Space Data Applauds FCC Decision to Bring Competitive Wireless Services to Airline Passengers
Washington; December 15, 2004—The Federal Communications Commission today adopted a proposal that opens the way for the provision of competitive, reasonable priced, advanced wireless services to millions of in-flight airline passengers. Gerald Knoblach, chairman and CEO of Space Data Corporation praised the FCC decision, noting, "The Commission's decision ensures that competition will finally be introduced into this service and correctly left to the market the decision as to which competing technologies will be offered to consumers."
Knoblach explained that Space Data's SkySite(R) platform operates at 100,000 feet and "at that altitude an airplane flying at 30,000 feet looks similar to a busload of passengers on the ground. We are able to provide service to both equally. The Commission's decision will now allow novel technologies like Space Data's to compete for the air-to-ground spectrum at auction."
The Commission considered several competing proposals in addition to Space Data's, including proposals by Verizon, Aircell, and Boeing. Space Data recommended the combinatorial bidding approach adopted by the Commission that will allow either two exclusive licenses or two shared licenses to be purchased at auction. "We believe the Commission chose the spectrum assignment plan that best fosters competition and innovation," said Knoblach. "The Commission's plan is flexible and anticipates the inevitable improvements in technology that will be made in the near term and will make possible even more efficient use of limited amounts of spectrum. They are to be congratulated on their foresight."
Space Data operates a system of balloon-borne SkySite platforms that currently provide two-way data communications service throughout the south-central United States. The SkySite platforms are approved by both the FCC and the Federal Aviation Administration and are currently providing telemetry services to the energy industry. SkySite platforms supporting voice services have also been successfully flown under a development contract with the US military.
The spectrum proposal adopted today by the FCC will auction 4 MHz of spectrum that can be divided into two shared 3 MHz licenses or two exclusive licenses of 3MHz and 1 MHz to provide air-to-ground communications. This spectrum allocation will become available in an upcoming auction. Space Data plans to bid in that auction. "We are confident that advances in the processing power of phones and the ever increasing data rates of transmission will make either license a valuable resource for the traveling public," said Knoblach.
About Space Data Corporation: Space Data offers communications services by utilizing its patented balloon-based SkySite(R) technology. Although unique to the telecom industry, weather services around the globe have, for more than 60 years, used a similar platform to transmit critical atmospheric data to ground-based weather stations. Space Data is the first to adapt this rugged, all weather technology to commercial wireless communications. The SkySite network is delivering dependable, clear, two-way signals over hundreds of miles--ideal for reaching even the most remote areas. Operating at 100,000 feet, a single SkySite unit can provide service to an area the size of Oklahoma. For additional information on Space Data Corporation, please visit www.spacedata.net.
Contact: Tim Ayers
202-857-9734
tim@ayersassociates.net