MSS-CGC and the S-Band
The risk is this. Mobile Satellite Services with Complementary Ground Components (MSS-CGC) cannot operate effectively without access to the so-called S-Band.
Today, the S-band risks being misused for other applications.
By summer 2007, the European Commission will have decided how they propose to use this band. This decision could influence Europe's emergency response capability for decades to come.
The 2GHz band is a unique resource.
The sheer number of wireless services has intensified the fight for access to radio frequencies. The radio spectrum is limited, and devices using the same part of the spectrum can interfere with one another. It must thus be parceled out between different needs.
The S-Band - actually two discrete bands spanning 1980 to 2010 MHz and 2170 to 2200 MHz – is unique. It is the only one to have been globally allocated by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to mobile satellite services. It is also the only one to have been allocated to MSS-CGC across Europe on a European basis.
This clear global allocation to mobile satellite services makes the 2GHz band unique. The S-Band is the only place on the whole spectrum where a globally integrated satellite communications service can physically be created.
This does not mean that the spectrum is fully occupied. Other frequencies are available for the provision of services such as mobile TV broadcasting. But the 2 GHz band is the only one that has been reserved, by global comment consent, for the provision of 2-way satellite communications services.
The 2GHz spectrum is a precious public resource. It must be used in the very best public interest.
Why it matters.
Uniqueness: this is a unique opportunity to offer Europe a combined terrestrial and satellite solution that provides seamless connectivity in the event of a crisis
Ubiquity: the 2GHz band is globally reserved and is allocated for MSS/CGC in North America and Europe
Rural connectivity: provides rural broadband connectivity to Europe’s rural and under-served population
Interoperability: the 2GHz band is adjacent to existing terrestrial mobile bands so allows for easy integration of new services into existing communication systems to provide interoperability among emergency response officials. Unique spectrum position allows for satellite service and enhanced applications to be accessible on commercially available 3G mobile devices.
Europe recognizes the S-band’s uniqueness.
In November 2006, the European Communications Committee (ECC) adopted a Decision primarily allocating the S-Band to Mobile Satellite Services with a Complementary Ground Component (MSS-CGC). It also produced a Recommendation outlining the authorisation process to be used to grant access to the 2 GHz band. The ECC’s Decision mandates that existing operations (mobile or fixed) be either removed from the band or required to operate without interference to MSS operations.
The European Commission, following advice from its Radio Spectrum Committee (RSC), recognized the uniqueness of the S-band and on 14 February 2007 required the Member States to allocate the 1980-2010 MHz and 2170-2200 MHz bands to MSS systems, including those incorporating a complementary ground system (Decision 2007/98/EC).
The S-band risks being misused.
The European Commission’s Communications Committee (COCOM) is charged with designing the process to be used to decide how to use this band, for which the following kinds of applications are currently being proposed:
2-way Satellite Communications aimed at Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR) services, and Mobile TV.
The risk is clear. If the spectrum allocation process does not explicitly take the European Union’s public policy needs into account, the best chance to build a pan-European system of ubiquitous, resilient communications could be lost.
EURespond. For resilient, interoperable, ubiquitous communications.
