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FCC Adapts Major Process Reform Proposals to Streamline Satellite Rules

The Federal Communications Commission today proposed to comprehensively simplify and streamline its rules governing satellite communications to make the regulatory approval process for satellite licenses easier and more efficient. This rulemaking was one of the key reforms called for by the Report on FCC Process Reform released earlier this year.

Today’s Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposes changes to increase satellite operational

flexibility, eliminate outdated information requirements and update rules to better accommodate

evolving technology.

Many of these proposals were first identified in the Report on FCC Process Reform, while others grew out of last year’s Commission proceeding revising or eliminating many licensing and operating rules for space and earth stations (Part 25). These new proposals would ultimately benefit consumers by facilitating introduction of new satellite services, lowering costs and regulatory burdens, and promoting competition among service providers.

Specifically, the Commission’s Further Notice proposes changes that will:

 Facilitate international coordination of proposed satellite networks, by permitting early

submissions to the International Telecommunication Union;

 Simplify showings associated with milestone requirements and eliminate some of the current

milestone requirements;

 Revise the two-degree spacing requirements to better accommodate the use of small antennas,

and

 Expand options for simplified routine earth station licensing.

The Further Notice also simplifies, eliminates, updates, or clarifies definitions and technical terms

throughout Part 25.

Action by the Commission September 30, 2014, by Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC

14-142). Chairman Wheeler, Commissioners Clyburn, Rosenworcel, Pai and O’Rielly. Chairman

Wheeler, Commissioners Clyburn, Rosenworcel, Pai and O’Rielly issuing statements.