Federal Communications Commission DA 12-2046 Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, D.C. 20554 In the Matter of Comprehensive Review of Licensing and Operating Rules for Satellite Services ) ) ) ) IB Docket No. 12-267 ORDER Adopted: December 19, 2012 Released: December 19, 2012 Extended Comment Filing Deadline: January 14, 2013 Extended Reply Comment Filing Deadline: February 13, 2013 By the Chief, International Bureau: 1. On September 28, 2012, the Commission released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”) in which it initiated a comprehensive review of Part 25 of its rules governing licensing and operation of space stations and earth stations.1 The NPRM set the deadline for filing comments at 45 days after its publication in the Federal Register, and reply comments at 75 days after its publication in the Federal Register. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on November 8, 2012.2 Accordingly, the deadline for filing comments is December 24, 2012 and the deadline for filing reply comments is January 22, 2013.3 2. On December 17, 2012, Intelsat License LLC (Intelsat) filed a request to extend the comment deadline by three weeks, until January 14, 2013.4 Intelsat states that the extension will allow interested parties to address meaningfully the multiple and highly technical issues raised in this comprehensive proceeding.5 Intelsat further notes that the imminent holiday season poses staffing challenges that warrant a three week extension of the comment period.6 3. The Commission does not routinely grant extensions of time.7 However, given the numerous and detailed changes proposed in the NPRM and due to the holiday season, we find that a three week extension of time for filing comments is warranted. Further, we also extend the reply comment period by three weeks to give all parties the contemplated 30-day period in which to review the comments and prepare reply comments. 4. Accordingly, IT IS ORDERED that, pursuant to Section 4(i) of the Communications Act 1 Comprehensive Review of Licensing and Operating Rules for Satellite Services, IB Docket No. 12-267, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, 27 FCC Rcd 11619 (rel. Sept. 28, 2012). 2 See 77 Fed Reg. 67172 (Nov. 8, 2012). 3 Id. 4 Request for Extension of Comment Deadline, Intelsat License LLC, IB Docket No.12-267, filed December 17, 2012. 5 Id. 6 Id. at 2. 7 47 C.F.R. § 1.46(a). Federal Communications Commission DA 12-2046 2 of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. § 154(i), and Sections 0.51, 0.261, and 1.46 of the Commission's Rules, 47 C.F.R. §§ 0.51, 0.261, and 1.46, the Request for Extension of Time to File Comments filed by Intelsat License LLC IS GRANTED and the deadline to file comments in this proceeding is extended to January 14, 2013. 5. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that, pursuant to Section 4(i) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. § 154(i), and Sections 0.51, 0.261, and 1.46 of the Commission's rules, 47 C.F.R. §§ 0.51, 0.261, and 1.46, the deadline to file reply comments in this proceeding is extended to February 13, 2013. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Mindel De La Torre Chief International Bureau