DirecTV asked the FCC to open a rulemaking proceeding to determin...

DirecTV asked the FCC to open a rulemaking proceeding to determine the feasability of authorizing new DBS satellites in the current spectrum with spacing of less than 9 degrees. While 9 degrees spacing is a “foundation” of the industry, DirecTV said, there have been applications from U.S. entities and others proposing lower-power DBS satellites for location between existing satellites: “The question of whether the short-spaced ’tweener’ satellites can be authorized, and if so, their technical characteristics and the spacing that they must observe in order to protect the operations and future growth of deployed U.S. DBS systems, are questions best answered in a rulemaking proceeding.” DirecTV said if the Commission authorized the “tweener” satellites, it should protect existing satellites operating in the DBS (12 GHz) band and preserve the “technical flexibility required for such operational DBS systems to continue to grow and innovate as they strive to provide vigorous competition to incumbent cable television systems.” Additionally, the company said the rulemaking should ideally address: (1) The feasibility of reduced orbital spacing. (2) Protection criteria. (3) The application of existing rules to new orbital locations, including the auction requirement for DBS slots. (4) Rules for non-U.S. operators seeking authority to provide DBS services.