FCC Speeds Up Space and Submarine Cable Rules in Open Meeting
Published Date: 8/6/2025
Notice
Summary
On August 7, 2025, the Commission will meet to speed up space and internet projects, update rules for submarine cables to boost security and faster connections, and improve national alert systems to keep everyone safer. These changes affect companies building space stations, internet cables, and emergency networks, aiming to save time and clear out old rules. Faster approvals and stronger security mean better services for all, with some fee updates on the horizon.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Faster Satellite & Earth‑Station Approvals
On August 7, 2025 the Commission will consider a Second Report and Order to speed up application processing for space stations and earth stations, remove barriers to modifying authorizations, and delete outdated rules. This change targets companies that build or operate satellites and ground stations and aims to shorten approval delays and clear regulatory obstacles.
Modernizing Submarine Cable Rules & Fees
The Commission will consider a Report and Order to modernize submarine cable landing rules to promote high-speed infrastructure deployment while strengthening national security, and a Further Notice proposing measures to streamline and speed submarine cable application review. The Commission is also considering amendment of the schedule of application fees in Sections 1.1102–1.1109.
Rewriting National Alerting Systems
The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to examine the nation’s alert and warning systems from the ground up and explore ways to make them more effective and efficient for the public. The goal is to improve how alerts reach and serve everyone.
Ending Rate Rules for Legacy Business Circuits
The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would propose ending rate regulation and tariffing obligations for legacy circuit‑based business data services provided by incumbent local exchange carriers, and temporarily pause the triennial update to competitive market tests while the record is reviewed. This affects businesses that buy legacy circuit business data services.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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