Satellite constellation operators no longer need to provide nationwide broadband coverage to be in compliance with FCC regulations after the agency voted to change the rule Wednesday, releasing the report and order on Friday.
The FCC eliminated the requirement for non-geostationary-satellite orbit, fixed-satellite service (NGSO FSS) systems, stating that with advances in NGSO technology and spectrum sharing, the domestic coverage requirement can actually discourage or hinder the development of new innovative NGSO FSS systems like the Arctic Broadband Satellite Mission and Kepler, that propose to provide valuable connectivity to Alaska and the arctic areas, as well as the Audacy Network’s space-based relay platforms, or Kuiper’s and ViaSat’s proposed broadband systems.
