Attachment 1995Mobile Consolida

This document pretains to SAT-L/A-19941116-00070 for Launch Authority on a Satellite Space Stations filing.

IBFS_SATLA1994111600070_1080773

                                                                                                RECEIVED
                                                                                                   MAR — 2 1995
                                                                                            FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMIGSION
                                      Before the                                                 OFFICE OF THE GECRETARY
                FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
                           Washington, D.C. 20554


In re Applications of




                                            wnornr n n n n Nn Nn N n n nz
Mobile Communications Holdings, Inc.                                        File Nos. 11—DSS—P—91(6)
                                                                            18—DSS—P—91(18)
                                                                            11—SAT—LA—95
                                                                            12—SAT—AMEND—95
and

Loral/Qualcomm Partnership, L.P. —                                          File Nos. 19—DSS—P—91 (48)
                                                                            CSS—91—014
                                                                            21—SAT—MISC—95

for Authority to Construct, Launch,
and Operate a Low Earth Orbit Satellite
System in the 1610—1626.5 MHz/
2483.5—2500 MHz Band

              CONSOLIDATED APPLICATION FOR REVIEW
                  AND REQUEST FOR CLARIFICATION

                                      MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.
                                      Michael Stone
                                      General Counsel
                                      1120 19th Street, N.W., Suite 460
                                      Washington, D.C. 20036
                                      (202) 466—4488
Of Counsel:

Jill Abeshouse Stern
Shaw, Pittman, Potts & Trowbridge
2300 N Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20037
(202) 663—8000

Dated: March 2, 1995


                                      Table of Contents



SUMM@IY . . . . . . . . 2 . 2 2 2 l k l k l k k k k k e k k e n k e e e e e e k e e k k e e es 11

L.      Introduction =. . . . . .. .. . . . l l 2 l l a k k k e k k e e e e e e e e es          1

II.     Statement of Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . l l l l l l l k l e l e e e e e es    2

III.    Background      . ... . ... . . .. l l l l l l l l y e a e e e e e e e e e e e e es     3

IV.     The Staff Arbitrarily and Capriciously Found One Similarly Situated
        Applicant, LQP, Financially Qualified and Another, MCHI, Financially
        Ungualified     .. .. .. . .. . . . l 2 l l l l k l k e k e k e k e e e e e k e e .     5

        The Staff‘s Conclusion That MCHI Is Not Financially Qualified Is
        Erroneous and Must Be Reversed .. .. ... . . .. .. .. l l l l l s                       9

VI.     The Commission Must Clarify That Deferred Applicants Will Be
        Processed As and When The Necessary Financial Showings Are Filed ..                    13

VIIL.   emieono                                                                                18



Exhibit A      Letter from Milton F. Borkowski, Vice President, Westinghouse
               Electronic Systems Group, Westinghouse Electric Corporation to the
               Federal Communications Commuission, Washington, D.C. (March 1,
                1995)

Exhibit B      Letter from Jacob S. Weiss, Deputy General Counsel, Israeli Aircraft
               Industries to the Federal Communications Commission, Washington,
               D.C. (March 1, 1995)


                                       Summary



              Mobile Communications Holdings, Inc. ("MCHI") requests that the

Commission reconsider the staff‘s decision to find MCHI not financially qualified to

be granted authority to construct, launch and operate a low Earth orbit satellite system

above 1 GHz ("Big LEO") in the Mobile Satellite Service ("MSS"). MCHI submits

that it should be deemed by the Commission to be financially qualified based upon the

record in this proéeeding. In particular, MCHI submits that the Commission‘s staff

inadvertently misinterpreted the management commitment letters provided by two of

MCHI‘s integral equity partners: Westinghouse Electric Corporation ("Westing—

house") and Israel Aircraft Industries ("IAI"). To resolve any ambiguity, MCHI has

included herein management letters from Westinghouse and IAI that reaffirm their

support for MCHI‘s ELLIPSO®" project.

              In addition, MCHI submits that its two management commitment

letters, whether considered individually or together, constitute a firmer commitment

than the Loral Corporation‘s management commitment letter written on behalf of a

similarly situated Big LEO applicant, the Loral/Qualcomm Partnership, L.P.

("LQP"). The Commission staff arbitrarily and capriciously ignored evidence in the

record that Loral was not committed to expend the necessary funds on behalf of

LQP‘s Globalstar System. Accordingly, MCHI submits that the Commission is com—



                                           i1


pelled to treat MCHI, a similarly situated applicant, in a similar manner by findihg its

superior management commitment letters satisfactory.

               Finally, MCHI requests clarification that deferred Big LEO applicants

who submit amended applications prior to January 31, 1996 will be processed as and

when they are filed. In several recent statements by the Commission and its staff, the

Commission has ambiguously implied that (1) deferred applicants have "until January

31, 1996" to file amended applications substantiating their financial qualifications, and

(2) the Commission‘s decision on how to treat such applications is not final. Clarify—

ing that such applications will be processed as and when the necessary financial

showings are filed would serve the public interest by encouraging competition in the

emerging MSS service, promoting the rapid delivery of innovative communications

services and accelerating the achievement of universal service. Conversely, providing

certain Big LEO applicants from the November 16, 1994 processing pool with a full

year‘s head start would provide certain licensees with an arbitrary and inequitable .

advantage.




