mobile-Satellite Service
                     system shall immediately initiate procedures to relocate the mobile earth station operations to
                     a non-RAS frequency.

47 CFR 25.213(a)(1)(vi) (enhanced display)                                                                       page 119 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                        47 CFR 25.213(a)(1)(vii)
Satellite Communications

                (vii) A beacon-actuated protection zone may be used in lieu of fixed protection zones in the
                      1610.6–1613.8 MHz band if a coordination agreement is reached between a mobile-satellite
                      system licensee and the ESMU on the specifics of beacon operations.

                (viii) Additional radio astronomy sites, not located within 100 miles of the 100 most populous
                       urbanized areas as defined by the United States Census Bureau at the time, may be afforded
                       similar protection one year after notice to the mobile-satellite system licensees by issuance of
                       a public notice by the Commission.

           (2) Mobile-Satellite Service space stations transmitting in the 1613.8–1626.5 MHz band shall take
               whatever steps necessary to avoid causing harmful interference to the radio astronomy facilities
               listed in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section during periods of observation.

           (3) Mobile-Satellite Service space stations operating in the 2483.5–2500 MHz frequency band shall limit
               spurious emission levels in the 4990–5000 MHz band so as not to exceed −241 dB (W/m2/Hz) at the
               surface of the Earth.

           (4) The Radioastronomy Service shall avoid scheduling radio astronomy observations during peak MSS/
               RDSS traffic periods to the greatest extent practicable.

     (b) If a Mobile-Satellite Service space station operator in the 2496–2500 MHz band intends to operate at
         powers levels that exceed the PFD limits in § 25.208(v), or if actual operations routinely exceed these PFD
         limits, we require the Mobile-Satellite Service operator to receive approval from each operational BRS
         system in the affected geographical region.

[59 FR 53329, Oct. 21, 1994, as amended at 61 FR 9945, Mar. 12, 1996; 67 FR 61816, Oct. 2, 2002; 71 FR 35188, June 19, 2006; 78
FR 8428, Feb. 6, 2013]

§ 25.214 Technical requirements for space stations in the Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service
and associated terrestrial repeaters.
     (a) [Reserved]

     (b) Each system authorized under this section will be conditioned upon construction, launch and operation
         milestones as outlined in § 25.144(b). The failure to meet any of the milestones contained in an
         authorization will result in its cancellation, unless such failure is due to circumstances beyond the
         licensee's control or unless otherwise determined by the Commission upon proper showing by the
         licensee in any particular case.

     (c) Frequency assignments will be made for each satellite DARS system as follows:

           (1) Exclusive SDARS licenses are limited to the 2320–2345 MHz segment of the 2310–2360 MHz
               allocated bandwidth for SDARS;

           (2) Two, 12.5 MHz frequency assignments are available for satellite DARS: 2320.0–2332.5 MHz and
               2332.5–2345.0 MHz;

           (3) Satellite DARS licensees may reduce their assigned bandwidth occupancy to provide telemetry
               beacons in their exclusive frequency assignments;

           (4) Each licensee may employ cross polarization within its exclusive frequency assignment and/or may
               employ cross polarized transmissions in frequency assignments of other satellite DARS licensees
               under mutual agreement with those licensees. Licensees who come to mutual agreement to use

47 CFR 25.214(c)(4) (enhanced display)                                                                          page 120 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                            47 CFR 25.214(c)(5)
Satellite Communications

                cross-polarized transmissions shall apply to the Commission for approval of the agreement before
                coordination is initiated with other administrations by the licensee of the exclusive frequency
                assignment; and

           (5) Feeder uplink networks are permitted in the following Fixed-Satellite Service frequency bands:
               7025–7075 MHz and 6725–7025 MHz (101° W.L. orbital location only).

     (d) Power limit for SDARS terrestrial repeaters.

           (1) SDARS terrestrial repeaters must be operated at a power level less than or equal to 12-kW average
               EIRP, with a maximum peak-to-average power ratio of 13 dB.

           (2) SDARS repeaters are permitted to operate at power levels above 12-kW average EIRP, unless a
               potentially affected WCS licensee provides written notice that it intends to commence commercial
               service within the following 365 days. Starting 180 days after receipt of such written notice, SDARS
               repeaters within the area notified by the potentially affected WCS licensee must be operated at a
               power level less than or equal to 12-kW average EIRP, with a maximum peak-to-average power ratio
               of 13 dB.

           (3) For the purpose of this section, a WCS licensee is potentially affected if it is authorized to operate a
               base station in the 2305–2315 MHz or 2350–2360 MHz bands within 25 kilometers of a repeater
               seeking to operate with a power level greater than that prescribed in paragraph (d)(1) of this section.

[62 FR 11106, Mar. 11, 1997, as amended at 75 FR 45068, Aug. 2, 2010; 78 FR 8429, Feb. 6, 2013; 78 FR 9619, Feb. 11, 2013; 79
FR 8323, Feb. 12, 2014]

§ 25.215 [Reserved]
§ 25.216 Limits on emissions from mobile earth stations for protection of aeronautical
radionavigation-satellite service.
     (a) The e.i.r.p. density of emissions from mobile earth stations placed in service on or before July 21, 2002
         with assigned uplink frequencies between 1610 MHz and 1660.5 MHz shall not exceed −70 dBW/MHz,
         averaged over any 2 millisecond active transmission interval, in the band 1559–1587.42 MHz. The e.i.r.p.
         of discrete emissions of less than 700 Hz bandwidth generated by such stations shall not exceed −80
         dBW, averaged over any 2 millisecond active transmission interval, in that band.

     (b) The e.i.r.p. density of emissions from mobile earth stations placed in service on or before July 21, 2002
         with assigned uplink frequencies between 1610 MHz and 1626.5 MHz shall not exceed −64 dBW/MHz,
         averaged over any 2 millisecond active transmission interval, in the band 1587.42–1605 MHz. The e.i.r.p.
         of discrete emissions of less than 700 Hz bandwidth generated by such stations shall not exceed −74
         dBW, averaged over any 2 millisecond active transmission interval, in the 1587.42–1605 MHz band.

     (c) The e.i.r.p. density of emissions from mobile earth stations placed in service after July 21, 2002 with
         assigned uplink frequencies between 1610 MHz and 1660.5 MHz shall not exceed −70 dBW/MHz,
         averaged over any 2 millisecond active transmission interval, in the band 1559–1605 MHz. The e.i.r.p. of
         discrete emissions of less than 700 Hz bandwidth from such stations shall not exceed −80 dBW, averaged
         over any 2 millisecond active transmission interval, in the 1559–1605 MHz band.

     (d) As of January 1, 2005, the e.i.r.p. density of emissions from mobile earth stations placed in service on or
         before July 21, 2002 with assigned uplink frequencies between 1610 MHz and 1660.5 MHz (except
         Standard A and B Inmarsat terminals used as Global Maritime Distress and Safety System ship earth

47 CFR 25.216(d) (enhanced display)                                                                             page 121 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                       47 CFR 25.216(e)
Satellite Communications

            stations) shall not exceed −70dBW/MHz, averaged over any 2 millisecond active transmission interval, in
            the 1559–1605 MHz band. The e.i.r.p. of discrete emissions of less than 700 Hz bandwidth from such
            stations shall not exceed −80 dBW, averaged over any 2 millisecond active transmission interval, in the
            1559–1605 MHz band. Standard A Inmarsat terminals used as Global Maritime Distress and Safety
            System ship earth stations that do not meet the e.i.r.p. density limits specified in this paragraph may
            continue operation until December 31, 2007. Inmarsat-B terminals manufactured more than six months
            after FEDERAL REGISTER publication of the rule changes adopted in FCC 03–283 must meet these limits.
            Inmarsat B terminals manufactured before then are temporarily grandfathered under the condition that no
            interference is caused by these terminals to aeronautical satellite radio-navigation systems. The full-
            compliance deadline for grandfathered Inmarsat-B terminals is December 31, 2012.

     (e) The e.i.r.p density of emissions from mobile earth stations with assigned uplink frequencies between
         1990 MHz and 2025 MHz shall not exceed −70 dBW/MHz, averaged over any 2 millisecond active
         transmission interval, in frequencies between 1559 MHz and 1610 MHz. The e.i.r.p. of discrete emissions
         of less than 700 Hz bandwidth from such stations between 1559 MHz and 1605 MHz shall not exceed
         −80 dBW, averaged over any 2 millisecond active transmission interval. The e.i.r.p. of discrete emissions
         of less than 700 Hz bandwidth from such stations between 1605 MHz and 1610 MHz manufactured more
         than six months after FEDERAL REGISTER publication of the rule changes adopted in FCC 03–283 shall not
         exceed −80 dBW, averaged over any 2 millisecond active transmission interval.

     (f) Mobile earth stations placed in service after July 21, 2002 with assigned uplink frequencies in the
         1610–1660.5 MHz band shall suppress the power density of emissions in the 1605–1610 MHz band to
         an extent determined by linear interpolation from −70 dBW/MHz at 1605 MHz to −10 dBW/MHz at 1610
         MHz.

     (g) Mobile earth stations manufactured more than six months after FEDERAL REGISTER publication of the rule
         changes adopted in FCC 03–283 with assigned uplink frequencies in the 1610–1626.5 MHz band shall
         suppress the power density of emissions in the 1605–1610 MHz band-segment to an extent determined
         by linear interpolation from −70 dBW/MHz at 1605 MHz to −10 dBW/MHz at 1610 MHz averaged over any
         2 millisecond active transmission interval. The e.i.r.p of discrete emissions of less than 700 Hz bandwidth
         from such stations shall not exceed a level determined by linear interpolation from −80 dBW at 1605 MHz
         to −20 dBW at 1610 MHz, averaged over any 2 millisecond active transmission interval.

     (h) Mobile earth stations manufactured more than six months after FEDERAL REGISTER publication of the rule
         changes adopted in FCC 03–283 with assigned uplink frequencies in the 1626.5–1660.5 MHz band shall
         suppress the power density of emissions in the 1605–1610 MHz band-segment to an extent determined
         by linear interpolation from −70 dBW/MHz at 1605 MHz to −46 dBW/MHz at 1610 MHz, averaged over
         any 2 millisecond active transmission interval. The e.i.r.p of discrete emissions of less than 700 Hz
         bandwidth from such stations shall not exceed a level determined by linear interpolation from −80 dBW at
         1605 MHz to −56 dBW at 1610 MHz, averaged over any 2 millisecond active transmission interval.

      (i)   The e.i.r.p density of carrier-off state emissions from mobile earth stations manufactured more than six
            months after FEDERAL REGISTER publication of the rule changes adopted in FCC 03–283 with assigned
            uplink frequencies between 1 and 3 GHz shall not exceed −80 dBW/MHz in the 1559–1610 MHz band
            averaged over any two millisecond interval.

      (j)   A Root-Mean-Square detector shall be used for all power density measurements.

[69 FR 5710, Feb. 6, 2004, as amended at 70 FR 19318, Apr. 13, 2005]

47 CFR 25.216(j) (enhanced display)                                                                      page 122 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                           47 CFR 25.217
Satellite Communications

§ 25.217 Default service rules.
     (a) The technical rules in this section apply only to licenses to operate a satellite system in a frequency band
         granted after a domestic frequency allocation has been adopted for that frequency band, but before any
         frequency-band-specific service rules have been adopted for that frequency band.

     (b)

           (1) For all NGSO-like satellite licenses, except as specified in paragraph (b)(4) of this section, for which
               the application was filed pursuant to the procedures set forth in § 25.157 after August 27, 2003,
               authorizing operations in a frequency band for which the Commission has not adopted frequency
               band-specific service rules at the time the license is granted, the licensee will be required to comply
               with the technical requirements in paragraphs (b)(2) through (4) of this section, notwithstanding the
               frequency bands specified in these sections: §§ 25.143(b)(2)(ii) (except NGSO FSS systems) and (iii)
               (except NGSO FSS systems), 25.204(e), and 25.210(f) and (i).

           (2) In addition to the requirements set forth in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the Commission will
               coordinate with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) regarding
               the operations of any licensees authorized to operate in a shared government/non-government
               frequency band, pursuant to the procedure set forth in § 25.142(b)(2)(ii).

           (3) Mobile earth station licensees authorized to operate with one or more space stations subject to
               paragraph (b)(1) of this section must comply with the requirements in §§ 25.285 and 25.287,
               notwithstanding the frequency bands specified in those sections. In addition, earth station licensees
               authorized to operate with one or more space stations described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section
               in frequency bands shared with terrestrial wireless services shall comply with the requirements in §
               25.203(c).

           (4) For all small satellite licensees, for which the application was filed pursuant to § 25.122 or § 25.123,
               authorizing operations in a frequency band for which the Commission has not adopted frequency-
               band specific service rules at the time the license is granted, the licensee will not be required to
               comply with the technical requirements specified in this section.

     (c)

           (1) For all GSO-like satellite licenses for which the application was filed pursuant to the procedures set
               forth in § 25.158 after August 27, 2003, authorizing operations in a frequency band for which the
               Commission has not adopted frequency band-specific service rules at the time the license is
               granted, the licensee will be required to comply with the following technical requirements,
               notwithstanding the frequency bands specified in these rule provisions: §§ 25.143(b)(2)(iv),
               25.204(e), and 25.210(f), (i), and (j).

           (2) In addition to the requirements set forth in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the Commission will
               coordinate with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) regarding
               the operations of any licensees authorized to operate in a shared government/non-government
               frequency band, pursuant to the procedure set forth in § 25.142(b)(2)(ii).

           (3) Earth station licensees authorized to operate with one or more space stations described in
               paragraph (c)(1) of this section shall comply with the earth station antenna performance verification
               requirements in § 25.132, and the antenna gain pattern requirements in § 25.209(a) and (b). In

47 CFR 25.217(c)(3) (enhanced display)                                                                    page 123 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                            47 CFR 25.217(c)(4)
Satellite Communications

                addition, earth station licensees authorized to operate with one or more space stations described in
                paragraph (c)(1) of this paragraph in frequency bands shared with terrestrial wireless services shall
                comply with the requirements in § 25.203(c).

           (4) In addition to the requirements set forth in paragraph (c)(3) of this section, earth station licensees
               with a gain equivalent or higher than the gain of a 1.2 meter antenna operating in the 14.0–14.5 GHz
               band, authorized to operate with one or more space stations described in paragraph (c)(1) of this
               paragraph in frequency bands greater than 14.5 GHz shall be required to comply with the antenna
               input power density requirements set forth in § 25.212(c).

     (d) [Reserved]

     (e) In the event that the Commission adopts frequency band-specific service rules for a particular frequency
         band after it has granted one or more space station or earth station licenses for operations in that
         frequency band, those licensees will be required to come into compliance with the frequency band-
         specific service rules within 30 days of the effective date of those rules, unless otherwise specified by
         either Commission or Bureau Order.

[68 FR 51508, Aug. 27, 2003, as amended at 70 FR 59277, Oct. 12, 2005; 79 FR 8323, Feb. 12, 2014; 82 FR 59986, Dec. 18, 2017;
85 FR 43735, July 20, 2020; 86 FR 11644, Feb. 26, 2021]

§ 25.218 Off-axis EIRP density envelopes for FSS earth stations transmitting in certain
frequency bands.
     (a) Applicability. This section applies to applications for fixed and temporary-fixed FSS earth stations
         transmitting to geostationary space stations in the conventional C-band, extended C-band, conventional
         Ku-band, extended Ku-band, conventional Ka-band, extended Ka-band, or 24.75–25.25 GHz, and
         applications for ESIMs transmitting in the conventional C-band, conventional Ku-band, conventional Ka-
         band, except for applications proposing transmission of analog command signals at a band edge with
         bandwidths greater than 1 MHz or transmission of any other type of analog signal with bandwidths
         greater than 200 kHz.

     (b) Routine processing. Earth station applications subject to this section may be routinely processed if they
         meet the applicable off-axis EIRP density envelopes set forth in this section.

     (c) Analog earth station operation in the conventional or extended C-bands.

           (1) For co-polarized transmissions in the plane tangent to the GSO arc, as defined in § 25.103:

                 29.5–25log10θ                        dBW/4 kHz                    for 1.5° ≤ θ ≤ 7°.
                 8.5                                  dBW/4 kHz                    for 7° < θ ≤ 9.2°.
                 32.5–25log10θ                        dBW/4 kHz                    for 9.2° < θ ≤ 48°.
                 −9.5                                 dBW/4 kHz                    for 48° < θ ≤ 180°.

                Where θ is the angle in degrees from a line from the earth station antenna to the assigned orbital
                location of the target satellite. The EIRP density levels specified for θ > 7° may be exceeded by up to
                3 dB in up to 10% of the range of theta (θ) angles from ±7–180°, and by up to 6 dB in the region of
                main reflector spillover energy.

47 CFR 25.218(c)(1) (enhanced display)                                                                          page 124 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                      47 CFR 25.218(c)(2)
Satellite Communications

           (2) For co-polarized transmissions in the plane perpendicular to the GSO arc, as defined in § 25.103:

                 32.5–25log10θ                     dBW/4 kHz                  for 3° ≤ θ ≤ 48°.
                 −9.5                              dBW/4 kHz                  for 48° < θ ≤ 180°.

                Where θ is as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of this section. These EIRP density levels may be exceeded
                by up to 6 dB in the region of main reflector spillover energy and in up to 10% of the range of θ angles
                not included in that region, on each side of the line from the earth station to the target satellite.

           (3) For cross-polarized transmissions in the plane tangent to the GSO arc and in the plane perpendicular
               to the GSO arc:

                 19.5–25log10θ                      dBW/4 kHz                    for 1.5° ≤ θ ≤ 7°.

                Where θ is as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of this section.

     (d) Digital earth station operation in the conventional or extended C-bands.

           (1) For co-polarized transmissions in the plane tangent to the GSO arc:

                 26.3–25log10θ                     dBW/4 kHz                  for 1.5° ≤ θ ≤ 7°.
                 5.3                               dBW/4 kHz                  for 7° < θ ≤ 9.2°.
                 29.3–25log10θ                     dBW/4 kHz                  for 9.2° < θ ≤ 48°.
                 −12.7                             dBW/4 kHz                  for 48° < θ ≤ 180°.

                Where θ is as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of this section. The EIRP density levels specified for θ > 7°
                may be exceeded by up to 3 dB in up to 10% of the range of theta (θ) angles from ±7–180°, and by up
                to 6 dB in the region of main reflector spillover energy.

           (2) For co-polarized transmissions in the plane perpendicular to the GSO arc:

                 29.3–25log10θ                     dBW/4 kHz                  for 3° ≤ θ ≤ 48°.
                 −12.7                             dBW/4 kHz                  for 48° < θ ≤ 180°.

                Where θ is as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of this section. These EIRP density levels may be exceeded
                by up to 6 dB in the region of main reflector spillover energy and in up to 10% of the range of θ angles
                not included in that region, on each side of the line from the earth station to the target satellite.

           (3) For cross-polarized transmissions in the plane tangent to the GSO arc and in the plane perpendicular
               to the GSO arc:

                 16.3–25log10θ                      dBW/4 kHz                    for 1.5° ≤ θ ≤ 7°.

                Where θ is as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of this section.

           (4) A license application for earth station operation in a network using variable power density control of
               earth stations transmitting simultaneously in shared frequencies to the same target satellite
               receiving beam may be routinely processed if the applicant certifies that the aggregate off-axis EIRP

47 CFR 25.218(d)(4) (enhanced display)                                                                    page 125 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                        47 CFR 25.218(e)
Satellite Communications

                density from all co-frequency earth stations transmitting simultaneously to the same target satellite
                receiving beam, not resulting from colliding data bursts transmitted pursuant to a contention
                protocol, will not exceed the off-axis EIRP density limits permissible for a single earth station, as
                specified in paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(3) of this section.

     (e) Analog earth station operation in the conventional Ku-band.

           (1) For co-polarized transmissions in the plane tangent to the GSO arc:

                 21–25log10θ                   dBW/4 kHz                     for 1.5° ≤ θ ≤ 7°.
                 0                             dBW/4 kHz                     for 7° < θ ≤ 9.2°.
                 24–25log10θ                   dBW/4 kHz                     for 9.2° < θ ≤ 19.1°.
                 −8                            dBW/4 kHz                     for 19.1° < θ ≤ 180°.

                Where θ is as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of this section. The EIRP density levels specified for θ > 7°
                may be exceeded by up to 3 dB in up to 10% of the range of theta (θ) angles from ±7–180°, and by up
                to 6 dB in the region of main reflector spillover energy.

