WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing on updating satellite regulations.
Subcommittee Chairman Hudson’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:
“While a lot of focus on space in recent weeks has been on NASA and the Artemis II mission around the moon, what people may not know is the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also plays a key role in space. The spectrum that commercial satellites and other spacecraft use to communicate with each other – and back to the earth – is regulated and licensed by the FCC.
“The FCC also coordinates with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which manages global orbital assignments. That means the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, the best Committee in Congress, has jurisdiction over the space economy.
“The satellite industry has been in a period of robust growth and innovation over the last decade, and U.S. companies are leading the way. While we have long relied on satellite technology for GPS and key services supporting functions of the U.S. government, satellite technology is playing an increasingly important role in our communications infrastructure.
“Satellites are helping us close the digital divide by providing broadband and other critical services in remote locations. In fact, these next-generation satellite networks provide broadband at speeds and latency that rivals other forms of broadband service, connecting Americans who were previously unserved or underserved.
“Satellite-based services have also been transformational for our first responders when they need reliable communications the most. In my home state of North Carolina when Hurricane Helene devastated terrestrial-based infrastructure, satellite was able to bridge the gap and keep first responders connected. Satellite-based services will also continue to impact other industries, including precision agriculture, maritime, aviation, logistics and supply chains, energy, and mining operations.
“Since our last subcommittee event dedicated to this topic a few years ago, new partnerships have been announced between satellite operators and mobile carriers to help bolster cellular coverage. We are also hearing more about space-based enterprise communications services and orbital data centers. Who knows what other developments are on the horizon.
“Demand for these services has resulted in the deployment of thousands of new satellites in recent years. And while work is ongoing at the FCC to update their rules for the 21st century, it is essential our Committee continues to be part of the conversation.
“Today, we will hear from a variety of representatives of the industry about how the industry has evolved and lingering challenges that need to be addressed to ensure the U.S. continues to lead.
“Included in today’s hearing is legislative text for Chairman Guthrie’s Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act, co-led by Ranking Member Pallone.
This legislation is aimed at streamlining licensing of space-based communications services, providing more certainty of operators of these systems, and ultimately securing U.S. leadership in satellite communications technology for years to come.”
