E9-22058. Procedures To Govern the Use of Satellite Earth Stations on Board Vessels in the 5925-6425 MHz/3700-4200 MHz Bands and 14.0-14.5 GHz/11.7-12.2 GHz Bands

AGENCY:

Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) modifies its C-band and Ku-band licensing and service rules for Earth Stations on Board Vessels (ESVs) in order to promote greater ESV operational flexibility without causing harmful interference to the fixed service (FS) and fixed-satellite service (FSS) operators and a limited number of Government operations in those bands.

DATES:

Effective October 15, 2009, except for §§ 25.221(b)(1)(i) through (iii), 25.222(b)(1)(i) through (iii), 25.221(b)(1)(iv)(A), (B); 25.222(b)(1)(iv)(A), (B), 25.221(b)(2)(i) through (v), 25.222(b)(2)(i) through (v), 25.221(b)(4); 25.222(b)(4), which contain information collection requirements that are not effective until approved by the Office of Management and Budget. The Commission will publish a document in the Federal Register announcing the effective date for those sections. The Commission will send a copy of this Order on Reconsideration in a report to be sent to Congress and the Government Accountability Office pursuant to the Congressional Review Act, see 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Jennifer Balatan or Howard Griboff, Policy Division, International Bureau, [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

This is a summary of the Commission's Order on Reconsideration, adopted on July 30, 2009, and released on July 31, 2009 (FCC 09-63). The full text of this document is available for inspection and copying during normal business hours in the Commission Reference Center, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554. The document is also available for download over the Internet at http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/​edocs_​public/​attachmatch/​FCC-09-63A1.doc. The complete text may also be purchased from the Commission's copy contractor, Best Copy and Printing, in person at 445 12th Street, SW., Room CY-B402, Washington, DC 20554, via telephone at [phone], via facsimile at [phone], or via e-mail at [e-mail].

Summary of the Order on Reconsideration

On December 15, 2004, the Commission adopted the ESV Report and Order in IB Docket No. 02-10 (ESV Order) (70 FR 4775-01, January 31, 2005, as amended at 40 FR 34665-01, June 15, 2005), establishing licensing and service rules for ESVs operating in the 5925-6425 MHz/3700-4200 MHz (C-band) and 14.0-14.5 GHz/11.7-12.2 GHz (Ku-band) frequencies. On July 30, 2009, the Commission adopted this Order on Reconsideration, which considers four petitions seeking reconsideration and/or clarification of the ESV Order. In particular, with respect to measures for protecting the FSS, the Commission: (1) Allows ESV operators to operate at higher power levels as long as they satisfy certain conditions; (2) permits ESVs operating below the off-axis e.i.r.p. spectral-density limits to declare their own antenna pointing error and; (3) modifies the starting angle of the off-axis e.i.r.p.-density envelope to 1.5 degrees. With respect to measures protecting the FS, the Commission amends § 25.221(a)(11) to clarify that the phrase “a fixed service offshore installation” refers to U.S.-licensed FS offshore installations and that ESVs must coordinate with U.S.-licensed FS operators prior to operation. The Commission also clarifies that the public notice requirement should specify that only the FS operators that have been excluded from the coordination are allowed to object in response to the public notice and only with respect to being excluded from the coordination, and that ESVs should be required to shut down only those frequencies used by the objecting FS operator that has been excluded from the coordination. In addition, the Commission reduces the distance from the U.S. coastline (from 300 kilometers to 125 kilometers) within which Ku-band foreign-registered vessels with non-U.S. hubs must operate pursuant to a bilateral agreement or ITU 4.4.

Finally, the Commission makes procedural changes to the ESV rules, such as separating the ESV operational requirements from the ESV application requirements, in order to simplify the organization of those rules.

Final Regulatory Flexibility Certification—Order on Reconsideration

The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, as amended (RFA), requires that a regulatory flexibility analysis be prepared for notice-and-comment rule making proceedings, unless the agency certifies that “the rule will not, if promulgated, have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.” The RFA generally defines the term “small entity” as having the same meaning as the terms “small business,” “small organization,” and “small governmental jurisdiction.” In addition, the term “small business” has the same meaning as the term “small business concern” under the Small Business Act. A “small business concern” is one which: (1) Is independently owned and operated; (2) is not dominant in its field of operation; and (3) satisfies any additional criteria established by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

