[Satellite Today 11-10-08] Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV) has filed comments recommending the expansion of satellite requirements to ensure reliable and interoperable communications to the public safety community in response to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission‘s plans to conduct a re-auction of the 700 MHz D block spectrum.
    MSV’s filing recommends that the FCC modify its “one satellite handset” rule, which requires that at least one model of each major device type — one laptop card, one PDA, and one phone — and half of all models made available to public safety officials — incorporate satellite communications capability.
    “Broadening the satellite requirement to include multiple types of devices will go a long way to ensuring that public safety officials have reliable satellite communications at their fingertips when an emergency strikes,” Jim Corry, vice president of government solution for MSV, said in a statement. “This type of requirement also will enable expanded area coverage and improved connectivity for public safety organizations operating in rural areas, especially when the terrestrial network is damaged or congested.”