                                           ii1i


                                                                                                                                         PECEIVED
                                                                                                                                           MAR — 2 1995
                                                                                                                                                                 @%M
                                                                                                                                      ?E%MD@%W@&?@%C
                                                                                                                                          OFFicE of ethe sEcRETARY
                                       Before the
                   FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
                           Washington, D.C. 20554

 In re Applications of




                                            N/ Nn Nusr Neue! Nuse! Nuwe! Nune! Noe! Ne Nust! N Nes Nu! Nu! Nu! Nes
 Mobile Communications Holdings, Inc.                                                                                File Nos. 11—DSS—P—91(6)
                                                                                                                     18—DSS—P—91(18)
                                                                                                                     11—SAT—LA—95
                                                                                                                     12—SAT—AMEND—95
 and

 Loral/Qualcomm Partnership, L.P.                                                                                    File Nos. 19—DSS—P—91 (48)
        —                                                                                                            CSS—91—014
                                                                                                                     21—SAT—MISC—95

 for Authority to Construct, Launch,
 and Operate a Low Earth Orbit Satellite
 System in the 1610—1626.5 MHz/
 2483.5—2500 MHz Band


                CONSOLIDATED APPLICATION FOR REVIEW
                    AND REQUEST FOR CLARIFICATION


 1.     Introduction

               Mobile Communications Holdings, Inc. ("MCHI"), by its attorneys,

 submits this Consolidated Application for Review and Request for Clarification

 pursuant to Section 1.115 of the Federal Communications Commission‘s ("Commis—

 sion") Rules, 47 C.F.R. § 1.115, of the International Bureau‘s decisions in the above

 captioned proceedings to, variously, grant Loral/Qualcomm Partnership, L.P.

_ ("LQP") a Mobile Satellite Service ("MSS") license to operate an above 1 GHz low—


Earth orbiting satellite system ("Big LEO"),‘ and defer consideration of MCHI‘s Big

LEO license application because of its finding that MCHI did not demonstrate that it

is financially qualified to serve as a Big LEO licensee." In addition, MCHI requests

clarification that MCHI and similarly situated applicants have until January 31, 1996

to file amended applications and that such amended applications will be processed as

and when they are filed.


H.     Statement of Interest

              MCHI filed a Big LEO license application with the Commission and an

amendment thereto following the adoption of the final rules in the Big LEO service

rules proceeding." In addition, MCHI participated in the Big LEO service rules and


1      See In re Application of Loral/Qualcomm Partnership,   L.P. For Authorit
to Construct, Launch, and Operate Globalstar, a Low Earth Orbit Satellite System
to Provide Mobile Satellite Services in the 1610—1626.5 MHz/2483.5—2500 MHz
Bands, Order and Authorization, File Nos. 19—DSS—P—91 (48), CSS—91—014, 21—
SAT—MISC—95, DA 95—128 (released January 31, 1995) ("LQP Order").

2      See In re Application of Mobile Communications Holdings, Inc. For
Authority to Construct, Launch, and Operate a Low Earth Orbit Satellite System
in the 1610—1626.5 MHz/2483.5—2500 MHz Band, Order and Authorization, File
Nos. 11—DSS—P—91 (6), 18—DSS—P—91 (18), 11—SAT—LA—95, 12—SAT—AMEND—95,
DA 95—132 (released January 31, 1995) ("MCHI Order").

>      See Application of Mobile Communications Holdings, Inc. For Authority
to Construct ELLIPSO®, an Elliptical Orbit Mobile Satellite System in the 1610—
1626.5 MHz and 2483.5—2500 MHz Bands, filed November 5,1990, File Nos.
11—DSS—P—91 (6), 18—DSS—P—91 (18) ("ELLIPSO‘ I") (The first application filed
with the Commission requesting authority to launch, construct and operate in
subject Big LEO bands); Application of Mobile Communications Holdings, Inc.
                                                                    (continued...)


spectrum allocation proceeding.* The MCHI Order adopted by the Commission staff

adversely affected MCHI. In addition, MCHI submits that the grant of a Big LEO

license to LQP in the staff‘s LQOP Order —— a prospective competitor of MCHI —— was

adopted by the staff pursuant to an inequitable and inconsistent application of the

Commission‘s Rules in comparison to the MCHI Order. Accordingly, MCHI has

standing to file this Consolidated Application for Review and Request for Clarification

for purposes of Section 1.115 of the Commission‘s Rules.


