Senate Bill to Strengthen America’s Satellite Sector Introduced
Legislation Crafted by Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Peter Welch (D-VT)
Bipartisan legislation to provide regulatory predictability to the satellite industry, boost high-speed Internet access, and ensure American space leadership has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Senator Peter Welch (D-VT).
“(I)nnovative companies that want to expand access to high-speed Internet for Americans face an outdated regulatory process, leading to massive delays in the deployment of new satellite technologies.”
Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX)
The SAT Streamlining Act establishes a clear, one-year deadline for the FCC to make a decision on a license application. These changes would help expand broadband access to underserved areas, and incentivize commercial satellite operators to base operations in the United States over foreign jurisdictions where satellite application processes may be less burdensome. The legislation also standardizes “market access” for foreign satellite systems operating in the United States by capping licenses at 15 years, aligning them with the 15-year approval term applied to U.S. companies.
The legislation establishes strict deadlines for the FCC to act on applications. The agency would have one year to approve or deny applications for satellite licenses, including those for geostationary and non-geostationary orbit space stations and earth stations. If the FCC misses these deadlines, applications would be automatically approved.
For license renewals, the FCC would have 180 days to make decisions. Minor technical modifications to licenses would need to be processed within 90 days, while certain equipment replacement requests would get expedited 30-day reviews.
The bill also limits how long the FCC can extend review periods. Extensions would only be allowed for extraordinary circumstances involving danger to life, property, or national security, and could not exceed 90 days per extension with a maximum of two extensions.
Additionally, the legislation would prevent state and local governments from regulating rates charged by satellite operators. It also requires coordination between the FCC and the Commerce Department’s Assistant Secretary to streamline the review process.
“We have more rocket launches and satellite deployments today than ever before. However, innovative companies that want to expand access to high-speed Internet for Americans face an outdated regulatory process, leading to massive delays in the deployment of new satellite technologies,” Senator Cruz said. “I am pleased to join with Senator Welch in reintroducing this legislation and create a clear, standardized FCC review process to prevent unnecessary delays, keep commercial satellite operators under the U.S. flag, and accelerate high-speed internet deployment to unserved communities. America must lead the way on satellite deployment in space.”
“Unlocking the full potential of America’s satellite industry is a major part of connecting more rural communities to high-speed internet,” said Senator Welch. “That’s why it’s crucial to reduce red tape that hinders the development of new satellite technology. I’m proud to join Chair Cruz on this bipartisan legislation to help more rural communities from Vermont to Texas access high-speed internet.”
The introduction of the legislation was praised by the Satellite Industry Association. “Standardizing the regulatory review process to prevent unnecessary licensing delays will help ensure continued American innovation, industry investment, and U.S. leadership in the global space economy,” SIA president Trom Stroup said in a media release.
The bill emphasizes that the U.S. space industry is vital for the economy and job creation. It aims to ensure America maintains global leadership in commercial space by modernizing regulatory processes to keep pace with industry innovation.