SATELLITE OPERATORS RESIST SPRINT扴 9-FIGURE PAYMENT REQUEST

摘要

Sprint Nextel and broadcasters squared off against Mobile Satellite Service operators TerreStar and New DBSD Satellite Services, in comments on a rulemaking notice on sharing the costs of the broadcast auxiliary service relocation. New DBSD -- as ICO renamed itself after filing for bankruptcy -- asked the FCC to hold off on the rulemaking under an automatic stay provision in the Bankruptcy Code. Sprint has contended that ICO and TerreStar should have to pay $100 million each in relocation costs. The FCC issued an order June 12 giving Sprint until Feb. 8 to complete the relocation of BAS incumbents to frequencies above 2025 MHz. The order also gave the two MSS operators some of what they had asked for by eliminating the top 30 market rule. This would help them roll out service more quickly using the satellites that both have launched. But at the same time, the FCC sought comment on whether the two MSS operators should have to pay some of the cost of BAS relocation.