FCC Tries to Avert Threatened Satellite Cutoff

Federal Communications Commission Kevin Martin issued a last-minute appeal to a satellite telecommunications company Friday, urging it to continue providing Internet and other satellite-based services to a subscriber despite a contract dispute. SES Americom had threatened to shut off satellite service to OnSat Network Communications, saying it is owed more than $4 million. Their dispute involves the delivery of Internet services to the Navajo Nation in Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. But Chairman Martin noted in a letter to SES Americom's chief operating officer, Jim Ducay, that such an action would also cut off "significant public safety services to first responders across the country," affecting "at least 25 public safety entities in 13 states." He warned of the serious risks of such a disruption, writing, "These agencies can ill afford to be confronted with a precipitous loss of service when dealing with potentially life or death situations."