“LEO satellite has an important role to play in closing the digital divide, and policymakers should be aware of its unique strengths, weaknesses, and particular use cases in order to effectively include LEO systems in ongoing and future federal subsidy programs. […] Due to their global coverage and proximity to Earth, LEO satellites can offer a wide range of services as both an alternative and complement to existing connectivity services. LEO systems can provide broadband connectivity to residential, community, and enterprise customers, along with other services such as vehicles and platforms in motion, areas experiencing natural disasters and conflict, enterprise Internet of Things (IoT), direct-to-device mobile service.”

“[T]he fact that we are on track to have two LEO constellations capable of fiber-like home broadband — in addition, by the way, to many terrestrial fiber builds that are probably going to be subsidized — is a really unbelievable turn of events […] we’re already seeing 200 megabits per second [download speeds] available in rural areas. I said gigabit speeds in view. There seems to be real benefit, both in terms of broadband quality delivered to rural America…Lots of benefits that we would be passing up if we didn’t deal with some of these inefficiencies.”

We are encouraged to see LEO satellite technology continue to feature in these important conversations surrounding space-based innovation. Through continued support from leaders like Chief Schwarz and thought leadership from groups like ICLE and New America, we can ensure that everyone, everywhere can benefit from this new “Space Industrial Revolution.”