PRIA, Government Policy, Made Personal

Summary

Operators of commercial land remote sensing satellites must file with the Federal Communications Commission for any radio equipment they use, as required by the Communications Act of 1934. Congress intends the FCC to finish radio licensing within 120 days of getting an application. If the FCC has not decided in 120 days, it must tell the applicant what issues remain and how to resolve them. Builders may develop system parts while licensing is pending, except for radio transmitters. Frequency assignments must follow international agreements and the public interest.

Title 51, §60146

National and Commercial Space Programs, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)Application to Federal Communications Commission.—

To the extent required by the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.), an application shall be filed with the Federal Communications Commission for any radio facilities involved with commercial remote sensing space systems licensed under subchapter III.

(b)Deadline for FCC Action.—

It is the intent of Congress that the Federal Communications Commission complete the radio licensing process under the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.), upon the application of any private sector party or consortium operator of any commercial land remote sensing space system subject to this chapter, within 120 days of the receipt of an application for such licensing. If final action has not occurred within 120 days of the receipt of such an application, the Federal Communications Commission shall inform the applicant of any pending issues and of actions required to resolve them.

(c)Development and Construction of United States Systems.—

Authority shall not be required from the Federal Communications Commission for the development and construction of any United States land remote sensing space system (or component thereof), other than radio transmitting facilities or components, while any licensing determination is being made.

(d)Consistency With International Obligations and Public Interest.—

Frequency allocations made pursuant to this section by the Federal Communications Commission shall be consistent with international obligations and with the public interest.

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 6014615 U.S.C. 5656.Pub. L. 102–555, title V, § 506, Oct. 28, 1992, 106 Stat. 4177.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Communications Act of 1934, referred to in subsecs. (a) and (b), is act June 19, 1934, ch. 652, 48 Stat. 1064, which is classified principally to chapter 5 (§ 151 et seq.) of Title 47, Telecommunications. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 609 of Title 47 and Tables.

§60146 Radio Frequency Allocation