           (2) For co-polarized transmissions in the plane perpendicular to the GSO arc:

                 24–25log10θ                   dBW/4 kHz                     for 3° ≤ θ ≤ 19.1°.
                 −8                            dBW/4 kHz                     for 19.1° < θ ≤ 180°.

                Where θ is as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of this section. These EIRP density levels may be exceeded
                by up to 6 dB in the region of main reflector spillover energy and in up to 10% of the range of θ angles
                not included in that region, on each side of the line from the earth station to the target satellite.

           (3) For cross-polarized transmissions in the plane tangent to the GSO arc and in the plane perpendicular
               to the GSO arc:

                 11–25log10θ                      dBW/4 kHz                       for 1.5° ≤ θ ≤ 7°.

                Where θ is as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of this section.

     (f) Digital earth station operation in the conventional Ku-band.

           (1) For co-polarized transmissions in the plane tangent to the GSO arc:

                 15–25log10θ                   dBW/4 kHz                     for 1.5° ≤ θ ≤ 7°.
                 −6                            dBW/4 kHz                     for 7° < θ ≤ 9.2°.
                 18–25log10θ                   dBW/4 kHz                     for 9.2° < θ ≤ 19.1°.
                 −14                           dBW/4 kHz                     for 19.1° < θ ≤ 180°.

                Where θ is as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of this section. The EIRP density levels specified for θ > 7°
                may be exceeded by up to 3 dB in up to 10% of the range of theta (θ) angles from ±7–180°, and by up
                to 6 dB in the region of main reflector spillover energy.

47 CFR 25.218(f)(1) (enhanced display)                                                                   page 126 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                      47 CFR 25.218(f)(2)
Satellite Communications

           (2) For co-polarized transmissions in the plane perpendicular to the GSO arc:

                 18–25log10θ                   dBW/4 kHz                     for 3° ≤ θ ≤ 19.1°.
                 −14                           dBW/4 kHz                     for 19.1° < θ ≤ 180°.

                Where θ is as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of this section. These EIRP density levels may be exceeded
                by up to 6 dB in the region of main reflector spillover energy and in up to 10% of the range of θ angles
                not included in that region, on each side of the line from the earth station to the target satellite.

           (3) For cross-polarized transmissions in the plane tangent to the GSO arc and in the plane perpendicular
               to the GSO arc:

                 5–25log10θ                     dBW/4 kHz                        for 1.5° ≤ θ ≤ 7°.

                Where θ is as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of this section.

           (4) A license application for earth station operation in a network using variable power density control of
               earth stations transmitting simultaneously in shared frequencies to the same target satellite
               receiving beam may be routinely processed if the applicant certifies that the aggregate off-axis EIRP
               density from all co-frequency earth stations transmitting simultaneously to the same target satellite
               receiving beam, not resulting from colliding data bursts transmitted pursuant to a contention
               protocol, will not exceed the off-axis EIRP density limits permissible for a single earth station, as
               specified in paragraphs (f)(1) through -(f)(3) of this section.

     (g) Analog earth station operation in the extended Ku-band.

           (1) For co-polarized transmissions in the plane tangent to the GSO arc:

                 21–25log10θ                    dBW/4 kHz                      for 1.5° ≤ θ ≤ 7°.
                 0                              dBW/4 kHz                      for 7° < θ ≤ 9.2°.
                 24–25log10θ                    dBW/4 kHz                      for 9.2° < θ ≤ 48°.
                 −18                            dBW/4 kHz                      for 48° < θ ≤ 180°.

                Where θ is as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, and N is as defined in paragraph (d)(1) of
                this section. The EIRP density levels specified for θ > 7° may be exceeded by up to 3 dB in up to 10%
                of the range of theta (θ) angles from ±7–180°, and by up to 6 dB in the region of main reflector
                spillover energy.

           (2) For co-polarized transmissions in the plane perpendicular to the GSO arc:

                 24–25log10θ                    dBW/4 kHz                      for 3° ≤ θ ≤ 48°.
                 −18                            dBW/4 kHz                      for 48° < θ ≤ 180°.

                Where θ is as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of this section. These EIRP density levels may be exceeded
                by up to 6 dB in the region of main reflector spillover energy and in up to 10% of the range of θ angles
                not included in that region, on each side of the line from the earth station to the target satellite.

47 CFR 25.218(g)(2) (enhanced display)                                                                    page 127 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                        47 CFR 25.218(g)(3)
Satellite Communications

            (3) For cross-polarized transmissions in the plane tangent to the GSO arc and in the plane perpendicular
                to the GSO arc:

                  11–25log10θ                      dBW/4 kHz                       for 1.5° ≤ θ ≤ 7°.

                 Where θ is as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of this section.

     (h) Digital earth station operation in the extended Ku-band.

            (1) For co-polarized transmissions in the plane tangent to the GSO arc:

                  15–25log10θ                    dBW/4 kHz                      for 1.5° ≤ θ ≤ 7°.
                  −6                             dBW/4 kHz                      for 7° < θ ≤ 9.2°.
                  18–25log10θ                    dBW/4 kHz                      for 9.2° < θ ≤ 48°.
                  −24                            dBW/4 kHz                      for 48° < θ ≤ 180°.

                 Where θ is as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of this section. The EIRP density levels specified for θ > 7°
                 may be exceeded by up to 3 dB in up to 10% of the range of theta (θ) angles from ±7–180°, and by up
                 to 6 dB in the region of main reflector spillover energy.

            (2) For co-polarized transmissions in the plane perpendicular to the GSO arc:

                  18–25log10θ                     dBW/4 kHz                      for 3° ≤ θ ≤ 48°.
                  −24                             dBW/4 kHz                      for 48° < θ ≤ 85°.

                 Where θ is as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of this section. These EIRP density levels may be exceeded
                 by up to 6 dB in the region of main reflector spillover energy and in up to 10% of the range of θ angles
                 not included in that region, on each side of the line from the earth station to the target satellite.

            (3) For cross-polarized transmissions in the plane tangent to the GSO arc and in the plane perpendicular
                to the GSO arc:

                  5–25log10θ                     dBW/4 kHz                       for 1.5° ≤ θ ≤ 7°.

                 Where θ is as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of this section.

            (4) A license application for earth station operation in a network using variable power density control of
                earth stations transmitting simultaneously in shared frequencies to the same target satellite
                receiving beam may be routinely processed if the applicant certifies that the aggregate off-axis EIRP
                density from all co-frequency earth stations transmitting simultaneously to the same target satellite
                receiving beam, not resulting from colliding data bursts transmitted pursuant to a contention
                protocol, will not exceed the off-axis EIRP density limits permissible for a single earth station, as
                specified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(3) of this section.

      (i)   Digital earth station operation in the conventional or extended Ka-band.

            (1) For co-polarized transmissions in the plane tangent to the GSO arc:

                  32.5–25log(θ)                   dBW/MHz                 for          2.0° ≤ θ ≤ 7°.

47 CFR 25.218(i)(1) (enhanced display)                                                                      page 128 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                              47 CFR 25.218(i)(2)
Satellite Communications

                  11.5                              dBW/MHz                   for       7° ≤ θ ≤ 9.2°.
                  35.5–25log(θ)                     dBW/MHz                   for       9.2° ≤ θ ≤ 19.1°.
                  3.5                               dBW/MHz                   for       19.1° < θ ≤ 180°.

                 where θ is as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of this section.

            (2) For co-polarized transmissions in the plane perpendicular to the GSO arc:

                  35.5–25log(θ)                     dBW/MHz                   for       3.5° ≤ θ ≤ 7°.
                  14.4                              dBW/MHz                   for       7° < θ ≤ 9.2°.
                  38.5–25log(θ)                     dBW/MHz                   for       9.2° < θ ≤ 19.1°.
                  6.5                               dBW/MHz                   for       19.1° < θ ≤ 180°.

                 where θ is as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of this section.

            (3) The EIRP density levels specified in paragraphs (i)(1) and (2) of this section may be exceeded by up
                to 3 dB, for values of θ > 7°, over 10% of the range of theta (θ) angles from 7–180° on each side of
                the line from the earth station to the target satellite.

            (4) For cross-polarized transmissions in the plane tangent to the GSO arc and in the plane perpendicular
                to the GSO arc:

                  22.5–25log(θ)                      dBW/MHz                    for        2.0° < θ ≤ 7.0°.

                 where θ is as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of this section.

            (5) A license application for earth station operation in a network using variable power density control of
                earth stations transmitting simultaneously in shared frequencies to the same target satellite
                receiving beam may be routinely processed if the applicant certifies that the aggregate off-axis EIRP
                density from all co-frequency earth stations transmitting simultaneously to the same target satellite
                receiving beam, not resulting from colliding data bursts transmitted pursuant to a contention
                protocol, will not exceed the off-axis EIRP density limits permissible for a single earth station, as
                specified in paragraphs (i)(1) through (4) of this section.

      (j)   Non-qualifying applications. Applications for authority for fixed earth station operation in the conventional
            C-band, extended C-band, conventional Ku-band, extended Ku-band, conventional Ka-band, extended Ka-
            band, or 24.75–25.25 GHz, that do not qualify for routine processing under relevant criteria in this section,
            § 25.211, or § 25.212 are subject to the requirements in § 25.220.

[81 FR 55339, Aug. 18, 2016, as amended at 84 FR 53656, Oct. 8, 2019; 85 FR 44787, July 24, 2020; 87 FR 72407, Nov. 25, 2022]

§ 25.219 [Reserved]

47 CFR 25.219 (enhanced display)                                                                                 page 129 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                           47 CFR 25.220
Satellite Communications

§ 25.220 Non-routine transmit/receive earth station operations.
     (a) The requirements in this section apply to applications for, and operation of, earth stations transmitting in
         the conventional or extended C-bands, the conventional or extended Ku-bands, or the conventional or
         extended Ka -bands that do not qualify for routine licensing under relevant criteria in § 25.211, § 25.212,
         or § 25.218.

     (b) Applications filed pursuant to this section must include the information required by § 25.115(g)(1).

     (c) [Reserved]

     (d)

           (1) The applicant must submit the certifications listed in paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through (d)(1)(iv) of this
               section. The applicant will be authorized to transmit only to the satellite systems included in the
               coordination agreements referred to in the certification required by paragraph (d)(1)(ii) of this
               section. The applicant will be granted protection from receiving interference only with respect to the
               satellite systems included in the coordination agreements referred to in the certification required by
               paragraph (d)(1)(ii) of this section, and only to the extent that protection from receiving interference
               is afforded by those coordination agreements.

                 (i)   [Reserved]

                 (ii) A statement from the satellite operator that it has coordinated the operation of the subject non-
                      conforming earth station accessing its satellite(s), including its required downlink power
                      density based on the information contained in the application, with all adjacent satellite
                      networks within 6° of orbital separation from its satellite(s), and the operations will operate in
                      conformance with existing coordination agreement for its satellite(s) with other satellite
                      systems, except as set forth in paragraph (d)(4) of this section.

                (iii) A statement from the satellite operator that it will include the subject non-conforming earth
                      station operations in all future satellite network coordinations, and

                (iv) A statement from the earth station applicant certifying that it will comply with all coordination
                     agreements reached by the satellite operator(s).

           (2) Unless the non-routine uplink transmission levels are permitted under a coordination agreement with
               the space station operator, or unless coordination with the operator is not required pursuant to §
               25.140(d)(3) or (d)(4), the operator of an earth station licensed pursuant to this section must reduce
               its transmitted EIRP density to levels at or within relevant routine limits:

                 (i)   Toward the part of the geostationary orbit arc within one degree of a subsequently launched,
                       two-degree-compliant space station receiving in the same uplink band at an orbital location
                       within six degrees of the earth station's target satellite, and

                 (ii) Toward a two-degree-compliant space station receiving in the same uplink band at an orbital
                      location more than six degrees away from the target satellite if co-frequency reception by the
                      space station is adversely affected by the non-routine earth station transmission levels.

           (3) In the event that a coordination agreement discussed in paragraph (d)(1)(ii) of this section is
               reached, but that coordination agreement does not address protection from interference for the
               earth station, that earth station will be protected from interference to the same extent that an earth
               station that meets the requirements of § 25.209 of this title would be protected from interference.

47 CFR 25.220(d)(3) (enhanced display)                                                                    page 130 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                            47 CFR 25.220(d)(4)
Satellite Communications

           (4) Notwithstanding paragraph (d)(1)(ii) of this section, a party applying for an earth station license
               pursuant to this section will not be required to certify that its target satellite operator has reached a
               coordination agreement with another satellite operator whose satellite is within 6° of orbital
               separation from its satellite in cases where the off-axis EIRP density level of the proposed earth
               station operations will be less than or equal to the levels specified by the applicable off-axis EIRP
               envelope set forth in § 25.218 of this chapter in the direction of the part of the geostationary orbit
               arc within 1° of the nominal orbit location of the adjacent satellite.

    (e)–(f) [Reserved]

     (g) Applicants filing applications for earth stations pursuant to this section must provide the following
         information for the Commission's public notice:

           (1) Detailed description of the service to be provided, including frequency bands and satellites to be
               used. The applicant must identify either the specific satellites with which it plans to operate, or the
               eastern and western boundaries of the geostationary satellite orbit arc it plans to coordinate.

           (2) The diameter or equivalent diameter of the antenna.

           (3) Proposed power and power density levels.

           (4) Identification of any rule or rules for which a waiver is requested.

[70 FR 32256, June 2, 2005, as amended at 72 FR 50030, Aug. 29, 2007; 73 FR 70902, Nov. 24, 2008; 74 FR 57099, Nov. 4, 2009;
78 FR 14927, Mar. 8, 2013; 79 FR 8324, Feb. 12, 2014; 81 FR 55341, Aug. 18, 2016; 83 FR 34491, July 20, 2018; 84 FR 53656, Oct.
8, 2019; 87 FR 72407, Nov. 25, 2022]

§§ 25.221-25.223 [Reserved]
§ 25.224 Protection of receive-only earth stations in the 17/24 GHz BSS.
     (a) Notwithstanding § 25.209(c) of this part, receive-only earth stations operating in the 17/24 GHz
         broadcasting-satellite service can claim no greater protection from interference than they would receive if
         the equivalent antenna diameter were equal to or greater than 45 cm and the antenna meets the co-polar
         and cross-polar performance patterns represented by the following set of formulas (adopted in
         Recommendation ITU–R BO.1213–1, dated November 2005) that are valid for D/λ ≥11:

47 CFR 25.224(a) (enhanced display)                                                                              page 131 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                              47 CFR 25.224(a)
Satellite Communications

47 CFR 25.224(a) (enhanced display)            page 132 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                    47 CFR 25.224(b)
Satellite Communications

     (b) Paragraph (a) of this section does not apply to 17/24 GHz BSS telemetry earth stations. Those earth
         stations are subject to the antenna performance standards of § 25.209(a) and (b) of this part.

[72 FR 50031, Aug. 29, 2007]

§ 25.225 Geographic Service Requirements for 17/24 GHz Broadcasting Satellite Service.
     (a) Each operator of a 17/24 GHz BSS space station that is used to provide video programming directly to
         consumers in the 48 contiguous United States (CONUS) must provide comparable service to Alaska and
         Hawaii, unless such service is not technically feasible or not economically reasonable from the authorized
         orbital location.

     (b) Each operator of a 17/24 GHz BSS space station subject to paragraph (a) of this section must design and
         configure its space station to be capable of providing service to Alaska and Hawaii, that is comparable to
         the service that such satellites will provide to CONUS subscribers, from any orbital location capable of
         providing service to either Alaska or Hawaii to which it may be located or relocated in the future.

     (c) If an operator of a 17/24 GHz BSS space station that is used to provide video programming directly to
         consumers in the United States relocates or replaces a 17/24 GHz BSS space station at a location from
         which service to Alaska and Hawaii had been provided by another 17/24 GHz BSS space station, the
         operator must use a space station capable of providing at least the same level of service to Alaska and
         Hawaii as previously provided from that location.

[72 FR 50033, Aug. 29, 2007]

§§ 25.226-25.227 [Reserved]
§ 25.228 Operating and coordination requirements for earth stations in motion (ESIMs).
     (a) GSO FSS ESIM transmissions must comport with the applicable EIRP density limits in § 25.218, unless
         coordinated pursuant to the requirements in § 25.220.

     (b) Each FSS ESIM must be self-monitoring and, should a condition occur that would cause the ESIMs to
         exceed its authorized off-axis EIRP density limits in the case of GSO FSS ESIMs or any emission limits
         included in the licensing conditions in the case of NGSO FSS ESIMs, the ESIM must automatically cease
         transmissions within 100 milliseconds, and not resume transmissions until the condition that caused the
         ESIM to exceed those limits is corrected.

     (c) Each FSS ESIM must be monitored and controlled by a network control and monitoring center (NCMC) or
         equivalent facility. Each ESIM must comply with a “disable transmission” command from the NCMC within
         100 milliseconds of receiving the command. In addition, the NCMC must monitor the operation of each
         ESIM in its network, and transmit a “disable transmission” command to any ESIM that operates in such a
         way as to exceed the authorized off-axis EIRP density limit for GSO FSS ESIMs or any emission limits
         included in the licensing conditions in the case of NGSO FSS ESIMs. The NCMC must not allow the
         ESIM(s) under its control to resume transmissions until the condition that caused the ESIM(s) to exceed
         the authorized EIRP density limits is corrected.

     (d) ESIM licensees must ensure installation of ESIM terminals on vehicles by qualified installers who have an
         understanding of the antenna's radiation environment and the measures best suited to maximize
         protection of the general public and persons operating the vehicle and equipment. An ESIM terminal
         exhibiting radiation exposure levels exceeding 1.0 mW/cm2 in accessible areas, such as at the exterior

47 CFR 25.228(d) (enhanced display)                                                                   page 133 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                      47 CFR 25.228(e)
Satellite Communications

           surface of the radome, must have a label attached to the surface of the terminal warning about the
           radiation hazard and must include thereon a diagram showing the regions around the terminal where the
           radiation levels could exceed the maximum radiation exposure limit specified in 47 CFR 1.1310 Table 1.

     (e) The following requirements govern all ESV operations:

           (1) ESV operators must control all ESVs by a NCMC or equivalent facility located in the United States,
               except that an ESV on U.S.-registered vessels may operate under control of a NCMC location outside
               the United States provided the ESV operator maintains a point of contact within the United States
               that will have the capability and authority to cause an ESV on a U.S.-registered vessel to cease
               transmitting if necessary.

           (2) There must be a point of contact in the United States, with phone number and address, available 24
               hours a day, seven days a week, with authority and ability to cease all emissions from the ESVs,
               either directly or through the facilities of a U.S. NCMC or a NCMC located in another country with
               which the United States has a bilateral agreement that enables such cessation of emissions.

           (3) ESV NCMC operators communicating with ESVs on vessels of foreign registry must maintain
               detailed information on each such vessel's country of registry and a point of contact for the relevant
               administration responsible for licensing those ESVs.

     (f) For all VMES operations, there must be a point of contact in the United States, with phone number and
         address, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with authority and ability to cease all emissions
         from the VMESs.

     (g) The following requirements govern all ESAA operations:

           (1) There must be a point of contact in the United States, with phone number and address, available 24
               hours a day, seven days a week, with authority and ability to cease all emissions from the ESAAs.

           (2) All ESAA terminals operated in U.S. airspace, whether on U.S.-registered civil aircraft or non-U.S.-
               registered civil aircraft, must be licensed by the Commission. All ESAA terminals on U.S.-registered
               civil aircraft operating outside of U.S. airspace must be licensed by the Commission, except as
               provided by section 303(t) of the Communications Act.

           (3) Prior to operations within a foreign nation's airspace, the ESAA operator must ascertain whether the
               relevant administration has operations that could be affected by ESAA terminals, and must
               determine whether that administration has adopted specific requirements concerning ESAA
               operations. When the aircraft enters foreign airspace, the ESAA terminal must operate under the
               Commission's rules, or those of the foreign administration, whichever is more constraining. To the
               extent that all relevant administrations have identified geographic areas from which ESAA operations
               would not affect their radio operations, ESAA operators may operate within those identified areas
               without further action. To the extent that the foreign administration has not adopted requirements
               regarding ESAA operations, ESAA operators must coordinate their operations with any potentially
               affected operations.