In light of the rules adopted in the ESV Order, we find that there are only two categories of licensees that would be affected by the new rules. These categories of licensees are Satellite Telecommunications and Fixed-Satellite Transmit/Received Earth Stations. The SBA has determined that the small business size standard for Satellite Telecommunications is a business that has $15 million or less in average annual receipts. Currently there are approximately 3,390 operational fixed-satellite transmit/received earth stations authorized for use in the C- and Ku-bands. The Commission does not request or collect annual revenue information, and thus is unable to estimate the number of earth stations that would constitute a small business under the SBA definition. Of the two classifications of licensees, we estimate that only 15 entities will provide ESV service. For the reasons described below, we certify that the policies and rules adopted in this Order on Reconsideration will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. In the ESV Order, the Commission established licensing and service rules for ESVs operating in the 5925-6425 MHz/3700-4200 MHz (C-band) and 14.0-14.5 GHz/11.7-12.2 GHz (Ku-band) frequencies. These rules allow ESV operations in the C- and Ku-bands, while ensuring that ESVs protect FS, FSS operators, and a limited number of Government operations in these bands from harmful interference. In this Order on Reconsideration, the Commission clarifies and modifies certain ESV rules designed to protect the FSS and the FS in the C- and Ku-bands. In particular, we modify our rules to protect the FSS by allowing greater operational flexibility for ESVs. For example, ESVs may operate at higher off-axis power-density levels as long as the ESV remains within the parameters of the coordination agreements between the target satellite and adjacent satellites. With regard to protecting the FS in the C-band, we clarify the ESV requirement to protect offshore FS and clarify and modify the requirement for an ESV to cease emissions if an FS at a particular location has been excluded from the coordination with the ESV. Finally, to further promote flexibility in the Ku-band, we shorten the distance from the U.S. coastline within which foreign-registered vessels that operate with non-U.S. hubs must comply with a bilateral agreement or ITU RR 4.4.

The Commission does not expect small entities to incur significant costs associated with the changes adopted in this Order on Reconsideration. The changes will benefit both large and small entities by allowing greater operational flexibility in providing ESV service. We believe these requirements are nominal and do not impose a significant economic impact on small entities. Therefore, we certify that the requirements adopted in this Order on Reconsideration will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

Final Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 Analysis—Order on Reconsideration

This Order on Reconsideration contains new information collections subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Public Law 104-13. It will be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review under Section 3507(d) of the PRA. OMB, the general public, and other Federal agencies were invited to comment on the modified information collection contained in this proceeding (74 FR 41698, August 18, 2009).

Ordering Clauses

Pursuant to Sections 4(i), 7, 302, 303(c), 303(e), 303(f) and 303(r) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 154(i), 157, 302, 303(c), 303(e), 303(f) and 303(r), this Order on Reconsideration is adopted. Part 25 of the Commission's rules is amended, as specified below in the rule revisions, effective October 15, 2009 except for §§ 25.221(b)(1)(i) through (iii), 25.222(b)(1)(i) through (iii), 25.221(b)(1)(iv)(A), (B); 25.222(b)(1)(iv)(A), (B), 25.221(b)(2)(i) through (v), 25.222(b)(2)(i) through (v), 25.221(b)(4); 25.222(b)(4), which contain information collection requirements that are not effective until approved by the Office of Management and Budget.

The Petition for Reconsideration filed by ARINC Incorporated is granted in part to the extent described above and is denied in all other respects.

The Petition for Reconsideration filed by The Boeing Company is granted in part to the extent described above and is denied in all other respects.

The Petition for Reconsideration filed by the Fixed Wireless Communications Coalition is denied in part to the extent described above and is dismissed in all other respects.

The Petition for Reconsideration filed by the Maritime Telecommunications Network is granted in part to the extent described above and is denied in all other respects.

The Final Regulatory Flexibility Certification, as required by Section 604 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, IS ADOPTED.

The Commission's Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Reference Information Center, shall send a copy of this Order on Reconsideration including the Final Regulatory Flexibility Certification, to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration.

List of Subjects in 47 CFR Part 25

Satellites.

Federal Communications Commission.

Marlene Dortch,

Secretary.

Rule Revisions

For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Federal Communications Commission amends 47 CFR part 25 as follows:

PART 25—SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS

1. The authority citation for part 25 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 47 U.S.C. 701-744. Interprets or applies Sections 4, 301, 302, 303, 307, 309 and 332 of the Communications Act, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 154, 301, 302, 303, 307, 309, 332, unless otherwise noted.

2. Section 25.132 is amended by revising paragraph (b)(3) as follows:

§ 25.132

Verification of earth station antenna performance standards.

* * * * *

(b) * * *

(b)(3) Applicants seeking authority to use an antenna that does not meet the standards set forth in § 25.209(a) and (b), pursuant to the procedure set forth in § 25.220, § 25.221, § 25.222, or § 25.223(c), are required to submit a copy of the manufacturer's range test plots of the antenna gain patterns specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section.

* * * * *

3. Section 25.221 is revised to read as follows:

§ 25.221

Blanket Licensing provisions for Earth Stations on Vessels (ESVs) receiving in the 3700-4200 MHz (space-to-Earth) frequency band and transmitting in the 5925-6425 MHz (Earth-to-space) frequency band, operating with Geostationary Satellite Orbit (GSO) Satellites in the Fixed-Satellite Service.

