Bipartisan Progress Brings Congress Closer To Modernizing Satellite Licensing And Expanding Broadband Options For Hard-To-Reach Communities

The Connect Everyone Coalition (CEC) today welcomed the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Communications and Technology Subcommittee’s advancement of the bipartisan Satellite and Telecommunications (SAT) Streamlining Act. The subcommittee’s action joins action taken by the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation earlier this year and is a meaningful milestone that puts the legislation on a strong path toward enactment this Congress.

“Today’s vote recognizes America cannot afford for the rules governing satellite communications to lag behind the technology,” said Richard Cullen, executive director of the Connect Everyone Coalition. “A more efficient licensing system will help space innovators plan, invest and deliver new connectivity options to the communities that need them most. We applaud the Committee’s bipartisan leadership and urge Congress to finish the job.”

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. Establishing 180-day review periods for certain renewals and one-year timelines for initial licenses will provide a more predictable pathway for new and expanding satellite systems.

For communities beyond the practical reach of traditional broadband infrastructure, low Earth orbit satellite broadband can offer an important complement to fiber and wireless networks. CEC encourages House leaders to advance the bill out of full committee, reconcile final legislation and enact the bipartisan SAT Streamlining Act this year.

ABOUT THE SAT STREAMLINING ACT

The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation advanced the Senate version of the SAT Streamlining Act, S. 3639, in February. Companion House legislation, H.R. 8255, was introduced and considered by the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology in April. While both bills seek faster FCC satellite-license reviews, the Senate version includes additional implementation and procedural safeguards, while the House version takes a more streamlined approach. In July, CEC and member organizations urged Congress to advance the bipartisan legislation.

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.