December 15, 2022
Congress and the Administration Embrace Critical Space Innovation
By Tony DeTora
Lynk applauds a series of recent steps that signal continued progress by leaders in the U.S. Government to address key space policy issues. Recent weeks have seen the introduction of important satellite-related legislation and a proposal by the FCC Chairwoman to create a new Space Bureau. This bipartisan attention from senior space and telecommunications-focused policymakers highlights the increased importance of the satellite industry in closing the digital divide and in providing U.S. leadership in space-based communications technologies.
House Energy and Commerce Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) introduced bipartisan legislation “to promote competition, innovation, and American leadership in the thriving commercial satellite communications industry.” Rep. McMorris Rodgers’ Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act (HR 9463) will help bring increased clarity and consistency to the FCC’s oversight of satellite services. Similarly, Rep. Pallone’s Secure Space Act (HR 9464) will promote U.S. leadership by ensuring that U.S. licensed constellations are built and operated by trusted entities that operate in a manner consistent with U.S. national security and economic interests.
Recently, Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH) and Rep. Kim Schrier (D-WA) introduced the ALERT Parity Act (HR 9569) to establish consistent regulatory treatment for emergency communication services, including the satellite direct-to-phone service provided by Lynk. The ALERT Parity Act supports American innovation and seeks to provide anyone with a phone in their pocket access to emergency 911 and emergency alerts, regardless of where they are located across America. Lives can be saved if mobile phones can connect to emergency services everywhere. This legislation will help make ubiquitous emergency connectivity a reality.
The House Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee Chairman Don Beyer (D-VA) and Subcommittee member Donald Norcross (D-NJ) introduced the Space Safety and Situational Awareness Transition Act of 2022 (HR 9534) to establish a civil capability under the Department of Commerce to support spaceflight safety and space sustainability. Space safety and sustainability are critical to fully benefit from advanced constellations and cutting-edge satellite technology. Lynk believes the Department of Commerce has a great role to play in these areas and supports increases in funding and authority to those ends.
In late 2022, Chairwoman Rosenworcel announced a proposal to restructure the FCC to create a new Space Bureau. This proposed change emphasizes how important space has become for innovation, communications policy, and the American economy. Lynk appreciates this vital step in recognizing the critical importance of space-based communications services.
Lynk shares the view that these issues are important, which is why we sought a U.S. license for our service and why we build our satellites here in Falls Church, Virginia, with U.S.-sourced components. We look forward to working with Congress, the Commission, and the Department of Commerce to create an improved regulatory structure for new satellite services. These are areas where U.S. leadership is greatly needed, and we hope the parties can work together in the new year to advance these efforts.
Together, this all shows how critical companies like Lynk are to the future of connectivity. There are so many folks working on important pieces of the puzzle to enable American innovation, to ensure American companies have a smooth, stable, and predictable regulatory environment, and to support American innovators as they develop new systems and capabilities that will benefit all of humanity.
Lynk is proud to be at the forefront of this revolution. We are happy to work with all of these policymakers as we close out 2022 and start building even more of the future in 2023.