The MVDDS 5G Coalition, which counts Dish Network and others as members, is battling OneWeb directly in a new filing with the FCC asking the agency to deny OneWeb’s request to use the 12.2-12.7 GHz band.
“The Coalition requests that the Commission deny OneWeb’s Petition to the extent it seeks access to the 12.2-12.7 GHz band. A grant of authority for 720 NGSO [non-geostationary orbit] satellites to use the 12.2-12.7 GHz band disserves the public interest for many reasons,” the group wrote in a new FCC filing.
First, and perhaps most importantly, the MVDDS 5G Coalition argued that any OneWeb rollout in the 12.2-12.7 GHz band would prevent MVDDS 5G Coalition members from offering their own services in the band. “OneWeb’s operations in the band would thus thwart use of the band for MVDDS; they would also prevent any future 5G mobile broadband services from operating in the band notwithstanding a petition for rulemaking to provide 5G service pending before the Commission,” the group wrote.
The group added that any mobile OneWeb service would exacerbate the problem, and would stand in the way of the FCC’s stated goal of freeing up more spectrum for 5G services.
The MVDDS 5G Coalition concluded its argument against OneWeb by urging the FCC to hold rulemaking proceedings for both OneWeb’s request and the coalition’s own request to use the 12.2-12.7 GHz band for two-way, 5G-style services.
The MVDDS 5G Coalition includes Multichannel Video Distribution and Data Service (MVDDS) and Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) companies holding virtually all of the nation’s MVDDS spectrum licenses. Members include Braunston Spectrum, Cass Cable TV, Dish Network, Go Long Wireless, MDS Operations, MVD Number 53 Partners, Satellite Receivers, South.com, Story Communications, Vision Broadband and WCS Communications.
On the other side of the issue is WorldVu Satellites Limited, doing business as OneWeb, whose directors include Qualcomm Executive Chairman Paul Jacobs, the Virgin Group founder Richard Branson and OneWeb founder Greg Wyler.
OneWeb has previously argued against the MVDDS 5G Coalition, pointing out that the group is asking the FCC to re-examine long-settled technical limits in the 12.2-12.7 GHz band so that it can offer 2-way mobile broadband services instead of 1-way fixed service as currently permitted.
For its part, OneWeb earlier this year filed an FCC application seeking access to the U.S. market for its planned NGSO satellite system to use 12.2-12.7 GHz band and other frequencies. OneWeb said its constellation of 720 low earth orbit satellites will provide high-speed, affordable broadband connectivity to anyone, anywhere, helping to serve the unconnected or underserved.
OneWeb isn’t alone in its opposition to the MVDDS 5G Coalition. AT&T and T-Mobile US have also voiced opposition to the group’s efforts.
For more:
- see this FCC filing (PDF)
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