WASHINGTON — Today, Mary Guenther, Head of Space Policy, and Diana Moss, VP and Director of Competition Policy, at the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI) issued the following statement regarding Amazon Leo’s request for an extension from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to deploy a satellite internet constellation.
“PPI urges the FCC to grant the request made today by Amazon Leo to extend the deadline for the company to deploy its satellite internet constellation. Injecting competition in satellite broadband service will enormously benefit American consumers.
“More competition in the domestic LEO satellite broadband is critical for meeting consumer broadband needs, keeping prices in check, and spurring quality and innovation. Consumers are excited about LEO satellite broadband and it is a key part of the solution to closing the digital divide. Amazon Leo is the only source of near-term competition in the U.S.
“To be sure, deadlines in the FCC licensing process are important to avoid spectrum ‘warehousing.’ However, Amazon Leo is clearly making good faith progress towards deploying their constellation as a service. It is expected to become available in some areas later this year. The company is launching regularly and complying with the intent of the FCC regulations.
“However, unlike competitors, Amazon Leo is dependent on external rocket launch services, which is likely part of the reason for their delay. Many of the launch companies Amazon Leo has contracts with have not been able to ramp up operations as quickly as anticipated. As PPI has previously noted, there is high demand for launch services and a limited number of rockets to fulfill that demand. It’s simply a market reality.”
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