III.   Background

                  Pursuant to the Commission‘s MSS financial qualification rules

applicable to Big LEO applicants, an applicant is deemed financially qualified if it

shows the availability of resources sufficient to cover the costs of launching, con—



3(...continued)
For Authority to Construct ELLIPSO®", an Elliptical Orbit Mobile Satellite
System in the 1610—1626.5 MHz and 2483.5—2500 MHz Bands, filed June 3,
1991, File Nos. 11—DSS—P—91 (6), 18—DSS—P—91 (18) ("ELLIPSO‘* II") (Request—
ing authorization of an additional eighteen satellites); Amendment of Application
of Mobile Communications Holdings, Inc. For Authority to Construct
ELLIPSO", an Elliptical Orbit Mobile Satellite System in the 1610—1626.5 MHz
and 2483.5—2500 MHz Bands, filed November 16, 1994, File Nos. 11—DSS—P—91
(6), 18—DSS—P—91 (18) ("MCHI Amendment").

4      See In re Amendment of the Commission‘s Rules to Establish Rules and
Policies Pertaining to a Mobile Satellite Service in the 1610—1626.5/2483.5—2500
MHz Frequency Bands, Report and Order, CC Docket No. 92—166, 9 FCC Red
4936 (1994) ("Big LEO Order"). MCHI‘s petition for review is pending in
Mobile Communications Holdings, Inc. v. Federal Communications Commission,
No. 94—1695, (D.C. Cir. Nov. 8, 1994) ("MCHI v. ECC").

                                             3


structing and operating for the first year a Big LEO system.‘ An applicant‘s manage—

ment must also commit that, absent a change in material circumstances, it is prepared

to expend the necessary funds from such internal resources." If the applicant does not

have such internal resources or its management is unable to make such a commitment,

it must demonstrate that it has external sources of funding that are irrevocably

committed to expend such necessary funds.‘ The Commission has recognized that the

management commitment to expend internal sources of funding is "exactly equivalent

to the irrevocable financing required for companies who require external financing to

fund a satellite system."* Where there is adequate management commitment from

internal sources of funding, however, there is no additional requirement that the

applicant must (1) actually expend all of the necessary funds from such internal sourc—

es,° or (2) obtain irrevocable commitments from external sources of funding."




*      Id. at paras. 26—42.

6      Id. at para. 31.

7      Id. at para. 32.

8     Opposition of the Federal Communications Commission to Petitioner‘s
Emergency Motion for a Stay Pending Review at 14, filed Nov. 14, 1994,
MCHI v. FCC (D.C. Cir.) (No. 94—1695) ("Commission Opposition Motion").

9      Although by making the commitment to the Commission, it must be
prepared to do so if third—party financing is unavailable in whole or in part.

10      Big LEO Order at para. 32.


IV.    The Staff Arbitrarily and Capriciously Found One Similarly Situated |
       Applicant, LQP, Financially Qualified and Another, MCHI, Financially
       Ungqualified

               In MCHI‘s Consolidated Petition to Deny against the application of

LQP, MCHI argued that LQP failed to provide the Commission with the adequate

assurance that its management was fully committed to expend the necessary funds to

launch and construct its system, and incur the operational costs for one year."‘

Specifically, in Loral Corporation‘s management letter ("Loral Letter"), Michael B.

Targoff, Senior Vice President of Loral stated that Loral was "prepared to expend the

necessary funds, or take all reasonable steps to cause LQP to raise and expend the

necessary funds, to construct and launch ... and to operate the satellite system for one

year."" Although Loral attests that it has assets that exceed LQP‘s estimated $1.544

billion launch, construction and first—year operational costs, MCHI submits that the

Loral Letter equivocates in its commitment and thereby failed to meet the allegedly

stringent financial qualification standard for a management commitment of funding


11     See MCHI Consolidated Petition to Deny, filed December 22, 1994, In re
Applications of Constellation Communications, Inc.., Loral/Qualcomm Partner—
ship, L.P., Motorola Satellite Communications, Inc., TRW Inc. For Authority to
Construct, Launch, and Operate Low—Earth Orbit Mobile Satellite Systems in the
1610—1626.5 MHz and 2483.5—2500 MHz Bands, File Nos. 9—SAT—LA—95, 10—
SAT—AMEND—95, File Nos. 13—SAT—LA—95, 14—SAT—AMEND—95, File Nos. 15—
SAT—LA—95, 16—SAT—AMEND—95, File Nos. 17—SAT—LA—95, 18—SAT—AMEND—
95 ("MCHI Consolidated Petition to Deny").

12     Letter form Michael B. Targoff, Senior Vice President of Loral Corpora—
tion to the Federal Communications Commission, Washington, D.C. (November
14, 1994) (emphasis added).


from internal sources or for a commitment from external sources that was applied to

MCHL.

               LQP‘s Loral Letter does not meet the management commitment stan—

dard because the relevant statement is qualified by an "or" clause which, by its plain

meaning, indicates that Loral is not committed to expend the necessary funds.

Rather, it is committed to expend its internal resources or, apparently at its discretion,

to seek to raise capital for LQP. Therefore, the Loral Letter fails to adequately

commit its management on behalf of LQP. Because the Loral Letter does not estab—

lish acceptable internal source funding for LQP, then it could only serve to financially

qualify LQP if it met the "equivalent standard" applicable to external sources of

funding. MCHI submits, however, that the Loral Letter also fails to meet the

external source standard because it does not constitute an irrevocable commitment by

any external sources to LQP.

