FCC Commissioner Starks Remarks to the Commercial Spaceflight Federation Webinar

The American space industry holds tremendous potential to address [the challenge of the digital divide] through next-generation satellite broadband. The coming proliferation of small low-earth-orbit satellites promises to unleash internet connectivity with latency and speeds superior to existing satellite broadband options and competitive with cable and fiber offerings. And they will reach places that, due to difficult terrain and distance from population centers, have not shared in the benefits of expanding terrestrial networks. 

China is developing multiple governmentbacked satellite broadband providers that could compete with American companies to carry traffic around the world. While the Chinese government describes its effort as focused on domestic customers, we cannot count on China’s forbearance in any important technology, particularly if it might carry sensitive communications. The Federal Communications Commission must continue to adopt satellite policies that encourage American leadership in this area.