Industry Canada opts for two satellite licences in 118.7 orbital slot

Canada’s satellite regulator has opted to award two licences instead of one for the orbital slot 118.7 degrees west, one for the C- and Ku-band frequencies and another for the Ka-band frequencies. Issued Dec. 13, the call for comments states that any company interested in applying for both licences must submit two separate applications. While the initial call for expressions of interest to develop the 118.7 slot applied to only the conventional C- and Ku-band, several respondents expressed interest in developing the Ka-band frequencies as well. That interest prompted Industry Canada to issue two separate licences (RoW, Nov. 13/00). "Given the level of interest also expressed in using the Ka band, the department has concluded that it would be most efficient to award two licences …," Industry Canada writes in DGRB-008-00. "Canadian access to Ka band spectrum at this orbital slot is conditional upon meeting designated in-service dates related to its satellite filings with the International Telecommunication Union … and to ensure that this valuable Ka band spectrum is made available for the provision of advanced satellite services to Canadians, the department is including the Ka band in this licensing process," it concludes. CANADA NEEDS TO MOVE QUICKLYIndustry Canada had to set tight deadlines to ensure the 118.7 slot remains in Canadian hands. Under rules established by the International Telecommunication Union, Canada has until 2004 to launch a satellite in that slot. Failing to meet the deadline would result in Canada losing the orbital position to another country. Interest in developing the orbital slot was initially sparked by Telesat Canada which had applied for approval to launch a satellite in that position. The government has since received comments from several major players interested in acquiring the rights to develop the FSS slot. Some companies had asked that eligibility to participate in the competitive process be limited and that Telesat be excluded due to its market dominance as the sole FSS supplier in Canada. While Telesat remains the only licensed Canadian satellite company, more than 40 foreign-controlled satellites have been authorized to serve Canadian customers. "It is Industry Canada’s view that there is sufficient potential for competition in the Canadian marketplace, being open to the use of foreign licensed space stations, to ensure a competitive marketplace will develop with a choice of services and service providers," the department writes. Industry Canada granted two satellite authorizations to companies other than Telesat late last year. Bell ExpressVu and Star Choice received permission to build and launch satellites in the 107.3 degrees west and the 82 degrees west orbital slots (RoW, Nov 27/00). TABLE OF IMPLEMENTATION MILESTONESMilestoneC- and Ku-BandsKa BandSubmission of final design specs after to department for approval4 months after licence awarded7 months after licence awardedFinal signature of contracts for construction of satellite and launch of satellite into slot6 months after licence awarded9 months after licence awardedPlacement of satellite into authorized orbital positionDecember 22, 2003May 14, 2005Source: DGRB-008-00 Call for Applications to develop and operate fixed satellite space stations in the 118.7 degrees west longitude orbital position, Industry Canada, December 13, 2000.

Industry Canada opts for two satellite licences in 118.7 orbital slot

News | 01/08/2001 5:00 am EST

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