Wireless, Satellite Interests Continue to Challenge AST Petition

other primary licensed users, wireless interests told the FCC International Bureau in filings Thursday. CTIA said AST’s plans to use terrestrial spectrum for MSS requires a rulemaking process, and its requests to use the V band for MSS gateway links should be denied since the company hasn't explained why its MSS system should be given access to fixed satellite service frequencies or the requested waiver of those rules. Verizon said AST hasn't addressed such issues as whether it can provide the V-band service without harming existing U.S. terrestrial operations and that the proposed satellite service goes against the FCC licensing framework. T-Mobile said AST argues its providing service to mobile terrestrial licensees should be looked at later, but FCC precedent supports addressing the terrestrial component in tandem with the MSS component; otherwise an MSS satellite wouldn't be capable of operation. AST also got continued pushback from some satellite operators. Rpeating its argument that AST should be treated as an applicant in a new V-band processing round, Amazon's Kuiper said it hasn't shown why it should get a waiver of processing round rules. Echoing arguments that consideration of V-band operations should be deferred until a processing round, Hughes/EchoStar also said the FCC should make clear that under existing rules, AST can't lease terrestrial spectrum to provide MSS or other satellite services and should seek clarification from AST that its satellite operations won't use leased terrestrial spectrum to provide those services. AST didn't comment Friday.