Common Carrier Services: Satellite CommunicationsEarth Stations Operating with Non-U.S. Licensed Space Stations; Application Requirements

In this First Order on Reconsideration, the Commission streamlines the process it established in the 1997 DISCO II Order. First, the First Order on Reconsideration permits the operators of in- orbit non-U.S. satellites to request authority to provide space segment capacity service to licensed earth stations in the United States. Under DISCO II, this request can only be made by an earth station operator. Second, the Order permits earth station licensees to access a particular non-U.S. satellite to provide fixed-satellite service in the conventional C- or Ku-bands without further regulatory approval, once that non-U.S. satellite is authorized to serve the United States. The actions here are intended to simplify procedures for foreign entry into the U.S. market for fixed-satellite services, thereby enhancing competition. The Commission expects enhanced competition to provide consumers more alternatives in choosing communications providers and services, reduce prices, and facilitate technological innovation.