Matt Daneman

Reply comments showed no consensus on use of the 5 GHz band by unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for communications other than control and non-payload communications (CNPC) (docket 22-323). There also were multiple calls in this week's comments or the agency to start work to open other spectrum to UAS use. Many initial commenters urged the FCC to establish service rules to facilitate use of the band by drones (see 2303100028).

A group of incumbent satellite operators is trying to prod the FCC to move faster on establishing rules for C-band Phase II accelerated clearing. The Wireless Bureau is seeking input on proposed procedures for the filing of phase II certifications of accelerated relocation, due April 20 (see 2303200040), but SES, Intelsat and Telesat floated a process in advance that they developed with the C-band relocation coordinator for FCC review and approval of Phase II accelerated relocation certifications that would start June 1.

Satellite and earth station operators largely -- but not unanimously -- agree on some steps the FCC can take to streamline its satellite application and approval process, according to reply comments this week in docket 22-411. There also were some notes of caution by some about use of shot clocks. The licensing streamlining NPRM was adopted 4-0 in December and in initial comments numerous operators pushed to eliminate the commission's rule that it won't consider applications for operating in a frequency band not allocated internationally by the ITU (see 2303060052).

Regulators dealing with the growing crush of supplemental coverage from space applications might support trying to help foster SCS business initiatives, but that can't come at the expense of protecting incumbents from interference, Iridium CEO Matt Desch said. In an interview, he discussed with us the genesis of Iridium's SCS partnership with Qualcomm (see 2301050061), on what handset makers and mobile network operators (MNO) are looking for in satellite partners, and what SCS partnerships may be in Iridium's future. Following are Desch's lightly edited responses.

Expect yet more announced partnerships involving supplemental coverage from space (SCS) services in coming months, satellite industry insiders and watchers told us. Agreements announced in recent months include Apple and Globalstar (see 2209070016), Iridium and Qualcomm (see 2301050061), SpaceX and T-Mobile (see 2208260038), Ligado/Viasat/Skylo (see 2303020023) and AST SpaceMobile and Nokia, plus AST and Lynk signing deals with numerous mobile network operators. All MNOs and handset operators will have some kind of satellite-enabled direct-to-handset capability within a handful of years on part of their network, experts said.

Intelsat and SES are talking about combining, as a key area of business for both -- maritime connectivity -- will soon face new low earth orbit (LEO) competitors. Competition and antitrust issues could be a big hurdle for any deal to clear. SES confirmed this week it's in talks with Intelsat about a possible deal.

Consumer advocates and allies are largely bullish on the prospects for the MVDP "all-in" pricing disclosure NPRM on circulation (see 2303220042), though some think it's an idea that would have had more value before the era of cord cutting. Many expect MVPD pushback or opposition depending on the details of implementation. The NPRM, which hasn't been released, proposes bills and promotional materials prominently show the bottom-line price of video service including line-item fees.

Some states have fairly sharp pencils for estimated awards from NTIA’s broadband, equity, access and deployment (BEAD), but others are working with wide ranges. States were mixed on whether it's challenging to plan their broadband programs without knowing the award amount. NTIA is expected to make funding allocation announcements June 30.

The politicization of Newsmax's blackout on DirecTV isn't considered likely to change cable carriage practices, experts told us. Conservatives cheered the end of the blackout this week, with the right-leaning cable network returning to DirecTV, DirecTV Stream and U-verse Thursday (see 2303220080).

FCC action on Newsmax's January blackout on DirecTV (see 2301250042) is unlikely, though it generated a brief burst of complaints filed with the FCC plus House GOP lawmaker ire, media industry officials said in interviews. There also have been almost no signals a congressional hearing is likely in the near future, lawmakers and media observers told us. Newsmax and DirecTV didn't comment.