FCC Chairman Carr Announces Early Wins at Launch of Satellite Week
Announces Guidelines for Ensuring that U.S. is The Most Attractive Country for Launching a Space Business
The space industry has gathered in Washington, D.C. for Satellite Week. This series of events will highlight the significant contributions that the manufacturers, engineers, and entrepreneurs in America’s space sector are making to the country’s economy and national security.
"I want America’s satellite operators and space launch teams to know that the FCC will prioritize your work and partner with you to find solutions."
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr
At the start of the event, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr summarized some of the early wins the FCC has delivered for America’s space industry. Chairman Carr also announced three north stars that will guide the FCC’s work to extend U.S. leadership in space—speed, simplification, and spectrum.
“America’s space economy is the envy of the world,” Chairman Carr said. “From expanding connectivity, to strengthening national security, our space industry is delivering real results for the country. For my part, I want America’s satellite operators and space launch teams to know that the FCC will prioritize your work and partner with you to find solutions. To expand U.S. leadership in space, I will focus the FCC’s work on speed, simplification, and ensuring you have the spectrum resources necessary to fuel this sector’s growth. These pillars will make America the most attractive country in the world to launch a space business.”
Within just weeks of leading the FCC, Chairman Carr has prioritized America’s space economy and delivered an initial set of early wins for the sector:
Quickly granted 33 space station and 200 ground station applications since January 20th alone.
Streamlined the FCC’s process for approving earth station siting requests to reduce burdens on satellite companies and ensure the agency can move faster.
Simplified the FCC’s review of special earth station applications to efficiently clear backlogs, eliminate paperwork, and accelerate approvals, including through a grant stamp process.
Enabled faster and more robust direct-to-cell service by allowing provider to operate on spectrum at higher power levels.
Approved a breakthrough demonstration of live video calls between mobile devices using a satellite network.
Circulated for Commission vote a Notice of Inquiry that can bolster the U.S. GPS system by exploring satellite and terrestrial technologies that can complement the service.
Eliminating the FCC’s slow, resource intensive, and bespoke review mechanisms by starting the process of standardizing the agency’s review and approval procedures through objective metrics.
As part of Satellite Week, Chairman Carr will address attendees of the Satellite Industry Association’s Annual Leadership Dinner on Monday evening. The FCC’s new Space Bureau Chief, Jay Schwarz, will speak at the SATELLITE 2025 Awards Luncheon on Wednesday.