     (h) The following requirements govern all operations in the 3700–4200 MHz (space-to-Earth) and 5925–6425
         MHz (Earth-to-space) frequency bands of ESVs receiving from or transmitting to GSO satellites in the
         Fixed-Satellite Service:

           (1) ESVs must not operate in the 5925–6425 MHz (Earth-to-space) and 3700–4200 MHz (space-to-
               Earth) frequency bands on vessels smaller than 300 gross tons.

47 CFR 25.228(h)(1) (enhanced display)                                                                  page 134 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                   47 CFR 25.228(h)(2)
Satellite Communications

           (2) ESV operators transmitting in the 5925–6425 MHz (Earth-to-space) frequency band to GSO satellites
               in the Fixed-Satellite Service (FSS) must not seek to coordinate, in any geographic location, more
               than 36 megahertz of uplink bandwidth on each of no more than two GSO FSS satellites.

           (3) ESVs, operating while docked, for which coordination with terrestrial stations in the 3700–4200 MHz
               band is completed in accordance with § 25.251, will receive protection from such terrestrial stations
               in accordance with the coordination agreements, for 180 days, renewable for 180 days.

           (4) ESVs in motion must not claim protection from harmful interference from any authorized terrestrial
               stations to which frequencies are already assigned, or any authorized terrestrial station to which
               frequencies may be assigned in the future in the 3700–4200 MHz (space-to-Earth) frequency band.

           (5) ESVs operating within 200 km from the baseline of the United States, or within 200 km from a U.S.-
               licensed fixed service offshore installation, must complete coordination with potentially affected
               U.S.-licensed fixed service operators prior to operation. The coordination method and the
               interference criteria objective will be determined by the frequency coordinator. The details of the
               coordination must be maintained and available at the frequency coordinator, and must be filed with
               the Commission electronically via the International Bureau Filing System (http://licensing.fcc.gov/
               myibfs/) to be placed on public notice. The coordination notifications must be filed in the form of a
               statement referencing the relevant call signs and file numbers. Operation of each individual ESV may
               commence immediately after the public notice that identifies the notification sent to the
               Commission is released. Continuance of operation of that ESV for the duration of the coordination
               term must be dependent upon successful completion of the normal public notice process. If, prior to
               the end of the 30-day comment period of the public notice, any objections are received from U.S.-
               licensed Fixed Service operators that have been excluded from coordination, the ESV licensee must
               immediately cease operation of that particular station on frequencies used by the affected U.S.-
               licensed Fixed Service station until the coordination dispute is resolved and the ESV licensee informs
               the Commission of the resolution. As used in this section, “baseline” means the line from which
               maritime zones are measured. The baseline is a combination of the low-water line and closing lines
               across the mouths of inland water bodies and is defined by a series of baseline points that include
               islands and “low-water elevations,” as determined by the U.S. Department of State's Baseline
               Committee.

           (6) An ESV must automatically cease transmission if the ESV operates in violation of the terms of its
               coordination agreement, including, but not limited to, conditions related to speed of the vessel or if
               the ESV travels outside the coordinated area, if within 200 km from the baseline of the United States,
               or within 200 km from a U.S.-licensed fixed service offshore installation. Transmissions may be
               controlled by the ESV network control and monitoring center. The frequency coordinator may decide
               whether ESV operators should automatically cease transmissions if the vessel falls below a
               prescribed speed within a prescribed geographic area.

           (7) ESV transmissions in the 5925–6425 MHz (Earth-to-space) band shall not exceed an EIRP spectral
               density towards the radio-horizon of 17 dBW/MHz, and shall not exceed an EIRP towards the radio-
               horizon of 20.8 dBW. The ESV network shall shut-off the ESV transmitter if either the EIRP spectral
               density towards the radio-horizon or the EIRP towards the radio-horizon is exceeded.

47 CFR 25.228(h)(7) (enhanced display)                                                                 page 135 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                         47 CFR 25.228(i)
Satellite Communications

      (i)   For ESAA transmissions in the 14.0–14.5 GHz band from international airspace within line-of-sight of the
            territory of a foreign administration where fixed service networks have primary allocation in this band, the
            maximum power flux density (pfd) produced at the surface of the Earth by emissions from a single
            aircraft carrying an ESAA terminal must not exceed the following values unless the foreign Administration
            has imposed other conditions for protecting its fixed service stations:

             −132 + 0.5 · θ                   dB(W/(m2 · MHz))                 For      θ ≤ 40°.
                                                      2
             −112                             dB(W/(m · MHz))                  For      40° <θ ≤90°.

            Where: θ is the angle of arrival of the radio-frequency wave (degrees above the horizontal) and the
            aforementioned limits relate to the pfd under free-space propagation conditions.

      (j)   The following requirements govern all ESIMs transmitting to GSO or NGSO satellites in the Fixed-Satellite
            Service in the 14.0–14.5 GHz band.

            (1) Operations of ESIMs in the 14.0–14.2 GHz (Earth-to-space) frequency band within 125 km (for ESVs
                and VMESs) or within radio line of sight (for ESAAs) of the NASA TDRSS facilities on Guam (latitude
                13°36′55″ N, longitude 144°51′22″ E), White Sands, New Mexico (latitude 32°20′59″ N, longitude
                106°36′31″ W and latitude 32°32′40″ N, longitude 106°36′48″ W), or Blossom Point, Maryland (latitude
                38°25′44″ N, longitude 77°05′02″ W) are subject to coordination with the National Aeronautics and
                Space Administration (NASA) through the National Telecommunications and Information
                Administration (NTIA) Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC). Licensees must notify the
                Space Bureau once they have completed coordination. Upon receipt of such notification from a
                licensee, the Space Bureau will issue a public notice stating that the licensee may commence
                operations within the coordination zone in 30 days if no party has opposed the operations. When
                NTIA seeks to provide similar protection to future TDRSS sites that have been coordinated through
                the IRAC Frequency Assignment Subcommittee process, NTIA will notify the Commission's Space
                Bureau that the site is nearing operational status. Upon public notice from the Space Bureau, all Ku-
                band ESIM licensees must cease operations in the 14.0–14.2 GHz band within 125 km (for ESVs and
                VMESs) or within radio line of sight (for ESAAs) of the new TDRSS site until the licensees complete
                coordination with NTIA/IRAC for the new TDRSS facility. Licensees must notify the Space Bureau
                once they have completed coordination for the new TDRSS site. Upon receipt of such notification
                from a licensee, the Space Bureau will issue a public notice stating that the licensee may commence
                operations within the coordination zone in 30 days if no party has opposed the operations. The ESIM
                licensee then will be permitted to commence operations in the 14.0–14.2 GHz band within 125 km
                (for ESVs and VMESs) or within radio line of sight (for ESAAs) of the new TDRSS site, subject to any
                operational constraints developed in the coordination process.

            (2) Within 125 km (for ESVs and VMESs) or within radio line of sight (for ESAAs) of the NASA TDRSS
                facilities identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this section, ESIM transmissions in the 14.0–14.2 GHz
                (Earth-to-space) band shall not exceed an EIRP spectral density towards the horizon of 12.5 dBW/
                MHz, and shall not exceed an EIRP towards the horizon of 16.3 dBW.

            (3) Operations of ESIMs in the 14.47–14.5 GHz (Earth-to-space) frequency band in the vicinity (for ESVs
                and VMESs) or within radio line of sight (for ESAAs) of radio astronomy service (RAS) observatories
                observing in the 14.47–14.5 GHz band are subject to coordination with the National Science
                Foundation (NSF). The appropriate NSF contact point to initiate coordination is Electromagnetic
                Spectrum Management Unit, NSF, Division of Astronomical Sciences, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue,
                Arlington VA 22314; Email: esm@nsf.gov. Licensees must notify the Space Bureau once they have

47 CFR 25.228(j)(3) (enhanced display)                                                                    page 136 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                    47 CFR 25.228(j)(4)
Satellite Communications

                completed coordination. Upon receipt of the coordination agreement from a licensee, the Space
                Bureau will issue a public notice stating that the licensee may commence operations within the
                coordination zone in 30 days if no party has opposed the operations. Table 1 provides a list of each
                applicable RAS site, its location, and the applicable coordination zone.

                      Table 1 to § 25.228(j)(3)—Applicable Radio Astronomy Service (RAS)
                                Facilities and Associated Coordination Distances

                                                                                                    Radius (km) of
                                                                          Latitude    Longitude
                                         Observatory                                                 coordination
                                                                           (north)      (west)
                                                                                                        zone
                 Arecibo, Observatory, Arecibo, PR                     18°20′37″     66°45′11″     Island of Puerto
                                                                                                   Rico.
                 Green Bank, WV                                        38°25′59″     79°50′23″     160.
                 Very Large Array, near Socorro, NM                    34°04′44″     107°37′06″    160.
                 Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, Rosman, NC    35°11′59″     82°52′19″     160.
                 U of Michigan Radio Astronomy Observatory, Stinchfield 42°23′56″    83°56′11″     160.
                 Woods, MI
                 Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) stations:
                     Owens Valley, CA                                  37°13′54″     118°16′37″    160 *.
                     Mauna Kea, HI                                     19°48′05″     155°27′20″    50.
                     Brewster, WA                                      48°07′52″     119°41′00″    50.
                     Kitt Peak, AZ                                     31°57′23″     111°36′45″    50.
                     Pie Town, NM                                      34°18′04″     108°07′09″    50.
                     Los Alamos, NM                                    35°46′30″     106°14′44″    50.
                     Fort Davis, TX                                    30°38′06″     103°56′41″    50.
                     North Liberty, IA                                 41°46′17″     91°34′27″     50.
                     Hancock, NH                                       42°56′01″     71°59′12″     50.
                     St. Croix, VI                                     17°45′24″     64°35′01″     50.

                * Owens Valley, CA operates both a VLBA station and single-dish telescopes.

           (4) When NTIA seeks to provide similar protection to future RAS sites that have been coordinated
               through the IRAC Frequency Assignment Subcommittee process, NTIA will notify the Commission's
               Space Bureau that the site is nearing operational status. Upon public notice from the Space Bureau,
               all Ku-band ESIMs licensees must cease operations in the 14.47–14.5 GHz band within the relevant
               geographic zone (160 kms for single-dish radio observatories and Very Large Array antenna systems
               and 50 kms for Very Long Baseline Array antenna systems for ESVs and VMESs, radio line of sight
               for ESAAs) of the new RAS site until the licensees complete coordination for the new RAS facility.
               Licensees must notify the Space Bureau once they have completed coordination for the new RAS
               site and must submit the coordination agreement to the Commission. Upon receipt of such
               notification from a licensee, the Space Bureau will issue a public notice stating that the licensee may
               commence operations within the coordination zone in 30 days if no party opposed the operations.

47 CFR 25.228(j)(4) (enhanced display)                                                                    page 137 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                     47 CFR 25.228(j)(5)
Satellite Communications

                The ESIMs licensee then will be permitted to commence operations in the 14.47–14.5 GHz band
                within the relevant coordination distance around the new RAS site, subject to any operational
                constraints developed in the coordination process.

           (5) ESIMs licensees must use Global Positioning Satellite-related or other similar position location
               technology to ensure compliance with the provisions of subparagraphs 1–3 of this paragraph.

[84 FR 53656, Oct. 8, 2019, as amended at 85 FR 44787, July 24, 2020; 88 FR 21441, Apr. 10, 2023]

§§ 25.229-25.249 [Reserved]
§ 25.250 Sharing between NGSO MSS Feeder links Earth Stations in the 19.3–19.7 GHz and
29.1–29.5 GHz Bands.
     (a) NGSO MSS applicants shall be licensed to operate in the 29.1–29.5 GHz band for Earth-to-space
         transmissions and 19.3–19.7 GHz for space-to-Earth transmissions from feeder link earth station
         complexes. A “feeder link earth station complex” may include up to three (3) earth station groups, with
         each earth station group having up to four (4) antennas, located within a radius of 75 km of a given set of
         geographic coordinates provided by NGSO-MSS licensees or applicants.

     (b) Licensees of NGSO MSS feeder link earth stations separated by 800 km or less are required to coordinate
         their operations, see § 25.203. The results of the coordination shall be reported to the Commission.

[61 FR 44181, Aug. 28, 1996]

§ 25.251 Special requirements for coordination.
     (a) The administrative aspects of the coordination process are set forth in § 101.103 of this chapter in the
         case of coordination of terrestrial stations with earth stations, and in § 25.203 in the case of coordination
         of earth stations with terrestrial stations.

     (b) The technical aspects of coordination are based on Appendix 7 of the International Telecommunication
         Union Radio Regulations and certain recommendations of the ITU Radiocommunication Sector (available
         at the address in § 0.445 of this chapter).

[66 FR 10630, Feb. 16, 2001, as amended at 78 FR 8430, Feb. 6, 2013]

§ 25.252 [Reserved]
§ 25.253 Special requirements for ancillary terrestrial components operating in the
1626.5–1660.5 MHz/1525–1559 MHz bands.
     (a) An ancillary terrestrial component in these bands shall:

           (1) In any band segment coordinated for the exclusive use of an MSS applicant within the land area of
               the U.S., where there is no other L-Band MSS satellite making use of that band segment within the
               visible portion of the geostationary arc as seen from the ATC coverage area, the ATC system will be
               limited by the in-band and out-of-band emission limitations contained in this section and the
               requirement to maintain a substantial MSS service.

47 CFR 25.253(a)(1) (enhanced display)                                                                  page 138 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                   47 CFR 25.253(a)(2)
Satellite Communications

           (2) In any band segment that is coordinated for the shared use of the applicant's MSS system and
               another MSS operator, where the coordination agreement existed prior to February 10, 2005 and
               permits a level of interference to the other MSS system of less than 6% ΔT/T, the applicant's
               combined ATC and MSS operations shall increase the system noise level of the other MSS to no
               more then 6% ΔT/T. Any future coordination agreement between the parties governing ATC
               operation will supersede this paragraph.

           (3) In any band segment that is coordinated for the shared use of the applicant's MSS system and
               another MSS operator, where a coordination agreement existed prior to February 10, 2005 and
               permits a level of interference to the other MSS system of 6% ΔT/T or greater, the applicant's ATC
               operations may increase the system noise level of the other MSS system by no more than an
               additional 1% ΔT/T. Any future coordination agreement between the parties governing ATC
               operations will supersede this paragraph.

           (4) In a band segment in which the applicant has no rights under a coordination agreement, the
               applicant may not implement ATC in that band.

     (b) ATC base stations shall not exceed an out-of-channel emissions measurement of −57.9 dBW/MHz at the
         edge of a MSS licensee's authorized and internationally coordinated MSS frequency assignment.

     (c) An applicant for an ancillary terrestrial component in these bands shall:

           (1) Demonstrate, at the time of application, how its ATC network will comply with the requirements of
               footnotes US308 and US315 to the table of frequency allocations contained in § 2.106 of this
               chapter regarding priority and preemptive access to the L-band MSS spectrum by the aeronautical
               mobile-satellite en-route service (AMS(R)S) and the global maritime distress and safety system
               (GMDSS).

           (2) Coordinate with the terrestrial CMRS operators prior to initiating ATC transmissions when co-locating
               ATC base stations with terrestrial commercial mobile radio service (CMRS) base stations that make
               use of Global Positioning System (GPS) time-based receivers.

           (3) Provide, at the time of application, calculations that demonstrate the ATC system conforms to the
               ΔT/T requirements in paragraphs (a)(2) and (a)(3) of this section, if a coordination agreement that
               incorporates the ATC operations does not exist with other MSS operators.

     (d) Applicants for an ancillary terrestrial component in these bands must demonstrate that ATC base stations
         shall not:

           (1) Exceed a peak EIRP of 31.9–10*log (number of carriers) dBW/200kHz, per sector, for each carrier in
               the 1525–1541.5 MHz and 1547.5–1559 MHz frequency bands;

           (2) Exceed an EIRP in any direction toward the physical horizon (not to include man-made structures) of
               26.9–10*log (number of carriers) dBW/200 kHz, per sector, for each carrier in the 1525–1541.5 MHz
               and 1547.5–1559 MHz frequency bands;

           (3) Exceed a peak EIRP of 23.9 −10*log(number of carriers) dBW/200 kHz, per sector, for each carrier in
               the 1541.5–1547.5 MHz frequency band;

           (4) Exceed an EIRP toward the physical horizon (not to include man-made structures) of
               18.9–10*log(number of carriers) dBW/200 kHz, per sector, for each carrier in the 1541.5–1547.5
               MHz frequency band;

47 CFR 25.253(d)(4) (enhanced display)                                                                 page 139 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                        47 CFR 25.253(d)(5)
Satellite Communications

           (5) Exceed a total power flux density level of −56.8 dBW/m2/200 kHz at the edge of all airport runways
               and aircraft stand areas, including takeoff and landing paths from all carriers operating in the
               1525–1559 MHz frequency bands. The total power flux density here is the sum of all power flux
               density values associated with all carriers in a sector in the 1525–1559 MHz frequency band,
               expressed in dB(Watts/m2/200 kHz). Free-space loss must be assumed if this requirement is
               demonstrated via calculation;

           (6) Exceed a total power flux density level of −56.6 dBW/ m2/200 kHz at the water's edge of any
               navigable waterway from all carriers operating in the 1525–1541.5 MHz and 1547.5–1559 MHz
               frequency bands. The total power flux density here is the sum of all power flux density values
               associated with all carriers in a sector in the 1525–1541.5 MHz and 1547.5–1559 MHz frequency
               bands, expressed in dB(Watts/m2/200 kHz). Free-space loss must be assumed if this requirement is
               demonstrated via calculation;

           (7) Exceed a total power flux density level of −64.6 dBW/ m2/200 kHz at the water's edge of any
               navigable waterway from all carriers operating in the 1541.5–1547.5 MHz frequency band. The total
               power flux density here is the sum of all power flux density values associated with all carriers in a
               sector in the 1541.5–1547.5 MHz frequency band, expressed in dB(Watts/m2/200 kHz). Free-space
               loss must be assumed if this requirement is demonstrated via calculation;

           (8) Exceed a peak antenna gain of 16 dBi;

           (9) Generate EIRP density, averaged over any two-millisecond active transmission interval, greater than
               −70 dBW/MHz in the 1559–1605 MHz band or greater than a level determined by linear interpolation
               in the 1605–1610 MHz band, from −70 dBW/MHz at 1605 MHz to −46 dBW/MHz at 1610 MHz. The
               EIRP, averaged over any two-millisecond active transmission interval, of discrete out-of-band
               emissions of less than 700 Hz bandwidth from such base stations shall not exceed −80 dBW in the
               1559–1605 MHz band or exceed a level determined by linear interpolation in the 1605–1610 MHz
               band, from −80 dBW at 1605 MHz to −56 dBW at 1610 MHz. A root-mean-square detector function
               with a resolution bandwidth of one megahertz or equivalent and no less video bandwidth shall be
               used to measure wideband EIRP density for purposes of this rule, and narrowband EIRP shall be
               measured with a root-mean-square detector function with a resolution bandwidth of one kilohertz or
               equivalent.

     (e) Applicants for an ancillary terrestrial component in these bands must demonstrate, at the time of the
         application, that ATC base stations shall use left-hand-circular polarization antennas with a maximum
         gain of 16 dBi and overhead gain suppression according to the following:

            Angle from direction of maximum gain, in vertical plane, above antenna   Antenna discrimination pattern
                                         (degrees)                                               (dB)
            0                                                                        Gmax
            5                                                                        Not to Exceed Gmax −5
            10                                                                       Not to Exceed Gmax −19
            15 to 55                                                                 Not to Exceed Gmax −27
            55 to 145                                                                Not to Exceed Gmax −30
            145 to 180                                                               Not to Exceed Gmax −26

           Where: Gmax is the maximum gain of the base station antenna in dBi.

47 CFR 25.253(e) (enhanced display)                                                                           page 140 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                        47 CFR 25.253(f)
Satellite Communications

     (f) Prior to operation, ancillary terrestrial component licensees shall:

           (1) Provide the Commission with sufficient information to complete coordination of ATC base stations
               with Search-and-Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking (SARSAT) earth stations operating in the
               1544–1545 MHz band for any ATC base station located either within 27 km of a SARSAT station, or
               within radio horizon of the SARSAT station, whichever is less.

           (2) Take all practicable steps to avoid locating ATC base stations within radio line of sight of Mobile
               Aeronautical Telemetry (MAT) receive sites in order to protect U.S. MAT systems consistent with
               ITU–R Recommendation ITU–R M.1459. MSS ATC base stations located within radio line of sight of
               a MAT receiver must be coordinated with the Aerospace and Flight Test Radio Coordinating Council
               (AFTRCC) for non-Government MAT receivers on a case-by-case basis prior to operation. For
               government MAT receivers, the MSS licensee shall supply sufficient information to the Commission
               to allow coordination to take place. A listing of current and planned MAT receiver sites can be
               obtained from AFTRCC for non-Government sites and through the FCC's IRAC Liaison for
               Government MAT receiver sites.

