Media Contact: Will Wiquist will.wiquist@fcc.gov For Immediate Release FCC FACILITATING SATELLITE BROADBAND COMPETITION Proposal Would Support Spectrum Sharing and Communications Between Low-Earth Orbit Satellite Constellations -- WASHINGTON, December 14, 2021—The Federal Communications Commission today proposed revisions to its rules for spectrum sharing among non-geostationary satellite orbit, fixed-satellite service (NGSO FSS) systems. The proposed revisions would seek to facilitate the deployment of the new generation of low-Earth orbit satellite systems, including new competitors. The new generation low-Earth orbit satellite systems can provide broadband services with dramatically higher speeds and lower latency than previous satellite broadband offerings. This technology could be a game-changer for connecting the hardest-to-serve rural households on the wrong side of the digital divide. Today’s proposal would facilitate the deployment of this new technology, promote competition, and make it easier for new competitors to enter the market. When considering license applications for NGSO FSS satellite constellations, the FCC’s International Bureau initiates processing rounds during which timely filed applications are considered together on an equal basis. Today’s proposal would establish rules to protect systems approved in earlier rounds while facilitating greater competition. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking adopted today additionally proposes to limit the Commission’s existing spectrum sharing mechanism for NGSO FSS systems to those systems approved in the same processing round. It proposes requiring systems approved in a later processing round to protect the already approved systems, and seeks public comment on necessary protections. The FCC also seeks comment on whether to sunset, after a period of time, the interference protection afforded to an NGSO FSS system because of its processing round status in order to encourage new market entry. The item further seeks public input on ways to facilitate coordination among NGSO FSS operators by requiring them to share specific information, such as satellite beam pointing information. Today’s action also grants in part and defers in part a rulemaking petition from SpaceX. Action by the Commission December 14, 2021 by Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 21-123). Chairwoman Rosenworcel, Commissioners Carr, Starks, and Simington approving. Chairwoman Rosenworcel, Commissioners Starks and Simington issuing separate statements. IB Docket No. 21-456 ### Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 / ASL: (844) 432-2275 / Twitter: @FCC / www.fcc.gov 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).