The US Federal Communications Commission has proposed to comprehensively simplify and streamline its rules governing satellite communications licences to make the regulatory approval process easier and more efficient.
The regulator has issued a Further…
The US Federal Communications Commission has proposed to comprehensively simplify and streamline its rules governing satellite communications licences to make the regulatory approval process easier and more efficient.
The regulator has issued a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that outlines plans to increase satellite operational flexibility, eliminate outdated information requirements and update rules to better accommodate evolving technology.
More specifically, the FCC proposes to facilitate international coordination of proposed satellite networks, by permitting early submissions to the ITU; simplify showings associated with milestone requirements as well as eliminate certain of those requirements; revise the two-degree spacing requirements to better accommodate the use of small antennas; and expand options for simplified routine earth station licensing.
These ideas were first identified in the FCC’s Process Reform Report that was presented by Diane Cornell, special counsel to the office of the chairman, earlier this year.
Commenting on the planned rule changes, FCC chairman Tom Wheeler said: “Today, we are advancing one of the most comprehensive rule reforms yet to emerge from the Process Reform Report – a rulemaking proposal that would streamline, eliminate and clarify numerous provisions of the Commission’s Part 25 rules governing the licensing and operation of space and earth stations providing satellite communications.
“These proposed changes would go a long way in making the regulatory approval process for satellite licenses easier and more efficient.”