Satellite

At an Open Meeting last week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)  unanimously adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) that proposes to permit more intensive and efficient use of the 12.7 GHz and 42 GHz bands by satellite communications, either as an alternative or complement to terrestrial wireless.  Chairman Carr emphasized that, if adopted, the Proposed Rule would make 20,000 megahertz of spectrum available for satellite-based services, which Chairman Carr characterized as a necessary step for U.S. leadership in spectrum and a clear sign to China.  Carr stated that the additional spectrum, in conjunction with other actions the FCC is taking across multiple spectrum bands, would protect American technological leadership.

The FNPRM builds upon the FCC’s recent requests for comments on providing increased access to spectrum for terrestrial wireless services.  This FNPRM expands upon that record to contemplate authorizing satellite communications in the 12.7 GHz and 42 GHz bands and seeks comment on the feasibility of allowing satellite communications in those bands in both the Earth-to-space and space-to-Earth directions.Continue Reading FCC Seeks Comment on Opening Up Spectrum for Satellite Broadband

On December 27, 2024,  the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) issued a Request for Comment (“RFC”)that seeks public input on the potential impacts on the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) L1 signal by the growth of satellite-based direct-to-device (D2D) operations that use frequencies between 1610-1660.5 MHz (the “L-band”).   As the lead spectrum advisor to the Executive Branch on spectrum issues, NTIA serves as the advocate for other agencies including the Department of Transportation (DOT) before the FCC.  NTIA issued its Request for Comment (RFC) in response to analysis prepared by DOT and states that its interest in D2D usage stems from the increasing deployment of services in which mobile devices like smartphones and Internet of Things (IoT) devices connect directly to satellite systems in the L-band, a portion of which is located near spectrum allocated to GPS.  NTIA invited comments to be filed by February 10, 2025. Continue Reading NTIA Seeks Comment on Potential Effects of Satellite Direct-to-Device Operations in the L-band on GPS L1 Signal

On December 31, 2024, the FCC issued a Report and Order (Third R&O) formally allocating additional spectrum for commercial space launch applications, fulfilling a provision of the Launch Communications Act (LCA) of 2024.  The LCA, which President Biden signed on September 26, 2024, directed the FCC to make the 2025–2110 MHz, 2200–2290 MHz, and 2360–2395 MHz bands (LCA Bands) available for use in commercial launches and reentries, and to finalize such allocations within 90 days of enactment of the bill.  In a statement on December 19, 2024, FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel stated that the new rules are intended to “build upon Commission action in 2023 that will enable companies to conduct launch activities without needing to request temporary authority from the FCC for each space launch,” making the commercial space launch process more predictable.

The FCC states that the rule changes, which are part of the agency’s new Space Innovation agenda, allocating new spectrum in the 2360–2395 MHz band generally are intended to satisfy the Congressional mandate of the LCA, provide regulatory certainty to licensees, minimize administrative burdens by leveraging efficiencies of scale and scope that will spur innovation, investment, and rapid deployment of space launch operations, and protect incumbents from harmful interference.Continue Reading FCC Allocates New Spectrum for Commercial Space Launches

Updated May 28, 2024.  Originally posted May 10, 2024.

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is set to reopen the public comment period on potential further amendments to its orbital debris mitigation rules, providing space industry stakeholders with a new opportunity to provide input on regulations with far-reaching implications.  Further illustrating the FCC’s commitment to leadership in regulating commercial space operations, stakeholders have until Thursday, June 27 to provide input on the agency’s regulation of orbital debris.  Today’s Federal Register sets this comment deadline, as well as a cutoff of Friday, July 12 for any reply comments.Continue Reading FCC’s Space Bureau Seeks Further Input on Regulation of Orbital Debris; Comments Due June 27

Updated April 30, 2024.  Originally posted March 18, 2024.

In March, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a licensing framework that authorizes satellite operators to partner with terrestrial wireless providers to develop hybrid satellite-terrestrial networks intended to provide ubiquitous network connectivity, including in “dead zones” and other hard-to-reach areas.  Today’s Federal Register publication confirms that this new “Supplemental Coverage from Space” (SCS) regime will become effective Thursday, May 30, 2024, which will enable satellite operators to serve as a gap-filler in the networks of their wireless provider partners by using their satellite capability combined with spectrum previously allocated exclusively to terrestrial service.Continue Reading FCC’s “Supplemental Coverage from Space” Rules Take Effect May 30; New Licensing Framework Expands Satellite-to-Smartphone Coverage

Last week, the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) issued new guidance and adopted new rules intended to expedite the processing of satellite and earth station license applications.  In a corresponding move, the agency adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“FNPRM”) seeking comment on additional policy changes concerning satellite and earth station licensing.  These actions, which are part of the FCC’s new Space Innovation agenda, highlight the agency’s ongoing commitment to increasing its role in the regulation of a growing commercial space economy. This latest space-related FCC action consists of two parts: (1) a Report and Order (“R&O”) issuing new guidance and adopting new rules concerning the Space Bureau’s processing of satellite and earth station license applications, and (2) an FNPRM proposing further policy changes. 

This latest space-related FCC action consists of two parts: (1) a Report and Order (“R&O”) issuing new guidance and adopting new rules concerning the Space Bureau’s processing of satellite and earth station license applications, and (2) an FNPRM proposing further policy changes. Continue Reading FCC Takes Action to Expedite Satellite Licensing as Part of Agency’s Space Innovation Agenda

Updated April 12, 2023. Originally posted March 23, 2023.

In March, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that seeks public comment on a proposed licensing framework that would enable multiple satellite operators to supplement the network coverage of terrestrial wireless service providers.  Termed “Supplemental Coverage from Space” (SCS), this service would authorize certain satellite systems to use spectrum licensed to a terrestrial network provider partner to provide expanded coverage to the provider’s wireless customers, even in remote areas. Comments on the NPRM, which appeared in today’s Federal Register, are due Friday, May 12, with reply comments due the following month, on Monday, June 12.Continue Reading FCC Seeks Comment on “Supplemental Coverage from Space” Rules, Responding to Growing Trend towards Partnerships between Satellite Operators and Wireless Network Providers

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.Continue Reading FCC Announces Launch of New Space Bureau, Advancing Plans for Increased Regulatory Role in Growing Space Economy

Yesterday, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) issued a Request for Comment that seeks input on a “National Spectrum Strategy,” which would include a plan to study federal spectrum usage to identify spectrum that could be reallocated or repurposed to commercial or shared federal/commercial use. This National Spectrum Strategy also would include a process for identifying the spectrum bands best suited for repurposing (a “Spectrum Pipeline”).  NTIA seeks input in creating a Spectrum Pipeline for the next decade, with the goal of identifying at least 1,500 megahertz of spectrum to study for potential repurposing to meet the future requirements of both commercial and federal users.  Continue Reading NTIA Seeks Public Comment on the Development of a National Spectrum Strategy and Spectrum-Sharing “Pipeline”

Last week, Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced plans to reorganize the agency’s International Bureau by creating a new Space Bureau and a standalone Office of International Affairs.  The announcement, which marks the latest in a string of space-focused actions over the last several months, is a further indication of the FCC’s commitment to leadership in the growing space economy.Continue Reading FCC Positions Itself for Expanding Space Industry