Maritime Telecommunications Network, Inc.

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

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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.

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

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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 80 50 onboard managers
• Stand alone privately owned U.S. Corporation

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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

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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.

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Remote Shipboard Terminals (ports and navigable
waters throughout the world)
MTN Network Operating Center (Miramar, Florida)
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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

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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!

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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

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Domestic Regulatory History

• 1990 Crescomm files an application for a license
• 1991 First experimental license granted and as
  call sign KI2XEE, File No. 2237-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 00-1300)
• Petition for reconsideration denied in June 2001
  (DA01-1283)
• Operation on non-interference basis since then

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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