FCC Launches Comprehensive Review of Licensing and Operating Rules for Satellite Services

The Federal Communications Commission initiated a wholesale review of its rules, also known as Part 25, governing licensing and operation of space stations and earth stations, which transmit radio frequency signals between the ground and satellites.

This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) would eliminate unnecessary technical and information filing requirements, update rules to better accommodate evolving technology, and simplify existing requirements. In proposing extensive changes to over 100 rule sections and subsections in Part 25, the Commission aims to give satellite licensees the flexibility to provide innovative services while ensuring an operating environment free from harmful interference.

The NPRM includes proposals that would:

• Shift from a “tell us how you built it” approach to a “tell us how you avoid interference with your neighbors” approach;
• Eliminate filing requirements that are no longer needed;
• Increase the number of earth station applications eligible for routine and streamlined processing;
• Amend the information requirements for space and earth station applications to reflect evolving technology;
• Provide greater flexibility to earth station applicants in verifying antenna performance;
• Reinforce emergency contact reporting requirements while consolidating requirements for annual reporting and removing unnecessary reporting rules; and
• Consolidate, clarify, and request comment on milestone requirements for space stations.