******************************************************** NOTICE ******************************************************** This document was converted from WordPerfect to ASCII Text format. Content from the original version of the document such as headers, footers, footnotes, endnotes, graphics, and page numbers will not show up in this text version. All text attributes such as bold, italic, underlining, etc. from the original document will not show up in this text version. Features of the original document layout such as columns, tables, line and letter spacing, pagination, and margins will not be preserved in the text version. If you need the complete document, download the WordPerfect version or Adobe Acrobat version, if available. ***************************************************************** Before the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20554 In the Matter of TMI Communications and Company, L.P. For Blanket Authorization to operate up to 100,000 mobile satellite earth terminals (METs) through Canadian-licensed satellite MSAT-1 at 106.5 degrees W.L., in frequency bands 1631.5-1660.5 MHz (transmit) and 1530-1559 MHz (receive) throughout the Continental United States, United States territories, Alaska, and Hawaii Satcom Systems, Incorporated For Blanket Authorization to operate up to 100,000 mobile satellite earth terminals (METs) through Canadian-licensed satellite MSAT-1 at 106.5 degrees W.L., in frequency bands 1631.5-1660.5 MHz (transmit) and 1530-1559 MHz (receive) throughout the Continental United States,United States territories, Alaska, and Hawaii File No. 730-DSE-P/L-98 File No. 647-DSE-P/L-98 ORDER Adopted: May 22, 1998 Released: May 22, 1998 By the Chief, Satellite and Radiocommunication Division, International Bureau: 1. AMSC Subsidiary Corporation ("AMSC") requests an extension of time for two upcoming deadlines for (1) petitions to deny the above-captioned application of TMI Communications and Company, L.P. ("TMI") and (2) replies to the opposition of SatCom systems, Inc. ("SatCom") to petitions to deny its above-captioned application. The current deadline for petitions to deny TMI's application is May 22, 1998, and the current deadline for replies to SatCom's May 15 opposition is May 27, 1998. AMSC requests a new deadline of June 8, 1998 for both of these filings. 2. AMSC asserts that the requested extensions are necessary to enable AMSC "to gather the information it anticipates needing for fully responsive pleadings" and that "consolidating the dates is efficient, since many of the same issues are involved in both proceedings." AMSC also asserts that the extension will serve the public interest in fairly and efficiently developing a complete record without unnecessary delay in the resolution of issues. 3. TMI opposes the extension request with respect to its application. TMI argues that AMSC's extension request presents no legal or factual basis for a waiver of the Commission's established 30 day comment period. SatCom opposes, in part, AMSC's request for the same reasons stated in TMI's opposition. However, SatCom would not oppose an extension of six business days (until June 2, 1998), provided AMSC can demonstrate good cause for such an extension. 4. In the interest of developing a more comprehensive record, we believe it is in the public interest to grant AMSC some additional time in which to file. Further, to the extent that there may be some overlap of issues in both application proceedings, it makes sense to allow AMSC more time to adequately respond in both application proceedings. However, we believe the two additional weeks requested by AMSC is excessive and that a consolidated date for the filings is unnecessary. Therefore, we extend the date to file on the TMI application by four business days until May 29, 1998 and extend the date to respond to SatCom's opposition by six business days until June 2, 1998. 5. This action is taken pursuant to the authority found in Sections 4(i) and 303 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C.  154(i) 303; and pursuant to Sections 0.51, 0.261, 1.46 of the Commission's rules, 47 C.F.R.   0.51, 0.261, 1.46. 6. Accordingly, AMSC Subsidiary Corporation's Request for Extension of Time is GRANTED in part, and the deadline for filing petitions to deny the TMI Communications and Company, L.P. application is EXTENDED until May 29, 1998. The deadline for filing replies to the opposition of SatCom systems, Inc. to petitions to deny its application, is EXTENDED until June 2, 1998. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Thomas S. Tycz Chief, Satellite and Radiocommication Division, International Bureau