FCC Takes Latest Step to Improve Satellite Application Processing

The Federal Communications Commission launched a proceeding to streamline its review processes for satellite applications. As the space economy booms, the agency will look to further update its rules and processes to ensure that its critical review responsibilities are met as efficiently and effectively as possible. Through the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking adopted, the FCC seeks comment on changes to its rules, policies, or practices to help FCC processing stay apace with the number of innovative satellite applications in the new space age. This proceeding aims to help facilitate the acceptance for filing of satellite and earth station applications under Part 25. Specifically, the FCC seeks comment on:

• allowing licensees to apply for more than one unbuilt non-geostationary satellite system in a given frequency band;
• how the FCC should handle inconsistencies and omissions in applications – such as helping applicants and/or quickly dismissing the applications so they can be refiled;
• processing timelines for review of applications and how policy changes might be applied from elsewhere in the FCC’s processes; and
• allowing consideration of satellite applications and petitions that request waiver of the Table of Frequency Allocations to operate in a frequency band without an international allocation.