Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that the agency will officially establish a new Space Bureau with a kickoff event scheduled for Tuesday, April 11.  The announcement, though largely a symbolic move (it likely will take additional time for the actual reorganization to occur), highlights the agency’s commitment to increasing its role in regulating a fast-growing space economy. 

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel in November announced plans to form the new Space Bureau, which will be spun off from the agency’s International Bureau, the bureau currently responsible for satellite and earth station licensing matters.  A new Office of International Affairs will take over the non-space-related duties currently handled by the International Bureau, which will cease to exist following the reorganization.

When Chairwoman Rosenworcel first announced the reorganization, the specific duties contemplated for the new Space Bureau and Office of International Affairs were somewhat unclear.  However, today’s announcement provides further detail concerning the respective roles of each new regulatory body:

  • Space Bureau (SB).  The Space Bureau will handle policy and licensing matters concerning satellite systems and satellite earth stations, as well as other space-based communications and activities.  However, the SB will coordinate with the Office of International Affairs to consult with other countries and multi-lateral organizations on international matters concerning satellite and space policy.
  • Office of International Affairs (OIA).  The new Office of International Affairs will take over the International Bureau’s duties concerning the licensing of international telecommunications facilities and services, including submarine cables.  The OIA also will advise the FCC on foreign ownership issues and be responsible for policy matters concerning foreign investment in U.S. international telecommunications markets.

The FCC has taken several space- and satellite-related actions under Chairwoman Rosenworcel’s leadership, including seeking comments on rules that would streamline the licensing process for satellites and earth stations.  More recently, the FCC proposed a licensing regime (“Supplemental Coverage from Space”) that would allow satellite systems to access the spectrum of their terrestrial network operator partners.

A kickoff event for the new Space Bureau and Office of International Affairs is scheduled for Tuesday, April 11 at 3:00 p.m. ET at the FCC’s headquarters:  45 L Street, NE in Washington, D.C.  The event will be live-streamed at www.fcc.gov/live.

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Photo of Corey Walker Corey Walker

Corey Walker advises clients on a broad range of regulatory, compliance, and enforcement matters in the media, technology, satellite and space, and telecommunications sectors. Corey also provides strategic counsel to leading media, sports, and technology companies on gaming matters, with a focus on…

Corey Walker advises clients on a broad range of regulatory, compliance, and enforcement matters in the media, technology, satellite and space, and telecommunications sectors. Corey also provides strategic counsel to leading media, sports, and technology companies on gaming matters, with a focus on sports betting, fantasy sports, and online gaming.

Corey represents clients before the Federal Communications Commission in connection with a range of policy and compliance issues, including satellite and earth station operations, radiofrequency (RF) spectrum use and availability, and experimental licensing for new and innovative technologies. He also advises clients on structuring transactions and securing regulatory approvals at the federal, state, and local levels for mergers, asset acquisitions, and similar transactions involving FCC and state telecommunications licensees and companies holding private remote sensing space system licenses issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Corey also maintains an active gaming and sports betting practice, and routinely counsels companies on state licensing and compliance matters, including those that pertain to fantasy sports and online gaming.