(a) The following ongoing requirements govern all ESV licensees and operations in the 3700-4200 MHz (space-to-Earth) and 5925-6425 MHz (Earth-to-space) bands transmitting to GSO satellites in the fixed-satellite service. ESV licensees must comply with the requirements in either paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this section and all of the requirements set forth in paragraphs (a)(3) through (a)(12) of this section. Paragraph (b) of this section identifies items that must be included in the application for ESV operations to demonstrate that these ongoing requirements will be met.

(1) The following requirements shall apply to an ESV that uses transmitters with off-axis effective isotropically radiated power (EIRP) spectral-densities lower than or equal to the levels in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section. An ESV, or ESV system, operating under this section shall provide a detailed demonstration as described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section. The ESV transmitter must also comply with the antenna pointing and cessation of emission requirements in paragraphs (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii) of this section.

(i) An ESV system shall not exceed the off-axis EIRP spectral-density limits and conditions defined in paragraphs (a)(1)(i)(A) through (a)(1)(i)(D) of this section.

(A) The off-axis EIRP spectral-density emitted from the ESV, in the plane of the GSO as it appears at the particular earth station location, shall not exceed the following values:

26.3 − 10log(N) − 25logθ	dBW/4 kHz	for	1.5° ≤ θ ≤ 7°
5.3 −10log(N)	dBW/4 kHz	for	7° < θ ≤ 9.2°
29.3 −10log(N) − 25logθ	dBW/4 kHz	for	9.2° < θ ≤ 48°
−12.7 −10log(N)	dBW/4 kHz	for	48° < θ ≤ 180°

Where theta (θ) is the angle in degrees from the line connecting the focal point of the antenna to the orbital location of the target satellite, the plane of the GSO is determined by the focal point of the antenna and the line tangent to the arc of the GSO at the orbital location of the target satellite. For an ESV network using frequency division multiple access (FDMA) or time division multiple access (TDMA) techniques, N is equal to one. For ESV networks using multiple co-frequency transmitters that have the same EIRP, N is the maximum expected number of co-frequency simultaneously transmitting ESV earth stations in the same satellite receiving beam. For the purpose of this section, the peak EIRP of an individual sidelobe may not exceed the envelope defined above for θ between 1.5° and 7.0°. For θ greater than 7.0°, the envelope may be exceeded by no more than 10% of the sidelobes, provided no individual sidelobe exceeds the envelope given above by more than 3 dB.

(B) In all directions other than along the GSO, the off-axis EIRP spectral-density for co-polarized signals emitted from the ESV shall not exceed the following values:

29.3 − 10log(N) − 25logθ	dBW/4 kHz	for	3.0° ≤ θ ≤ 48°
−12.7 − 10log(N)	dBW/4 kHz	for	48° < θ ≤ 180°

Where θ and N are defined in paragraph (a)(1)(i)(A) of this section. This off-axis EIRP spectral-density applies in any plane that includes the line connecting the focal point of the antenna to the orbital location of the target satellite with the exception of the plane of the GSO as defined in paragraph (a)(1)(i)(A) of this section. For the purpose of this section, the envelope may be exceeded by no more than 10% of the sidelobes provided no individual sidelobe exceeds the gain envelope given above by more than 6 dB. The region of the main reflector spillover energy is to be interpreted as a single lobe and shall not exceed the envelope by more than 6 dB.

(C) In all directions, the off-axis EIRP spectral-density for cross-polarized signals emitted from the ESV shall not exceed the following values:

16.3 − 10log(N) − 25logθ	dBW/4 kHz	for	1.8° ≤ θ ≤ 7.0°
−4.7 − 10log(N)	dBW/4 kHz	for	7.0° < θ ≤ 9.2°

Where θ and N are defined as set forth in paragraph (a)(1)(i)(A) of this section. This EIRP spectral-density applies in any plane that includes the line connecting the focal point of the antenna to the orbital location of the target satellite.

(D) For non-circular ESV antennas, the major axis of the antenna will be aligned with the tangent to the arc of the GSO at the orbital location of the target satellite, to the extent required to meet the specified off-axis EIRP spectral-density criteria.

(ii) Each ESV transmitter must meet one of the following antenna pointing requirements:

(A) Each ESV transmitter shall maintain a pointing error of less than or equal to 0.2° between the orbital location of the target satellite and the axis of the main lobe of the ESV antenna, or

(B) Each ESV transmitter shall maintain the declared maximum antenna pointing error that may be greater than 0.2° provided that the ESV does not exceed the off-axis EIRP spectral-density limits in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section, taking into account the antenna pointing error.