                By denying in the Order the objections raised by American

Mobile Satellite Corporation ("AMSC") and MCHI in their respective Petitions to

Deny regarding the Loral Letter, the staff established that a partial and contingent

commitment satisfied the financial qualification standard. It was therefore obligated

to apply the same standard to MCHI.

               In fact, the staff was apparently so convinced of LQP‘s qualifications

that it failed even to address the meaning of the Loral Letter‘s equivocation and


instead concluded that the "Loral Corporation has provided [in the Loral Letter] an

unequivocal statement that it is prepared to expend the funds necessary to construct,

launch, and operate the proposed system for one year."" To the extent that there

could be any ambiguity regarding the meaning of the disjunctive "or" in the Loral

Letter, the true contingent nature of Loral‘s commitment was established conclusively

by the following statement contained in its SEC 10—K, made subject to criminal

penalties:

               [Globalstar‘s] [tJotal system cost through 1998, the expected in—
              service date, is expected to total approximately $1,800,000,000,
              which Globalstar intends to finance through sales of additional
              equity, advance payments from service providers, and debt
              financing.

                      . . .[Loral] has a total capital commitment of
              $107,000,000. . . . By sales of its equity interest to other strate—
              gic partners through subsequent Globalstar equity offerings,
              [Loral] expects to reduce its direct and indirect equity interest to
              approximately 25%."

In addition, Globalstar‘s SEC S—1 Registration Statement states that:

                      [allthough Globalstar believes that it will be able to obtain the
              additional financing it requires, there can be no assurance that the
              capital required to complete the Globalstar System will be available
              from the public or private capital markets or from its existing partners
              on favorable terms or on a timely basis, if at all. A substantial short—



13      LQP Order at para. 10 (emphasis added).

14     See Loral 10—K at F—10. This statement also makes it clear that whatever
future financing LQP may acquire through sales of additional equity, Loral will
not be a potential buyer, but only a seller of LQP equity.

                                            7


               fall in meeting its capital needs would prevent completion of the
               Globalstar System."

               MCHI submitted this information into the record of this proceeding.

The Commission‘s staff had an opportunity, therefore, to review evidence in the

record which demonstrated that Loral was committed to invest only $107 million and

that if LQP did not acquire the approximately 1.5 billion (1.8 billion according to the

Loral 10—K) of additional necessary funds through unidentified and uncommitted

external financing, the project wouldv fail and investors could lose all of their money.

Such a discussion of this particular risk would not be present if Loral were irrevoca—

bly committed to expend the funds needed to cover the construction, launch and first—

year operation costs.""

               In contrast to LQP‘s showing, the LEO requires a truly

unequivocal management commitment standard:         "consistent with our approach to

credit arrangements provided by outside sources, management of the corporation




15      See Globalstar Form S—1 Registration Statement, SEC Number 33—86808,
at 10 (filed November 29, 1994) (emphasis added).

16      In the LQP Order, the Commission‘s staff limited its analysis to the Loral
Letter and rightfully ignored a subsequent letter from the Loral Corporation dated
December 29, 1994, which seeks to expand upon its prior statements in a manner
belied by its own statements submitted under penalty of criminal sanction to the
SEC. See supra notes 23 and 26.


providing the funding must commit that absent a material change in circumstances, it

is prepared to expend the necessary funds.""

              Accordingly, given the standard employed in the LQP Order, if the

Commission affirms the staff‘s grant of the LQP license, then MCHI submits that the

Commission must also accept MCHI‘s financial showing"* and therefore find MCHI

financially qualified." Alternatively, because the staff erroneously deemed LQP to be

financially qualified, MCHI respectfully requests that the Commission reverse the

staff‘s decision to grant LQP a Big LEO license.




v.     The Staff‘s Conclusion That MCHI Is Not Financially Qualified Is
       Erroneous and Must Be Reversed

              MCHI submits that the Commission s.taff erred in finding that MCHI is

not financially qualified as a MSS applicant in the MCHI Order. MCHI submitted

with its November 16, 1994 amendment to its Big LEO license application manage—

ment commitment letters from the following equity partners of MCHI: Westinghouse

Electric Corporation ("Westinghouse"), Harris Corporation ("Harris"), Israel Aircraft


17      Big LEO Order at para. 35 (citing Licensing Space Stations in the Domes—
tic Fixed—Satellite Service, CC Docket No. §5—135, FCC 85—395, 50 Fed. Reg.
36071, 36074, fn. 26 (1985)).

18     As discussed below, MCHI percentage of committed funds for its
ELLIPSO®* project exceeds the 6.9% the Loral Corporation has committed to
LQP.

19     See, e.g., Melody Music, supra note 26.

                                           9


Industries, Ltd. ("IAI"), Cable & Wireless (C&W"), Spectrum Network Systems

Limited ("SNS") and AEC—Able Engineering Company ("AEC—Able"). In addition,

MCHI‘s Reply revferenced several irrevocable contracts totaling $14.1 million."

