Media Contact: 
Neil Grace, (202) 418-0506
neil.grace@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

FCC PROPOSES ADDITIONAL STREAMLINING OF 
SATELLITE RULES

WASHINGTON, November 15, 2018—The Federal Communications Commission today 
proposed to further simplify and streamline its rules governing satellite communications.  This proceeding is part of an ongoing effort to make the regulatory approval process for satellite licenses more efficient and less burdensome.  

The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking adopted today builds upon the FCC’s 2016 Biennial Review as well as initiatives developed by Commission staff during its independent review.  One significant proposal is to create a new unified license for space stations and earth stations operating in a geostationary orbit, fixed-satellite service network.  The proposed unified network license would eliminate redundancies in the separate licensing processes for satellites and earth stations. 

The NPRM also seeks comment on other proposals, such as eliminating certain annual reporting requirements for satellite operators and aligning the build-out periods for some earth stations with the accompanying build-out periods for their communicating satellites.  

Action by the Commission November 15, 2018 by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 18-165).  Chairman Pai, Commissioners O’Rielly, Carr, and Rosenworcel approving.  Chairman Pai and Commissioner O’Rielly issuing separate statements.

IB Docket No. 18-314

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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. Cir. 1974).