Access for satellites of the fixed-satellite service to orbit and spectrum

Current procedures regulating access to the frequency spectrum from space may prevent some countries from setting up their own satellite systems, because the geostationary satellite orbit could become saturated before they are ready to launch their satellites. One possible solution, widely urged, is to replace the frequency coordination method now used for most space radio services with long term a-priori planning. In this paper it is argued that this would lead to serious inefficiency in the use of this essential transmission medium, in particular for the fixed-satellite service. It would be much better, for the foreseeable future, to develop procedures which combine the best features of coordination and short term planning.