Sec.  25.279   Inter-satellite service.

   (a) Any satellite communicating with other space stations may use
   frequencies in the inter-satellite service as indicated in  Sec. 2.106 of this
   chapter. This does not preclude the use of other frequencies for such
   purposes as provided for in several service definitions, e.g., FSS. The
   technical details of the proposed inter-satellite link shall be provided in
   accordance with  Sec. 25.114(c).

   (b) Operating conditions. In order to ensure compatible operations with
   authorized users in the frequency bands to be utilized for operations in the
   inter-satellite service, these inter-satellite service systems must operate
   in accordance with the conditions specified in this section.

   (1) Coordination requirements with federal government users. (i) In
   frequency bands allocated for use by the inter-satellite service that are
   also authorized for use by agencies of the federal government, the federal
   use of frequencies in the inter-satellite service frequency bands is under
   the regulatory jurisdiction of the National Telecommunications and
   Information Administration (NTIA).

   (ii) The Commission will use its existing procedures to reach agreement with
   NTIA to achieve compatible operations between federal government users under
   the jurisdiction of NTIA and inter-satellite service systems through
   frequency assignment and coordination practice established by NTIA and the
   Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee (IRAC). In order to facilitate such
   frequency assignment and coordination, applicants shall provide the
   Commission with sufficient information to evaluate electromagnetic
   compatibility with the federal government users of the spectrum, and any
   additional information requested by the Commission. As part of the
   coordination process, applicants shall show that they will not cause
   interference to authorized federal government users, based upon existing
   system information provided by the government. The frequency assignment and
   coordination of the satellite system shall be completed prior to grant of
   construction authorization.

   (2) Coordination among inter-satellite service systems. Applicants for
   authority to establish inter-satellite service are encouraged to coordinate
   their proposed frequency usage with existing permittees and licensees in the
   inter-satellite service whose facilities could be affected by the new
   proposal in terms of frequency interference or restricted system capacity.
   All affected applicants, permittees, and licensees, shall at the direction
   of the Commission, cooperate fully and make every reasonable effort to
   resolve technical problems and conflicts that may inhibit effective and
   efficient use of the radio spectrum; however, the permittee or licensee
   being coordinated with is not obligated to suggest changes or re-engineer an
   applicant's proposal in cases involving conflicts.

   [ 59 FR 53331 , Oct. 21, 1994, as amended at  65 FR 59144 , Oct. 4, 2000]