The Federal Communications Commission has announced plans to modernize satellite licensing in response to the emergence of national security, particularly space defense, as a primary driver in regulating space systems.
Jay Schwarz, chief of the space bureau, said during the SAE Media Group’s Milsatcom USA conference that the agency is shifting its focus in space systems regulation by emphasizing national security while still encouraging commercial innovation, the FCC said Monday.
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Expediting Dual-Purpose Satellite Deployment
The FCC executive noted that the satellites of most companies seeking licensing from the space bureau usually have a dual purpose, serving both commercial and national security interests.
The agency plans to adopt reforms to streamline licensing and expand spectrum access to meet the challenges of global satellite competition. The FCC will modernize the licensing process to fast-track the deployment of satellites instrumental in strengthening national defense.
FCC’s Planned Reforms
The FCC has already noted a 35 percent decrease in licensing backlog since January after the shift to the new approach. The agency also aims to prioritize streamlining regulation processes for non-geostationary satellite systems, which includes revisiting the “power limit” rules. Another possible change involves opening around 20,000 megahertz of new spectrum across several underutilized bands.
“We know how urgent it is for all of our warfighters to have secure, reliable communications for an increasingly contested space domain,” said Schwarz. “So I care about the economic benefits, but I also care deeply that America’s service members are equipped with what they need,” he added.
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