Airborne and Satellite

May 26, 2005

Cellular Telephones and Other Wireless Devices Aboard Aircraft
WT Docket No. 04-435

The Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security filed comments with the FCC regarding the Commission's proposal to modify and relax its current ban on the airborne use of personal/passenger-owned wireless telephones and other devices - including those used for broadband applications. The Departments believe the Commission's proposal represents a significant change in the FCC's approach to the use of such devices aboard aircraft. The proposal raises not only regulatory and technical/operational issues, but also important public safety and national security issues.

July 5, 2005

Service Rules and Procedures to Govern the Use of Aeronautical Mobile Satellite Earth Stations in Frequency Bands Allocated to the Fixed Satellite Service
IB Docket No. 05-20

The Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security filed comments with the FCC on July 5, 2005, supporting the Commission’s efforts in this and related Commission proceedings to promote the efficient use of spectrum and to enable important new communications services to be provided to passengers, aircraft crew, and law enforcement officers on board aircraft. The Departments take this opportunity, however, to identify for the Commission various public safety and national security related concerns that stem from the Commission’s proposals. The Commission should carefully examine public safety and national security-related concerns in considering the appropriate regulatory and licensing framework for the use of two-way satellite-based broadband communications and data capabilities, devices, and services onboard aircraft.