On March 23, the draft of ‘Matters Concerning Applications of Telecommunications Enterprises for the Assignment of Radio Frequency for Fixed-Satellite Service’ was passed by the National Communications Commission (NCC) and subsequently announced on April 1.
This draft is in response to recent international developments in fixed-satellite services, which have resulted in decreasing costs of manufacturing satellites and an increase in demand for access to satellite communications services. It can be noted that although the quality of satellite communications can be susceptible to atmospheric conditions, coverage can be provided over a wide area and be a viable alternative when providing service in uneconomical areas, such as outlying islands and mountainous areas. Consequently, NCC plans to facilitate satellite communications services in Taiwan with view to improving the quality of communications in such remote areas.
According to the frequency policy of Executive Yuan, 10.7-12.7GHz, 13.75-14.5GHz, 17.7-20.2GHz and 27.5-30.0GHz have been allocated for fixed-satellite services. However, if a satellite enterprise applies for a frequency block within the 27.9-29.5GHz range, it shall be required to coordinate with domestic telecommunications enterprises that have already acquired licenses within the same range. Moreover, in order to prevent harmful interference and safeguard the rights of existing satellites, new entrants shall follow a non-interference basis (NIB) and a non-protected basis (NPB) based on the principles of ITU.
Frequency for fixed-satellite services shall be assigned in accordance with the Telecommunications Management Act. As such, an applicant shall be required to register as a telecommunications enterprise and submit its application and the relevant documentation for approval within the regular timeframe applications are being accepted. Successful applicants shall then be given a two-year period to operate within the frequency range they applied for.
The draft shall be announced to the public for sixty days (April 2 to May 31); and an open hearing will be held in the near future, providing all interested parties an opportunity to give feedback and opinions.