(iii) Each ESV transmitter must meet one of the following cessation of emission requirements:

(A) For ESVs operating under paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(A) of this section, all emissions from the ESV shall automatically cease within 100 milliseconds if the angle between the orbital location of the target satellite and the axis of the main lobe of the ESV antenna exceeds 0.5°, and transmission will not resume until such angle is less than or equal to 0.2°, or

(B) For ESV transmitters operating under paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(B) of this section, all emissions from the ESV shall automatically cease within 100 milliseconds if the angle between the orbital location of the target satellite and the axis of the main lobe of the ESV antenna exceeds the declared maximum antenna pointing error and shall not resume transmissions until such angle is less than or equal to the declared maximum antenna pointing error.

(2) The following requirements shall apply to an ESV that uses off-axis EIRP spectral-densities in excess of the levels in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section. An ESV, or ESV system, operating under this section shall file certifications and provide a detailed demonstration as described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section.

(i) The ESV shall transmit only to the target satellite system(s) referred to in the certifications required by paragraph (b)(2) of this section.

(ii) If a good faith agreement cannot be reached between the target satellite operator and the operator of a future satellite that is located within 6 degrees longitude of the target satellite, the ESV operator shall accept the power-density levels that would accommodate that adjacent satellite.

(iii) The ESV shall operate in accordance with the off-axis EIRP spectral-densities that the ESV supplied to the target satellite operator in order to obtain the certifications listed in paragraph (b)(2) of this section. The ESV shall automatically cease emissions within 100 milliseconds if the ESV transmitter exceeds the off-axis EIRP spectral-densities supplied to the target satellite operator.

(3) There shall 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. Hub or a Hub located in another country with which the United States has a bilateral agreement that enables such cessation of emissions.

(4) For each ESV transmitter, a record of the ship location (i.e., latitude/longitude), transmit frequency, channel bandwidth and satellite used shall be time annotated and maintained for a period of not less than 1 year. Records will be recorded at time intervals no greater than every 20 minutes while the ESV is transmitting. The ESV operator will make this data available upon request to a coordinator, fixed system operator, fixed-satellite system operator, or the Commission within 24 hours of the request.

(5) ESV operators communicating with vessels of foreign registry must maintain detailed information on each vessel's country of registry and a point of contact for the relevant administration responsible for licensing ESVs.

(6) ESV operators shall control all ESVs by a Hub earth station located in the United States, except that an ESV on U.S.-registered vessels may operate under control of a Hub earth station 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.

(7) ESV operators transmitting in the 5925-6425 MHz (Earth-to-space) frequency bands to GSO satellites in the fixed-satellite service (FSS) shall 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.

(8) ESVs shall 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.

(9) ESVs, operating while docked, that complete coordination with terrestrial stations in the 3700-4200 MHz band in accordance with § 25.251, shall receive protection from such terrestrial stations in accordance with the coordination agreements, for 180 days, renewable for 180 days.

(10) ESVs in motion shall not claim protection from harmful interference from any authorized terrestrial stations or lawfully operating satellites to which frequencies are either already assigned, or may be assigned in the future in the 3700-4200 MHz (space-to-Earth) frequency band.

(11) 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, shall complete coordination with potentially affected U.S.-licensed fixed service operators prior to operation. The coordination method and the interference criteria objective shall be determined by the frequency coordinator. The details of the coordination shall be maintained and available at the frequency coordinator, and shall be filed with the Commission to be placed on public notice. Operation of each individual ESV may commence immediately after the public notice is released that identifies the notification sent to the Commission. Continuance of operation of that ESV for the duration of the coordination term shall 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 shall 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.

(12) ESV operators 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. 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.

(b) Applications for ESV operation in the 5925-6425 MHz (Earth-to-space) band to GSO satellites in the fixed-satellite service must include, in addition to the particulars of operation identified on Form 312, and associated Schedule B, the applicable technical demonstrations in paragraphs (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this section and the documentation identified in paragraphs (b)(3) through (b)(5) of this section.

(1) An ESV applicant proposing to implement a transmitter under paragraph (a)(1) of this section must demonstrate that the transmitter meets the off-axis EIRP spectral-density limits contained in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section. To provide this demonstration, the application shall include the tables described in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section or the certification described in paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section. The ESV applicant also must provide the value N described in paragraph (a)(1)(i)(A) of this section. An ESV applicant proposing to implement a transmitter under paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(A) of this section must provide the certifications identified in paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section. An ESV applicant proposing to implement a transmitter under paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(B) of this section must provide the demonstrations identified in paragraph (b)(1)(iv) of this section.

