FCC Adopts Major Reform Proposals to Streamline Satellite Rules

The Federal Communications Commission proposed to comprehensively simplify and streamline its rules governing satellite communications to make the regulatory approval process for satellite licenses easier and more efficient. This rulemaking was one of the key reforms called for by the Report on FCC Process Reform released earlier this year.

The Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposes changes to increase satellite operational flexibility, eliminate outdated information requirements and update rules to better accommodate evolving technology. Many of these proposals were first identified in the Report on FCC Process Reform, while others grew out of last year’s FCC proceeding revising or eliminating many licensing and operating rules for space and earth stations (Part 25). These new proposals would ultimately benefit consumers by facilitating introduction of new satellite services, lowering costs and regulatory burdens, and promoting competition among service providers.

Specifically, the FCC’s Further Notice proposes changes that will:

• Facilitate international coordination of proposed satellite networks, by permitting early submissions to the International Telecommunication Union;
• Simplify showings associated with milestone requirements and eliminate some of the current milestone requirements;
• Revise the two-degree spacing requirements to better accommodate the use of small antennas, and
• Expand options for simplified routine earth station licensing.

The Further Notice also simplifies, eliminates, updates, or clarifies definitions and technical terms throughout Part 25.