NEWS Federal Communications Commission 445 12 th Street, S.W. Washington, D. C. 20554 This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974). News Media Information 202 / 418-0500 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov TTY: 1-888-835-5322 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: August 9, 2013 Neil Grace (202) 418-0506 Email: neil.grace@fcc.gov FCC STREAMLINES LICENSING AND OPERATING RULES FOR SATELLITE SERVICES Washington, D.C. – The Federal Communications Commission today comprehensively modernized and streamlined its rules governing satellite communications to foster investment and innovation by removing unnecessary regulations and easing administrative burdens. Over the years, the Commission has updated the licensing and operating rules for space stations and earth stations -- which transmit radio signals between the ground and satellites -- to keep pace with industry developments. Today’s action represents, however, the most wide-ranging review of FCC rules and policies in nearly two decades. The Commission’s Report and Order eliminates unneeded technical and information filing requirements, updates rules to better accommodate evolving technology, simplifies existing requirements, and takes other steps, including: ? Shifts from a “tell us how you built it” approach to a “tell us how you avoid interference with your neighbors” approach ? Increases the number of earth station applications eligible for routine and streamlined processing ? Provides greater flexibility to earth station applicants in verifying antenna performance ? Reinforces emergency contact reporting requirements while consolidating requirements for annual reporting and removing unnecessary reporting rules ? Consolidates and clarifies milestone requirements for space stations The Report and Order also updates, improves, and consolidates definitions and technical terms throughout the existing set of rules. Action by the Commission August 9, 2013, by Report and Order (FCC 13-111). Acting Chairwoman Clyburn, Commissioners Rosenworcel and Pai with Acting Chairwoman Clyburn, Commissioners Rosenworcel and Pai issuing statements. IB Docket No. 12-267 – FCC – For more news and information about the FCC please visit: www.fcc.gov