PUBLIC NOTICE Federal Communications Commission 445 12th St., S.W. Washington, D.C. 20554 News Media Information 202 / 418-0500 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov TTY: 1-888-835-5322 DA 11-498 Released: March 15, 2011 NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION PROVIDES INFORMATION CONCERNING EXECUTIVE BRANCH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WAIVER OF PART 25 RULES CONCERNING LICENSING OF RECEIVE-ONLY EARTH STATIONS OPERATING WITH NON-U.S. RADIONAVIGATION SATELLITES The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) rules require licensing of non-Federal receive- only equipment operating with foreign satellite systems, including receive-only earth stations operating with non-U.S. licensed radionavigation-satellite service (RNSS) satellites.1 By letter of March 2, 2011, to the Chief of the FCC Office of Engineering and Technology, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, on behalf of the Executive Branch, outlined the criteria it will apply in considering whether to recommend waiver of the FCC rules. A copy of the NTIA letter is attached. The letter contemplates that NTIA will submit any recommendation for waiver to the FCC, and that the FCC would then review the request for compatibility with non-Federal U.S.-licensed systems. Any such recommendation will be assigned an “SES-MSC” file number in the International Bureau Filing System (IBFS). A public notice providing an opportunity for comment will also be issued prior to action on the request. A general description of public notice procedures for IBFS files is available at Section 25.151 of the Commission’s Rules, 47 C.F.R. § 25.151. The FCC will also continue to accept requests filed through previously established licensing and waiver procedures.2 For further information, contact Karl Kensinger, Satellite Division, International Bureau, at (202) 418-0773; or Ronald Repasi, Office of Engineering and Technology, (202) 418-2470. Attachment - FCC - 1See 47 CFR §§ 25.131(j)(1), 25.137. 2 See, e.g., IBFS File No. SES-MSC-20100415-00483. 2 3