Sens. Cruz, Welch Introduce Bill to Strengthen America’s Satellite Sector

Bipartisan legislation provides regulatory predictability to satellite industry, boost high-speed Internet access, and ensures American space leadership

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont) today introduced the Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act, bipartisan legislation that aims to update the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) application process and remove regulatory barriers and uncertainty that could threaten investments in the United States' commercial satellite industry.

The number of applications submitted to the FCC for satellites has dramatically increased, but outdated regulatory barriers has delayed processing those applications. The SAT Streamlining Act establishes a clear, one-year deadline for the FCC to make a decision on a license application. These changes would help expand broadband access to underserved areas, and incentivize commercial satellite operators to base operations in the United States over foreign jurisdictions where satellite application processes may be less burdensome. The legislation also standardizes "market access" for foreign satellite systems operating in the United States by capping licenses at 15 years, aligning them with the 15-year approval term applied to U.S. companies.

Upon introduction, Sen. Cruz said:

"We have more rocket launches and satellite deployments today than ever before. However, innovative companies that want to expand access to high-speed Internet for Americans face an outdated regulatory process, leading to massive delays in the deployment of new satellite technologies. I am pleased to join with Senator Welch in reintroducing this legislation and create a clear, standardized FCC review process to prevent unnecessary delays, keep commercial satellite operators under the U.S. flag, and accelerate high-speed internet deployment to unserved communities. America must lead the way on satellite deployment in space."

Sen. Welch added:

"Unlocking the full potential of America's satellite industry is a major part of connecting more rural communities to high-speed internet. That's why it's crucial to reduce red tape that hinders the development of new satellite technology. I'm proud to join Chair Cruz on this bipartisan legislation to help more rural communities from Vermont to Texas access high-speed internet."

Read the full text of this legislation HERE.

Find a list of support of the Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act HERE.