SIA Supports FCC Proposal to Promote In-Flight Satellite Broadband Internet Services

May 22, 2013

The Satellite Industry Association (SIA) filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on proposed rules to increase regulatory protections for satellite terminals aboard aircraft. The proposal would elevate Ku-band satellite services to airplanes (“earth stations aboard aircraft” or ESAA) in the 14.0-14.5 GHz band to co-primary status, along with other similar satellite services in the band.

“As passenger demand for in-flight services continues to grow, the satellite sector has innovated to provide broadband connectivity for aircraft. Granting satellite terminals on aircraft full primary regulatory status will encourage continued innovation and investment in this fast-growing sector of the satellite industry, and will benefit hundreds of thousands of passengers by promoting ubiquitous broadband access,” said Patricia Cooper, the President of SIA. “SIA urges the FCC to conclude this rulemaking as swiftly as possible to complete the third leg of regulations for mobility applications in this fixed satellite service band.” SIA's comments strongly support the FCC’s proposal to give full primary status to ESAA in the 14.0-14.5 GHz band as a means to help accelerate investment and innovation in the in-flight broadband market by providing regulatory certainty to service providers. Giving satellite terminals on aircraft the same regulatory status as fixed satellite terminals as well as satellite terminals on vehicles and ships will promote effective coordination among these services, which in turn will lead to more efficient and effective usage of this spectrum. ESAA services have operated without incident for more than a decade under effectively the same regulatory framework as existing satellite services in the band, demonstrating the strong track record of ESAA service providers as good stewards of their spectrum resources.