Application Narrative

0119-EX-PL-2015 Text Documents

O3b Limited

2015-03-06ELS_159766

O3b Networks Application for Experimental License to Operate Earth Stations Manufactured by AvL Narrative Statement (1) Name, address, phone number (also e‐mail address and facsimile number, if available) of the applicant. Name: Suzanne Malloy O3b Limited 900 17th Street NW Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006 Phone: 202‐813‐4026 Mobile: 202‐368‐9045 E‐mail: Suzanne.malloy@o3bnetworks.com (2) Description of why an experimental license is needed O3b is a satellite startup with a unique non‐geostationary satellite (“NGSO”) system1 that orbits the earth in a medium earth orbit 8,062 km above the earth. The system uses high powered spot beams to transmit communications between earth station terminals and O3b’s satellites. Because O3b’s system architecture differs from that of other satellite operators, manufacturers are developing earth stations to suit the O3b system. O3b and potential customers are in the process of determining which applications the system may be able to support. AvL is developing a microwave antenna technology for the O3b system that could significantly improve performance and lower costs in commercial deployments. Grant of this license will allow O3b to test the new AvL terminals with O3b’s NGSO system. O3b needs to conduct tests on a regular basis to evaluate the performance characteristics of earth station equipment that has been developed for use with its satellite system and to determine whether these earth stations can support applications of potential interest to defense, energy and maritime interests in the government and commercial sectors. In order to facilitate these tests and to reduce the administrative burden on the Commission, O3b seeks an experimental license to cover these operations. (3) Description of the operation to be conducted and its purpose O3b Networks seeks experimental authority to test the earth stations that are identified below and to evaluate their capabilities from fixed locations throughout the contiguous United States, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The tests will enable O3b to evaluate the performance characteristics of the earth stations and to determine whether they can support applications of potential interest to defense, energy and maritime interests in the government and commercial sectors. 1 The FCC has granted market access to the O3b 12 satellite constellation. See O3b Limited, Call Sign S2935, File No. SAT‐LOI‐20141029‐00118 (granted Jan. 22, 2015) (“O3b PDR”). 1

(4) Time and dates of proposed operation O3b requests a blanket license for two years, from May 9, 2015 to May 9, 2017. O3b will notify ViaSat, Inc., Hughes/EchoStar, Inmarsat, SES and any other U.S. authorized Ka‐band satellite operators at least seven days prior to any transmit testing, and provide emergency contact information. In the event that there is harmful interference, O3b will immediately cease transmissions. (5) Class(es) of station (fixed, mobile, fixed and mobile) and call sign of station (if applicable). The transmitting station will operate in fixed mode. (6) Description of the location(s) and, if applicable, geographical coordinates of the proposed operation. Although O3b selected “United States & Territories” on the OET application form, O3b only requests authority to operate in the contiguous United States, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, mimicking the area of operations it requested in its FCC blanket license application.2 O3b will notify the FCC of the geographical coordinates of the test site at least seven days prior to testing. In addition, when the earth stations will transmit in spectrum bands shared with terrestrial operators, O3b will complete frequency coordination prior to testing. (7) Transmit equipment to be used, including name of manufacturer, model and number of units. AvL .85m Ka Band Antenna (experimental), 10 units AvL 2.4m Ka Band Antenna (experimental), 10 units Please note that each earth station terminal unit will include two technically identical (2) AvL antennas. (8) Frequencies desired. Transmit: 27.6 – 28.4 GHz 28.6 – 29.1 GHz Receive: 17.8 – 18.6 GHz 18.8 – 19.3 GHz (9) Maximum effective radiated power (ERP) or equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP). The maximum transmitted ERP will be: AvL 85cm 58.7 dBW AvL 2.4m 78.5 dBW 2 See O3b Limited, Call Sign E140101, File No. SES‐LIC‐20141001‐00781 (accepted for Filing Public Notice on January 7, 2015). 2

For all operations, O3b will comply with the radiofrequency radiation exposure limits in 47 C.F.R. 1.1310 and apply the measures recommended in the FCC’s OET Bulletin 65 to ensure compliance. (10) Emission designator (see §2.201 of this chapter) or describe emission (bandwidth, modulation, etc.) 1M00G7D to 216MG7D (11) Overall height of antenna of antenna structure above the ground (if greater than 6 meters above the ground or an existing structure, see part 17 of this Chapter concerning notification to the FAA). The overall height of the antennas above ground level and above existing structures will not exceed 6 meters. 3

Exhibit 1: Directional Antenna Information AvL .85m AvL 2.4m Is a directional antenna Yes Yes (other than radar) used? Width of the beam in .84 deg .30 deg degrees at the half power point Orientation in horizontal Azimuth sweep range is Azimuth sweep range is from 230 plane (degrees) from 230 deg. to 130 deg. to 130 deg. deg. Orientation in vertical Elevation will vary from Elevation will vary from 15 deg. up plane (degrees) 15 deg. up to 33 deg. to 33 deg. across the pass across the pass 4


Document Created: 2015-03-06 08:51:29
Document Modified: 2015-03-06 08:51:29
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