October Deadline to Register Earth Stations

The FCC’s International Bureau continues to remind fixed satellite service earth station users in the 3.7-4.2 GHz band to either license or register such earth stations no later than October 17, 2018. Many radio and television broadcasters have satellite dishes using this spectrum, parts of which will soon be repurposed and auctioned. Holders of new licenses will have to protect earth stations, but only if they are registered. The filing deadline has already been extended 90 days. Registration can be completed in the FCC’s IBFS filing system.  Neither the system nor the form is a model of simplicity, so you may want to reach out to your consulting engineer for assistance.