     (g) ATC mobile terminals shall:

           (1) Be limited to a peak EIRP level of 0 dBW and an out-of-channel emissions of −67 dBW/4 kHz at the
               edge of an MSS licensee's authorized and internationally coordinated MSS frequency assignment.

           (2) Be operated in a fashion that takes all practicable steps to avoid causing interference to U.S. radio
               astronomy service (RAS) observations in the 1660–1660.5 MHz band.

           (3) Not generate EIRP density, averaged over any two-millisecond active transmission interval, greater
               than −70 dBW/MHz in the 1559–1605 MHz band or greater than a level determined by linear
               interpolation in the 1605–1610 MHz band, from −70 dBW/MHz at 1605 MHz to −46 dBW/MHz at
               1610 MHz. The EIRP, averaged over any two-millisecond active transmission interval, of discrete out-
               of-band emissions of less than 700 Hz bandwidth from such mobile terminals shall not exceed −80
               dBW in the 1559–1605 MHz band or exceed a level determined by linear interpolation in the
               1605–1610 MHz band, from −80 dBW at 1605 MHz to −56 dBW at 1610 MHz. The EIRP density of
               carrier-off-state emissions from such mobile terminals shall not exceed −80 dBW/MHz in the
               1559–1610 MHz band, averaged over a two-millisecond interval. A root-mean-square detector
               function with a resolution bandwidth of one megahertz or equivalent and no less video bandwidth
               shall be used to measure wideband EIRP density for purposes of this rule, and narrowband EIRP
               shall be measured with a root-mean-square detector function with a resolution bandwidth of one
               kilohertz or equivalent.

     (h) When implementing multiple base stations and/or base stations using multiple carriers, where any third-
         order intermodulation product of these base stations falls on an L-band MSS band coordinated for use by
         another MSS operator with rights to the coordinated band, the MSS ATC licensee must notify the MSS
         operator. The MSS operator may request coordination to modify the base station carrier frequencies, or to
         reduce the maximum base station EIRP on the frequencies contributing to the third-order intermodulation
         products. The threshold for this notification and coordination is when the sum of the calculated signal
         levels received by an MSS receiver exceeds −70 dBm. The MSS receiver used in these calculations can be
         assumed to have an antenna with 0 dBi gain. Free-space propagation between the base station antennas
         and the MSS terminals can be assumed and actual signal polarizations for the ATC signals and the MSS
         system may be used.

[70 FR 19319, Apr. 13, 2005]

47 CFR 25.253(h) (enhanced display)                                                                      page 141 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                           47 CFR 25.254
Satellite Communications

§ 25.254 Special requirements for ancillary terrestrial components operating in the 1610–1626.5
MHz/2483.5–2500 MHz bands.
     (a) An applicant for an ancillary terrestrial component in these bands must demonstrate that ATC base
         stations shall:

           (1) Not exceed a peak EIRP of 32 dBW in 1.25 MHz;

           (2) Not cause unacceptable interference to systems identified in paragraph (c) of this section and, in any
               case, shall not exceed out-of-channel emissions of −44.1 dBW/30 kHz at the edge of the MSS
               licensee's authorized frequency assignment;

           (3) At the time of application, that it has taken, or will take steps necessary to avoid causing interference
               to other services sharing the use of the 2450–2500 MHz band through frequency coordination; and

           (4) Base stations operating in frequencies above 2483.5 MHz shall not generate EIRP density, averaged
               over any two-millisecond active transmission interval, greater than −70 dBW/MHz in the 1559–1610
               MHz band. The EIRP, averaged over any two-millisecond active transmission interval, of discrete out-
               of-band emissions of less than 700 Hz bandwidth from such base stations shall not exceed −80
               dBW in the 1559–1610 MHz band. A root-mean-square detector function with a resolution
               bandwidth of one megahertz or equivalent and no less video bandwidth shall be used to measure
               wideband EIRP density for purposes of this rule, and narrowband EIRP shall be measured with a root-
               mean-square detector function with a resolution bandwidth of one kilohertz or equivalent.

     (b) An applicant for an ancillary terrestrial component in these bands must demonstrate that mobile
         terminals shall:

           (1) Meet the requirements contained in § 25.213 to protect radio astronomy service (RAS) observations
               in the 1610.6–1613.8 MHz band from unacceptable interference;

           (2) Observe a peak EIRP limit of 1.0 dBW in 1.25 MHz;

           (3) Observe an out-of-channel EIRP limit of −57.1 dBW/30 kHz at the edge of the licensed MSS
               frequency assignment.

           (4) ATC mobile terminals operating in assigned frequencies in the 1610–1626.5 MHz band shall not
               generate EIRP density, averaged over any two-millisecond active transmission interval, greater than
               −70 dBW/MHz in the 1559–1605 MHz band or greater than a level determined by linear interpolation
               in the 1605–1610 MHz band, from −70 dBW/MHz at 1605 MHz to −10 dBW/MHz at 1610 MHz. The
               EIRP, averaged over any two-millisecond active transmission interval, of discrete out-of-band
               emissions of less than 700 Hz bandwidth from such mobile terminals shall not exceed −80 dBW in
               the 1559–1605 MHz band or exceed a level determined by linear interpolation in the 1605–1610
               MHz band, from −80 dBW at 1605 MHz to −20 dBW at 1610 MHz. The EIRP density of carrier-off-
               state emissions from such mobile terminals shall not exceed −80 dBW/MHz in the 1559–1610 MHz
               band, averaged over a two-millisecond interval. A root-mean-square detector function with a
               resolution bandwidth of one megahertz or equivalent and no less video bandwidth shall be used to
               measure wideband EIRP density for purposes of this rule, and narrowband EIRP shall be measured
               with a root-mean-square detector function with a resolution bandwidth of one kilohertz or equivalent.

     (c) Applicants for an ancillary terrestrial component to be used in conjunction with a Mobile-Satellite Service
         system using CDMA technology shall coordinate the use of the 1.6/2.4 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service
         spectrum designated for CDMA systems using the framework established by the ITU in Recommendation
         ITU–R M.1186 (incorporated by reference, see § 25.108).
47 CFR 25.254(c) (enhanced display)                                                                       page 142 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                         47 CFR 25.254(d)
Satellite Communications

     (d) To avoid interference to an adjacent channel licensee in the Broadband Radio Service (BRS), the power of
         any ATC base station emission above 2495 MHz shall be attenuated below the transmitter power (P)
         measured in watts in accordance with the standards below. If these measures do not resolve a
         documented interference complaint received from the adjacent channel BRS licensee, the provisions of §
         25.255 shall apply.

           (1) For base stations, the attenuation shall be not less than 43 + 10 log (P) dB at the upper edge of the
               authorized ATC band, unless a documented interference complaint is received from an adjacent
               channel licensee in the BRS. Provided that a documented interference complaint cannot be mutually
               resolved between the parties, the following additional attenuation requirements set forth in
               subsections (2)–(5) shall apply:

           (2) If a pre-existing BRS base station suffers harmful interference from emissions caused by a new or
               modified ATC base station located 1.5 km or more away, within 24 hours of the receipt of a
               documented interference complaint the ATC licensee must attenuate its emissions by at least 67 +
               10 log (P) dB measured at 3 megahertz above the edge of the authorized ATC band, and shall
               immediately notify the complaining licensee upon implementation of the additional attenuation.

           (3) If a pre-existing BRS base station suffers harmful interference from emissions caused by a new or
               modified ATC base station located less than 1.5 km away, within 24 hours of the receipt of a
               documented interference complaint the ATC licensee must attenuate its emissions by at least 67 +
               10 log (P) −20 log(Dkm/1.5) dB measured at 3 megahertz above the edge of the authorized ATC
               band, or if both base stations are co-located, limit its undesired signal level at the pre-existing BRS
               base station receiver(s) to no more than −107 dBm measured in a 5.5 megahertz bandwidth and
               shall immediately notify the complaining licensee upon such reduction in the undesired signal level.

           (4) If a new or modified BRS base station suffers harmful interference from emissions caused by a pre-
               existing ATC base station located 1.5 km or more away, within 60 days of receipt of a documented
               interference complaint the licensee of the ATC base station must attenuate its base station
               emissions by at least 67 + 10 log (P) dB measured at 3 megahertz above the edge of the authorized
               ATC band.

           (5) If a new or modified BRS base station suffers harmful interference from emissions caused by a pre-
               existing ATC base station located less than 1.5 km away, within 60 days of receipt of a documented
               interference complaint:

                 (i)   the ATC licensee must attenuate its base station emissions by at least 67 + 10 log (P) −20
                       log(Dkm/1.5) dB measured 3 megahertz above the edge of the authorized ATC band, or

                 (ii) if both base stations are co-located, the ATC licensee must limit its undesired signal level at the
                      new or modified BRS base station receiver(s) to no more than −107 dBm measured in a 5.5
                      megahertz bandwidth.

           (6) Compliance with these rules is based on the use of measurement instrumentation employing a
               resolution bandwidth of 1 MHz or greater. However, in the 1 MHz bands immediately above and
               adjacent to the 2495 MHz a resolution bandwidth of at least one percent of the emission bandwidth
               of the fundamental emission of the transmitter may be employed. A narrower resolution bandwidth
               is permitted in all cases to improve measurement accuracy, provided the measured power is
               integrated over the full required measurement bandwidth (i.e., 1 MHz or 1 percent of emission
               bandwidth, as specified). The emission bandwidth is defined as the width of the signal between two
               points, one below the carrier center frequency and one above the carrier center frequency, outside of

47 CFR 25.254(d)(6) (enhanced display)                                                                     page 143 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                              47 CFR 25.254(e)
Satellite Communications

                which all emissions are attenuated at least 26 dB below the transmitter power. When an emission
                outside of the authorized bandwidth causes harmful interference, the Commission may, at its
                discretion, require greater attenuation than specified in this section.

     (e) Licensees of terrestrial low-power systems operating in the 2483.5–2495 MHz band shall operate
         consistent with the technical limits and other requirements specified in § 25.149(c)(4) and (g)(2)–(3).

           Note to § 25.254: The preceding rules of § 25.254 are based on cdma2000 and IS–95 system
           architecture. To the extent that a 1.6/2.4 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service licensee is able to
           demonstrate that the use of different system architectures would produce no greater potential
           interference than would be produced as a result of implementing the rules of this section, the
           licensee may apply for ATC authorization based on another system architecture.

[68 FR 33653, June 5, 2003, as amended at 69 FR 18803, Apr. 9, 2004; 70 FR 19320, Apr. 13, 2005; 73 FR 25592, May 5, 2008; 78
FR 8430, Feb. 6, 2013; 82 FR 8819, Jan. 31, 2017; 88 FR 21441, Apr. 10, 2023]

§ 25.255 Procedures for resolving harmful interference related to operation of ancillary
terrestrial components operating in the 1.5/1.6 GHz and 1.6/2.4 GHz bands.
If harmful interference is caused to other services by ancillary MSS ATC operations, either from ATC base stations
or mobile terminals, the MSS ATC operator must resolve any such interference. If the MSS ATC operator claims to
have resolved the interference and other operators claim that interference has not been resolved, then the parties to
the dispute may petition the Commission for a resolution of their claims.

[68 FR 33653, June 5, 2003, as amended at 78 FR 8267, Feb. 5, 2013]

§ 25.256 Special Requirements for operations in the 3.65–3.7 GHz band.
Upon request from a terrestrial licensee authorized under subpart Z, part 90 that seeks to place base and fixed
stations in operation within 150 km of a primary earth station, licensees of earth stations operating on a primary
basis in the Fixed-Satellite Service in the 3.65–3.7 GHz band must negotiate in good faith with that terrestrial
licensee to arrive at mutually agreeable operating parameters to prevent unacceptable interference.

[70 FR 24725, May 11, 2005, as amended at 78 FR 8430, Feb. 6, 2013]

§ 25.257 Special requirements for NGSO MSS operations in the 29.1–29.25 GHz band regarding
LMDS.
     (a) Non-geostationary Mobile-Satellite Service (NGSO MSS) operators shall be licensed to use the 29.1–29.25
         GHz band for Earth-to-space transmissions from feeder link earth station complexes. A “feeder link earth
         station complex” may include up to three (3) earth station groups, with each earth station group having up
         to four (4) antennas, located within a radius of 75 km of a given set of geographic coordinates provided by
         a NGSO MSS licensees or applicants pursuant to § 101.147.

     (b) A maximum of seven (7) feeder link earth station complexes in the contiguous United States, Alaska and
         Hawaii may be placed into operation, in the largest 100 MSAs, in the band 29.1–29.25 GHz in accordance
         with § 25.203 and § 101.147 of this chapter.

47 CFR 25.257(b) (enhanced display)                                                                            page 144 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                              47 CFR 25.257(c)
Satellite Communications

     (c) One of the NGSO MSS operators licensed to use the 29.1–29.25 GHz band may specify geographic
         coordinates for a maximum of eight feeder link earth station complexes that transmit in the 29.1–29.25
         GHz band. The other NGSO MSS operator licensed to use the 29.1–29.25 GHz band may specify
         geographic coordinates for a maximum of two feeder link earth station complexes that transmit in the
         29.1–29.25 GHz band.

     (d) Additional NGSO MSS operators may be licensed in this band if the additional NGSO MSS operator shows
         that its system can share with the existing NGSO MSS systems.

     (e) All NGSO MSS operators shall cooperate fully and make reasonable efforts to identify mutually acceptable
         locations for feeder link earth station complexes. In this regard, any single NGSO MSS operator may
         identify only one feeder-link earth station complex protection zone in each category identified in §
         101.147(y)(2) of this chapter until the other NGSO MSS operator has been given an opportunity to select a
         location from the same category.

[61 FR 44181, Aug. 28, 1996, as amended at 78 FR 8430, Feb. 6, 2013; 81 FR 55348, Aug. 18, 2016]

§ 25.258 Sharing between NGSO MSS feeder-link stations and GSO FSS services in the
29.25–29.5 GHz band.
     (a) Operators of NGSO MSS feeder link earth stations and GSO FSS earth stations in the band 29.25 to 29.5
         GHz where both services have a co-primary allocation shall cooperate fully in order to coordinate their
         systems. During the coordination process both service operators shall exchange the necessary technical
         parameters required for coordination.

     (b) Licensed GSO FSS earth stations in the vicinity of operational NGSO MSS feeder-link earth station
         complexes must, to the maximum extent possible, operate with frequency/polarization selections that will
         minimize unacceptable interference with reception of GSO FSS and NGSO MSS uplink transmissions in
         the 29.25–29.5 GHz band. Earth station licensees operating with GSO FSS systems shall be capable of
         providing earth station locations to support coordination of NGSO MSS feeder link stations under
         paragraphs (a) and (c) of this section. Operation of ubiquitously deployed GSO FSS earth stations in the
         29.25–29.5 GHz frequency band must conform to the rules contained in § 25.218(i).

     (c) Applicants for authority to use the 29.25–29.5 GHz band for NGSO MSS feeder uplinks will have to
         demonstrate that their systems can share with GSO FSS and NGSO MSS systems that have been
         authorized for operation in that band.

[67 FR 37336, May 29, 2002, as amended at 68 FR 16967, Apr. 8, 2003; 81 FR 55348, Aug. 18, 2016; 84 FR 53659, Oct. 8, 2019]

§ 25.259 Time sharing between NOAA meteorological satellite systems and non-voice, non-
geostationary satellite systems in the 137–138 MHz band.
     (a) The space stations of a non-voice, non-geostationary Mobile-Satellite Service (NVNG MSS) system time-
         sharing downlink spectrum in the 137–138 MHz band with National Oceanic and Atmospheric
         Administration (NOAA) satellites shall not transmit signals into the “protection areas” of the NOAA
         satellites.

           (1) With respect to transmission in the 137.333–137.367 MHz, 137.485–137.515 MHz,
               137.605–137.635 MHz, and 137.753–137.787 MHz bands, the protection area for a NOAA satellite
               is the area on the Earth's surface in which the NOAA satellite is in line of sight from the ground at an

47 CFR 25.259(a)(1) (enhanced display)                                                                         page 145 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                       47 CFR 25.259(a)(2)
Satellite Communications

                elevation angle of five degrees or more above the horizon. No NVNG MSS satellite shall transmit in
                these bands when it is in line of sight at an elevation angle of zero degrees or more from any point
                on the ground within a NOAA satellite's protected area for that band.

           (2) With respect to transmission in the 137.025–137.175 MHz and 137.825–138 MHz bands, the
               protection area for a NOAA satellite is the area on the Earth's surface in which the NOAA satellite is
               in line of sight from the ground at any elevation angle above zero degrees. No NVNG MSS satellite
               shall transmit in these bands when at a line-of-sight elevation angle of zero degrees or more from
               any point on the ground within a NOAA satellite's protected area for that band. In addition, such an
               NVNG MSS satellite shall cease transmitting when it is at an elevation angle of less than zero
               degrees from any such point, if reasonably necessary to protect reception of the NOAA satellite's
               signal.

           (3) An NVNG MSS licensee is responsible for obtaining the ephemeris data necessary for compliance
               with these restrictions. The ephemeris information must be updated system-wide on at least a
               weekly basis. For calculation required for compliance with these restrictions an NVNG MSS licensee
               shall use an orbital propagator algorithm with an accuracy equal to or greater than the NORAD
               propagator used by NOAA.

     (b) An NVNG licensee time sharing spectrum in the 137–138 MHz band must establish a 24-hour per day
         contact person and telephone number so that claims of harmful interference into NOAA earth stations
         and other operational issues can be reported and resolved expeditiously. This contact information must
         be made available to NOAA or its designee. If the NTIA notifies the Commission that NOAA is receiving
         unacceptable interference from a NVNG licensee, the Commission will require such NVNG licensee to
         terminate its interfering operations immediately unless it demonstrates to the Commission's reasonable
         satisfaction, and that of NTIA, that it is not responsible for causing harmful interference into the
         worldwide NOAA system. An NVNG licensee assumes the risk of any liability or damage that it and its
         directors, officers, employees, affiliates, agents and subcontractors may incur or suffer in connection with
         an interruption of its Mobile-Satellite Service, in whole or in part, arising from or relating to its compliance
         or noncompliance with the requirements of this paragraph.

     (c) Each satellite in a NVNG licensee's system time-sharing spectrum with NOAA in the 137–138 MHz band
         shall automatically turn off and cease satellite transmissions if, after 72 consecutive hours, no reset
         signal is received from the NVNG licensee's gateway earth station and verified by the satellite. All
         satellites in such NVNG licensee's system shall be capable of instantaneous shutdown on any sub-band
         upon command from such NVNG licensee's gateway earth station.

[62 FR 59296, Nov. 3, 1997, as amended at 78 FR 8430, Feb. 6, 2013; 79 FR 8324, Feb. 12, 2014]

§ 25.260 Time sharing between DoD meteorological satellite systems and non-voice, non-
geostationary satellite systems in the 400.15–401 MHz band.
     (a) The space stations of a non-voice, non-geostationary Mobile-Satellite Service (NVNG MSS) system time-
         sharing downlink spectrum in the 400.15–401.0 MHz band with Department of Defense (DoD) satellites
         shall not transmit signals into the “protection areas” of the DoD satellites.

           (1) The protection area for such a DoD satellite is the area on the Earth's surface in which the DoD
               satellite is in line of sight from the ground at an elevation angle of five degrees or more above the
               horizon.

47 CFR 25.260(a)(1) (enhanced display)                                                                     page 146 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                       47 CFR 25.260(a)(2)
Satellite Communications

           (2) An NVNG MSS space station shall not transmit in the 400.15–401 MHz band when at a line-of-sight
               elevation angle of zero degrees or more from any point on the ground within the protected area of a
               DoD satellite operating in that band.

           (3) An NVNG MSS licensee is responsible for obtaining the ephemeris data necessary for compliance
               with this restriction. The ephemeris information must be updated system-wide at least once per
               week. For calculation required for compliance with this restriction an NVNG MSS licensee shall use
               an orbital propagator algorithm with an accuracy equal to or greater than the NORAD propagator
               used by DoD.

