The Connect Everyone Coalition is encouraged by the introduction of the Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act to reform space licensing policy.

Today, the Connect Everyone Coalition (CEC) applauded U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Peter Welch’s (D-Vermont) introduction of the bipartisan Satellite and Telecommunications (SAT) Streamlining Act. The SAT Streamlining Act would bring timely reforms to the satellite licensing process at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) by establishing clear deadlines for the FCC’s consideration of licensing and market access applications.

The introduction of the SAT Streamlining Act comes on the heels of a letter released by the Connect Everyone Coalition (CEC) with 21 signatories calling for the modernization of space policies to reduce regulatory red tape and duplicative processes and support innovation in space. Clarifying and upholding timelines for key permissions is a critical step to support continued investment in space and the development and deployment of exciting new space-based technologies like low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite broadband.

“The American space industry has enormous potential to grow our economy and improve daily life by creating jobs, increasing investment and expanding access to reliable, high-speed internet to more Americans,” says CEC executive director Richard Cullen. “We are encouraged to see our federal lawmakers taking action to support this growing industry and thank Senators Cruz and Welch for their leadership. The reforms in the SAT Streamlining Act would bring us closer to ensuring that all Americans benefit from what FCC Space Bureau Chief Schwarz calls the ‘Space Industrial Revolution.’”

Read the full legislation HERE.

ABOUT THE CONNECT EVERYONE COALITION

The Connect Everyone Coalition is a broad-based coalition of leaders committed to educating the public and policymakers on the importance of using every tool in our connectivity toolbox to provide fast, affordable broadband access to everyone, everywhere.

The coalition supports an innovative, tech-neutral approach to expanding broadband access that takes full advantage of new technologies and connectivity options, including advances in LEO satellite broadband. We showcase the transformative power of LEO satellites’ ability to connect anyone, anywhere, and we support updating broadband strategies and modernizing space policy so unserved and underserved communities across our nation and world can fully benefit from this game-changing new option. Learn more about the Connect Everyone Coalition HERE.