Earlier this year, the FCC granted Globalstar the authority to use 11 megahertz of its satellite radio frequencies for ATC. The latest Globalstar filing concerns a request to use the remaining portion of its 27.85 MHz of MSS spectrum for ATC.

In the filing, Globalstar "urges the Commission to initiate a rulemaking proceeding to revise section 25.149(a)(iii) of its rules to allow Globalstar to use all of its assigned spectrum in the 1610-1621.35 and 2483.5-2500 MHz bands to provide ATC services."

With its current ATC authority, Globalstar can use 11 MHz of its satellite spectrum for a complementary terrestrial wireless service providing the satellite service provider with the ability to develop integrated mobile voice and data solutions virtually anywhere including urban areas and indoors.

ATC solutions have the potential to provide wireless solutions for a wide variety of voice, broadband data and multi media wireless applications.

"Currently Globalstar is the only MSS operator that is not permitted to use its entire spectrum for ATC," said Jay Monroe, the company's chairman and chief executive officer.

"This unequal treatment in the FCC's rules places us at a disadvantage relative to our competitors and undermines the very goals that the FCC sought to advance when it adopted the ATC rules, which were to encourage the flexible use of the spectrum and provide ubiquitous wireless coverage in the (United States), especially during times of emergency."

Globalstar serves more than 200,000 satellite voice and data units for commercial and recreational users in more than 120 countries. The company's voice and data products include mobile and fixed satellite telephones, simplex and duplex satellite data modems and flexible service packages.

Customer segments include the oil and gas industries, government, mining, forestry, commercial fishing, utilities, military, transportation, heavy construction, emergency preparedness and the business continuity as well as individual recreational users.

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