FCC Accelerates Satellite Approval Process in Response to Starlink’s Growing Network Expansion

The proposed reforms, introduced by FCC Chair Brendan Carr on Wednesday, aim to expedite the regulatory approval process for satellite-related projects, including those related to Starlink. The reforms are designed to mitigate regulatory barriers and reduce bureaucratic hurdles faced by satellite project applicants.

In his blog post, Carr underscored the need for accelerating the review process, noting that it currently takes longer for applications to navigate the regulatory review process than it does for engineers to deploy spacecraft into orbit. He asserted that this inefficiency is unacceptable and must be addressed.

The FCC’s Space Bureau has already made strides in clearing a backlog of satellite applications, reducing it by nearly half. However, Carr emphasized the necessity of further action to eliminate outdated rules that burden satellite providers with excessive paperwork.

In response, Carr wrote: “We will delete FCC approval requirements for a range of activities that pose no risk to the public. Eliminating unnecessary paperwork doesn’t just improve efficiency —it kickstarts American innovation.”

The proposed reforms are expected to benefit major players in the satellite internet services sector, including SpaceX, AST SpaceMobile, Amazon’s Project Kuiper, and Apple partner Globalstar, all of which have applications pending for modifications or expansions of their satellite services. These applications include plans for new constellations consisting of hundreds to thousands of additional satellites.

The FCC’s statement outlined that the reforms will streamline the regulatory process for both satellites and ground stations, which communicate with the satellites. The proposed changes include “removing many requirements to file license modification applications,” and in one example, are expected to eliminate “approximately 49%” of applications focused on ground stations.

The reforms also propose expanding the list of license modifications that do not require prior authorization, adopting a 30-day shot clock for earth station renewal applications, and eliminating repetitive requests for special temporary authority for geostationary orbit satellites. Furthermore, the proposed changes will eliminate outdated rules such as the requirement for applicants to maintain a paper copy of the ICFS application.

In addition, the reforms aim to foster a new business model, known as “Ground-Station-as-a-Service,” which would enable startups and emerging companies to enter the satellite market more easily without having to build their own ground infrastructure. Instead, they could leverage existing providers like SpaceX and Globalstar, which already have ground facilities worldwide.

The FCC is scheduled to vote on the proposal during its August 7th meeting. The exact text of Carr’s proposal has yet to be released.