Federal Communications Commission FCC 18-44
1
STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER BRENDAN CARR
Re: Streamlining Licensing Procedures for Small Satellites, IB Docket No. 18-86.
Both on the ground and beyond Earth’s atmosphere, wireless technology is getting smaller.  On 
the terrestrial side, upwards of 80% of new deployments are small cells.  And we’re seeing a similar trend 
in space—smaller, less expensive satellites are being deployed in increasing numbers.  In fact, the U.S. 
now leads the world in small sat launches.  Americans stand to benefit from these commercial 
deployments with use cases ranging from the Internet of Things to smart agriculture applications.
As policymakers, we need to make sure our rules keep pace with these changes in technology.  
And that means ensuring that our regulations are “right sized” and tailored to reflect the costs and impacts 
of these innovations. 
Last month, the FCC recognized this principle when we voted to exempt small wireless facilities 
from regulatory procedures designed for large towers.  The record showed that, by subjecting small cells 
to large scale regulations, we were discouraging broadband deployment in those communities that need it 
most and threatening to undermine the United States’ efforts to win the global race to 5G.
In this Notice, we recognize that the same problem could exist for small satellites.  While our 
traditional Part 25 approach for processing satellite applications involves legal, technical, and other 
showings that may make sense for large satellites or significant constellations, the regulatory costs 
associated with these reviews can prevent the business case for small sats from getting off the ground.  So 
I am glad we are now proposing to define a new category of small sats and seeking comment on 
streamlined approval procedures.  This step should encourage investment and innovation in small sats 
while continuing to promote our interests in limiting orbital debris and protecting against harmful 
interference.  
An oversized regulatory burden should never be what stands in the way of progress, so I am 
pleased to support this proposal.  I want to thank the staffs of the International Bureau and the Wireless 
Telecommunications Bureau for their work on this item.