FCC Continues to Cut Red Tape, Free Up Broadband Availability with Space Modernization Plan

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) continues to change how satellite and earth station operations are licensed, with a planned vote on a July 22 Space Modernization Order that should create a licensing assembly line and boost America’s space economy. The plan should significantly reduce red tape and boost the rollout of space-based broadband, the Commission says.

“At the outset of the Trump Administration, the FCC committed to boosting America’s space economy,” Chairman Brendan Carr said. “Delivering on that priority is key because our country now sits at the dawn of a new era of space innovation and dominance.” 

Carr added that getting the right regulatory framework will aid the U.S. in winning this newfangled space race.

“That is why the agency started a process last year to fundamentally change how we process satellite and earth station operations,” he said. “We bring that effort to conclusion with our Space Modernization Order—a decision that will move from bespoke reviews to a consistent, predictable, and objective assembly line process. 

“By adding rocket fuel to the Space Bureau’s efforts, while following our guiding principles of speed, simplicity, security, and satellite spectrum abundance, we are setting up the country for more good wins.”

The FCC said this order will establish bright-line criteria for when an application serves the public interest and provides clarity on the exceptional circumstances that warrant more rigorous review.

The Taxpayers Protection Alliance previously filed comments with the FCC agreeing with the effort to overhaul rules governing satellite space and earth stations. The plan would shift the treatment of these systems from highly regulated common carrier services to more lightly regulated wireless services. This pro-growth approach is markedly different than the European Union which is piling on more regulations restricting satellite deployments.

The FCC noted in its notice of public rulemaking that with increasing “application volume and highly complex, non-traditional systems, the Commission’s framework has resulted in slow decision timelines and unpredictable outcomes.”

The FCC intends to change the application process to a more modular format that would allow applicants to certify their rules compliance without writing lengthy narratives explaining compliance.

TPA also encouraged the Commission to adopt its plan for improved processing timelines, including a 30-day “shot clock” for reviewing space station and earth station applications to determine whether applications are complete (if all required information is present) and whether they are subject to standard or expedited processing.

Requiring that application fees be paid upon filing also facilitates speedy review, as will sending applicants a single request for all necessary information in the cases of incomplete application after the 30-day review period.

Another proposal that would improve program efficiency is extending license terms from 15 years to 20 years. This would reduce the frequency that applicants would have to go through the application process.

As part of its changes, the FCC also intends to promote space safety by requiring satellite operators to share situational awareness data with each other.

The Commission also announced it plans to vote at the July 22 meeting on an order that would offer up to 160 megahertz of spectrum in the Upper C-band for auction next year. The spectrum was freed up due to coordination between the wireless and aviation industries and will help provide capacity for future 6G technology while also accelerating the deployment of new aircraft altimeters. The new altimeters will provide 200 times more resiliency, enhancing airline safety at no cost to passengers. 

“While more complex than your average spectrum auction, the FCC moved from (Notice of Proposed Rulemaking) to Order in record time,” Carr said. “We have also coordinated with aviation and satellite stakeholders so that wireless providers can light up the Upper C-Band and provide service to most Americans by the end of 2030—ahead of many expectations.”

Outdated space-related regulations cause unnecessary red tape and harm strides toward modernization of these systems. The proposed changes by the FCC would increase processing speed and provide more predictability for applicants. That move in conjunction with freeing up government-held spectrum for commercial use will help expand broadband availability for all Americans.