In case you missed it, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Space Bureau Chief Jay Schwarz spoke with the American Enterprise Institute’s Shane Tews on low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology and ensuring America’s broadband mix includes options that work for everyone.

Schwarz discussed the FCC’s work to support U.S. innovation in space, including LEO satellite broadband. The Commission intends to remove unnecessary barriers, modernize permitting and update outdated regulations that may be preventing Americans from getting access to this game-changing technology.

“[T]his rulemaking, which is called Modernizing Spectrum Sharing for Satellite Broadband, fundamentally is about giving America the absolute best broadband from satellite services.” – Jay Schwarz

The near-Earth, non-stationary orbit of LEO satellites provides a low-latency, high-speed option for unserved and underserved Americans to tap into the 21^st-century benefits of high-speed broadband. As this technology continues to develop, Schwarz says satellite internet has the potential to offer nearly fiber-like speeds. This will drive competition and expand choice in areas that were previously forced to settle for slow download speeds and spotty service.

“What you’re going to see, and what we’re already seeing, is that places we never thought could have broadband competition, particularly rural parts of this country, are actually going to be able to have competition. And it’s not competition that even had to be subsidized. At the highest level, this is a really exciting thing that satellite technologies have already brought to the United States.” – Jay Schwarz

Everyone deserves access to fast, reliable internet. Broadening the connectivity landscape to take full advantage of cutting-edge technologies like LEO satellite broadband will unlock more investment, lower costs and expand consumer choice for all Americans, especially for communities that have been left behind thus far by the status quo.

The Connect Everyone Coalition is encouraged by the FCC’s and Chief Schwarz’s forward-thinking approach. We should use every available technology to bridge the digital divide and give every household and business the reliable, affordable, high-speed internet access they deserve.

Read Chief Schwarz’s full interview with the American Enterprise Institute HERE.