     (b) An NVNG licensee time sharing spectrum in the 400.15–401 MHz band must establish a 24-hour per day
         contact person and telephone number so that claims of harmful interference into DoD earth stations and
         other operational issues can be reported and resolved expeditiously. This contact information must be
         made available to DoD or its designee. If the NTIA notifies the Commission that DoD is receiving
         unacceptable interference from a NVNG licensee, the Commission will require such NVNG licensee to
         terminate its interfering operations immediately unless it demonstrates to the Commission's reasonable
         satisfaction, and that of NTIA, that it is not responsible for causing harmful interference into the
         worldwide DoD system. A NVNG licensee assumes the risk of any liability or damage that it and its
         directors, officers, employees, affiliates, agents and subcontractors may incur or suffer in connection with
         an interruption of its Mobile-Satellite Service, in whole or in part, arising from or relating to its compliance
         or noncompliance with the requirements of this paragraph.

     (c) Each satellite in a NVNG licensee's system time-sharing spectrum with DoD in the 400.15–401 MHz band
         shall automatically turn off and cease satellite transmissions if, after 72 consecutive hours, no reset
         signal is received from the NVNG licensee's gateway earth station and verified by the satellite. All
         satellites in such NVNG licensee's system shall be capable of instantaneous shutdown on any sub-band
         upon command from such NVNG licensee's gateway earth station.

     (d) Initially, a NVNG licensee time-sharing spectrum with DoD in the 400.15–401 MHz band shall be able to
         change the frequency on which its system satellites are operating within 125 minutes of receiving
         notification from a DoD required frequency change in the 400.15–401 MHz band. Thereafter, when a
         NVNG licensee constructs additional gateway earth stations located outside of North and South America,
         it shall use its best efforts to decrease to 90 minutes the time required to implement a DoD required
         frequency change. A NVNG licensee promptly shall notify the Commission and NTIA of any decrease in
         the time it requires to implement a DoD required frequency change.

     (e) Once a NVNG licensee time-sharing spectrum with DoD in the 400.15–401 MHz band demonstrates to
         DoD that it is capable of implementing a DoD required frequency change within the time required under
         paragraph (d) of this section, thereafter, such NVNG licensee shall demonstrate its capability to
         implement a DoD required frequency change only once per year at the instruction of DoD. Such
         demonstrations shall occur during off-peak hours, as determined by the NVNG licensee, unless otherwise
         agreed by the NVNG licensee and DoD. Such NVNG licensee will coordinate with DoD in establishing a
         plan for such a demonstration. In the event that a NVNG licensee fails to demonstrate to DoD that it is
         capable of implementing a DoD required frequency change in accordance with a demonstration plan
         established by DoD and the NVNG licensee, upon the Commission's receipt of a written notification from
         NTIA describing such failure, the Commission shall impose additional conditions or requirements on the
         NVNG licensee's authorization as may be necessary to protect DoD operations in the 400.15–401 MHz
         downlink band until the Commission is notified by NTIA that the NVNG licensee has successfully

47 CFR 25.260(e) (enhanced display)                                                                        page 147 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                         47 CFR 25.261
Satellite Communications

           demonstrated its ability to implement a DoD required frequency change. Such additional conditions or
           requirements may include, but are not limited to, requiring such NVNG licensee immediately to terminate
           its operations interfering with the DoD system.

[62 FR 59296, Nov. 3, 1997, as amended at 78 FR 8430, Feb. 6, 2013; 79 FR 8325, Feb. 12, 2014]

§ 25.261 Sharing among NGSO FSS space stations.

Link to an amendment published at 88 FR 39792, June 20, 2023.

     (a) Scope. This section applies to NGSO FSS operation with earth stations with directional antennas
         anywhere in the world under a Commission license, or in the United States under a grant of U.S. market
         access.

     (b) Coordination. NGSO FSS licensees and market access recipients must coordinate in good faith the use of
         commonly authorized frequencies regardless of their processing round status.

     (c) Default procedure. Absent coordination between two or more satellite systems, whenever the increase in
         system noise temperature of an earth station receiver, or a space station receiver for a satellite with on-
         board processing, of either system, ΔT/T, exceeds 6 percent due to interference from emissions
         originating in the other system in a commonly authorized frequency band, such frequency band will be
         divided among the affected satellite networks in accordance with the following procedure:

           (1) Each of n (number of) satellite networks involved that were licensed or granted market access
               through the same processing round, except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, must select
               1/n of the assigned spectrum available in each of these frequency bands. The selection order for
               each satellite network will be determined by the date that the first space station in each satellite
               system is launched and capable of operating in the frequency band under consideration;

           (2) The affected station(s) of the respective satellite systems may operate in only the selected (1/n)
               spectrum associated with its satellite system while the ΔT/T of 6 percent threshold is exceeded;

           (3) All affected station(s) may resume operations throughout the assigned frequency bands once the
               threshold is no longer exceeded.

     (d) [Reserved]

     (e) Sunsetting. Ten years after the first authorization or grant of market access in a processing round, the
         systems approved in that processing round will no longer be required to protect earlier-rounds systems,
         and instead will be required to share spectrum with earlier-round systems under paragraph (c) of this
         section.

[82 FR 59986, Dec. 18, 2017, as amended at 88 FR 39792, June 20, 2023]

§ 25.262 Licensing and domestic coordination requirements for 17/24 GHz BSS space stations
and FSS space stations transmitting in the 17.3–17.8 GHz band.
     (a) A 17/24 GHz BSS or FSS applicant seeking to transmit in the 17.3–17.8 GHz band may be authorized to
         operate a space station at levels up to the maximum power flux density limits defined in paragraphs (a)(1)
         and (2) of this section without coordinating its power flux density levels with adjacent licensed or
         permitted operators, as follows:
47 CFR 25.262(a) (enhanced display)                                                                    page 148 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                      47 CFR 25.262(a)(1)
Satellite Communications

           (1) For 17/24 GHz BSS applicants, up to the power flux density levels specified in § 25.140(b)(3) only if
               there is no licensed space station, or prior-filed application for a space station transmitting in the
               17.3–17.8 GHz band at a location less than four degrees from the orbital location at which the
               applicant proposes to operate; and

           (2) For FSS space station applicants transmitting in the 17.3–17.8 GHz band, up to the maximum power
               flux density levels in § 25.140(a)(3)(iii), only if there is no licensed 17/24 GHz BSS space station, or
               prior-filed application for a 17/24 GHz BSS space station, at a location less than four degrees from
               the orbital location at which the FSS applicant proposes to operate, and there is no licensed FSS
               space station, or prior-filed application for an FSS space station transmitting in the 17.3–17.8 GHz
               band, at a location less than two degrees from the orbital location at which the applicant proposes to
               operate.

     (b) Any U.S. licensee or permittee authorized to transmit in the 17.3–17.8 GHz band that does not comply
         with the applicable power flux-density limits set forth in § 25.140(a)(3)(iii) and/or (b)(3) shall bear the
         burden of coordinating with any future co-frequency licensees and permittees of a space station
         transmitting in the 17.3–17.8 GHz band as required in § 25.114(d)(15)(ii).

     (c) If no good faith agreement can be reached, the operator of the FSS space station transmitting in the
         17.3–17.8 GHz band that does not comply with § 25.140(a)(3)(iii) or the operator of the 17/24 GHz BSS
         space station that does not comply with § 25.140(b)(3), shall reduce its power flux-density levels to be
         compliant with those specified in § 25.140(a)(3)(iii) and/or (b)(3) as appropriate.

     (d) Any U.S. licensee or permittee of a space station transmitting in the 17.3–17.8 GHz band that is required
         to provide information in its application pursuant to § 25.140(a)(2) or (b)(4) must accept any increased
         interference that may result from adjacent space stations transmitting in the 17.3–17.8 GHz band that are
         operating in compliance with the rules for such space stations specified in §§ 25.140(a) and (b),
         25.202(a)(9) and (e) through (g), 25.210(i) through (j), 25.224, 25.262, 25.264(h), and 25.273(a)(3).

     (e) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, licensees and permittees will be allowed to apply for a
         license or authorization for a replacement satellite that will be operated at the same power level and
         interference protection as the satellite to be replaced.

[87 FR 72407, Nov. 25, 2022]

§ 25.263 Information sharing requirements for SDARS terrestrial repeater operators.
This section requires SDARS licensees in the 2320–2345 MHz band to share information regarding the location and
operation of terrestrial repeaters with WCS licensees in the 2305–2320 MHz and 2345–2360 MHz bands. Section
27.72 of this chapter requires WCS licensees to share information regarding the location and operation of base
stations in the 2305–2320 MHz and 2345–2360 MHz bands with SDARS licensees in the 2320–2345 MHz band.

     (a) SDARS licensees must select terrestrial repeater sites and frequencies, to the extent practicable, to
         minimize the possibility of harmful interference to WCS base station operations in the 2305–2320 MHz
         and 2345–2360 MHz bands.

     (b) Notice requirements. SDARS licensees that intend to operate a new terrestrial repeater must, before
         commencing such operation, provide 10 business days prior notice to all potentially affected Wireless
         Communications Service (WCS) licensees. SDARS licensees that intend to modify an existing repeater
         must, before commencing such modified operation, provide 5 business days prior notice to all potentially
         affected WCS licensees.

47 CFR 25.263(b) (enhanced display)                                                                       page 149 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                       47 CFR 25.263(b)(1)
Satellite Communications

           (1) For purposes of this section, a “potentially affected WCS licensee” is a WCS licensee that:

                 (i)   Is authorized to operate a base station in the 2305–2315 MHz or 2350–2360 MHz bands in the
                       same Major Economic Area (MEA) as that in which the terrestrial repeater is to be located;

                 (ii) Is authorized to operate base station in the 2315–2320 MHz or 2345–2350 MHz bands in the
                      same Regional Economic Area Grouping (REAG) as that in which the terrestrial repeater is to be
                      located;

                (iii) In addition to the WCS licensees identified in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section, in
                      cases in which the SDARS licensee plans to deploy or modify a terrestrial repeater within 5
                      kilometers of the boundary of an MEA or REAG in which the terrestrial repeater is to be located,
                      a potentially affected WCS licensee is one that is authorized to operate a WCS base station in
                      that neighboring MEA or REAG within 5 kilometers of the location of the terrestrial repeater.

           (2) For the purposes of this section, a business day is defined by § 1.4(e)(2) of this chapter.

           (3) For modifications other than changes in location, a licensee may provide notice within 24 hours after
               the modified operation if the modification does not result in a predicted increase of the power flux
               density (PFD) at ground level by more than 1 dB since the last advance notice was given. If a
               demonstration is made by the WCS licensee that such modifications may cause harmful interference
               to WCS receivers, SDARS licensees will be required to provide notice 5 business days in advance of
               additional repeater modifications.

           (4) SDARS repeaters operating below 2 watts equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) are exempt
               from the notice requirements set forth in this paragraph.

           (5) SDARS licensees are encouraged to develop separate coordination agreements with WCS licensees
               to facilitate efficient deployment of and coexistence between each service. To the extent the
               provisions of any such coordination agreement conflict with the requirements set forth herein, the
               procedures established under a coordination agreement will control. SDARS licensees must
               maintain a copy of any coordination agreement with a WCS license in their station files and disclose
               it to prospective assignees, transferees, or spectrum lessees and, upon request, to the Commission.

           (6) SDARS and WCS licensees may enter into agreements regarding alternative notification procedures.

     (c) Contents of notice.

           (1) Notification must be written (e.g., certified letter, fax, or e-mail) and include the licensee's name, and
               the name, address, and telephone number of its coordination representative, unless the SDARS
               licensee and all potentially affected WCS licensees reach a mutual agreement to provide notification
               by some other means. WCS licensees and SDARS licensees may establish such a mutually
               agreeable alternative notification mechanism without prior Commission approval, provided that they
               comply with all other requirements of this section.

           (2) Regardless of the notification method, notification must specify relevant technical details, including,
               at a minimum:

                 (i)   The coordinates of the proposed repeater to an accuracy of no less than ±1 second latitude and
                       longitude;

                 (ii) The proposed operating power(s), frequency band(s), and emission(s);

47 CFR 25.263(c)(2)(ii) (enhanced display)                                                                 page 150 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                     47 CFR 25.263(c)(2)(iii)
Satellite Communications

                (iii) The antenna center height above ground and ground elevation above mean sea level, both to an
                      accuracy of no less than ±1 meter;

                (iv) The antenna gain pattern(s) in the azimuth and elevation planes that include the peak of the
                     main beam; and

                 (v) The antenna downtilt angle(s).

           (3) An SDARS licensee operating terrestrial repeaters must maintain an accurate and up-to-date
               inventory of its terrestrial repeaters operating above 2 watts average EIRP, including the information
               set forth in § 25.263(c)(2), which shall be available upon request by the Commission.

     (d) Calculation of Notice Period. Notice periods are calculated from the date of receipt by the licensee being
         notified. If notification is by mail, the date of receipt is evidenced by the return receipt on certified mail. If
         notification is by fax, the date of receipt is evidenced by the notifying party's fax transmission
         confirmation log. If notification is by e-mail, the date of receipt is evidenced by a return e-mail receipt. If
         the SDARS licensee and all potentially affected WCS licensees reach a mutual agreement to provide
         notification by some other means, that agreement must specify the method for determining the beginning
         of the notice period.

     (e) Duty to cooperate. SDARS licensees must cooperate in good faith in the selection and use of new repeater
         sites to reduce interference and make the most effective use of the authorized facilities. SDARS licensees
         should provide WCS licensees as much lead time as practicable to provide ample time to conduct
         analyses and opportunity for prudent repeater site selection prior to SDARS licensees entering into real
         estate and tower leasing or purchasing agreements. Licensees of stations suffering or causing harmful
         interference must cooperate in good faith and resolve such problems by mutually satisfactory
         arrangements. If the licensees are unable to do so, the Space Bureau, in consultation with the Office of
         Engineering and Technology and the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, will consider the actions
         taken by the parties to mitigate the risk of and remedy any alleged interference. In determining the
         appropriate action, the Bureau will take into account the nature and extent of the interference and act
         promptly to remedy the interference. The Bureau may impose restrictions on SDARS licensees, including
         specifying the transmitter power, antenna height, or other technical or operational measures to remedy
         the interference, and will take into account previous measures by the licensees to mitigate the risk of
         interference.

[75 FR 45069, Aug. 2, 2010, as amended at 78 FR 9619, Feb. 11, 2013; 88 FR 21441, Apr. 10, 2023]

§ 25.264 Requirements to facilitate reverse-band operation in the 17.3–17.8 GHz band of 17/24
GHz BSS and DBS Service space stations.

Link to an amendment published at 87 FR 72407, Nov. 25, 2022.

     (a) Each 17/24 GHz BSS space station applicant or licensee must submit a series of tables or graphs
         containing predicted off-axis gain data for each antenna that will transmit in the 17.3–17.8 GHz frequency
         band, in accordance with the following specifications. Using a Cartesian coordinate system wherein the X
         axis is tangent to the geostationary orbital arc with the positive direction pointing east, i.e., in the direction
         of travel of the satellite; the Y axis is parallel to a line passing through the geographic north and south

47 CFR 25.264(a) (enhanced display)                                                                          page 151 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                       47 CFR 25.264(a)(1)
Satellite Communications

           poles of the Earth, with the positive direction pointing south; and the Z axis passes through the satellite
           and the center of the Earth, with the positive direction pointing toward the Earth, the applicant or licensee
           must provide the predicted transmitting antenna off-axis antenna gain information:

           (1) In the X–Z plane, i.e., the plane of the geostationary orbit, over a range of ±30 degrees from the
               positive and negative X axes in increments of 5 degrees or less.

           (2) In planes rotated from the X–Z plane about the Z axis, over a range of ±60 degrees relative to the
               equatorial plane, in increments of 10 degrees or less.

           (3) In both polarizations.

           (4) At a minimum of three measurement frequencies determined with respect to the entire portion of the
               17.3–17.8 GHz frequency band over which the space station is designed to transmit: 5 MHz above
               the lower edge of the band; at the band center frequency; and 5 MHz below the upper edge of the
               band.

           (5) Over a greater angular measurement range, if necessary, to account for any planned spacecraft
               orientation bias or change in operating orientation relative to the reference coordinate system. The
               applicant or licensee must state the reasons for including such additional information.

           (6) The predictive gain information must be submitted to the Commission when a license application is
               filed for a 17/24 GHz BSS space station or within 60 days after completion of critical design review
               for the space station, whichever occurs later.

     (b) A 17/24 GHz BSS space station applicant or licensee must submit power flux density (pfd) calculations
         based on the predicted gain data submitted in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section, as follows:

           (1) The pfd calculations must be provided at the location of all prior-filed U.S. DBS space stations where
               the applicant's pfd level exceeds the coordination trigger of −117 dBW/m2/100 kHz in the 17.3–17.8
               GHz band. In this rule, the term prior-filed U.S. DBS space station refers to any co-frequency Direct
               Broadcast Satellite service space station for which an application was filed with the Commission, or
               an authorization was granted by the Commission, prior to the filing of the information and
               certifications required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section. The term prior-filed U.S. DBS space
               station does not include any applications (or authorizations) that have been denied, dismissed, or
               are otherwise no longer valid. Prior-filed U.S. DBS space stations may include foreign-licensed DBS
               space stations seeking authority to serve the United States market, but do not include foreign-
               licensed DBS space stations that have not filed applications with the Commission for market access
               in the United States.

           (2) The pfd calculations must take into account the maximum permitted longitudinal station-keeping
               tolerance, orbital inclination and orbital eccentricity of both the 17/24 GHz BSS and DBS space
               stations, and must:

                 (i)   Identify each prior-filed U.S. DBS space station at whose location the coordination threshold pfd
                       level of −117 dBW/m2/100 kHz is exceeded; and

                 (ii) Indicate the extent to which the calculated pfd of the 17/24 GHz space station's transmissions
                      in the 17.3–17.8 GHz band exceed the threshold pfd level of −117 dBW/m2/100 kHz at those
                      prior-filed U.S. DBS space station locations.

47 CFR 25.264(b)(2)(ii) (enhanced display)                                                                 page 152 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                         47 CFR 25.264(b)(3)
Satellite Communications

           (3) If the calculated pfd exceeds the threshold level of −117 dBW/m2/100 kHz at the location of any
               prior-filed U.S. DBS space station, the applicant or licensee must also provide with the pfd
               calculations a certification that all affected DBS operators acknowledge and do not object to such
               higher off-axis pfd levels. No such certification is required in cases where the DBS and 17/24 GHz
               BSS assigned operating frequencies do not overlap.

           (4) The information and any certification required by paragraph (b) of this section must be submitted to
               the Commission when a license application is filed for a 17/24 GHz BSS space station or within 60
               days after completion of critical design review for the space station, whichever occurs later.
               Otherwise, such information and certifications must be submitted to the Commission within 24
               months after the grant of an operating license for a 17/24 GHz BSS space station or when the
               applicant or licensee certifies completion of critical design review, whichever occurs first.

     (c) No later than 2 months prior to launch, each 17/24 GHz BSS space station licensee must update the
         predicted transmitting antenna off-axis gain information provided in accordance with paragraph (a) of this
         section by submitting measured transmitting antenna off-axis gain information over the angular ranges,
         measurement frequencies and polarizations specified in paragraphs (a)(1) through (5) of this section. The
         transmitting antenna off-axis gain information should be measured under conditions as close to flight
         configuration as possible.

     (d) No later than 2 months prior to launch, or when applying for authority to change the location of a 17/24
         GHz BSS space station that is already in orbit, each 17/24 GHz BSS space station licensee must provide
         pfd calculations based on the measured off-axis gain data submitted in accordance with paragraph (c) of
         this section, as follows:

           (1) The pfd calculations must be provided:

                 (i)   At the location of all prior-filed U.S. DBS space stations as defined in paragraph (b)(1) of this
                       section, where the applicant's pfd level in the 17.3–17.8 GHz band exceeds the coordination
                       trigger of −117 dBW/m2/100 kHz; and

                 (ii) At the location of any subsequently filed U.S. DBS space station where the pfd level in the
                      17.3–17.8 GHz band calculated on the basis of measured gain data exceeds −117
                      dBW/m2/100 kHz. In this rule, the term subsequently filed U.S. DBS space station refers to any
                      co-frequency Direct Broadcast Satellite service space station proposed in a license application
                      filed with the Commission after the 17/24 GHz BSS operator submitted the predicted data
                      required by paragraphs (a) through (b) of this section but before submission of the measured
                      data required by this paragraph. Subsequently-filed U.S. DBS space stations may include
                      foreign-licensed DBS space stations seeking authority to serve the United States market. The
                      term does not include any applications (or authorizations) that have been denied, dismissed, or
                      are otherwise no longer valid, nor does it include foreign-licensed DBS space stations that have
                      not filed applications with the Commission for market access in the United States.

