STATEMENT OF
CHAIRMAN AJIT PAI
Re:	Space Exploration Holdings, LLC Application for Approval for Orbital Deployment and Operating Authority for the SpaceX V-band NGSO Satellite System, IBFS File No. SAT-LOA-20170301-00027;  In the Matter of Kepler Corporation Petition for Declaratory Ruling to Grant Access to the U.S. Market for Kepler’s NGSO FSS System, IBFS File No. SAT-PDR-20161115-00114; In the Matter of Telesat Canada Petition for Declaratory Ruling to Grant Access to the U.S. Market for Telesat’s V-band NGSO Constellation, IBFS File No. SAT-PDR-20170301-00023;In the Matter of LeoSat MA, Inc., Petition for Declaratory Ruling Concerning U.S. Market Access for the LeoSat Ka-band Low-Earth Orbit Satellite System, IBFS File No. SAT-PDR-20161115-00112.

Today, we’re considering applications involving four proposed constellations of non-geostationary orbit satellites.  Two of them involve repeat players; two involve startups.  One proposed constellation would be authorized by the United States; three would be authorized by foreign governments and receive U.S. market access.  But what they all have in common is the promise of variety in the burgeoning field of non-geostationary satellite services and innovative solutions to bridging the digital divide.
From providing high-speed broadband services in remote areas to offering global connectivity to the Internet of Things through “routers in space” for data backhaul, I’m excited to see what services these proposed constellations have to offer.  Our approach to these applications reflects this Commission’s fundamental approach: encourage the private sector to invest and innovate and allow market forces to deliver value to American consumers.  
I’d also like to take a moment to recognize the staff of the International Bureau, not just for their efforts in bringing up to the Commission the items we’re considering at this meeting, but for their ongoing efforts over these past two years.  Since last June, the Commission has approved 13 market access requests and satellite applications to nine companies for NGSO systems, including the four that we add to the list today.  This productivity is primarily due to your hard work and expertise.  Thanks to your efforts, I’m optimistic that the American people will benefit from new satellite-based services.  
In particular, I’d like to express my gratitude to Jose Albuquerque, Christopher Bair, Jennifer Balatan, Curtrisha Banks, Stephen Duall, Jennifer Gilsenan, Joseph Hill, Karl Kensinger, Sylvia Lam, Julia Malette, Kathyrn Medley, Sankar Persaud, Cindy Spiers, Tom Sullivan, Troy Tanner, and Jay Whaley from the International Bureau.  I’d also thank those from other Bureaus and Offices who have played a critical role in advancing these items: Michael Ha, Nick Oros, and Jamison Prime from the Office of Engineering and Technology; Stephen Buenzow, John Schauble, and Becky Schwartz from the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau; and Deborah Broderson, David Horowitz, and Bill Richardson from the Office of General Counsel.