The FCC has adopted a Second Report and Order (Order) that aims to streamline Space Bureau reviews. The new rules intend to eliminate barriers to the Ground-Station-as-a-Service (GSaaS), a business model that allows multiple satellite systems to share the same ground station and gives satellite operators the ability to send and receive signals without having to build their own ground infrastructure. The Order also: (1) establishes a new process for ground station operators to receive a baseline license without first identifying a specific satellite point of communication; (2) removes many requirements to file license modification applications with respect to space stations and earth stations; (3) expands the list of license modifications that do not require prior authorization; (4) adopts a 30-day shot clock for most earth station renewal applications; and (5) eliminates certain outdated rules.
