FCC Eyes Shorter Terms for Submarine Cable Security Licenses
Published Date: 3/13/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FCC is updating the rules for submarine cable licenses to better protect national security and keep up with new technology. They’re thinking about shorter license terms, regular check-ins every three years, and clearer rules for cable owners. These changes could mean new fees and deadlines, so companies involved with undersea cables should pay close attention.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Three‑Year Reporting for Cable Licenses
If you own or operate a submarine cable landing license, the FCC proposes a three‑year periodic reporting requirement for license holders. The rule would require licensees to report on a three‑year cycle to help the FCC monitor national security and law enforcement risks.
Shorter Than 25‑Year License Terms
The FCC is seeking comment on shortening the existing 25‑year submarine cable license term or adopting a shorter license term combined with periodic reporting. This would change the current 25‑year renewal/term schedule for license holders.
Codifying FCC Jurisdiction and Legal Rules
The FCC proposes to codify its legal jurisdiction and other legal requirements into its submarine cable rules to provide regulatory certainty for cable owners and operators. The codification aims to put those legal requirements into the Commission's rules.
New Applicant and Application Requirements
The FCC proposes applicant and application requirements to give the agency targeted and granular information about ownership, control, and use of submarine cable systems. These requirements would apply to applicants seeking submarine cable landing licenses.
Circuit Capacity Data and Agency Sharing
The FCC seeks comment on improving the quality of circuit capacity data and on facilitating sharing of that information with other Federal agencies. This would affect how circuit capacity information is collected and shared across the government.
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