Further, Arianespace has irrevocably committed vendor financing totaling $45

million. In its amendment, MCHI estimated that the costs of construction, launch,

and first—year operation for its sixteen—satellite system will total $564 million.

               MCHI submits that on the basis of the Westinghouse and IAI manage—

ment commitment letters ("Westinghouse Letter") alone, the Commission should deem

MCHI financially qualified. The MCHI Order states that "Westinghouse‘s involve—

ment appears limited to serving as a supplier of ground segment facilities, and as a

holder of less than 2% interest in MCHI."* MCHI submits, however, that the staff

has significantly underestimated the role of Westinghouse. Upon completion of final

negotiations, Westinghouse expects to hold a 30% (or more) equity interest in

MCHI.? As an internal source of funding, MCHI already submitted evidence in this

proceeding that Westinghouse‘s current assets and operating income exceeds the

ELLIPSO®" projects estimated $564 million in necessary funds."


20     MCHI Order at para. 10.

2¥     MCHI Order at para. 12.

22      Compared to Loral Corporations expected 25% share of LQP‘s total
equity. See infra text at note 14.

23      MCHI Application at Ex. 3, App. B.

                                             10


               In addition, Westinghouse reaffirms in the attached clarification that

"Westinghouse is prepared to have its equity investment expanded to fund a portion of

the launch, construction, and first year operational costs of the MCHI ELLIPSO®*

project absent a material change in circumstances."** Furthermore, Westinghouse

reaffirms in the attached clarification that it will élso fully support the financing of the

ELLIPSO" project from external sources. Without considering other equity investors

or supplier financing, Westinghouse‘s position alone will support additional debt

financing of several hundred million dollars if such debt financing is necessary.

               Further, MCHI submits that the IAI management commitment letter

("IAI Letter"), particularly as clarified in the attachment, is further supporting

evidence that MCHI is financially qualified. It appears from the MCHI Order,

however, that the Commission staff misconstrued the extent of IAl‘s commitment to

the ELLIPSO*" project. In an effort to resolve any ambiguity, MCHI submits herein

a letter from Mr. Jacob S. Weiss, Deputy General Counsel of IAL,*" that clarifies and

reaffirms that (1) IAI, although its financial statements are not publicly available, has

current assets and operating income in 1994 that exceeded $600 million, (2) IAI has




24     Letter from Milton F. Borkowski, Vice President, Westinghouse Electron—
ic Systems Group, Westinghouse Electric Corporation to the Federal Communica—
tions Commission, Washington, D.C. (March 1, 1995) (Exhibit A hereto).

25      Letter from Jacob S. Weiss, Deputy General Counsel, Israeli Aircraft
Industries to the Federal Communications Commission, Washington, D.C.
(March 1, 1995) (Exhibit B hereto).

                                             11


significantly increased its total equity holdings in MCHI, and (3) IAI is an integral

equity partner of MCHI and fully prepared to support MCHI‘s efforts to fund the

ELLIPSO®" project absent a material change in circumstances.""

               By providing the requisite level of management commitment, it is

irrelevant whether Westinghouse or IAI will actually expend from internal sources all

of the necessary funds for the launch, construction and first—year operation of MCHI‘s

ELLIPSO®* project."" The Westinghouse and IAI Letters reflect a level of manage—

ment commitment that is at least equal to that of the other applicants‘ management

commitment letters the Commission‘s staff has found acceptable: Motorola, LQP,

and TRW, Inc. ("TRW"). Indeed, as discussed above, the Commission staff disre—

garded conclusive evidence that Loral Corporation was not committed to expend the

necessary funds on behalf of LQP but rather was committed to expend no more than


26     Because the Commission‘s staff accepted and considered a similar post—
November 16, 1994 clarification from a similarly situated Big LEO applicant,
Motorola Satellite Corporation, Inc. ("Motorola"), MCHI requests that its IAI
Letter is accorded similar treatment. See Melody Music v. FCC, 345 F.2d 730,
732—33 (D.C.Cir. 1985) (requiring that the Commission treat similarly situated
applicants in a similar manner) ("Melody Music"). See also In re Application of
Motorola Satellite Communications, Inc. for Authority to Construct, Launch, and
Operate a Low Earth Orbit Satellite System in the 1616—1626.5 MHz Band, Order
and Authorization at para. 8, File Nos. 9—DSS—P—91(87), CSS—91—010, 43—DSS—
AMEND—92, 15—SAT—LA—95, 16—SAT—AMEND—95, DA 95—131 (January 31,
1995) (wherein the Commission staff considers and discusses an explanatory
Declaration of Mr. Koeneman, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of Motorola, Inc. regarding Motorola‘s omission of the word "launch" in
its first management commitment letter).

27     See Big LEO Order at para. 35; see also supra note 8.

                                           12


$107 million of LQP‘s estimated total cost of $1.554 billion (a mere 6.9% of LQP‘s

total necessary funds —— a lower percentage of committed funds than ELLIPSO®*

project)." In view of the fully satisfactory management commitment letters from IAI

and Westinghouse, as well as MCHI‘s other commitments, MCHI respectfully

requests that the Commission reverse the staff decision and find MCHI to be a

financially qualified Big LEO applicant.


