High bandwidth Internet delivery by satellite got one step closer last week as all 15 applicants for geo-stationary-orbit satellite systems in the so-called Ka-band, withdrew their petitions with the Federal Communications Commission on how to divide up the 20GHz to 28GHz spectrum. In a letter written to the Commission’s satellite and radio communications chief, Thomas Tyez, the players wrote that they had agreed on how to divide up available satellites following lengthy, sometimes difficult negotiations and that all participants now sought a speedy conclusion of the commission’s Ka-band proceeding. The Commission confirmed that licenses could begin to be issued as soon as April. The actual high-speed satellite systems are expected to launch around 2000. Right now, Hughes Communications Galaxy Inc plans to be the first to launch its system, and expects to deliver service sometime around 1998 to 1999.
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