FCC Streamlines Space Processes, Boosts Innovation

The Federal Communications Commission voted to accelerate innovation and growth in America’s space economy, most notably for startups and new businesses. The FCC adopted new rules that streamline processes to accelerate the development of neutral-host ground infrastructure that has proven successful in the wireless industry and reduce filing requirements for satellite operators. These reforms intend to boost the nascent Ground-Station-as-a-Service business model that allows multiple satellite systems to share the same ground station. The new rules eliminate needless paperwork and clear regulatory barriers to GSaaS, a business model that gives satellite operators—especially startups and emerging growth companies—the ability to send and receive signals without having to build their own ground infrastructure.