VI.    The Commission Must Clarify That Deferred Applicants Will Be
       Processed As and When The Necessary Financial Showings Are Filed

              In several instances in the MCHI Order, the Big LEO Order and the

Commission Opposition Motion, the Commission has ambiguously suggested that (a)

applicants in the November 16, 1994 processing pool not found to be financially

qualified on January 31, 1995 may re—submit amended applications and have them

processed on a first—come, first—served basis until January 31, 1996, and (b) this

decision has not been finalized."" MCHI requests clarification that such applicants


28     MCHI Consolidated Petition to Deny at 11 (citing p. F—10 of the Loral
Corporation‘s Form 10—K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
March 31, 1994 (File No. 1—4238)).

29     For example, the following appears in the Big Leo Order:

               If, however, some grants have been made prior to January
               1996, and a mutually exclusive situation arises then, the auction
               procedure outlined below cannot be used. However, given the
               uncertainty that such a situation will ever arise, we will not at
               this time decide how to process any such remaining mutually
                                                                     (continued...)

                                            13


have until January 31, 1996 to file amended applications and will have such amended

applications processed as and when they are filed or on a first—come, first—served

basis. As described below, most of the ambiguity centers on the meaning of the word

"until" in the context of "until January 31, 1996." When used in the context of a

deadline, such as "sale lasts until Sunday," MCHI submits that this word is reason—

ably interpreted to mean that one has an opportunity that begins upon announcement

and terminates with the passing of the deadline, unless otherwise specified. MCHI

submits that the MCHI Order, the Big LEO Order and the Commission Opposition

Motion fall under this "reasonable interpretation" and fail to specify restrictions to the

contrary.

               For example, the following statement .concerning the first—come, first—

served issue appear in the MCHI Order: "MCHI will therefore have until January

1996 to firm up its financial qualifications, in accordance with the Big LEO Order. 130

The Big LEO Order, in turn, contains numerous statements on this issue:




*°(...continued)
               exclusive applications. Presumably, however, such grants
               would be awarded through an auction mechanism that is appro—
               priate in the circumstances. We have decided, however, to
               defer any final decision on that issue at this time. Big LEO
               Order at para. 42 (emphasis added).


30      MCHI Order at para. 30 (emphasis added).

                                            14


               Applicants will be provided until January 31, 1996, at their
               option, in which to make a complete financial showing."

                              x       *        x     *


                      . . . [The Commission] will allow [applicants] until Janu—
               ary 31, 1996 —— two months after the completion of WRC—95 ——
               to demonstrate compliance with the financial standard adopted
               today."



                       If. . .all six applicants defer their financial showings
               until January 1996 and all are then deemed financially qualified,
               we will implement the auction procedure . . . . If, however,
               some grants have been made prior to January 1996, and a
               mutually exclusive situation arises then, the auction proce—
               dure...cannot be used."

               In addition, the following statements appear in the Commission Opposi—

tion Motion:

                      The second track allowed applicants who did not wish to
               demonstrate their financial capacity by November 16 to have
               until January 1996 to do so. . . ."* [AJpplicants choosing to
               defer until January 1996 would have priority rights to any
               licenses that were available at that time. . . ."
                              *       *        *     *




31
        Big LEO Order at para. 2.

32
        Id. at para. 40.

33
        Id. at para. 42 (emphasis added).

34
        Commission Opposition Motion at 5.
350 0   1d.

                                          15


                     ... [TJhe Order specified an auction procedure to be
               implemented if one of two specific circumstances came to pass:
               (1) if all six applicants successfully showed financial capacity by
              November 16, 1994; or (2) if all six applicants deferred their
              showing until 1996 and showed financial capacity at that time.
              [citation omitted] In any other event,. . .[the Commission]
              would decide on a "mechanism appropriate in the circumstanc—
              es" to be chosen when necessary."

This last statement does not specify what "other event" it contemplates, but it

reasonably implies that there could be circumstances where it is not "necessary" to

resort to competitive bidding due to a lack of mutual exclusivity, which would be the

case if applications are processed as and when they are filed. Therefore, MCHI

submits that these statements by the Commission and its staff can be reasonably inter—

preted to indicate that deferred applications will be accepted as and when they are

filed, and that if the Commission intended a policy as stark as "applications will not

be accepted as and when they are received," it would have (and should have) stated so

expressly.

              Because the Commission has recognized that it is of vital importance to

the domestic economy to license MSS as expeditiously as possible, MCHI submits

that accepting applications as and when they are received would serve the public

interest. On the other hand, delaying the commencement of processing until January

31, 1996 would unnecessarily delay the delivery of service and the creation of greater

and more robust competition from such new entrants. Indeed, with the head start


36     Id. at 6 (emphases added) (citation omitted).

                                            16


granted to Big LEO licensees AMSC, Motorola, TRW and LQP, and the rise of PCS,

ESMR and digitalized cellular networks, such a delay could permanently disadvantage

MCHI from fairly competing in the new wireless environment. Accordingly, MCHI

strongly recommends that the Commission clarify that applicants from the November

16, 1994 processing pool must file amendments no later than January 31, 1996 and

that such applications will be processed and granted as and when they are received.




