STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER NATHAN SIMINGTON 

Re: 	Expediting Initial Processing of Satellite and Earth Station Applications, Space Innovation; IB Docket No. 22-411, IB Docket No. 22-271; Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (September 21, 2023)

I support today’s item.  Thank you to the Chairwoman and Commissioners for their willingness to include specific questions in the FNPRM that seek comment on final action shot clocks for satellite applications.  I believe that the most important part of streamlining the FCC’s application processing procedures is ensuring swift and efficient FCC action—which will maintain U.S. leadership in the satellite communications service industry.  It will also nurture the growth of the broader space sector, which includes new and innovative manufacturing processes, robotics, earth surveillance and exploration and other future innovations.  

A strong proposal for shot clocks and streamlined rules that provide certainty to industry are vital to ensuring that we do not mire a budding industry in regulatory sludge that encourages anticompetitive gamesmanship.  So often regulators with good intentions get in the way of innovation.  And yet those same regulators never even realize the detriments caused by these supposed good intentions.  While it is vitally important that the FCC and other policy makers get things right—as they say, we know that perfect is the enemy of the good.  

 I have heard time and again—specifically from U.S.-based companies—that delays in application processing times are forcing them to entertain licensing in other countries with more industry friendly and expeditious licensing regimes.  This item is hopefully the springboard to change any such plans.  It includes a great start with adopting shot clocks for placing applications on public notice and establishing practices for greater transparency and staff guidance.  So now I look forward to working with my colleagues to swiftly take action to execute shot clocks for final action, and to take any other steps to change our rules to reflect the current realities of the satellite industry.  

Thank you to the staff of the Space Bureau for their great work on a very important proceeding.  Looking forward to our next steps.