Today, the Connect Everyone Coalition released the following statement in support of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) adoption of the proposed rulemaking to open up additional spectrum for low Earth orbit (LEO) direct-to-device (D2D) services:

“We’re encouraged to see the FCC backing this important service and applaud Chairman Carr and Commissioners for their consistent efforts to advance U.S. leadership in space-based connectivity, including direct-to-device (D2D) offerings.

“The Connect Everyone Coalition recently hosted a webinar that convened outdoor recreation enthusiasts, public safety officials and rural advocates to discuss the importance of connectivity outdoors and on the go. This discussion emphasized the importance of LEO satellite technology to keep police officers in remote and mountainous areas in communication with dispatch, adventurers on deep-sea dives connected to emergency services, or communities suffering natural disasters in touch with their loved ones. By enabling anyone on Earth with, at minimum, emergency calling capabilities, satellite D2D services will play a huge role in this.”

“It’s one thing to be able to purchase a LEO-enabled communicator for an off-road trip or install a LEO terminal to a patrol car, but for all of us to one day have D2D capability in our pockets for continued connectivity is going to be a really big deal,” says Richard Cullen, Connect Everyone Coalition Executive Director.

ABOUT THE CONNECT EVERYONE COALITION

The Connect Everyone Coalition is a broad-based coalition of more than 120 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.