(i) Any ESV applicant filing an application pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of this section must file three tables showing the off-axis EIRP level of the proposed earth station antenna in the direction of the plane of the GSO; the co-polarized EIRP in the elevation plane, that is, the plane perpendicular to the plane of the GSO; and cross polarized EIRP. In each table, the EIRP level must be provided at increments of 0.1° for angles between 0° and 10° off-axis, and at increments of 5° for angles between 10° and 180° off-axis.

(A) For purposes of the off-axis EIRP table in the plane of the GSO, the off-axis angle is the angle in degrees from the line connecting the focal point of the antenna to the orbital position of the target satellite, and the plane of the GSO is determined by the focal point of the antenna and the line tangent to the arc of the GSO at the orbital position of the target satellite.

(B) For purposes of the off-axis co-polarized EIRP table in the elevation plane, the off-axis angle is the angle in degrees from the line connecting the focal point of the antenna to the orbital position of the target satellite, and the elevation plane is defined as the plane perpendicular to the plane of the GSO defined in paragraph (b)(1)(i)(A) of this section.

(C) For purposes of the cross-polarized EIRP table, the off-axis angle is the angle in degrees from the line connecting the focal point of the antenna to the orbital position of the target satellite and the plane of the GSO as defined in paragraph (b)(1)(i)(A) of this section will be used.

(ii) A certification, in Schedule B, that the ESV antenna conforms to the gain pattern criteria of § 25.209(a) and (b), that, combined with the maximum input power density calculated from the EIRP density less the antenna gain, which is entered in Schedule B, demonstrates that the off-axis EIRP spectral density envelope set forth in paragraphs (a)(1)(i)(A) through (a)(1)(i)(C) of this section will be met under the assumption that the antenna is pointed at the target satellite.

(iii) An ESV applicant proposing to implement a transmitter under paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(A) of this section, must provide a certification from the equipment manufacturer stating that the antenna tracking system will maintain a pointing error of less than or equal to 0.2° between the orbital location of the target satellite and the axis of the main lobe of the ESV antenna and that the antenna tracking system is capable of ceasing emissions within 100 milliseconds if the angle between the orbital location of the target satellite and the axis of the main lobe of the ESV antenna exceeds 0.5°.

(iv) An ESV applicant proposing to implement a transmitter under paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(B) of this section must:

(A) Declare, in its application, a maximum antenna pointing error and demonstrate that the maximum antenna pointing error can be achieved without exceeding the off-axis EIRP spectral-density limits in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section; and

(B) Demonstrate that the ESV transmitter can detect if the transmitter exceeds the declared maximum antenna pointing error and can cease transmission within 100 milliseconds if the angle between the orbital location of the target satellite and the axis of the main lobe of the ESV antenna exceeds the declared maximum antenna pointing error, and will not resume transmissions until the angle between the orbital location of the target satellite and the axis of the main lobe of the ESV antenna is less than or equal to the declared maximum antenna pointing error.

(2) An ESV applicant proposing to implement a transmitter under paragraph (a)(2) of this section and using off-axis EIRP spectral-densities in excess of the levels in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section shall provide the following certifications and demonstration as exhibits to its earth station application:

(i) A statement from the target satellite operator certifying that the proposed operation of the ESV has the potential to create harmful interference to satellite networks adjacent to the target satellite(s) that may be unacceptable.

(ii) A statement from the target satellite operator certifying that the power-density levels that the ESV applicant provided to the target satellite operator are consistent with the existing coordination agreements between its satellite(s) and the adjacent satellite systems within 6° of orbital separation from its satellite(s).

(iii) A statement from the target satellite operator certifying that it will include the power-density levels of the ESV applicant in all future coordination agreements.

(iv) A demonstration from the ESV operator that the ESV system is capable of detecting and automatically ceasing emissions within 100 milliseconds when the transmitter exceeds the off-axis EIRP spectral-densities supplied to the target satellite operator.

(v) A certification from the ESV operator that the ESV system complies with the power limits in § 25.204(h).

(3) There shall be an exhibit included with the application describing the geographic area(s) in which the ESVs will operate.

(4) The point of contact information referred to in paragraph (a)(3) of this section and, if applicable, paragraph (a)(6) of this section, must be included in the application.

(5) ESVs that exceed the radiation guidelines of § 1.1310 of this chapter, Radiofrequency radiation exposure limits, must provide, with their environmental assessment, a plan for mitigation of radiation exposure to the extent required to meet those guidelines.

4. Section 25.222 is revised to read as follows:

§ 25.222

Blanket Licensing provisions for Earth Stations on Vessels (ESVs) receiving in the 10.95-11.2 GHz (space-to-Earth), 11.45-11.7 GHz (space-to-Earth), 11.7-12.2 GHz (space-to-Earth) frequency bands and transmitting in the 14.0-14.5 GHz (Earth-to-space) frequency band, operating with Geostationary Orbit (GSO) Satellites in the Fixed-Satellite Service.

