FCC to Soon Speed Satellite and Earth Station Application Processing
UPDATE The FCC recently voted to expedite processing of satellite and earth station applications, Inside Towers reported. That’s in light of what it calls “an unprecedented” number of applications arriving to the agency proposing new systems and services.
The Commission has established timeframes for placing satellite and earth station applications on public notice. It also eliminated a procedural rule that prevents consideration of requests for waiver of the International Table of Frequency Allocations.
The Commission voted to remove the prohibition on licensed-but-unbuilt systems for non-geostationary orbit operators. Additionally, the Commission created a new, streamlined processing framework for earth station operators to add satellite points of communication under certain circumstances.
The changes go into effect on January 5, 2024. Federal Register publication triggered that date.
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
Article: Despite opposition and expert warnings, FCC votes to accelerate satellite application processing