FCC OKs Temporary Locations for SES/DISH Satellite

[Gregg Lengling]

The International Bureau at the Federal Communications Commission granted SES Americom temporary authority to operate its AMC-15 satellite, which will be used by EchoStar to support expansion of its DISH Network services, at the 113-degree and 117-degree locations.

The bureau placed conditions in the temporary location of the satellite, which is set to permanently reside at 105 degrees. The FCC said the temporary authority limits use of AMC-15 at the two alternative locations to Ka-Band frequencies only, and the Ku-Band portion of the satellite can only be used for telemetry, tracking and control work. The bureau also asked that the satellite not interfere with nearby satellites.

Also, SES Americom is limited to using AMC-15 at 117 degrees through March 7 and at 113 degrees between March 21 and May 21. After that, AMC-15 must move to its authorized location at 105 degrees, the FCC bureau said.

The National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative fought the SES Americom request, saying any moves by the satellite to a location outside of its intended home at 105 degrees is an attempt by EchoStar to warehouse spectrum. In its order, the FCC bureau said the temporary authority granted to SES Americom will not serve as a vehicle for EchoStar to warehouse spectrum.