           (2) The pfd calculations must take into account the maximum permitted longitudinal station-keeping
               tolerance, orbital inclination and orbital eccentricity of both the 17/24 GHz BSS and DBS space
               stations, and must:

                 (i)   Identify each prior-filed U.S. DBS space station at whose location the coordination threshold pfd
                       level of −117 dBW/m2/100 kHz is exceeded; and

47 CFR 25.264(d)(2)(i) (enhanced display)                                                                    page 153 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                    47 CFR 25.264(d)(2)(ii)
Satellite Communications

                 (ii) Demonstrate the extent to which the applicant's or licensee's transmissions in the 17.3–17.8
                      GHz band exceed the threshold pfd level of −117 dBW/m2/100 kHz at those prior-filed U.S. DBS
                      space station locations.

     (e) If the pfd level calculated from the measured data submitted in accordance with paragraph (d) of this
         section is in excess of the threshold pfd level of −117 dBW/m2/100 kHz:

           (1) At the location of any prior-filed U.S. DBS space station as defined in paragraph (b)(1) of this section,
               then the 17/24 GHz broadcasting-satellite operator must either:

                 (i)   Coordinate its operations that are in excess of the threshold pfd level of −117 dBW/m2/100 kHz
                       with the affected prior-filed U.S. DBS space station operator, or

                 (ii) Adjust its operating parameters so that at the location of the prior-filed U.S. DBS space station,
                      the pfd level of −117 dBW/m2/100 kHz is not exceeded.

           (2) At the location of any subsequently-filed U.S. DBS space station as defined in paragraph (d)(1) of this
               section, where the pfd level submitted in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section, is also in
               excess of the pfd level calculated on the basis of the predicted data submitted in accordance with
               paragraph (a) of this section that were on file with the Commission at the time the DBS space station
               application was filed, then the 17/24 GHz broadcasting-satellite operator must either:

                 (i)   Coordinate with the affected subsequently-filed U.S. DBS space station operator all of its
                       operations that are either in excess of the pfd level calculated on the basis of the predicted
                       antenna off-axis gain data, or are in excess of the threshold pfd level of −117 dBW/m2/100 kHz,
                       whichever is greater, or

                 (ii) Adjust its operating parameters so that at the location of the subsequently-filed U.S. DBS space
                      station, either the pfd level calculated on the basis of the predicted off-axis transmitting
                      antenna gain data, or the threshold pfd level of −117 dBW/m2/100 kHz, whichever is greater, is
                      not exceeded.

           (3) No coordination or adjustment of operating parameters is required in cases where the DBS and 17/
               24 GHz BSS operating frequencies do not overlap.

     (f) The 17/24 GHz BSS applicant or licensee must modify its license, or amend its application, as appropriate,
         based upon new information:

           (1) If the pfd levels submitted in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section, are in excess of those
               submitted in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section at the location of any prior-filed or
               subsequently-filed U.S. DBS space station as defined in paragraphs (b)(1) and (d)(1)of this section,
               or

           (2) If the 17/24 GHz BSS operator adjusts its operating parameters in accordance with paragraphs
               (e)(1)(ii) or (e)(2)(ii) or this section.

     (g) Absent an explicit agreement between operators to permit more closely spaced operations, U.S.
         authorized 17/24 GHz BSS space stations and U.S. authorized DBS space stations with co-frequency
         assignments may not be licensed to operate at locations separated by less than 0.2 degrees in orbital
         longitude.

     (h) All operational 17/24 GHz BSS space stations must be maintained in geostationary orbits that:

           (1) Do not exceed 0.075° of inclination.

47 CFR 25.264(h)(1) (enhanced display)                                                                     page 154 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                      47 CFR 25.264(h)(2)
Satellite Communications

            (2) Operate with an apogee less than or equal to 35,806 km above the surface of the Earth, and with a
                perigee greater than or equal to 35,766 km above the surface of the Earth (i.e., an eccentricity of less
                than 4.7 × 10−4).

      (i)   U.S. authorized DBS networks may claim protection from space path interference arising from the reverse-
            band operations of U.S. authorized 17/24 GHz BSS networks to the extent that the DBS space station
            operates within the bounds of inclination and eccentricity listed below. When the geostationary orbit of
            the DBS space station exceeds these bounds on inclination and eccentricity, it may not claim protection
            from any additional space path interference arising as a result of its inclined or eccentric operations and
            may only claim protection as if it were operating within the bounds listed below:

            (1) The DBS space station's orbit does not exceed 0.075° of inclination, and

            (2) The DBS space station's orbit maintains an apogee less than or equal to 35,806 km above the
                surface of the Earth, and a perigee greater than or equal to 35,766 km above the surface of the Earth
                (i.e., an eccentricity of less than 4.7 × 10−4).

[76 FR 50431, Aug. 15, 2011, as amended at 81 FR 55348, Aug. 18, 2016]

§ 25.265 Acceptance of interference in 2000–2020 MHz.
     (a) MSS receivers operating in the 2000–2020 MHz band must accept interference from lawful operations in
         the 1995–2000 MHz band, where such interference is due to:

            (1) The in-band power of any operations in 1995–2000 MHz (i.e., the portion of transmit power
                contained in the 1995–2000 MHz band); or

            (2) The portion of out-of-band emissions contained in 2000–2005 MHz.

     (b) [Reserved]

[78 FR 8267, Feb. 5, 2013]

Subpart D—Technical Operations

Source: 58 FR 13421, Mar. 11, 1993, unless otherwise noted.

§ 25.271 Control of transmitting stations.
     (a) The licensee of a facility licensed under this part is responsible for the proper operation and maintenance
         of the station.

     (b) The licensee of a transmitting earth station licensed under this part shall ensure that a trained operator is
         present on the earth station site, or at a designated remote control point for the earth station, at all times
         that transmissions are being conducted. No operator's license is required for a person to operate or
         perform maintenance on facilities authorized under this part.

     (c) Authority will be granted to operate a transmitting earth station by remote control only on the conditions
         that:

47 CFR 25.271(c) (enhanced display)                                                                       page 155 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                             47 CFR 25.271(c)(1)
Satellite Communications

           (1) The parameters of the transmissions of the remote station monitored at the control point, and the
               operational functions of the remote earth stations that can be controlled by the operator at the
               control point, are sufficient to ensure that the operations of the remote station(s) are at all times in
               full compliance with the remote station authorization(s);

           (2) The earth station facilities are protected by appropriate security measures to prevent unauthorized
               entry or operations;

           (3) Upon detection by the licensee, or upon notification from the Commission of a deviation or upon
               notification by another licensee of harmful interference, the operation of the remote station shall be
               immediately suspended by the operator at the control point until the deviation or interference is
               corrected, except that transmissions concerning the immediate safety of life or property may be
               conducted for the duration of the emergency; and

           (4) The licensee shall have available at all times the technical personnel necessary to perform
               expeditiously the technical servicing and maintenance of the remote stations.

           (5) Operators of blanket-licensed GSO FSS earth station networks that provide international service
               must maintain a control point within the United States, or maintain a point of contact within the
               United States available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with the ability to shut off any earth station
               within the network immediately upon notification of harmful interference.

     (d) The licensee shall ensure that the licensed facilities are properly secured against unauthorized access or
         use whenever an operator is not present at the transmitter. For space station operations, this includes
         securing satellite commands against unauthorized access and use.

     (e) [Reserved]

     (f) The licensee of any transmitting earth station licensed under this part must update the contact
         information provided in the most recent license application for the station within 10 days of any change
         therein. The updated information must be filed electronically in the “Other Filings” tab of the station's
         current authorization file in the International Communications Filing System.

     (g) All applicants shall ensure compliance with the Commission's radio frequency exposure requirements in
         §§ 1.1307(b), 2.1091, and 2.1093 of this chapter, as appropriate. Applicants with terminals that will
         exceed the guidelines in § 1.1310 of this chapter for radio frequency radiation exposure shall provide a
         plan for mitigation of radiation exposure to the extent required to meet those guidelines. Licensees of
         transmitting earth stations are prohibited from using remote earth stations in their networks that are not
         designed to stop transmission when synchronization to signals from the target satellite fails.

[58 FR 13421, Mar. 11, 1993, as amended at 66 FR 10631, Feb. 16, 2001; 70 FR 4787, Jan. 31, 2005; 70 FR 32257, June 2, 2005;
74 FR 47107, Sept. 15, 2009; 78 FR 8430, Feb. 6, 2013; 79 FR 8325, Feb. 12, 2014; 81 FR 55349, Aug. 18, 2016; 82 FR 59986, Dec.
18, 2017; 85 FR 18150, Apr. 1, 2020; 85 FR 52453, Aug. 25, 2020; 88 FR 21442, Apr. 10, 2023]

§ 25.272 General inter-system coordination procedures.
     (a) Each space station licensee in the Fixed-Satellite Service shall establish a satellite network control center
         which will have the responsibility to do the following:

           (1) Monitor space-to-Earth transmissions in its system (thus indirectly monitoring uplink earth station
               transmissions in its system) and

47 CFR 25.272(a)(1) (enhanced display)                                                                           page 156 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                            47 CFR 25.272(a)(2)
Satellite Communications

           (2) Coordinate transmissions in its satellite system with those of other systems to prevent harmful
               interference incidents or, in the event of a harmful interference incident, to identify the source of the
               interference and correct the problem promptly.

     (b) [Reserved]

     (c) The transmitting earth station licensee shall provide the operator(s) of the satellites, on which the licensee
         is authorized to transmit, contact telephone numbers for the control center of the earth station and
         emergency telephone numbers for key personnel; a current file of these contacts shall be maintained at
         each satellite system control center.

     (d) An earth station licensee shall ensure that each of its authorized earth stations complies with the
         following:

           (1) The earth station licensee shall ensure that there is continuously available means of
               communications between the satellite network control center and the earth station operator or its
               remote control point as designated by the licensee.

           (2) The earth station operator shall notify the satellite network control center and receive permission
               from the control center before transmitting to the satellite or changing the basic characteristics of a
               transmission.

           (3) The earth station operator shall keep the space station licensee informed of all actual and planned
               usage.

           (4) Upon approval of the satellite network control center, the earth station operator may radiate an RF
               carrier into the designated transponder. Should improper illumination of the transponder or undue
               adjacent transponder interference be observed by the satellite network control center, the earth
               station operator shall immediately take whatever measures are needed to eliminate the problem.

           (5) The space station licensee may delegate the responsibility and duties of the satellite network control
               center to a technically qualified user or group of users, but the space station licensee shall remain
               ultimately responsible for the performance of those duties.

[58 FR 13421, Mar. 11, 1993, as amended at 62 FR 5931, Feb. 10, 1997; 78 FR 8431, Feb. 6, 2013; 79 FR 8325, Feb. 12, 2014]

§ 25.273 Duties regarding space communications transmissions.
     (a) No person shall:

           (1) Transmit to a satellite unless the specific transmission is first authorized by the satellite network
               control center;

           (2) Conduct transmissions over a transponder unless the operator is authorized to transmit at that time
               by the satellite licensee or the satellite licensee's successor in interest; or

           (3) Transmit in any manner that causes unacceptable interference to the authorized transmission of
               another licensee.

     (b) Satellite operators shall provide upon request by the Commission and by earth station licensees
         authorized to transmit on their satellites relevant information needed to avoid unacceptable interference
         to other users, including the polarization angles for proper illumination of a given transponder.

47 CFR 25.273(b) (enhanced display)                                                                              page 157 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                        47 CFR 25.273(c)
Satellite Communications

     (c) Space station licensees are responsible for maintaining complete and accurate technical details of
         current and planned transmissions over their satellites, and shall require that authorized users of
         transponders on their satellites, whether by tariff or contract, provide any necessary technical information
         in this regard including that required by § 25.272. Based on this information, space station licensees shall
         exchange among themselves general technical information concerning current and planned transmission
         parameters as needed to identify and promptly resolve any potential cases of unacceptable interference
         between their satellite systems.

     (d) Space stations authorized after May 10, 1993 which do not satisfy the requirements of § 25.210 may be
         required to accept greater constraints in resolving interference problems than complying ones. The extent
         of these constraints shall be determined on a case-by-case basis.

[58 FR 13421, Mar. 11, 1993, as amended at 78 FR 8431, Feb. 6, 2013]

§ 25.274 Procedures to be followed in the event of harmful interference.
     (a) The earth station operator whose transmission is suffering harmful interference shall first check the earth
         station equipment to ensure that the equipment is functioning properly.

     (b) The earth station operator shall then check all other earth stations in the licensee's network that could be
         causing the harmful interference to ensure that none of them is the source of the interference and to
         verify that the interference is not from a local terrestrial source.

     (c) After the earth station operator has determined that the source of the interference is not another earth
         station operating in the same network or from a terrestrial source, the earth station operator shall contact
         the satellite system control center and advise the satellite operator of the problem. The control center
         operator shall observe the interference incident and make reasonable efforts to determine the source of
         the problem. A record shall be maintained by the control center operator and the earth station operator of
         all harmful interference incidents and their resolution. These records shall be made available to an FCC
         representative on request.

     (d) Where the suspected source of the interference incident is the operation of an earth station licensed to
         operate on one or more of the satellites in the satellite operator's system, the control center operator shall
         advise the offending earth station of the harmful interference incident and assist in the resolution of the
         problem where reasonably possible.

     (e) The earth station licensee whose operations are suspected of causing harmful interference to the
         operations of another earth station shall take reasonable measures to determine whether its operations
         are the source of the harmful interference problem. Where the operations of the suspect earth station are
         the source of the interference, the licensee of that earth station shall take all measures necessary to
         resolve the interference.

     (f) Where the earth station suspected of causing harmful interference to the operations of another earth
         station cannot be identified or is identified as an earth station operating on a satellite system other than
         the one on which the earth station suffering harmful interference is operating, it is the responsibility of a
         representative of the earth station suffering harmful interference to contact the control center of other
         satellite systems. The operator of the earth station suffering harmful interference is free to choose any
         representative to make this contact, including but not limited to the operator of the satellite system on
         which the earth station is operating. The operator of the earth station suffering harmful interference is
         also free to contact the control center of the other satellite systems directly.

47 CFR 25.274(f) (enhanced display)                                                                       page 158 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                              47 CFR 25.274(g)
Satellite Communications

     (g) At any point, the system control center operator may contact the Commission's Columbia Operations
         Center in Columbia, Maryland, to assist in resolving the matter. This office specializes in the resolution of
         satellite interference problems. All licensees are required to cooperate fully with the Commission in any
         investigation of interference problems.

[58 FR 13421, Mar. 11, 1993, as amended at 62 FR 5931, Feb. 10, 1997; 70 FR 32257, June 2, 2005; 78 FR 8431, Feb. 6, 2013]

§ 25.275 Particulars of operation.
     (a) Radio station authorizations issued under this part will normally specify only the frequency bands
         authorized for transmission and/or reception of the station.

     (b) When authorized frequency bands are specified in the station authorization, the licensee is authorized to
         transmit any number of r.f. carriers on any discrete frequencies within an authorized frequency band in
         accordance with the other terms and conditions of the authorization and the requirements of this part.
         Specific r.f. carrier frequencies within the authorized frequency band shall be selected by the licensee to
         avoid unacceptable levels of interference being caused to other earth, space or terrestrial stations. Any
         coordination agreements, both domestic and international, concerning specific frequency usage
         constraints, including non-use of any particular frequencies within the frequency bands listed in the
         station authorization, are considered to be conditions of the station authorization.

     (c) A license for a transmitting earth station will normally specify only the r.f. carriers having the highest
         e.i.r.p. density, the narrowest bandwidth, and the largest bandwidth authorized for transmission from that
         station. Unless otherwise specified in the station authorization, the licensee is authorized to transmit any
         other type of carrier not specifically listed which does not exceed the highest e.i.r.p., e.i.r.p. density and
         bandwidth prescribed for any listed emission.

     (d) Only the most sensitive emission(s) for which protection is being afforded from interference in the
         authorized receive frequency band(s) will be specified in the station authorization.

     (e) Transmission from an earth station of an unmodulated carrier at a power level sufficient to saturate a
         satellite transponder is prohibited, except as consented to by the space station licensee to determine
         transponder performance characteristics.

[58 FR 13421, Mar. 11, 1993, as amended at 81 FR 55349, Aug. 18, 2016]

§ 25.276 Points of communication.
Unless otherwise specified in the station authorization, an earth station may transmit to any space station in the
same radio service that is listed as a point of communication in the earth station license, provided that permission
has been received from the space station operator to access that space station.

[79 FR 8325, Feb. 12, 2014]

§ 25.277 Temporary fixed earth station operations.
     (a) When an earth station in the Fixed-Satellite Service is to remain at a single location for fewer than 6
         months, the location may be considered to be temporary fixed. Services provided at a single location
         which are initially known to be of longer than six months' duration shall not be provided under a temporary
         fixed authorization.

47 CFR 25.277(a) (enhanced display)                                                                             page 159 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                              47 CFR 25.277(b)
Satellite Communications

     (b) When a station, other than an ESV, authorized as a temporary fixed earth station, is to remain at a single
         location for more than six months, application for a regular station authorization at that location shall be
         filed at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the six-month period.

     (c) The licensee of an earth station, other than an ESV, which is authorized to conduct temporary fixed
         operations in bands shared co-equally with terrestrial fixed stations shall provide the following
         information to the Director of the Columbia Operations Center at 9200 Farmhouse Lane, Columbia,
         Maryland 21046, and to the licensees of all terrestrial facilities lying within the coordination contour of the
         proposed temporary fixed earth station site before beginning transmissions:

           (1) The name of the person operating the station and the telephone number at which the operator can
               be reached directly;

           (2) The exact frequency or frequencies used and the type of emissions and power levels to be
               transmitted; and

           (3) The commencement and anticipated termination dates of operation from each location.

     (d) Except as set forth in § 25.151(e), transmissions may not be commenced until all affected terrestrial
         licensees have been notified and the earth station operator has confirmed that unacceptable interference
         will not be caused to such terrestrial stations.

     (e) Operations of temporary fixed earth stations shall cease immediately upon notice of harmful interference
         from the Commission or the affected licensee.

     (f) Filing requirements concerning applications for new temporary fixed earth station facilities operating in
         frequency bands shared co-equally with terrestrial fixed stations.

           (1) When the initial location of the temporary fixed earth station's operation is known, the applicant shall
               provide, as part of the Form 312 application, a frequency coordination report in accordance with §
               25.203 for the initial station location.

           (2) When the initial location of the temporary fixed earth station's operation is not known at the time the
               application is filed, the applicant shall provide, as part of the Form 312 application, a statement by
               the applicant acknowledging its coordination responsibilities under § 25.277.

[58 FR 13421, Mar. 11, 1993, as amended at 62 FR 5931, Feb. 10, 1997; 70 FR 4787, Jan. 31, 2005; 70 FR 32257, June 2, 2005]

§ 25.278 Additional coordination obligation for non-geostationary and geostationary satellite
systems in frequencies allocated to the fixed-satellite service.
Licensees of non-geostationary satellite systems that use frequency bands allocated to the Fixed-Satellite Service
for their feeder link operations shall coordinate their operations with licensees of geostationary Fixed-Satellite
Service systems licensed by the Commission for operation in the same frequency bands. Licensees of
geostationary Fixed-Satellite Service systems in the frequency bands that are licensed to non-geostationary satellite
systems for feeder link operations shall coordinate their operations with the licensees of such non-geostationary
satellite systems.

[59 FR 53330, Oct. 21, 1994, as amended at 78 FR 8431, Feb. 6, 2013]

47 CFR 25.278 (enhanced display)                                                                               page 160 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                            47 CFR 25.279
Satellite Communications

§ 25.279 Inter-satellite service.
     (a) Any satellite communicating with other space stations may use frequencies in the inter-satellite service as
         indicated in § 2.106 of this chapter. This does not preclude the use of other frequencies for such
         purposes as provided for in several service definitions, e.g., FSS. The technical details of the proposed
         inter-satellite link shall be provided in accordance with § 25.114(c).

     (b) Operating conditions. In order to ensure compatible operations with authorized users in the frequency
         bands to be utilized for operations in the inter-satellite service, these inter-satellite service systems must
         operate in accordance with the conditions specified in this section.

           (1) Coordination requirements with federal government users.

