*Pages 1--1 from Microsoft Word - 57941.doc* NEWS Federal Communications Commission 445 12 th Street, S. W. Washington, D. C. 20554 This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D. C. Circ 1974). News Media Information 202 / 418- 0500 Internet: http:// www. fcc. gov TTY: 1- 888- 835- 5322 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: June 21, 2006 Clyde Ensslin, 202- 418- 0506 Email: Clyde. Ensslin@ fcc. gov COMMISSION PROPOSES RULES FOR NEW BROADCASTING SATELLITE SERVICE Washington, DC -- Today, the Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) seeking comment on licensing and service rules for satellites authorized to provide service to the United States in the 17/ 24 GHz Broadcasting Satellite Service (BSS). The 17/ 24 GHz BSS satellites will downlink domestically in the 17.3- 17.7 GHz frequency band and uplink in the 24.75- 25.25 GHz frequency band. The 17/ 24 GHz BSS service holds the potential of bringing a new generation of innovative satellite services to American consumers – providing a mix of video, audio, data and multimedia services to residential and business subscribers. The NPRM seeks comment on proposals related to operations in the 17/ 24 GHz BSS band, including: (1) the appropriate method for processing applications; (2) license terms, replacement satellites, access to the U. S. market from non- U. S. satellites, and milestone requirements; (3) public service obligations, geographic service and emergency alert system (EAS) requirements; (4) use of spectrum allocated internationally, but not domestically, by receiving earth stations located outside the United States; (5) orbital spacing and antenna performance standards; (6) inter- and intra- service sharing; and (7) other technical requirements, such as reverse band operations. Action by the Commission June 21, 2006, by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 06- 90). Chairman Martin, Commissioners Copps, Adelstein, Tate, and McDowell. International Bureau Staff Contact: Richard Engelman at 202- 418- 2157, Richard. Engelman@ fcc. gov. -FCC- News about the Federal Communications Commission can be found on the Commission’s web site www. fcc. gov. 1