Washington – The FCC is scheduled to vote September 30 on two Report and Orders (R&O) that will enable greater competition and innovation in satellite connectivity.
The first R&O, Modernizing the Commission’s National Environmental Policy Act Rules, would modernize the Commission’s approach to conducting environmental reviews as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). These reviews are a necessary part of the licensing process, but years of expansion in scope and processes turned them into a barrier for innovation rather than a tool for informed decision-making.
The second, Unlocking Satellite Spectrum Abundance, would unleash more than 1,000 megahertz of spectrum in the 12.7 GHz and 42 GHz bands. This would enable greater capacity for satellite broadband services such as home or in-flight connectivity.
The following can be attributed to Karina Perez, Director of CCIA’s Space & Spectrum Policy Center:
“The Commission’s proposed environmental policy R&O will streamline space applications by keeping NEPA focused on its core procedural scope, determining that spectrum licensing and space-based operations do not constitute Major Federal Actions. In this, the Commission removes unnecessary procedures from spectrum and space-based licensing, while affirming that launches and terrestrial operations remain subject to their statutory authorities.”
“The Commission’s proposed R&O opening the 12.7 GHz and 42 GHz bands will be a major step towards more intensive and efficient use of spectrum. By opening these bands for satellite connectivity, the Commission will continue to establish the US as a leader in space-based broadband.”
