1. Earth Stations on Vessels Technical and Regulatory Developments
National Spectrum Managers Association
21 May 2003
Earth Stations on Vessels
Technical and Regulatory Developments
Robert Hanson
Vice President – Regulatory Affairs

2. Topics for this talk. . . The Business of ESVs
Types of applications
Technical advances in ESVs
Engineering/System Design
ESV networks
International Regulatory Environment
Technical Recommendations
WRC-03
National Regulatory Environment
First indications
Frequency coordination
Questions?
Technical advances in ESVs
Engineering/Systems Design
C-Band vs. Ku-Band systems
Dual-band systems
ESV networks
VSAT model
Star network from hub
Single point of control in a single jurisdiction
The Business of ESVs

3. The Business of ESVs . . .
Provide broadband satellite communications services for off-shore and in-motion vessels.
The only way to provide mission-critical communications to locations off of the terrestrial network.
Main market segments are Cruise Lines, Oil & Gas, and Military.

4. Passenger Cruise Ships
The Business of ESVs
Passenger Cruise Ships
Seismic Vessels
Offshore Oil Rigs
Naval Vessels

5. Services & Applications
Types of Services Provided:
Systems design & installation
System maintenance & repair
Interconnection with terrestrial network and radio links
Network and space-segment management
Value-added Services:
Internet Cafes
Electronic newspaper delivery
PSTN Termination
Prepaid Calling Cards
Live Broadcasting Services (Audio & Video)

6. Vital Statistics Ships/Rigs Installed – 108
Average Cost of an Installation - $285,000
Number of Passengers ~200,000 (at any given time)
More than 85% U.S. Citizens
Number of Crew Members ~66,000
MTN Employees = onboard managers
Stand alone privately owned U.S. Corporation

7. Advantages of ESVs
Convenient, reliable and cost effective communications services.
Combines voice, data, fax, internet
High speed data transmission
Real time data exchanges
Full-motion video applications
Works in the harshest of environments

8. How We Do It . . .
Stabilized Antenna Platform on Ships (multiple configurations)
Commercial FSS satellites (both C-Band and Ku-Band) to provide service (including PanAmSat, Intelsat, New Skies, SES Americom)
Network based on IP, including VoIP
Broadband broadcast to ships with bandwidth on demand for return channel
Single point of control at 24x7 network operating center in Miramar, Florida.

9. MTN ShipNet Diagram MTN Remote Shipboard Terminals
MTN Router
Modem
Corp. Router/LAN
Internet Server
Telephone
FAX
ISDN
PSTN
DATA
Internet
Operator
Packet
Network
Owner
MTN ShipNet Diagram
Channel Bank
Ship PBX
Internet Cafe
Ship Network
Remote Shipboard Terminals
(ports and navigable waters throughout the world)
MTN
Network Operating Center
(Miramar, Florida)

10. Technical Advances in ESVs
Pointing accuracy better than 0.2 degrees and tracking very stable even in extremely rough seas
Automatic control and location improved
Power and bandwith requirements reduced through use of IP network
Ku-band systems deployed for inland waterways
Dual-band systems still not practical

11. Sharing with Existing Users
Compatible with existing FSS satellite networks
Does not interfer with other FSS stations
Negligible increase number of FSS stations
Can use conventional frequency coordination methodology when at a predefined location
In-motion frequency clearance methodology developed through ITU-R
Over 13 years of operation without a single interference incident!

12. International Regulatory Status
Final preparations for WRC-03 are now underway
Europe, Asia and Americas all agree that ESVs should operate within the FSS in C-band and Ku-band
Common proposals from CEPT, APT, and CITEL contain similar approaches
CITEL proposal was developed within the U.S., and was supported by industry and government users
Technical coordination guidelines and methodologies for ESVs have been developed in the ITU-R, and are captured in a series of new ITU Recommendations
WRC-03 is expected to confirm the regulatory approach developed within the ITU-R

13. Domestic Regulatory History
1990 Crescomm files an application for a license
1991 First experimental license granted and as call sign KI2XEE, File No EX-PL-91
1991 Crescomm submits petition for rulemaking
1996 Crescomm Order issued (RM-7912)
First STAs issued in 1997
First PCNs for 17 US ports submitted in 1998
STAs and experimental license terminated in September 2000 (DA )
Petition for reconsideration denied in June 2001 (DA )
Operation on non-interference basis since then

14. Domestic Regulatory Status
NOI issued February 2002 (FCC 02-18)
Replies and comments completed by April 2002
NPRM expected shortly with proposed framework for regulations