S. 3639: Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act

This bill, known as the Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act, aims to simplify and expedite the licensing process for satellite and telecommunications operations in the United States. Here are the key components of the bill:

1. Purpose of the Bill

The bill is designed to enhance the efficiency of processing satellite and telecommunications licenses, recognizing the growing importance of the space industry to the U.S. economy and its role in job creation and innovation. It emphasizes the need for the U.S. to maintain global leadership in commercial space activities.

2. Licensing Authorities

The bill modifies existing laws to allow for the following:

• The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is required to establish rules that streamline the processing of applications for various licenses related to space operations.
• Applications for licenses, including those for non-geostationary and geostationary space stations, earth stations, and blanket-licensed earth stations, must be granted or denied within one year of receipt, unless there is a need for further coordination with federal users.

3. Market Access Grants

The bill allows for the issuance or denial of market access petitions within a set timeframe and limits granted market access to a maximum of 15 years. Existing grants must expire accordingly unless a renewal process is established for compliant entities.

4. Application Processing Timeframes

Various timeframes for processing applications are established, including:

• Licenses and major amendments must be processed within a year.
• Requests for renewal of licenses should be completed within 180 days.
• If the FCC does not act on an application within the specified timeframe, the application may be deemed granted.

5. Minor Modifications

Requests for minor modifications to existing licenses, such as changes to increase transmission capacity or spectral efficiency, should be processed within 90 days.

6. Emergency Circumstances

In urgent situations related to national defense or safety, the FCC can expedite the granting or renewal of licenses for up to 180 days.

7. National Security Review

Applications from entities with foreign ownership must be reviewed for national security concerns. The FCC has the discretion to refer additional applications for review based on its assessment of potential risks.

8. Regulatory Constraints

The bill limits the information required from applicants to what is strictly necessary, aiming to alleviate administrative burdens and enhance efficiency in application processes.

Relevant Companies

• TSLA (Tesla, Inc.): Potentially affected as they engage in satellite communications through Starlink.
• VZ (Verizon Communications Inc.): May be impacted in terms of satellite services for telecommunications.
• SAT (Bohai Acquisition Corp.): Involved with satellite operations and may benefit from streamlined processes.