WASHINGTON-The Wireless Communications Association asked the Federal Communications Commission to delay action on Globalstar L.L.C.’s application to add an ancillary terrestrial component into its mobile satellite service system until it can be determined whether broadband wireless licensees would be protected from harmful interference.
Globalstar is the second MSS operator to apply for ATC authority, the product of a 2003 FCC decision allowing MSS licensees to supplement satellite facilities with land-based cellular networks. Several national mobile-phone carriers plan to re-file a legal challenge to the FCC’s ATC rule next month in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
The FCC granted ATC authority to Mobile Satellite Ventures L.P. last year. On Wednesday, MSV said it was granted another comprehensive patent for fundamental aspects of its ATC technology.
