Media Contact: Neil Grace (202) 418-0506 neil.grace@fcc.gov For Immediate Release FCC MODERNIZES RULES TO FACILITATE DEPLOYMENT OF NEXT GENERATION SATELLITE SYSTEMS WASHINGTON, September 26, 2017—The Federal Communications Commission today adopted an updated regulatory framework to facilitate the delivery of broadband services through satellite constellations. Today’s action paves the way for greater broadband offerings in the United States, particularly in remote and rural areas. The Commission updated, clarified and streamlined the current rules governing non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) fixed-satellite service (FSS) systems to better reflect current technology and promote additional operational flexibility. Specifically, the Report and Order: ? Amends the Table of Frequency Allocations to better accommodate NGSO and geostationary satellite operations in the Ka-band (20/30 GHz); ? Streamlines the NGSO milestone rules for deployment and eliminates the international geographic cover requirements to provide greater flexibility to NGSO FSS operators, and ? Adopts a new threshold to characterize circumstances where–absent a coordination agreement between operators—a default mechanism will govern spectrum sharing between operators. A Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was also adopted that invites comment on whether to provide satellite operators additional flexibility by allowing innovative new system designs that target particular areas. Action by the Commission September 26, 2017 by Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 17-122). Chairman Pai, Commissioners Clyburn, O’Rielly, Carr and Rosenworcel approving. Chairman Pai, Commissioners Clyburn, O’Rielly and Carr issuing separate statements. IB Docket No. 16-408 ### Office of Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 TTY: (888) 835-5322 Twitter: @FCC www.fcc.gov/office-media-relations 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).