9 Firms in Running for New Airwaves Block

Boeing Co. and eight satellite companies won access to a new block of U.S. airwaves that can be used to carry mobile data and Internet traffic under revised rules governing the spectrum. The Federal Communications Commission divided the airwaves so that nine companies seeking a piece of the block, including Iridium, Globalstar and Inmarsat, can operate their different systems, the agency said. The firms still must prove they comply with the rules before licenses are granted. The agency said companies winning authorization must launch their systems within six years of receiving final FCC approval. The companies, including Mobile Communications Holding Inc., Celsat America Inc. and Constellation Communications Holding Inc., must now revise their applications to reflect the FCC’s new rules and include information about plans to bring down satellites, should such a move be necessary. The commission plans to issue the licenses in about six months, after seeking public comment.