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September 6, 2022 

Jessica Rosenworcel 
Chair 
Federal Communications Commission 
45 L Street NE 
Washington, DC 20554 

Chair Rosenworcel: 

      As you know, broadband access is a top issue across the United States, including in New 
York. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the need for high-speed, reliable, and 
affordable internet options—and the impact to those without—for school, work, and telehealth. It 
is critical that the U.S. Government take steps to expand connectivity options across a variety of 
technologies. In rural and remote areas, next-generation satellite systems can serve as a lifeline for 
many  American  families,  connecting  those  in  “broadband  deserts”  and  providing  valuable 
competition in other areas.  

      Beyond supporting  commercial consumer access, these systems  also  support American 
National Security Space requirements and those of our allies, including Ukraine where more than 
150,000 people rely on American satellite systems to stay connected during the war with Russia. 
As a Member of the Armed Services Committee, I am particularly aware of the importance of 
secure,  global  satellite  communications,  and I  am  proud  to  represent  New  York’s  25th 
Congressional District, which has a long and storied history supporting America’s space programs. 
Today, many of the companies in my district supply critical components to non-geostationary orbit 
(NGSO) satellite broadband systems and the rockets that launch them to space, including highly-
precise optical intersatellite links and machined parts.   

      I  understand  that the Federal  Communications  Commission  (FCC) is  considering  a 
rulemaking (Docket 20-443, “Expanding Flexible Use of the 12.2-12.7 GHz Band”) that could 
inhibit or eliminate NGSO systems by allowing for harmful interference in the spectrum that they 
utilize, cutting off more than 1,000,000 Americans from the web, damaging the Nation’s foreign 
policy interests, and harming my constituents in the supply chain. Given these potential impacts, I 
respectfully urge you to fully and carefully consider this issue, and to avoid taking any actions that 
would disrupt these critical systems.    

      Sincerely, 


      Joseph D. Morelle 
      Member of Congress