EU plans to license S-band spectrum for satellite mobile TV
services to two European operators have been challenged by US-based
satellite company ICO Global Communications.
ICO Global also bid for a licence to operate European satelite
services in the S-band, but was not selected. Instead the
EC chose Dublin-based Solaris Mobile
and Inmarsat.
The US operator said it is challenging this decision, on the
grounds that it is "illegal and should be annulled pursuant to
Articles 230 and 231 of the Treaty establishing the European
Community".
These Articles refer to the maintainence of international
co-operation in respect to trade.
"We believe the just-concluded EU process jeopardizes years of
international cooperation and coordination that has governed
satellite communications worldwide," said Michael Corkery, acting
chief executive officer of ICO.
ICO initiated legal proceedings in September 2008 in the
European Court seeking the annulment of the EU's decision.
"ICO will continue assessing its options in defending its
international legal rights," said Corkery.
ICO believes its credentials for providing the European service
are strong. "ICO has spent years clearing the S-band worldwide, has
an operational satellite using this frequency band and is
registered in the International Telecommunications Union (ITU)
Master International Frequency Register," said Corkery.