NEWS
Federal Communications Commission
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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).
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
September 30, 2014              Bartees Cox:  (202) 418-0509
Email: bartees.cox@fcc.gov
FCC ADOPTS MAJOR PROCESS REFORM PROPOSALS 
TO STREAMLINE SATELLITE RULES
Washington, D.C. – 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flexibility, eliminate outdated information requirements and update rules to better accommodate 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.
IB Docket No. 12-267
– FCC –
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