(a) The following ongoing requirements govern all ESV licensees and operations in the 10.95-11.2 GHz (space-to-Earth), 11.45-11.7 GHz (space-to-Earth), 11.7-12.2 GHz (space-to-Earth) frequency bands and 14.0-14.5 GHz (Earth-to-space) bands transmitting to GSO satellites in the fixed-satellite service. ESV licensees must comply with the requirements in either paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this section and all of the requirements set forth in paragraphs (a)(3) through (a)(7) of this section. Paragraph (b) of this section identifies items that must be included in the application for ESV operations to demonstrate that these ongoing requirements will be met.

(1) The following requirements shall apply to an ESV that uses transmitters with off-axis effective isotropically radiated power (EIRP) spectral-densities lower than or equal to the levels in paragraph (a)(1)(i)(A) of this section. An ESV, or ESV system, operating under this section shall provide a detailed demonstration as described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section. The ESV transmitter also must comply with the antenna pointing and cessation of emission requirements in paragraphs (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii) of this section.

(i) An ESV system shall not exceed the off-axis EIRP spectral-density limits and conditions defined in paragraphs (a)(1)(i)(A) through (a)(1)(i)(D) of this section.

(A) The off-axis EIRP spectral-density emitted from the ESV, in the plane of the GSO as it appears at the particular earth station location, shall not exceed the following values:

15−10log(N)−25logθ	dBW/4 kHz	for	1.5° ≤ θ ≤ 7°
−6 −10log(N)	dBW/4 kHz	for	7° < θ ≤ 9.2°
18 −10log(N)−25logθ	dBW/4 kHz	for	9.2° < θ ≤ 48°
−24 −10log(N)	dBW/4 kHz	for	48° < θ ≤ 85°
−14 −10log(N)	dBW/4 kHz	for	85° < θ ≤ 180°

Where theta (θ) is the angle in degrees from the line connecting the focal point of the antenna to the orbital location of the target satellite, the plane of the GSO is determined by the focal point of the antenna and the line tangent to the arc of the GSO at the orbital location of the target satellite. For ESV networks using frequency division multiple access (FDMA) or time division multiple access (TDMA) techniques, N is equal to one. For ESV networks using multiple co-frequency transmitters that have the same EIRP, N is the maximum expected number of co-frequency simultaneously transmitting ESV earth stations in the same satellite receiving beam. For the purpose of this section, the peak EIRP of an individual sidelobe may not exceed the envelope defined above for θ between 1.5° and 7.0°. For θ greater than 7.0°, the envelope may be exceeded by no more than 10% of the sidelobes, provided no individual sidelobe exceeds the envelope given above by more than 3 dB.

(B) In all directions other than along the GSO, the off-axis EIRP spectral-density for co-polarized signals emitted from the ESV shall not exceed the following values:

18−10log(N)−25logθ	dBW/4 kHz	for	3.0° ≤ θ ≤ 48°
−24−10log(N)	dBW/4 kHz	for	48° < θ ≤ 85°
−14−10log(N)	dBW/4 kHz	for	85° < θ ≤ 180°

Where θ and N are defined in paragraph (a)(1)(i)(A) of this section. This off-axis EIRP spectral-density applies in any plane that includes the line connecting the focal point of the antenna to the orbital location of the target satellite with the exception of the plane of the GSO as defined in paragraph (a)(1)(i)(A) of this section. For the purpose of this section, the envelope may be exceeded by no more than 10% of the sidelobes provided no individual sidelobe exceeds the gain envelope given above by more than 6 dB. The region of the main reflector spillover energy is to be interpreted as a single lobe and shall not exceed the envelope by more than 6 dB.

(C) In all directions, the off-axis EIRP spectral-density for cross-polarized signals emitted from the ESV shall not exceed the following values:

5−10log(N)−25logθ	dBW/4 kHz	for	1.8° ≤ θ ≤ 7.0°
−16−10log(N)	dBW/4 kHz	for	7.0° < θ ≤ 9.2°

Where θ and N are defined as set forth in paragraph (a)(1)(i)(A) of this section. This EIRP spectral-density applies in any plane that includes the line connecting the focal point of the antenna to the target satellite.

(D) For non-circular ESV antennas, the major axis of the antenna will be aligned with the tangent to the arc of the GSO at the orbital location of the target satellite, to the extent required to meet the specified off-axis EIRP spectral-density criteria.

(ii) Each ESV transmitter must meet one of the following antenna pointing requirements:

(A) Each ESV transmitter shall maintain a pointing error of less than or equal to 0.2° between the orbital location of the target satellite and the axis of the main lobe of the ESV antenna, or

(B) Each ESV transmitter shall declare a maximum antenna pointing error that may be greater than 0.2° provided that the ESV does not exceed the off-axis EIRP spectral-density limits in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section, taking into account the antenna pointing error.