                                          17


VII.    Conclusion

              For the aforementioned reasons, MCHI respectfully requests that the

Commission reverse the Commission staff‘s decisions and to find MCHI to be

financially qualified, to grant MCHI‘s Big LEO license application, and to defer a

decision on LQP‘s Big LEO license application until it establishes the requisite

financial qualifications. In addition, MCHI seeks clarification that amended Big LEO

applications will be processed as and when they are filed.




                             Respectfully submitted by:

                             MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS HOLDINGS, INC.


                             By:
                                    Michael Stone
                                    General Counsel

                                     1120 19th Street, N.W., Suite 460
                                    Washington, D.C. 20036
                                    (202) 466—4488
Of Counsel:

Jill Abeshouse Stern
Shaw, Pittman, Potts & Trowbridge
2300 N Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20037
(202) 663—8000

Dated: March 2, 1995




                                           18


EXHIBIT A


Westinghouse
      .          &
                          Electronic Systems Group                                  Box 1897
                                                                                    Baitimore Maryland 21203
Electric Corporation      Milton F Borkowski                                        410 765 8801
                          Vice President & General Manager
                          C3 & Marine Qivisions
March 1, 1995


Mr. William F. Caton
Acting Secretary
Federal Communications Commission
1919 M Street, NW, Room 222
Washington, DC 20554

Re:     Application of Mobile Communications Holdings, Inc., for Authority to Construct, Launch and
        Operate ELLIPSO", a Low Earth Orbit Satellite System in the 1610—1626.5 MHz/2483.5—2500
        MHz Bands

Dear Mr. Caton:

        On behalf of Westinghouse Electric Corporation, ("Westinghouse"), this letter is submitted to
clarify the nature and extent of Westinghouse‘s commitment to Mobile Communications Holdings, Inc.
("MCHI") for purposes of determining MCHI‘s financial qualifications. Westinghouse views its future
equity relationship with MCHI as part of a major strategic initiative to dramatically expand our
participation in global telecommunications.              As an example of our commitment to this industry,
Westinghouse is a major technical and financial contributor to American Mobile Satellite Corporation‘s
initiative to provide Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) to North America.

        The Commission‘s characterization of Westinghouse‘s commitment to the ELLIPSO Project does
not reflect the fact that Westinghouse is in negotiations with MCHI concerning an equity interest and,
upon completion of final negotiations of mutually acceptable terms and conditions, Westinghouse would
expect to hold a 30% (or greater) equity interest in MCHI. Westinghouse is prepared to have its equity
investment expended to fund a portion of the launch, construction and first year operational costs of the
MCHI ELLIPSO project, absent a material change in circumstances.

        Additionally, as stated in the November 16 application, Westinghouse intends to be the supplier
of the ground segment facilities and to act as the communications system integrator. Westinghouse will
also assist MCHI in its efforts to identify additional sources of financing.


Sincerely,


Mi.i
   ilton F. Borkowski


EXHIBIT B


I”IISRAE‘ AIRCRAFT INDUS TRIES LTD




                                                                                   March 1,    1995

          Federal Communications Commission
          1919 M Street,              N.W,.
          wWashington,           D.C.     20544


          Re:       Reapplication of Mobile Communications Holdings, Inc.
                    ("MCHI") for Authority to Construct, Launch and Operate the
                    Ellipso Systom, a Low Earth Orbit Satellite Syatem in the
                    1610—1626.5 MHz/2483.5—2500MHz Bands


          Gentlemen:

               As Daputy Genevral Counsel of Israel Aircraft Induestrics Ltd.
          ("IAI"), I respect[ully subiumlt this letter to help clarify lAl‘s
          support for the Ellipso Project.

               In contrast to the Commission Staff‘s interprctation in the
          MCHI Order, IAI should be viewed as a full partner and equity
          holder of MCHI, with the intent of providing support for the
          successful awhievement of the Ellipso Project,                                     and not a limited
          portion of same (subject to material changes in business
          couuditions and normal business reviews). IAl nas been an antive
          equity and strategico partner of MCHI since joining the MCHI
          Ellipso Project in January of 1992. IAL has alsno acquired
          approximately 10% of the common shares of MCHI and we have sn
          cutstanding option to acquire ancther 6§,000 shares (constituting
          approximately another 5% of the MCHI shares). IAI lias been
          actively represented on the Board af NDirectors of MCHI from the
          inception of our relationah;p, in January 1992. Finally,   as an
          additional expression of TAT‘s support of the Project, IAL has
          actively sought additional participants who would bring
          significant added value to the MCHI Team, as reflected in our
          edvanced discussions wilh the CLAL Industries Ltd. and Egkos,
          §.A..




