WASHINGTON — The Progressive Policy Institute (PPI) filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) calling for a review of outdated satellite regulations to unlock faster, more reliable broadband across the United States. PPI’s comments (read the full filing here), submitted July 24 by Mary Guenther, Head of Space Policy, urge the FCC to modernize equivalent power-flux density (EPFD) limits to reflect advances in low-Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary (GEO) satellite technology.
“Current EPFD limits were written decades ago and fail to capture the capabilities of modern satellite systems,” said Guenther. “The FCC has a historic opportunity to promote smarter spectrum use, expand connectivity for unserved and underserved communities, and make real progress toward closing the digital divide.”
The FCC’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Modernizing Spectrum Sharing for Satellite Broadband (SB Docket No. 25-157) reviews spectrum-sharing rules for geostationary satellite orbit (GSO) and non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) systems. PPI’s comments highlight that technological advances, including adaptive coding and modulation (ACM), allow more efficient and low-interference sharing of spectrum between GSO and NGSO operators.
Key points from PPI’s comments include:
“Preserving the status quo means preserving exclusion,” said Guenther. “Smart reform will ensure spectrum works for the public good in the broadband age.”
Read and download the complete filing here.
Founded in 1989, PPI is a catalyst for policy innovation and political reform based in Washington, D.C. Its mission is to create radically pragmatic ideas for moving America beyond ideological and partisan deadlock. Find an expert and learn more about PPI by visiting progressivepolicy.org. Follow us @PPI.
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Media Contact: Ian O’Keefe – iokeefe@ppionline.org