                 (i)   In frequency bands allocated for use by the inter-satellite service that are also authorized for
                       use by agencies of the federal government, the federal use of frequencies in the inter-satellite
                       service frequency bands is under the regulatory jurisdiction of the National
                       Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

                 (ii) The Commission will use its existing procedures to reach agreement with NTIA to achieve
                      compatible operations between federal government users under the jurisdiction of NTIA and
                      inter-satellite service systems through frequency assignment and coordination practice
                      established by NTIA and the Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC). In order to
                      facilitate such frequency assignment and coordination, applicants shall provide the
                      Commission with sufficient information to evaluate electromagnetic compatibility with the
                      federal government users of the spectrum, and any additional information requested by the
                      Commission. As part of the coordination process, applicants shall show that they will not cause
                      interference to authorized federal government users, based upon existing system information
                      provided by the government. The frequency assignment and coordination of the satellite
                      system shall be completed prior to grant of construction authorization.

           (2) Coordination among inter-satellite service systems. Applicants for authority to establish inter-
               satellite service are encouraged to coordinate their proposed frequency usage with existing
               permittees and licensees in the inter-satellite service whose facilities could be affected by the new
               proposal in terms of frequency interference or restricted system capacity. All affected applicants,
               permittees, and licensees, shall at the direction of the Commission, cooperate fully and make every
               reasonable effort to resolve technical problems and conflicts that may inhibit effective and efficient
               use of the radio spectrum; however, the permittee or licensee being coordinated with is not obligated
               to suggest changes or re-engineer an applicant's proposal in cases involving conflicts.

[59 FR 53331, Oct. 21, 1994, as amended at 65 FR 59144, Oct. 4, 2000]

§ 25.280 Inclined orbit operations.
     (a) Satellite operators may commence operation in inclined orbit mode without obtaining prior Commission
         authorization provided that the Commission is notified by letter within 30 days after the last north-south
         station keeping maneuver. The notification shall include:

           (1) The operator's name;

           (2) The date of commencement of inclined orbit operation;

           (3) The initial inclination;

47 CFR 25.280(a)(3) (enhanced display)                                                                     page 161 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                         47 CFR 25.280(a)(4)
Satellite Communications

           (4) The rate of change in inclination per year; and

           (5) The expected end-of-life of the satellite accounting for inclined orbit operation, and the maneuvers
               specified under § 25.283 of the Commission's rules.

     (b) Licensees operating in inclined-orbit are required to:

           (1) Periodically correct the satellite attitude to achieve a stationary spacecraft antenna pattern on the
               surface of the Earth and centered on the satellite's designated service area;

           (2) Control all electrical interference to adjacent satellites, as a result of operating in an inclined orbit, to
               levels not to exceed that which would be caused by the satellite operating without an inclined orbit;

           (3) Not claim protection in excess of the protection that would be received by the satellite network
               operating without an inclined orbit; and

           (4) Continue to maintain the space station at the authorized longitude orbital location in the
               geostationary satellite arc with the appropriate east-west station-keeping tolerance.

[69 FR 54587, Sept. 9, 2004]

§ 25.281 Transmitter identification requirements for video uplink transmissions.
     (a) Earth-to-space transmissions carrying video information with analog modulation must be identified
         through use of an Automatic Transmitter Identification System (ATIS) with an analog identifier or a direct
         sequence spread spectrum signal.

           (1) Use of an analog identifier must be in accordance with the following requirements:

                 (i)   The ATIS signal must be a separate subcarrier that is automatically activated whenever any
                       radio frequency signal is transmitted.

                 (ii) The ATIS message must continuously repeat.

                (iii) The ATIS subcarrier signal must be generated at a frequency of 7.1 MHz ±25 kHz and modulate
                      the uplink radio frequency carrier at a level no less than −26 dB (referenced to the unmodulated
                      carrier).

                (iv) ATIS subcarrier deviation must not exceed 25 kHz.

                 (v) The ATIS message protocol must be International Morse Code keyed by a 1200 Hz ±800 Hz
                     tone representing a mark and a message rate of 15 to 25 words per minute. The tone must
                     frequency-modulate the subcarrier signal with the ATIS message.

                (vi) The ATIS message must include the FCC-assigned call sign of the transmitting earth station, a
                     telephone number providing immediate access to personnel capable of resolving interference
                     or coordination problems, and a unique serial number of ten or more digits programmed into
                     the ATIS message in a permanent manner so that it cannot be readily changed by the operator
                     on duty. Additional information may be included in the ATIS data stream provided the total ATIS
                     message length does not exceed 30 seconds.

           (2) Use of a direct sequence spread spectrum ATIS signal must be in accordance with the requirements
               in paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this section.

47 CFR 25.281(a)(2) (enhanced display)                                                                        page 162 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                         47 CFR 25.281(b)
Satellite Communications

     (b) As of September 3, 2017, transmissions of fixed-frequency, digitally modulated video signals with a
         symbol rate of 128,000/s or more from a temporary-fixed earth station must be identified through use of
         an ATIS in accordance with the requirements that follow.

           (1) The ATIS message must be modulated onto a direct sequence spread spectrum signal in
               accordance with the DVB–CID standard, ETSI TS 103 129 V1.1.2 (2014–03) (incorporated by
               reference, see § 25.108).

           (2) The ATIS message must continuously repeat.

                 Note 1 to paragraph (b): Paragraph (b) is waived for earth stations using modulators
                 manufactured before August 1, 2017, that cannot be made compliant with the DVB–CID
                 standard by a software upgrade.

     (c) ATIS equipment must be integrated into the uplink transmitter chain with a method that cannot easily be
         defeated.

[79 FR 8325, Feb. 12, 2014; 81 FR 33601, May 31, 2016, as amended at 82 FR 40494, Aug. 25, 2017]

§ 25.282 Orbit raising maneuvers.
A space station authorized to operate in the geostationary satellite orbit under this part is also authorized to
transmit in connection with short-term, transitory maneuvers directly related to post-launch, orbit-raising maneuvers,
provided that the following conditions are met:

     (a) Authority is limited to those tracking, telemetry, and control frequencies in which the space station is
         authorized to operate once it reaches its assigned geostationary orbital location;

     (b) The space station operator will coordinate on an operator-to-operator basis with any potentially affected
         satellite networks.

     (c) The space station licensee is required to accept interference from any lawfully operating satellite network
         or radio communication system.

[69 FR 54587, Sept. 9, 2004, as amended at 85 FR 52453, Aug. 25, 2020]

§ 25.283 End-of-life disposal.
     (a) Geostationary orbit space stations. Unless otherwise explicitly specified in an authorization, a space
         station authorized to operate in the geostationary satellite orbit under this part shall be relocated, at the
         end of its useful life, barring catastrophic failure of satellite components, to an orbit with a perigee with an
         altitude of no less than:

           36,021 km + (1000·CR·A/m)

           where CR is the solar radiation pressure coefficient of the spacecraft, and A/m is the Area to mass ratio, in
           square meters per kilogram, of the spacecraft.
     (b) A space station authorized to operate in the geostationary satellite orbit under this part may operate using
         its authorized tracking, telemetry and control frequencies, and outside of its assigned orbital location, for
         the purpose of removing the satellite from the geostationary satellite orbit at the end of its useful life,
47 CFR 25.283(b) (enhanced display)                                                                       page 163 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                         47 CFR 25.283(c)
Satellite Communications

           provided that the conditions of paragraph (a) of this section are met, and on the condition that the space
           station's tracking, telemetry and control transmissions are planned so as to avoid electrical interference to
           other space stations, and coordinated with any potentially affected satellite networks.

     (c) All space stations. Upon completion of any relocation authorized by paragraph (b) of this section, or any
         relocation at end-of-life specified in an authorization, or upon a spacecraft otherwise completing its
         authorized mission, a space station licensee shall ensure, unless prevented by technical failures beyond
         its control, that stored energy sources on board the satellite are discharged, by venting excess propellant,
         discharging batteries, relieving pressure vessels, or other appropriate measures.

     (d) The minimum perigee requirement of paragraph (a) of this section shall not apply to space stations
         launched prior to March 18, 2002.

[69 FR 54588, Sept. 9, 2004, as amended at 78 FR 8431, Feb. 6, 2013; 81 FR 55349, Aug. 18, 2016]

§ 25.284 [Reserved]
§ 25.285 Operation of MSS and ATC transmitters or transceivers on board civil aircraft.
     (a) Operation of any of the following devices aboard civil aircraft is prohibited, unless the device is installed in
         a manner approved by the Federal Aviation Administration or is used by the pilot or with the pilot's
         consent:

           (1) Earth stations capable of transmitting in the 1.5/1.6 GHz, 1.6/2.4 GHz, or 2 GHz Mobile-Satellite
               Service frequency bands;

           (2) ATC terminals capable of transmitting in the 1.5/1.6 GHz or 1.6/2.4 GHz MSS bands;

           (3) Earth stations used for non-voice, non-geostationary Mobile-Satellite Service communication that
               can emit radiation in the 108–137 MHz band.

     (b) No portable device of any type identified in paragraph (a) of this section (including transmitter or
         transceiver units installed in other devices that are themselves portable) may be sold or distributed to
         users unless it conspicuously bears the following warning: “This device must be turned off at all times
         while on board aircraft.” For purposes of this section, a device is portable if it is a “portable device” as
         defined in § 2.1093(b) of this chapter or is designed to be carried by hand.

[79 FR 8325, Feb. 12, 2014]

§ 25.286 Antenna painting and lighting.
The owner of an earth station antenna structure must comply with all applicable painting, marking, and/or lighting
requirements in part 17 of this chapter. In the event of default by the owner, the station licensee will be responsible
for ensuring that such requirements are met.

[79 FR 8326, Feb. 12, 2014]

47 CFR 25.286 (enhanced display)                                                                           page 164 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                         47 CFR 25.287
Satellite Communications

§ 25.287 Requirements pertaining to operation of mobile stations in the NVNG, 1.5/1.6 GHz, 1.6/
2.4 GHz, and 2 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service bands.
     (a) Any mobile earth station (MES) operating in the 1530–1544 MHz and 1626.5–1645.5 MHz bands must
         have the following minimum set of capabilities to ensure compliance with Footnote 5.353A in 47 CFR
         2.106 and the priority and real-time preemption requirements imposed by Footnote US315.

           (1) All MES transmissions must have a priority assigned to them that preserves the priority and
               preemptive access given to maritime distress and safety communications sharing the band.

           (2) Each MES with a requirement to handle maritime distress and safety data communications must be
               capable of either:

                 (i)   Recognizing message and call priority identification when transmitted from its associated Land
                       Earth Station (LES), or

                 (ii) Accepting message and call priority identification embedded in the message or call when
                      transmitted from its associated LES and passing the identification to shipboard data message
                      processing equipment.

           (3) Each MES must be assigned a unique terminal identification number that will be transmitted upon
               any attempt to gain access to a system.

           (4) After an MES has gained access to a system, the mobile terminal must be under control of an LES
               and must obtain all channel assignments from it.

           (5) All MESs that do not continuously monitor a separate signaling channel or signaling within the
               communications channel must monitor the signaling channel at the end of each transmission.

           (6) Each MES must automatically inhibit its transmissions if it is not correctly receiving separate
               signaling channel or signaling within the communications channel from its associated LES.

           (7) Each MES must automatically inhibit its transmissions on any or all channels upon receiving a
               channel-shut-off command on a signaling or communications channel it is receiving from its
               associated LES.

           (8) Each MES with a requirement to handle maritime distress and safety communications must have the
               capability within the station to automatically preempt lower precedence traffic.

     (b) Any LES for an MSS system operating in the 1530–1544 MHz and 1626.5–1645.5 MHz bands must have
         the following minimum set of capabilities to ensure compliance with Footnotes 5.353A and the priority
         and real-time preemption requirements imposed by Footnote US315. An LES fulfilling these requirements
         must not have any additional priority with respect to FSS stations operating with other systems.

           (1) LES transmissions to MESs must have a priority assigned to them that preserves the priority and
               preemptive access given to maritime distress and safety communications pursuant to paragraph (a)
               of this section.

           (2) The LES must recognize the priority of calls to and from MESs and make channel assignments
               taking into account the priority access that is given to maritime distress and safety communications.

           (3) The LES must be capable of receiving the MES identification number when transmitted and verifying
               that it is an authorized user of the system to prohibit unauthorized access.

           (4) The LES must be capable of transmitting channel assignment commands to the MESs.

47 CFR 25.287(b)(4) (enhanced display)                                                                  page 165 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                      47 CFR 25.287(b)(5)
Satellite Communications

           (5) The communications channels used between the LES and the MES shall have provision for signaling
               within the voice/data channel, for an MES that does not continuously monitor the LES signaling
               channel during a call.

           (6) The LES must transmit periodic control signals to MESs that do not continuously monitor the LES
               signaling channel.

           (7) The LES must automatically inhibit transmissions to an MES to which it is not transmitting in a
               signaling channel or signaling within the communications channel.

           (8) The LES must be capable of transmitting channel-shut-off commands to MESs on signaling or
               communications channels.

           (9) Each LES must be capable of interrupting, and if necessary, preempting ongoing routine traffic from
               an MES in order to complete a maritime distress, urgency or safety call to that MES.

          (10) Each LES must be capable of automatically turning off one or more of its associated channels in
               order to complete a maritime distress, urgency or safety call.

     (c) No person without an FCC license for such operation may transmit to a space station in the NVNG, 1.5/1.6
         GHz, 1.6/2.4 GHz, or 2 GHz Mobile-Satellite Service from anywhere in the United States except to receive
         service from the holder of a pertinent FCC blanket license or from another party with the permission of
         such a blanket licensee.

[79 FR 8326, Feb. 12, 2014, as amended at 84 FR 53659, Oct. 8, 2019]

§ 25.288 Obligation to remedy interference caused by NGSO MSS feeder downlinks in the
6700–6875 MHz band.
If an NGSO MSS satellite transmitting in the 6700–6875 MHz band causes harmful interference to previously
licensed co-frequency Public Safety facilities, the satellite operator has an obligation to remedy the interference.

[81 FR 55349, Aug. 18, 2016]

§ 25.289 Protection of GSO networks by NGSO systems.
Unless otherwise provided in this chapter, an NGSO system licensee must not cause unacceptable interference to,
or claim protection from, a GSO FSS or GSO BSS network. An NGSO FSS licensee operating in compliance with the
applicable equivalent power flux-density limits in Article 22, Section II of the ITU Radio Regulations (incorporated by
reference, § 25.108) will be considered as having fulfilled this obligation with respect to any GSO network.

[82 FR 59986, Dec. 18, 2017]

§ 25.290 Responsibility of licensee for blanket-licensed earth station operation.
The holder of an FCC blanket earth station license is responsible for operation of any earth station under that
license. Operators of satellite networks and systems must not transmit communications to or from such earth
stations in the United States unless such communications are authorized under a service contract with the holder of
a pertinent FCC blanket earth station license or under a service contract with another party with authority for such
operation delegated by such a blanket licensee.

47 CFR 25.290 (enhanced display)                                                                          page 166 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                         47 CFR 25.301
Satellite Communications

[84 FR 53659, Oct. 8, 2019]

Subpart E—Miscellaneous
§ 25.301 Satellite Emergency Notification Devices (SENDs).
No device described by the marketer or seller using the terms “SEND” or “Satellite Emergency Notification Device”
may be marketed or sold in the United States unless it complies with the requirements of RTCM 12800.0
(incorporated by reference, see § 25.108).

[88 FR 21442, Apr. 10, 2023]

Subpart F—Competitive Bidding Procedures for DARS

Source: 62 FR 11106, Mar. 11, 1997, unless otherwise noted.

§ 25.401 Satellite DARS applications subject to competitive bidding.
Mutually exclusive initial applications for DARS service licenses are subject to competitive bidding. The general
competitive bidding procedures set forth in part 1, subpart Q of this chapter will apply unless otherwise provided in
this part.

[67 FR 45373, July 9, 2002]

§ 25.402 [Reserved]
§ 25.403 Bidding application and certification procedures.
Submission of Supplemental Application Information. In order to be eligible to bid, each pending applicant must
timely submit certain supplemental information. All supplemental information shall be filed by the applicant five
days after publication of these rules in the FEDERAL REGISTER. The supplemental information must be certified and
include the following:

     (a) Applicant's name;

     (b) Mailing Address (no Post Office boxes);

     (c) City;

     (d) State;

     (e) ZIP Code;

     (f) Auction Number 15;

     (g) FCC Account Number;

     (h) Person(s) authorized to make or withdraw a bid (list up to three individuals);

      (i)   Certifications and name and title of person certifying the information provided;

      (j)   Applicant's contact person and such person's telephone number, E-mail address and FAX number; and

47 CFR 25.403(j) (enhanced display)                                                                     page 167 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                          47 CFR 25.403(k)
Satellite Communications

     (k) Signature and date.

§ 25.404 Submission of down payment and filing of long-form applications.
A high bidder that meets its down payment obligations in a timely manner must, within thirty (30) business days
after being notified that it is a high bidder, submit an amendment to its pending application to provide the
information required by § 25.144.

[67 FR 45373, July 9, 2002]

§§ 25.405-25.406 [Reserved]

Subparts G–H [Reserved]

Subpart I—Equal Employment Opportunities
§ 25.601 Equal employment opportunities.
Notwithstanding other EEO provisions within these rules, an entity that uses an owned or leased Fixed-Satellite
Service or Direct Broadcast Satellite Service or 17/24 GHz Broadcasting-Satellite Service facility (operating under
this part) to provide video programming directly to the public on a subscription basis must comply with the equal
employment opportunity requirements set forth in part 76, subpart E, of this chapter, if such entity exercises control
(as defined in part 76, subpart E, of this chapter) over the video programming it distributes. Notwithstanding other
EEO provisions within these rules, a licensee or permittee of a direct broadcast satellite station operating as a
broadcaster, and a licensee or permittee in the satellite DARS service, must comply with the equal employment
opportunity requirements set forth in 47 CFR part 73.

[72 FR 50033, Aug. 29, 2007, as amended at 78 FR 8431, Feb. 6, 2013; 81 FR 10122, Feb. 29, 2016]

Subpart J—Public Interest Obligations
§ 25.701 Other DBS Public interest obligations.
     (a) DBS providers are subject to the public interest obligations set forth in paragraphs (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f)
         of this section. As used in this section, DBS providers are any of the following:

           (1) Entities licensed to operate satellites in the 12.2 to 12.7 GHz DBS frequency bands; or

           (2) Entities licensed to operate satellites in the Ku band Fixed-Satellite Service and that sell or lease
               capacity to a video programming distributor that offers service directly to consumers providing a
               sufficient number of channels so that four percent of the total applicable programming channels
               yields a set aside of at least one channel of non commercial programming pursuant to paragraph (e)
               of this section, or

           (3) Non U.S. licensed satellite operators in the Ku band that offer video programming directly to
               consumers in the United States pursuant to an earth station license issued under part 25 of this title
               and that offer a sufficient number of channels to consumers so that four percent of the total
               applicable programming channels yields a set aside of one channel of noncommercial programming
               pursuant to paragraph (e) of this section, or

47 CFR 25.701(a)(3) (enhanced display)                                                                     page 168 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                           47 CFR 25.701(a)(4)
Satellite Communications

           (4) Entities licensed to operate satellites in the 17/24 GHz BSS that offer video programming directly to
               consumers or that sell or lease capacity to a video programming distributor that offers service
               directly to consumers providing a sufficient number of channels so that four percent of the total
               applicable programming channels yields a set aside of at least one channel of noncommercial
               programming pursuant to paragraph (e) of this section, or

           (5) Non U.S. licensed satellite operators in the 17/24 GHz BSS that offer video programming directly to
               consumers in the United States or that sell or lease capacity to a video programming distributor that
               offers service directly to consumers in the United States pursuant to an earth station license issued
               under part 25 of this title and that offer a sufficient number of channels to consumers so that four
               percent of the total applicable programming channels yields a set aside of one channel of
               noncommercial programming pursuant to paragraph (e) of this section.

     (b) Political broadcasting requirements—

           (1) Legally qualified candidates for public office for purposes of this section are as defined in § 73.1940
               of this chapter.

           (2) DBS origination programming is defined as programming (exclusive of broadcast signals) carried on
               a DBS facility over one or more channels and subject to the exclusive control of the DBS provider.

           (3) Reasonable access.

                 (i)   DBS providers must comply with section 312(a)(7) of the Communications Act of 1934, as
                       amended, by allowing reasonable access to, or permitting purchase of reasonable amounts of
                       time for, the use of their facilities by a legally qualified candidate for federal elective office on
                       behalf of his or her candidacy.

