The FCC has adopted a Report and Order (Order) and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) that aims to streamline the submarine cable licensing process and accelerate the timelines for building cables. The Order aims to strengthen national security by protecting submarine cables against foreign adversaries. The new rules apply a presumption of denial for certain foreign adversary-controlled license applicants, limiting capacity leasing agreements to such entities. Additionally, the new rules establish new reporting requirements including cybersecurity requirements.
The FNPRM proposes and seeks comment on measures aimed at streamlining approval of domestic cables. The FCC is seeking comment on a proposal to presumptively exempt from Team Telecom review license applications that meet a high-level security standard. Comment and Reply Comment dates for the FNPRM have not yet been set.
