FCC VSAT LICENSES

FCC VSAT Licenses

FCC Satellite and VSAT Licenses in C-Band, Ku-Band, and X-Band

FCC Section 312 Earth Station Licensure

Maldonado Law supports a number of Section 312 Satellite Earth Station Licenses from the Federal Communication Commission for Broadcasters, MVPDs, OTTs, Common Carriers, Wireless Providers, VoIP Providers and On-The-Move Antennas. These include applications for:

• FCC Domestic Earth Station Licenses
• FCC C-Band Transmit/Receive Licenses
• FCC Ku-Band VSAT Network Licenses
• FCC Ku-Band Transmit and Received Licenses
• FCC Ku-Band Earth Station Licenses using U.S. and non-U.S. Licensed Satellites.

We also support renewals and license modifications of existing FCC 312 and VSAT licenses. To accomplish this, we maintain relationships with satellite seasoned and experienced attorneys, engineers, and technical consultants. Such professionals are used in the procurement of required FCC documentation, including:

• Frequency interference studies from the location
• Frequency coordination process
• Radiation hazard studies for the antenna location
• Satellite link analysis
• Antenna radiation pattern analysis

FCC Section 312 applications are all about location, antenna, and purpose of use. Upon engagement, our team reaches out to the FCC to establish a pre-filing dialogue with staff to identify problem areas or supporting documentation to better support your application as the application is being prepared. It is therefore imperative that we fully understand all elements of your project at the intake interview. Location, frequency and antenna parameters are just the beginning, so anticipate the intake requiring a series of meetings to verify and confirm your needs.

FCC VSAT Licenses – New Applications and Modifications

VSAT licenses, or Very Small Aperture Terminal, are two-way satellite ground stations, or in some cases Maritime VSAT antennas that range from 75 cm to 1.2 meters and fall in the data transmission range of 56Kbit per second to 4 Mbit per second. These antennas access GEO Satellites, or Geosynchronous Orbital Satellites to relay data from small remote earth stations, often called terminals, to other stations/terminals that mesh or hub the transmission network. VSAT terminals and antennas are used in a variety of narrowband and broadband applications. In narrowband applications, they can be used to transmit point of sale transactions from retailer locations (such as credit card sales, POSA sales and merchant transactions) as well as RFID data. In broadband applications, they can be used to provide Satellite Internet access, Video and Voice of IP (VoIP) services point to point or to remote locations. VSATs can also be used for on-the-move or transportable antenna or mobile Maritime Communications as in the case of Marine vessels.

Our team works with both engineers and attorneys versed in VSAT Licenses to obtain new licenses, modify licenses and make changes in licenses due to increased transmission power, antenna replacement, adding or changing frequencies, or adding or changing the GEO satellite. Unlike other FCC licenses that are not technical in nature, VSAT licensure requires certain engineering studies. These include:

• Frequency coordination process
• Frequency interference studies from the location
• Radiation hazard studies for the antenna location
• Antenna radiation pattern analysis
• Satellite link analysis

Limitations on FCC VSAT Licenses

FCC VSAT licenses have certain technical and time constraints. Once approved by the FCC, the VSAT license is limited for use with original engineering design parameters of the VSAT system. If this has changed, a modification is immediately required to the existing FCC VSAT license. Similarly, the FCC VSAT License is only valid for a specific time period ranging from 1 to 15 years depending upon the original grant of authorization by the FCC. Renewals are required by the FCC. Should you fail to renew your VSAT license and continue to operate, you will be providing unauthorized services and run the serious risk of being fined by the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau. Be sure to identify with our group whether you are still operating under an existing license or your license has expired when contacting us for VSAT renewal quotations.

VSAT licensure is unique to each client’s equipment, power, and network. Contact us for an intake interview. Antenna specifications, information on location, GEO to be used and application will be critical to properly quoting you for services. In cases regarding experimental licenses ( for services such as WI-Max), be sure to clearly identify your service and use of service in the intake interview.

Commercial Operator License

To perform specific transmitter operations, maintenance and repair on international fixed public radio communication stations along with ship and aircraft stations, the FCC requires a person to hold a commercial operator license. Depending of the type of service you will be providing, the FCC will require a specific type of commercial operator license. The FCC currently issues the following types of commercial operator licenses and endorsements, all having their own specific qualifications

Contact Maldonado Law to schedule a confidential initial consultation and learn about our rates and experience.

FCC PRACTICE

• FCC License Authorization Practice
• FCC International 214 Licensure
• Radio & TV Broadcast Licenses
• FCC Radio Licenses
• FCC TV Licenses & MVPD Registration
• FCC VSAT Licenses
• FCC Advocacy Practice
• Spectrum Auctions & Re-pack
• FCC Comment to FCC NPRM or NOI
• FCC Appeals and Motions for Reconsideration
• FCC Enforcement Actions for NAL
• FCC Investigations – Enforcement Bureau