The FCC’s filing window for operational, but unregistered earth stations closes July 18, 2018.  This filing window stems from a Public Notice, released April 19, 2018, by the FCC’s Internal, Public Safety and Homeland Security and Wireless Telecommunications Bureaus (collectively, the “Bureaus”) which announced a temporary freeze on the filing of new or modification applications for fixed-satellite service earth station licenses, receive-only earth station registrations and fixed microwave licenses in the 3.7-4.2 GHz frequency band.  At the same time, the Bureaus opened a 90-day window during which entities that own or operate existing earth stations in the 3.7-4.2 GHz band may file an application to register or license the earth station if it is not currently registered or licensed. 

The Bureaus opened the filing window because the FCC has an open inquiry examining whether to open the 3.7-4.2 GHz band for additional uses.  Multichannel video programming distributors (“MVPDs”) should take advantage of this opportunity to review whether they have unregistered receive-only earth stations that should be registered.  By registering a receive-only earth station, an MVPD can protect against interference from other entities using the same spectrum. 

To register a receive-only earth station, an MVPD must complete FCC Form 312 (through the online IBFS database) and pay a $435 filing fee.  For purposes of the 90-day registration window, the Bureaus have waived the requirement to also submit a frequency coordination study.  Applications to modify a current registration are also permitted to be filed during this window.

If you have questions about the receive-only earth stations or FCC applications, please contact Scott Friedman at (314) 462-9000 or sfriedman@cinnamonmueller.com.