Earth Stations On Board Vessels: Where are they now?

More than 30 years ago the first stabilized satellite antenna system provided broadband voice, data and video service for the ship monitoring the landing of an Apollo space capsule in the Pacific Ocean.  After several years of developing specialized systems, less-expensive and more reliable technology became available; leading to the first commercial installation of an ESV about 15 years ago on a cruise ship.  As the technology progressed and more ESVs were installed, it became clear that there was a need for technical requirements and a regulatory framework for ESVs to ensure the protection of co-frequency stations in the Fixed Service (FS) and the protection of adjacent satellites in the Fixed-Satellite Service (FSS).

At WRC-97 the ITU-R adopted a future agenda item to define the international regulatory framework for ESVs and assigned study questions to WP 4-9S to define the technical requirements for ESV operations.  WP 4-9S divided the work up into four different recommendations covering: construction of composite coordination areas for ESVs[1]; identification of frequencies to be used by ESVs[2]; assessment of the potential for interference from ESVs to stations on the FS[3]; and the minimum distance from shore beyond which ESVs would not cause harmful interference to terrestrial stations[4].  WP 4A also developed a recommendation on the characteristics of ESV systems[5].  This was an ambitious work plan in a very new area of mobile earth stations using the FSS and, therefore, it was not surprising that only two of the five recommendations were finished in time for WRC-2000. 

At the time of WRC-2000 several administrations felt that it was necessary to establish a regulatory basis for the growing number of ESVs.   CITEL administrations were very involved in this effort and consequently, CITEL submitted an Inter-American Proposal for satisfying agenda item 1.8 on ESVs.  It was not possible to complete the work on the regulatory framework at WRC-2000 since there was no agreement on the minimum distance from the shore for ESV operations without prior agreement from concerned administrations[6].  However, WRC-2000 adopted Res. 82 to urgently complete the studies and resolve the regulatory issues at WRC-03.  Res. 82 also recognized that ESVs could operate in the FSS under No. 4.4 of the ITU Radio Regulations.

The remaining three recommendations on ESVs were completed and approved at the Radio Assembly in June of 2003.  Many administrations and regional organizations contributed proposals to satisfy Agenda Item 1.26 on ESVs at WRC-03.  The CITEL IAP on ESVs was very instrumental in guiding the discussions on ESVs.  As a result of the efforts of the CITEL team and member administrations, the most important goals in the IAP were achieved.

WRC-03 established the regulatory framework for ESVs with several additions to the Radio Regulations including: footnotes to the table of allocations[7]; a resolution with the regulatory framework[8]; and a WRC recommendation with guidance for administrations and ESV operators[9].  These changes are now the international basis for ESVs operating in C- and Ku-band within the FSS on a co-primary basis. 

After WRC-03, many administrations and regional organizations began to study the means for implementing Res. 902 in their national regulations.  In January of 2005 the FCC adopted new federal regulations based on Res. 902.  The new U.S. regulations specify the methods for demonstrating compliance with the technical requirements and the procedures for licensing networks of ESVs[10].

CITEL PCC.II started work in September of 2004 on a recommendation containing the key regulatory terms and conditions for the use of ESVs in the Americas.  The recommendation was approved at the PCC.II meeting in October 2005[11].  It is intended to give guidance to CITEL administrations when implementing national regulations governing ESV operations.  By adopting common regional standards, CITEL will facilitate the movement of ESVs in and out of regional ports and ensure that licensing requirements enacted in accordance with the recommendation provide protection consistent with Resolution 902 for terrestrial services and adjacent satellites.

Now PCC.II has under consideration a resolution that encourages member states to adopt the guidance in the ESV recommendation when enacting national regulations for ESVs and to allow ESVs licensed by other member states in conformity with the recommendation to operate in and near their territorial waters.

Within Europe, the CEPT also adopted regional regulatory decisions for ESV operation in May of 2005[12]. In conjunction with the CEPT/ECC decisions, ETSI developed technical standards for ESVs[13].  Now many other administrations throughout the world are developing national regulations for ESVs and they are looking to the example of CITEL and our Member States.

Robert Hanson
Vice President
Maritime Telecommunications Networks, Inc.
E.mail: [email protected]