Satgen 639  Amsat Spectrum Woes  by GM4IHJ  (BID SGEN639) 2001-06-23

The unfortunate demise of much of Amsat Ao40s VHF and UHF
transmission capability seriously prejudices continuing tenure of
those bands for our satellites. We dont use it. We lose it.

It is true that the "We will take over all VHF/UHF talk" of a few
years ago, from commercial interests, has taken a savage beating
recently. With billion dollar bonfires like Iridiums 80 satellite
constellation now reduced to a slow death. Keep ticking over, light
US military usage for a year or two. Emergency only, policy. Then,
compulsory deorbit. 

Plus the slightly different, more successful Globalstar LEO sat
mobile phone venture . Which struggles on . Caught out in a situation
were no one anticipated that terrestrial mobile phone usage would
spread so fast that it would capture most of the satellites territory
before the satellite system was fully operational.

A process which has caused further damage to some of the other
proposed low earth orbit mobile phone or Internet connection in the
sky systems, such as Alcatels 40 satellite Sky Bridge and Teledesics
even bigger constellation. Both of which appear to have been shelved
or may reappear in modified form incorporated into geostationary
networks. Which if it happens will still put pressure on the limited
frequency spectrum available.

Further off, but not too far in the future are ominous signs that the
politicians are begining to realise that they can charge billions for
frequency spectrum. Recent auctions of bands for third generation
mobile phones, raised billions of pounds/dollars in Britain. Indeed
so pressing was the need for telecommunications companies to make
sure they got a "Fair Share". That the bidding got a little too
frenzied, and, several companies are going to find it very difficult
to meet their financial commitments.

Which of course leaves government treasury officials laughing all the
way to the bank, and the poor old customer having to pay for it in
the end , as hidden taxation. Meanwhile academics and financial gurus
are speculating that it will not be long before a situation akin to
property leasehold developes. Whereby a broadcaster bids for and
obtains, say 10 years access to a band of frequencies. He then
assesses how much he needs for himself for his own requirements, and,
how much spare capacity he can rent to others. So far government and
inter government regulations would appear to prevent this open market
in spectrum space. But given the sums, of money for nothing, which
governments can possibly extract from this formula. It will not be
long before the regulations are eased. Just how this will develope in
the various countries around the world will be interesting. Radio
Amateurs are by no means major spectrum users , have little political
clout and may rapidly be squeezed out .While big users like the
military have much more political weight to protect their vast
allocations. May be we can make common cause with them , noting radio
amateurs ready availability in times of war.