Satellite Interest in NVNG Bands Growing; Second Processing Round Likely
Long the home of only one satellite operator, non-voice non-geostationary (NVNG) bands are getting increased commercial interest due to evolving small-satellite technology, satellite lawyers told us. The FCC completed an NVNG UHF band processing round last month and is expected to undertake a VHF one in response to a Myriota petition (see 1911190002), we were told.
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The main NVNG bands -- 137-138 MHz, 148-150.5 MHz, 399.9-400.05 MHz and 400.15-401 MHz -- are too narrow to be of interest to satcom operators doing big broadband networks, said Hiber General Counsel Bruce Henoch. "No way you can put a big fat data channel in there." That's unlike the bigger bandwidth Ku and Ka bands getting interest from mega constellation operators, he said. Along with the cheap cost structure that nanosat technology allows, NVNG interest also is being driven by a burgeoning IoT market helping create satcom opportunities using the bands, another satellite lawyer said.
An NVNG VHF processing round, while likely, is probably months away from being initiated, lawyers said. Asked about an NVNG VHF processing round, the FCC said it's "reviewing the petition." A satellite lawyer said the same companies that filed in the UHF processing round would likely file in the VHF.
Hiber, in an International Bureau letter posted Monday, backed Myriota's NVNG VHF processing round request. It said its two satellites offer IoT services in non-U.S. markets using NVNG UHF frequencies and is interested in using NVNG VHF bands to boost system capabilities and operational flexibility.
France's Kineis, a subsidiary of CLS, said it's planning 25 IoT nanosatellites, with its constellation to be in orbit in the second half of 2022. In its petition during the UHF processing round for U.S. market access for its NVNG mobile satellite service system, it said it's targeting such markets as fishing fleets, recreational and charter watercraft, agriculture and transportation and logistics. It said it plans to use the 399.9-400.05 uplink and 400.15-401 downlink bands. Outside counsel didn't comment.
IB last month deferred action on Spire's request for market access in the 399.9-400.05 MHz band pending the outcome that VHF band, in a grant of U.S. market access for up to 872 Minas low earth orbit satellites for Spire. Staff approved last month Swarm's 150-satellite constellation operating in the 137-138 MHz and 148-149.95 MHz
The NVNG bands are narrow, and figuring out how many smallsat operators they can accommodate depends on what technology they employ, a satellite lawyer said. They generally would transmit and receive small packets of data periodically -- perhaps even every few days -- meaning there are numerous ways of sharing, he said.
Asked about potential competition in the NVNG VHF bands, Myriota didn't comment. It emailed that "providing increased access to this spectrum for more services -- including Myriota’s next-generation IoT offering -- is in the best interests of the public. Increased competition and more efficient use of spectrum and orbital resources enhance customer choice and create a more diverse and competitive marketplace."
Orbcomm had been the only mobile satellite service license holder for the UHF bands, the lone company of a variety of low earth orbit operators licensed in the late 1990s to use the 137-138 MHz and 148-150.05 MHz bands, per the FCC. It didn't comment. According to the FCC, the 137–138 MHz, 148–150.05 MHz, and 400.15–401 MHz bands were allocated globally at the 1992 World Administrative Radio Conference to non-geostationary mobile satellite service.