FR 2021-00047

Summary of the Document

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed changes to allow geostationary satellites in the fixed-satellite service (FSS) to use a specific frequency band from 17.3 to 17.8 GHz for transmissions from space to Earth. This proposed rule aims to enhance satellite communication capabilities in the United States by adding additional downlink capacity, which could be crucial for supporting high-throughput satellite communications. In conjunction with the proposed frequency allocation, the FCC is considering updates to technical rules and licensing procedures to prevent interference with existing fixed and broadcasting satellite services.

Significant Issues and Concerns

The proposal is documented in a highly technical and detailed manner, which may pose challenges for the general public to fully comprehend, including those who are not experts in satellite communications or regulatory matters. The intricate descriptions related to frequency allocations and technical specifications may obscure the key points of the proposal for a lay readership.

Moreover, the document raises questions about its completeness in evaluating potential economic impacts, particularly on small businesses that operate within the satellite telecommunications sector. While the proposal seeks to streamline processes and enhance spectrum efficiency, it does not delve deeply into possible financial or logistical implications for businesses adapting to the updated rules nor how this may affect small entities versus larger corporations. There is also a notable absence of analysis concerning the proposals' potential effects on job markets or employment opportunities.

Impact on the Public

For the public at large, the proposed changes could result in improved satellite communication services, potentially leading to better access to communication technologies, especially in remote and underserved areas. This extension in capability can contribute positively to the general technological infrastructure, influencing consumer experiences and connectivity.

However, these benefits come with concerns about how readily the public and less technically-savvy stakeholders can engage with and respond to the proposed changes. Ensuring comprehensible access to information and accommodating diverse opinions during the public commenting phase are essential for a balanced decision-making process.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Specific stakeholders, such as large satellite communication companies, may benefit significantly from these changes as they could experience process efficiencies and expanded markets for their services. The technical adjustments to licensing and frequency use could allow these stakeholders to optimize their operations, potentially leading to financial gains. Yet, this advantage might not translate equally to smaller businesses within the industry, who may face challenges adapting to such extensive technical shifts without detailed support or considerations in place.

Moreover, fixed service and broadcast industries may view the alterations with caution due to interference concerns that could affect their existing services. While the FCC has proposed measures to mitigate such interference, stakeholders will be responsible for assessing and responding to potential operational impacts within their sectors.

In summary, while the FCC's proposals aim to enhance satellite communications and efficiency, the documentation requires careful review and consideration from all affected parties to ensure a just balance between advancing technologies and protecting incumbent services and users.

The Federal Register document proposes changes to regulations involving the Fixed-Satellite Service (FSS) operations in specified frequency bands, particularly emphasizing geostationary satellite communications. Within this proposal, economic considerations are made concerning small businesses operating in satellite telecommunications. However, a detailed exploration of how these financial references relate to the potential implications of the regulatory changes can provide insight into some significant concerns.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has set a size standard for businesses in this field. The definition of a "small business" varies across categories but generally applies to companies with annual receipts of $35 million or less. For satellite telecommunications, the majority of firms fit into this category. Specifically, U.S. Census Bureau data from 2012 shows that out of 333 firms, 299 had receipts of less than $25 million.

In another category, "All Other Telecommunications," which includes specialized services such as satellite tracking and communications telemetry, the Census Bureau data from the same year indicates that out of 1,442 firms, a substantial majority—1,400 firms—reported annual receipts below $25 million, with a small fraction, 15 firms, earning between $25 million and $49,999,999.

The mandates proposed in this document are primarily technical in nature, focusing on frequency allocations and power flux density limits, without detailed discussions on potential economic impacts for small businesses. While the document acknowledges the financial scale of businesses impacted, it lacks a deep dive into how these technical changes might impose financial burdens or operational adjustments on smaller entities. This reflects a disconnect noted among the issues identified, particularly concerning whether small businesses can absorb potential costs associated with compliance and adaptation to these new rules.

Moreover, there is a missed opportunity to explore how these rules could financially impact employment within the satellite and telecommunications sectors. For space station operations, historical data suggests costs often run into hundreds of millions of dollars to cover construction, launch, and lifecycle maintenance. This raises concerns as to whether the new regulatory changes will favor well-capitalized industry giants over smaller, potentially innovative players.

In summation, while financial references highlight the scale of businesses involved in satellite telecommunications, there remains a significant gap regarding economic impact analysis. The proposals neither explicitly outline the financial or logistical implications of complying with the proposed rules nor consider potential discrepancies in the capacity of small businesses versus larger corporations to navigate, adapt, or benefit from these regulatory changes.