(iii) Each ESV transmitter must meet one of the following cessation of emission requirements:

(A) For ESVs operating under paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(A) of this section, all emissions from the ESV shall automatically cease within 100 milliseconds if the angle between the orbital location of the target satellite and the axis of the main lobe of the ESV antenna exceeds 0.5°, and transmission will not resume until such angle is less than or equal to 0.2°, or

(B) For ESV transmitters operating under paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(B) of this section, all emissions from the ESV shall automatically cease within 100 milliseconds if the angle between the orbital location of the target satellite and the axis of the main lobe of the ESV antenna exceeds the declared maximum antenna pointing error and shall not resume transmissions until such angle is less than or equal to the declared maximum antenna pointing error.

(2) The following requirements shall apply to an ESV that uses off-axis EIRP spectral-densities in excess of the levels in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section. An ESV, or ESV system, operating under this section shall file certifications and provide a detailed demonstration as described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section.

(i) The ESV shall transmit only to the target satellite system(s) referred to in the certifications required by paragraph (b)(2) of this section.

(ii) If a good faith agreement cannot be reached between the target satellite operator and the operator of a future satellite that is located within 6 degrees longitude of the target satellite, the ESV operator shall accept the power-density levels that would accommodate that adjacent satellite.

(iii) The ESV shall operate in accordance with the off-axis EIRP spectral-densities that the ESV supplied to the target satellite operator in order to obtain the certifications listed in paragraph (b)(2) of this section. The ESV shall automatically cease emissions within 100 milliseconds if the ESV transmitter exceeds the off-axis EIRP spectral-densities supplied to the target satellite operator.

(3) There shall 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. Hub or a Hub located in another country with which the United States has a bilateral agreement that enables such cessation of emissions.

(4) For each ESV transmitter, a record of the ship location (i.e., latitude/longitude), transmit frequency, channel bandwidth and satellite used shall be time annotated and maintained for a period of not less than 1 year. Records will be recorded at time intervals no greater than every 20 minutes while the ESV is transmitting. The ESV operator will make this data available upon request to a coordinator, fixed system operator, fixed-satellite system operator, NTIA, or the Commission within 24 hours of the request.

(5) ESV operators communicating with vessels of foreign registry must maintain detailed information on each vessel's country of registry and a point of contact for the relevant administration responsible for licensing ESVs.

(6) ESV operators shall control all ESVs by a Hub earth station located in the United States, except that an ESV on U.S.-registered vessels may operate under control of a Hub earth station 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.

(7) In the 10.95-11.2 GHz (space-to-Earth) and 11.45-11.7 GHz (space-to-Earth) frequency bands ESVs shall not claim protection from interference from any authorized terrestrial stations to which frequencies are either already assigned, or may be assigned in the future.

(b) Applications for ESV operation in the 14.0-14.5 GHz (Earth-to-space) band to GSO satellites in the fixed-satellite service must include, in addition to the particulars of operation identified on Form 312, and associated Schedule B, the applicable technical demonstrations in paragraphs (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this section and the documentation identified in paragraphs (b)(3) through (b)(5) of this section.

(1) An ESV applicant proposing to implement a transmitter under paragraph (a)(1) of this section must demonstrate that the transmitter meets the off-axis EIRP spectral-density limits contained in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section. To provide this demonstration, the application shall include the tables described in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section or the certification described in paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section. The ESV applicant also must provide the value N described in paragraph (a)(1)(i)(A) of this section. An ESV applicant proposing to implement a transmitter under paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(A) of this section must provide the certifications identified in paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section. An ESV applicant proposing to implement a transmitter under paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(B) of this section must provide the demonstrations identified in paragraph (b)(1)(iv) of this section.

(i) Any ESV applicant filing an application pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of this section must file three tables showing the off-axis EIRP level of the proposed earth station antenna in the direction of the plane of the GSO; the co-polarized EIRP in the elevation plane, that is, the plane perpendicular to the plane of the GSO; and cross polarized EIRP. In each table, the EIRP level must be provided at increments of 0.1° for angles between 0° and 10° off-axis, and at increments of 5° for angles between 10° and 180° off-axis.

(A) For purposes of the off-axis EIRP table in the plane of the GSO, the off-axis angle is the angle in degrees from the line connecting the focal point of the antenna to the orbital location of the target satellite, and the plane of the GSO is determined by the focal point of the antenna and the line tangent to the arc of the GSO at the orbital position of the target satellite.

(B) For purposes of the off-axis co-polarized EIRP table in the elevation plane, the off-axis angle is the angle in degrees from the line connecting the focal point of the antenna to the orbital location of the target satellite, and the elevation plane is defined as the plane perpendicular to the plane of the GSO defined in paragraph (b)(1)(i)(A) of this section.

