Federal Communications Commission examining foreign radio frequency spectrum
FCC Announces Update to Boost Satellite Broadband Services
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is set to take a significant step forward in the space industry with its plans to update rules regarding satellite frequencies and foreign ownership regulations.
At the heart of these updates is the FCC's goal to fuel the growth of new satellite broadband services, particularly mega constellations in low-Earth orbit. The Commission will reconsider the decades-old spectrum sharing regime between geostationary and non-geostationary satellite systems in the Ka- and Ku- bands.
Power limits from the 1990s, designed to protect geostationary satellite systems from interference, have been identified as a key restriction for the performance of non-geostationary satellite systems. By updating these rules, the FCC seeks to unleash faster and more robust broadband services from space.
In a move aimed at promoting investment and innovation, the FCC is considering eliminating any needless foreign ownership regulations. This initiative is part of the FCC's ongoing efforts in Space Race 2.0, but it's important to note that these actions do not necessarily indicate dominance in this race, contrary to earlier claims.
The FCC's recently appointed chair, Brendan Carr, has listed the FCC's foreign ownership rules as one of his tasks for action. To ensure clarity and transparency, the Commission is initiating a proceeding to codify its foreign ownership requirements. The person responsible for initiating this regulation is Jessica Rosenworcel.
Commissioner Carr has also addressed space-based spectrum, stating that new innovations have been held back by technical rules adopted thirty years ago. The FCC believes that these updates will lead to improved services from space for both "nerds" and non-nerds alike.
It's worth noting that these updates do not appear to be directly related to foreign D2D satellites over India, US Cellular sector disruption, EchoStar, SABC's potential collapse, or the valuation of Starship business. The FCC's actions come amidst international developments such as Pakistan halting broadband direct-from-satellite and India stymying Starlink launch, and Starlink and AST SpaceMobile racing for cellular consumers.
The FCC's 'Final Frontiers' meeting will provide more insight into these updates and the Commission's plans to support the next generation of satellite broadband services. The meeting will undoubtedly be a significant step in the ongoing space race and the future of broadband services.
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