The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently announced their groundbreaking decision to form a dedicated bureau to monitor and regulate the growing satellite industry. This milestone will have far-reaching implications for the satellite and communications industry, as well as the wider space technology sector.
The proposed Space Bureau will be solely dedicated to monitoring and regulating the satellite industry, and will have oversight of the issuance of radio licenses to satellite operators and manufacturers. In addition, the bureau will be expected to oversee other aspects of satellite operations, such as interference management, frequency coordination and technical performance standards.
This decisive move by the FCC reflects the incredible growth of the satellite industry over the last decade, with thousands of new satellites being launched annually. It is projected that by 2040 there could be as many as 60,000 satellites operating in space. Despite the incredible potential the market offers, the industry currently suffers from inadequate infrastructure, poor coordination and limited oversight. The creation of the Space Bureau would give the satellite industry the much needed leadership and resources to ensure continued safe and secure operation.
The move will signal a major investment in the satellite industry, and presents numerous opportunities for manufacturers, operators and service providers alike. In particular, the US satellite industry will benefit from increased protection from unauthorised spectrum use and access to larger spectrum allocations at a lower cost. Moreover, there will be improved communications coordination and access to high-speed internet. All of this bodes well for a bright future for the satellite industry.
In the wake of this momentous decision, it appears that the future of the satellite industry is looking bright. The Space Bureau will be instrumental in ensuring a secure and accessible satellite industry, enabling innovation and growth in the space technology sector. It remains to be seen whether or not other regulators will follow the example of the FCC, however, it seems highly likely that this is only the beginning of a new era for the satellite industry.