(C) For purposes of the cross-polarized EIRP table, the off-axis angle is the angle in degrees from the line connecting the focal point of the antenna to the orbital location of the target satellite and the plane of the GSO as defined in paragraph (b)(1)(i)(A) of this section will be used.

(ii) A certification, in Schedule B, that the ESV antenna conforms to the gain pattern criteria of § 25.209(a) and (b), that, combined with the maximum input power density calculated from the EIRP density less the antenna gain, which is entered in Schedule B, demonstrates that the off-axis EIRP spectral density envelope set forth in paragraphs (a)(1)(i)(A) through (a)(1)(i)(C) of this section will be met under the assumption that the antenna is pointed at the target satellite.

(iii) An ESV applicant proposing to implement a transmitter under paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(A) of this section, must provide a certification from the equipment manufacturer stating that the antenna tracking system will maintain a pointing error of less than or equal to 0.2º between the orbital location of the target satellite and the axis of the main lobe of the ESV antenna and that the antenna tracking system is capable of ceasing emissions within 100 milliseconds if the angle between the orbital location of the target satellite and the axis of the main lobe of the ESV antenna exceeds 0.5°.

(iv) An ESV applicant proposing to implement a transmitter under paragraph (a)(1)(ii)(B) of this section must:

(A) Declare, in their application, a maximum antenna pointing error and demonstrate that the maximum antenna pointing error can be achieved without exceeding the off-axis EIRP spectral-density limits in paragraph (a)(1)(A) of this section; and

(B) Demonstrate that the ESV transmitter can detect if the transmitter exceeds the declared maximum antenna pointing error and can cease transmission within 100 milliseconds if the angle between the orbital location of the target satellite and the axis of the main lobe of the ESV antenna exceeds the declared maximum antenna pointing error, and will not resume transmissions until the angle between the orbital location of the target satellite and the axis of the main lobe of the ESV antenna is less than or equal to the declared maximum antenna pointing error.

(2) An ESV applicant proposing to implement a transmitter under paragraph (a)(2) of this section and using off-axis EIRP spectral-densities in excess of the levels in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section shall provide the following certifications and demonstration as exhibits to its earth station application:

(i) A statement from the target satellite operator certifying that the proposed operation of the ESV has the potential to create harmful interference to satellite networks adjacent to the target satellite(s) that may be unacceptable.

(ii) A statement from the target satellite operator certifying that the power-density levels that the ESV applicant provided to the target satellite operator are consistent with the existing coordination agreements between its satellite(s) and the adjacent satellite systems within 6° of orbital separation from its satellite(s).

(iii) A statement from the target satellite operator certifying that it will include the power-density levels of the ESV applicant in all future coordination agreements.

(iv) A demonstration from the ESV operator that the ESV system is capable of detecting and automatically ceasing emissions within 100 milliseconds when the transmitter exceeds the off-axis EIRP spectral-densities supplied to the target satellite operator.

(3) There shall be an exhibit included with the application describing the geographic area(s) in which the ESVs will operate.

(4) The point of contact referred to in paragraph (a)(3) of this section and, if applicable paragraph (a)(6) of this section, must be included in the application.

(5) ESVs that exceed the radiation guidelines of § 1.1310 of this chapter, Radiofrequency radiation exposure limits, must provide, with their environmental assessment, a plan for mitigation of radiation exposure to the extent required to meet those guidelines.

(c) Operations of ESVs in the 14.0-14.2 GHz (Earth-to-space) frequency band within 125 km of the NASA TDRSS facilities on Guam (located at latitude: 13°36′55″ N, longitude 144°51′22″ E) or 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) are subject to coordination through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC). 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 that the site is nearing operational status. Upon public notice from the Commission, all Ku-band ESV operators must cease operations in the 14.0-14.2 GHz band within 125 km of the new TDRSS site until after NTIA/IRAC coordination for the new TDRSS facility is complete. ESV operations will then again be permitted to operate in the 14.0-14.2 GHz band within 125 km of the new TDRSS site, subject to any operational constraints developed in the coordination process.

(d) Operations of ESVs in the 14.47-14.5 GHz (Earth-to-space) frequency band within (a) 45 km of the radio observatory on St. Croix, Virgin Islands (latitude 17°46′ N, longitude 64°35′ W); (b) 125 km of the radio observatory on Mauna Kea, Hawaii (at latitude 19°48′ N, longitude 155°28′ W); and (c) 90 km of the Arecibo Observatory on Puerto Rico (latitude 18°20′46″ W, longitude 66°45′11″ N) are subject to coordination through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC).

5. Section 25.271 is amended by revising paragraphs (b) and (c) introductory text and by removing paragraph (f).

The revisions read as follows:

§ 25.271

Control of transmitting stations.

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(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:

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