FCC Further Streamlines Satellite Licensing Rules

The Federal Communications Commission adopted rules to comprehensively simplify and streamline the regulatory approval process for satellite licenses. These rules are also known as the Part 25 rules. This rulemaking is one of the key reforms under the FCC’s process reform initiative. The Report and Order increases satellite operational flexibility, eliminates unnecessary filing requirements, and updates our rules to better accommodate evolving technology. The changes will significantly reduce regulatory burdens and costs. Specifically, the FCC’s Report and Order adopts changes that will:

• Facilitate international coordination of proposed satellite networks by permitting submissions of advanced publication and coordination requests by the FCC to the International Telecommunication Union before a full license application is filed at the Commission
• Eliminate interim satellite milestone implementation requirements
• Deter spectrum warehousing by creating a post-licensing bond requirement that increases in value over time, providing an incentive for licensees to surrender their authorizations early if business plans change
• Refine the “two-degree” orbital spacing requirements to better accommodate the use of small antennas
• Expand options for simplified routine earth station licensing.

The Report and Order also simplifies, eliminates, updates, or clarifies definitions and technical terms throughout the Part 25 rules.