Iridium Talks GMDSS Rules Update and Chinese Competition With FCC
Looming Chinese competition in the global maritime distress and safety service (GMDSS) equipment universe is making the need to allow use of such equipment other than Inmarsat's more urgent, according to Iridium. In a filing Tuesday recapping a meeting with…
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FCC Wireline Bureau staff, Iridium said the agency's Part 80 rules, governing maritime radio use, should be amended so they apply to all recognized GMDSS providers, including itself. With China's BeiDou satellite radio navigation system recognized by the International Maritime Organization as a GMDSS provider, U.S. GMDSS leadership is in jeopardy, Iridium said. In addition, other GMDSS providers will enter. Iridium said its provision of GMDSS today under a Part 80 waiver "puts [it] on a weaker footing" for international coordination. The Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services petitioned in 2016 for a Part 80 rules update.