          MCHLFCCREAPPL 3/2/95                                                                        Page 1 of 2




Dan Gurion International Airport, 70100, Isreel T Teruhone 972.—3— 90§)11H
Tigx: 381002, 381014, 381033 ISRAV iL 0 Fax: 972:3.971—2290, 9353131 i7 Cabtes, ISRAELAVIA


07                               -                      t 30                                            000 —1— 6377


|   MIISRAEL AIRCRAFT INDUSTRIES LTD




                 After reviewing the lottors squbmittod by other Applicants
           who were awarded licenses (in particular, that of Loral
           Corporsation), we do not believe that IAl‘s commitment to the
           Ellipso Project falls short of those of other industrial
           participants supporting competitive Applicants to the FCC.

                     IAI strongly believes in the technological,                                   marketing and
           economic viability of the Ellipso Project and we strongly
           requesls that the Comission glive a favorable respouse to the
           MCHI Reapplication.


                                                          Very truly yours,
                                                                           3       C

                                                         ;Zfiaffl         JngX4Ӣ5
                                                      ;/ Jacob & Weiss
                                                     4//ueputy General Counsel




           MCHILFCCREAPPL 3/2/05                                                                        Page 2 of 2




    Hen Gurion International Airport, 10100, Israei D Telephone: 972—3— 3353111
    Teiex: 2@10O2, 5B1014, 381033 ISRAUV IL D Fax: 972.2.971—.2200, QS5MH31 T Cables. ISRAELAVIA


    U/                                                       1 90                                          000 —1«— 0377


                                CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE


               I, Michael Stone, do hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the forego—
ing "Consolidated Application for Review and Request for Clarification" was sent by first—
class mail, postage prepaid, or hand—delivered, on this 2nd day of March, 1995, to the
following persons:


*      Chairman Reed E. Hundt
       Federal Communications Commission
       1919 M Street, N.W., Room 814
       Washington, DC 20554

*      Commissioner James H. Quello
       Federal Communications Commussion
       1919 M Street, N.W., Room 802
       Washington, DC 20554

*      Commissioner Rachelle B. Chong
       Federal Communications Commission
       1919 M Street, N.W., Room 844
       Washington, DC 20554

*      Commissioner Andrew C. Barrett
       Federal Communications Commission
       1919 M Street, N.W., Room 826
       Washington, DC 20554

*      Commissioner Susan Ness
       Federal Communications Commission
       1919 M Street, N.W., Room 832
       Washington, DC 20554

*      Scott Blake Harris
       Chief, International Bureau
       Federal Communications Commission
       2000 M Street, N.W.
       Room 800, Stop Code 0800
       Washington, DC 20554


Karl Kensinger
Legal Advisor
International Bureau
Federal Communications Commission
Room 800, Stop Code 0800
2000 M Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20554

William E. Kennard, Esq.
General Counsel
Federal Communications Commission
1919 M Street, N.W., Room 614B
Washington, DC 20554

Karen Brinkman
Special Assistant
Office of the Chairman
Federal Communications Commission
1919 M Street, N.W., Room 814
Washington, DC 20554

Thomas S. Tycz, Chief
Satellite & Radiocommunication Division
International Bureau
Federal Communications Commission
2025 M Street, NW., Room 6010
Washington, DC 20554

Cecily C. Holiday, Deputy Chief
Satellite & Radiocommunication Division
International Bureau
Federal Communications Commission
2025 M Street, N.W., Room 6324
Washington, DC 20554

Fern J. Jarmulnek
Chief, Satellite Radio Branch
International Bureau
Federal Communications Commission
2025 M Street, N.W., Room 6112
Washington, DC 20554


Bruce D. Jacobs, Esq.
Glenn S. Richards, Esq.
Fisher Wayland Cooper Leader &
Zaragoza L L.P.
2001 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Suite 400
Washington, DC 20006—1851

Philip L. Malet, Esq.
Steptoe & Johnson
1330 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC

Norman R. Leventhal, Esq.
Raul R. Rodriguez, Esq.
Stephen D. Baruch, Esq.
Leventhal, Senter & Lerman
2000 K Street, N.W., Suite 600
Washington, DC 20006—1809

Leslie Taylor, Esq.
Leslie Taylor Associates
6800 Carlynn Court
Bethesda, MD 20817—4302

Dale Gallimore, Esq.
Counsel
Loral Qualcomm
7375 Executive Place, Suite 101
Seabrook, MD 20706

Robert A. Mazer, Esq.
Rosenman & Colin
1300 19th Street, N.W.
Suite 200
Washington, DC 20036

Barry Lambergman, Esq.
Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth, P.L.C.
1300 North 17th Street
Eleventh Floor
Rosslyn, VA 22209


      Lon C. Levin, Vice President
      American Mobile Satellite Corp.
      10802 Parkridge Boulevard
      Reston, VA 22091

*     John T. Scott, III, Esq.
      William Wallace, Esq.
      Crowell & Moring
      1001 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
      Washington, DC 20004—2505




                                        LalazlAlane
* Hand Delivered



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Document Modified: 2015-03-18 14:05:58

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