Joint Comments Urging the FCC to Preserve EchoStar’s Buildout Extensions and Avoid Creating Harmful Interference in the 2 GHz Band

The Open Technology Institute (OTI) at New America and Public Knowledge (PK) filed two related sets of comments at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

One set of comments explored whether EchoStar is using the 2 GHz band for mobile satellite service (MSS) consistent with the terms of its authorizations. OTI and PK recommended that the FCC refrain from moving forward with any proceeding to alter the 2 GHz band, emphasizing that EchoStar is utilizing the 2 GHz band according to the terms of its licenses and will to continue its investment and deployment.

The other set of comments pertained to VTel’s Petition for Reconsideration of conditional extensions that the FCC previously granted with regard to construction deadlines for certain EchoStar licenses. OTI and PK urged the FCC to rapidly dismiss VTel’s Petition for Reconsideration, emphasizing that EchoStar made a compelling case for its extension request and the Bureau had ample authority to grant it.