FCC Chairwoman Advances Supplemental Coverage from Space Framework

Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel shared draft final rules to establish a new regulatory framework to facilitate innovative collaborations between satellite operators and wireless providers. These partnerships leverage the growth in space-based services to provide smartphone users ubiquitous connectivity, even in remote, unserved, and underserved areas. The FCC seeks to establish clear and transparent processes to support supplemental coverage from space. Connecting consumers to essential wireless services where traditional terrestrial mobile service is not available can be life-saving in remote locations and can open up innovative opportunities for consumers and businesses. The rules would also establish, on an interim basis, a requirement that terrestrial providers must route all SCS 911 calls to a Public Safety Answering Point using either location-based routing or an emergency call center. The proposed action will also include a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to seek further comment on this and other critical public safety issues to ensure these services adequately meet consumers’ needs and expectations for critical services. The Further Notice would also seek comment on issues associated with protection of radio astronomy services.