                 (ii) Weekend access. For purposes of providing reasonable access, DBS providers shall make
                      facilities available for use by federal candidates on the weekend before the election if the DBS
                      provider has provided similar access to commercial advertisers during the year preceding the
                      relevant election period. DBS providers shall not discriminate between candidates with regard
                      to weekend access.

           (4) Use of facilities; equal opportunities. DBS providers must comply with section 315 of the
               Communications Act of 1934, as amended, by providing equal opportunities to legally qualified
               candidates for DBS origination programming.

                 (i)   General requirements. Except as otherwise indicated in § 25.701(b)(3), no DBS provider is
                       required to permit the use of its facilities by any legally qualified candidate for public office, but
                       if a DBS provider shall permit any such candidate to use its facilities, it shall afford equal
                       opportunities to all other candidates for that office to use such facilities. Such DBS provider
                       shall have no power of censorship over the material broadcast by any such candidate.
                       Appearance by a legally qualified candidate on any:

                       (A) Bona fide newscast;

                       (B) Bona fide news interview;

                       (C) Bona fide news documentary (if the appearance of the candidate is incidental to the
                           presentation of the subject or subjects covered by the news documentary); or

47 CFR 25.701(b)(4)(i)(C) (enhanced display)                                                                   page 169 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                   47 CFR 25.701(b)(4)(i)(D)
Satellite Communications

                       (D) On the spot coverage of bona fide news events (including, but not limited to political
                           conventions and activities incidental thereto) shall not be deemed to be use of a DBS
                           provider's facility. (Section 315(a) of the Communications Act.)

                 (ii) Uses. As used in this section and § 25.701(c), the term “use” means a candidate appearance
                      (including by voice or picture) that is not exempt under paragraphs (b)(3)(i)(A) through
                      (b)(3)(i)(D) of this section.

                (iii) Timing of request. A request for equal opportunities must be submitted to the DBS provider
                      within 1 week of the day on which the first prior use giving rise to the right of equal
                      opportunities occurred: Provided, however, That where the person was not a candidate at the
                      time of such first prior use, he or she shall submit his or her request within 1 week of the first
                      subsequent use after he or she has become a legally qualified candidate for the office in
                      question.

                (iv) Burden of proof. A candidate requesting equal opportunities of the DBS provider or complaining
                     of noncompliance to the Commission shall have the burden of proving that he or she and his or
                     her opponent are legally qualified candidates for the same public office.

                 (v) Discrimination between candidates. In making time available to candidates for public office, no
                     DBS provider shall make any discrimination between candidates in practices, regulations,
                     facilities, or services for or in connection with the service rendered pursuant to this part, or
                     make or give any preference to any candidate for public office or subject any such candidate to
                     any prejudice or disadvantage; nor shall any DBS provider make any contract or other
                     agreement that shall have the effect of permitting any legally qualified candidate for any public
                     office to use DBS origination programming to the exclusion of other legally qualified candidates
                     for the same public office.

     (c) Candidate rates —

           (1) Charges for use of DBS facilities. The charges, if any, made for the use of any DBS facility by any
               person who is a legally qualified candidate for any public office in connection with his or her
               campaign for nomination for election, or election, to such office shall not exceed:

                 (i)   During the 45 days preceding the date of a primary or primary runoff election and during the 60
                       days preceding the date of a general or special election in which such person is a candidate,
                       the lowest unit charge of the DBS provider for the same class and amount of time for the same
                       period.

                       (A) A candidate shall be charged no more per unit than the DBS provider charges its most
                           favored commercial advertisers for the same classes and amounts of time for the same
                           periods. Any facility practices offered to commercial advertisers that enhance the value of
                           advertising spots must be disclosed and made available to candidates upon equal terms.
                           Such practices include but are not limited to any discount privileges that affect the value
                           of advertising, such as bonus spots, time sensitive make goods, preemption priorities, or
                           any other factors that enhance the value of the announcement.

                       (B) The Commission recognizes non preemptible, preemptible with notice, immediately
                           preemptible and run of schedule as distinct classes of time.

47 CFR 25.701(c)(1)(i)(B) (enhanced display)                                                                page 170 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                  47 CFR 25.701(c)(1)(i)(C)
Satellite Communications

                      (C) DBS providers may establish and define their own reasonable classes of immediately
                          preemptible time so long as the differences between such classes are based on one or
                          more demonstrable benefits associated with each class and are not based solely upon
                          price or identity of the advertiser. Such demonstrable benefits include, but are not limited
                          to, varying levels of preemption protection, scheduling flexibility, or associated privileges,
                          such as guaranteed time sensitive make goods. DBS providers may not use class
                          distinctions to defeat the purpose of the lowest unit charge requirement. All classes must
                          be fully disclosed and made available to candidates.

                      (D) DBS providers may establish reasonable classes of preemptible with notice time so long
                          as they clearly define all such classes, fully disclose them and make them available to
                          candidates.

                      (E) DBS providers may treat non preemptible and fixed position as distinct classes of time
                          provided that they articulate clearly the differences between such classes, fully disclose
                          them, and make them available to candidates.

                      (F) DBS providers shall not establish a separate, premium priced class of time sold only to
                          candidates. DBS providers may sell higher priced non preemptible or fixed time to
                          candidates if such a class of time is made available on a bona fide basis to both
                          candidates and commercial advertisers, and provided such class is not functionally
                          equivalent to any lower priced class of time sold to commercial advertisers.

                      (G) [Reserved]

                      (H) Lowest unit charge may be calculated on a weekly basis with respect to time that is sold
                          on a weekly basis, such as rotations through particular programs or dayparts. DBS
                          providers electing to calculate the lowest unit charge by such a method must include in
                          that calculation all rates for all announcements scheduled in the rotation, including
                          announcements aired under long term advertising contracts. DBS providers may
                          implement rate increases during election periods only to the extent that such increases
                          constitute “ordinary business practices,” such as seasonal program changes or changes in
                          audience ratings.

                       (I)   DBS providers shall review their advertising records periodically throughout the election
                             period to determine whether compliance with this section requires that candidates receive
                             rebates or credits. Where necessary, DBS providers shall issue such rebates or credits
                             promptly.

                      (J) Unit rates charged as part of any package, whether individually negotiated or generally
                          available to all advertisers, must be included in the lowest unit charge calculation for the
                          same class and length of time in the same time period. A candidate cannot be required to
                          purchase advertising in every program or daypart in a package as a condition for obtaining
                          package unit rates.

                      (K) DBS providers are not required to include non cash promotional merchandising incentives
                          in lowest unit charge calculations; provided, however, that all such incentives must be
                          offered to candidates as part of any purchases permitted by the system. Bonus spots,
                          however, must be included in the calculation of the lowest unit charge calculation.

47 CFR 25.701(c)(1)(i)(K) (enhanced display)                                                               page 171 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                   47 CFR 25.701(c)(1)(i)(L)
Satellite Communications

                       (L) Make goods, defined as the rescheduling of preempted advertising, shall be provided to
                           candidates prior to election day if a DBS provider has provided a time sensitive make good
                           during the year preceding the pre election periods, respectively set forth in paragraph
                           (c)(1)(i) of this section, to any commercial advertiser who purchased time in the same
                           class.

                       (M) DBS providers must disclose and make available to candidates any make good policies
                           provided to commercial advertisers. If a DBS provider places a make good for any
                           commercial advertiser or other candidate in a more valuable program or daypart, the value
                           of such make good must be included in the calculation of the lowest unit charge for that
                           program or daypart.

                 (ii) At any time other than the respective periods set forth in paragraph (c)(1)(i) of this section, DBS
                      providers may charge legally qualified candidates for public office no more than the charges
                      made for comparable use of the facility by commercial advertisers. The rates, if any, charged all
                      such candidates for the same office shall be uniform and shall not be rebated by any means,
                      direct or indirect. A candidate shall be charged no more than the rate the DBS provider would
                      charge for comparable commercial advertising. All discount privileges otherwise offered by a
                      DBS provider to commercial advertisers must be disclosed and made available upon equal
                      terms to all candidates for public office.

           (2) If a DBS provider permits a candidate to use its facilities, it shall make all discount privileges offered
               to commercial advertisers, including the lowest unit charges for each class and length of time in the
               same time period and all corresponding discount privileges, available on equal terms to all
               candidates. This duty includes an affirmative duty to disclose to candidates information about rates,
               terms, conditions and all value enhancing discount privileges offered to commercial advertisers, as
               provided herein. DBS providers may use reasonable discretion in making the disclosure; provided,
               however, that the disclosure includes, at a minimum, the following information:

                 (i)   A description and definition of each class of time available to commercial advertisers
                       sufficiently complete enough to allow candidates to identify and understand what specific
                       attributes differentiate each class;

                 (ii) A description of the lowest unit charge and related privileges (such as priorities against
                      preemption and make goods prior to specific deadlines) for each class of time offered to
                      commercial advertisers;

                (iii) A description of the DBS provider's method of selling preemptible time based upon advertiser
                      demand, commonly known as the “current selling level,” with the stipulation that candidates will
                      be able to purchase at these demand generated rates in the same manner as commercial
                      advertisers;

                (iv) An approximation of the likelihood of preemption for each kind of preemptible time; and

                 (v) An explanation of the DBS provider's sales practices, if any, that are based on audience delivery,
                     with the stipulation that candidates will be able to purchase this kind of time, if available to
                     commercial advertisers.

           (3) Once disclosure is made, DBS providers shall negotiate in good faith to actually sell time to
               candidates in accordance with the disclosure.

     (d) Political file.

47 CFR 25.701(d) (enhanced display)                                                                        page 172 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                        47 CFR 25.701(d)(1)
Satellite Communications

           (1) Each DBS operator engaged in origination programming shall maintain, and make available for public
               inspection, a complete record of a request to purchase adverting time that:

                 (i)   Is made by or on behalf of a legally qualified candidate for public office; or

                 (ii) Communicates a message relating to any political matter of national importance, including:

                       (A) A legally qualified candidate;

                       (B) Any election to Federal office; or

                       (C) A national legislative issue of public importance.

           (2) A record maintained under this paragraph shall contain information regarding:

                 (i)   Whether the request to purchase advertising time is accepted or rejected by the DBS operator;

                 (ii) The rate charged for the advertising time;

                (iii) The date and time on which the communication is aired;

                (iv) The class of time that is purchased;

                 (v) The name of the candidate to which the communication refers and the office to which the
                     candidate is seeking election, the election to which the communication refers, or the issue to
                     which the communication refers (as applicable);

                (vi) In the case of a request made by, or on behalf of, a candidate, the name of the candidate, the
                     authorized committee of the candidate, and the treasurer of such committee; and

                (vii) In the case of any other request, the name of the person purchasing the time, the name,
                      address, and phone number of a contact person for such person, and a list of the chief
                      executive officers or members of the executive committee or of the board of directors of such
                      person.

           (3) When free time is provided for use by or on behalf of candidates, a record of the free time provided
               shall be placed in the political file.

           (4) All records required by this paragraph shall be placed in the online public file hosted by the
               Commission as soon as possible and shall be retained for a period of two years. As soon as
               possible means immediately absent unusual circumstances.

     (e) Commercial limits in children's programs.

           (1) No DBS provider shall air more than 10.5 minutes of commercial matter per hour during children's
               programming on weekends, or more that 12 minutes of commercial matter per hour on week days.

           (2) This rule shall not apply to programs aired on a broadcast television channel which the DBS provider
               passively carries, or to channels over which the DBS provider may not exercise editorial control,
               pursuant to 47 U.S.C. 335(b)(3).

           (3) DBS providers airing children's programming must maintain in the online file hosted by the
               Commission records sufficient to verify compliance with this rule. Such records must be maintained
               for a period sufficient to cover the limitations period specified in 47 U.S.C. 503(b)(6)(B).

                 Note 1 to paragraph (e): Commercial matter means airtime sold for purposes of selling a

47 CFR 25.701(e)(3) (enhanced display)                                                                     page 173 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                       47 CFR 25.701(f)
Satellite Communications

                 product or service.

                 Note 2 to paragraph (e): For purposes of this section, children's programming refers to
                 programs originally produced and broadcast primarily for an audience of children 12 years old
                 and younger.

     (f) Carriage obligation for noncommercial programming—

           (1) Reservation requirement. DBS providers shall reserve four percent of their channel capacity
               exclusively for use by qualified programmers for noncommercial programming of an educational or
               informational nature. Channel capacity shall be determined annually by calculating, based on
               measurements taken on a quarterly basis, the average number of channels available for video
               programming on all satellites licensed to the provider during the previous year. DBS providers may
               use this reserved capacity for any purpose until such time as it is used for noncommercial
               educational or informational programming.

           (2) Qualified programmer. For purposes of these rules, a qualified programmer is:

                 (i)   A noncommercial educational broadcast station as defined in section 397(6) of the
                       Communications Act of 1934, as amended,

                 (ii) A public telecommunications entity as defined in section 397(12) of the Communications Act of
                      1934, as amended,

                (iii) An accredited nonprofit educational institution or a governmental organization engaged in the
                      formal education of enrolled students (A publicly supported educational institution must be
                      accredited by the appropriate state department of education; a privately controlled educational
                      institution must be accredited by the appropriate state department of education or the
                      recognized regional and national accrediting organizations), or

                (iv) A nonprofit organization whose purposes are educational and include providing educational and
                     instructional television material to such accredited institutions and governmental
                     organizations.

                 (v) Other noncommercial entities with an educational mission.

           (3) Editorial control.

                 (i)   A DBS operator will be required to make capacity available only to qualified programmers and
                       may select among such programmers when demand exceeds the capacity of their reserved
                       channels.

                 (ii) A DBS operator may not require the programmers it selects to include particular programming
                      on its channels.

                (iii) A DBS operator may not alter or censor the content of the programming provided by the
                      qualified programmer using the channels reserved pursuant to this section.

47 CFR 25.701(f)(3)(iii) (enhanced display)                                                             page 174 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                         47 CFR 25.701(f)(4)
Satellite Communications

           (4) Non-commercial channel limitation. A DBS operator cannot initially select a qualified programmer to
               fill more than one of its reserved channels except that, after all qualified entities that have sought
               access have been offered access on at least one channel, a provider may allocate additional
               channels to qualified programmers without having to make additional efforts to secure other
               qualified programmers.

           (5) Rates, terms and conditions.

                 (i)   In making the required reserved capacity available, DBS providers cannot charge rates that
                       exceed costs that are directly related to making the capacity available to qualified
                       programmers. Direct costs include only the cost of transmitting the signal to the uplink facility
                       and uplinking the signal to the satellite.

                 (ii) Rates for capacity reserved under paragraph (a) of this section shall not exceed 50 percent of
                      the direct costs as defined in this section.

                (iii) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit DBS providers from negotiating rates with
                      qualified programmers that are less than 50 percent of direct costs or from paying qualified
                      programmers for the use of their programming.

                (iv) DBS providers shall reserve discrete channels and offer these to qualifying programmers at
                     consistent times to fulfill the reservation requirement described in these rules.

           (6) Public file.

                 (i)   In addition to the political file requirements in § 25.701, each DBS provider shall maintain in the
                       online file hosted by the Commission a complete and orderly record of:

                       (A) Quarterly measurements of channel capacity and yearly average calculations on which it
                           bases its four percent reservation, as well as its response to any capacity changes;

                       (B) A record of entities to whom noncommercial capacity is being provided, the amount of
                           capacity being provided to each entity, the conditions under which it is being provided and
                           the rates, if any, being paid by the entity;

                       (C) A record of entities that have requested capacity, disposition of those requests and
                           reasons for the disposition.

                       (D) Each satellite carrier shall, no later than July 31, 2020, provide an up-to-date email address
                           for carriage election notice submissions and an up-to-date phone number for carriage-
                           related questions. Each satellite carrier is responsible for the continuing accuracy and
                           completeness of the information furnished. It must respond to questions from
                           broadcasters as soon as is reasonably possible.

                 (ii) All records required by paragraph (i) of this paragraph shall be placed in the online file hosted by
                      the Commission as soon as possible and shall be retained for a period of two years.

                (iii) Each DBS provider must also place in the online file hosted by the Commission the records
                      required to be placed in the public inspection file by § 25.701(e) (commercial limits in children's
                      programs) and by § 25.601 and 47 CFR part 76, subpart E (equal employment opportunity
                      requirements) and retain those records for the period required by those rules.

47 CFR 25.701(f)(6)(iii) (enhanced display)                                                                  page 175 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                         47 CFR 25.701(f)(6)(iv)
Satellite Communications

                (iv) Each DBS provider must provide a link to the online public inspection file hosted on the
                     Commission's Web site from the home page of its own Web site, if the provider has a Web site,
                     and provide on its Web site contact information for a representative who can assist any person
                     with disabilities with issues related to the content of the public files. Each DBS provider also
                     must include in the online public file hosted by the Commission the address of the provider's
                     local public file, if the provider retains documents in the local public file that are not available in
                     the Commission's online file, and the name, phone number, and email address of the provider's
                     designated contact for questions about the public file.

           (7) Effective date. DBS providers are required to make channel capacity available pursuant to this
               section upon the effective date. Programming provided pursuant to this rule must be available to the
               public no later than six months after the effective date.

[69 FR 23157, Apr. 28, 2004, as amended at 72 FR 50033, Aug. 29, 2007; 78 FR 8431, Feb. 6, 2013; 81 FR 10122, Feb. 29, 2016; 84
FR 45668, Aug. 30, 2019; 87 FR 7754, Feb. 10, 2022]

§ 25.702 Other SDARS Public interest obligations.
     (a) Political broadcasting requirements. The following political broadcasting rules shall apply to all SDARS
         licensees: 47 CFR 73.1940 (Legally qualified candidates for public office), 73.1941 (Equal opportunities),
         73.1942 (Candidate rates), and 73.1944 (Reasonable access).

     (b) Political file.

           (1) Each SDARS licensee engaged in origination programming shall maintain, and make available for
               public inspection, a complete record of a request to purchase broadcast time that:

                 (i)   Is made by or on behalf of a legally qualified candidate for public office; or

                 (ii) Communicates a message relating to any political matter of national importance, including:

                       (A) A legally qualified candidate;

                       (B) Any election to Federal office; or

                       (C) A national legislative issue of public importance.

           (2) A record maintained under this paragraph shall contain information regarding:

                 (i)   Whether the request to purchase broadcast time is accepted or rejected by the licensee;

                 (ii) The rate charged for the broadcast time;

                (iii) The date and time on which the communication is aired;

                (iv) The class of time that is purchased;

                 (v) The name of the candidate to which the communication refers and the office to which the
                     candidate is seeking election, the election to which the communication refers, or the issue to
                     which the communication refers (as applicable);

                (vi) In the case of a request made by, or on behalf of, a candidate, the name of the candidate, the
                     authorized committee of the candidate, and the treasurer of such committee; and

47 CFR 25.702(b)(2)(vi) (enhanced display)                                                                      page 176 of 177
47 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 2/20/2024)
                                                                                                    47 CFR 25.702(b)(2)(vii)
Satellite Communications

                (vii) n the case of any other request, the name of the person purchasing the time, the name, address,
                      and phone number of a contact person for such person, and a list of the chief executive officers
                      or members of the executive committee or of the board of directors of such person.

           (3) When free time is provided for use by or on behalf of candidates, a record of the free time provided
               shall be placed in the political file.

           (4) All records required by this paragraph shall be placed in the online public file hosted by the
               Commission as soon as possible and shall be retained for a period of two years. As soon as
               possible means immediately absent unusual circumstances.

     (c) Public inspection file.

           (1) Each SDARS applicant or licensee must also place in the online public file hosted by the Commission
               the records required to be placed in the public inspection file by 47 CFR 25.601 and 73.2080 (equal
               employment opportunities (EEO)) and retain those records for the period required by those rules.

           (2) Each SDARS licensee must provide a link to the public inspection file hosted on the Commission's
               Web site from the home page of its own Web site, if the licensee has a Web site, and provide on its
               Web site contact information for a representative who can assist any person with disabilities with
               issues related to the content of the public files. Each SDARS licensee also must include in the online
               public file the address of the licensee's local public file, if the licensee retains documents in the local
               public file that are not available in the Commission's online file, and the name, phone number, and
               email address of the licensee's designated contact for questions about the public file.

[81 FR 10122, Feb. 29, 2016, as amended at 87 FR 7754, Feb. 10, 2022]

47 CFR 25.702(c)(2) (enhanced display)                                                                      page 177 of 177