Washington, D.C., September 28, 2012 – The Satellite Industry Association (SIA) today applauded the Federal Communications Commission’s adoption of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking intended to update and streamline the rules and regulations that govern the licensing and operation of communications spacecraft and associated earth stations. The FCC Commissioners unanimously approved the proposal at their Open Commission Meeting earlier today.

The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking suggests changes to over a hundred sections contained in Part 25 of the Commission’s regulations, which regulate satellite operators and earth station licensees. By eliminating outdated and unnecessary rules and consolidating others, the NPRM aims to increase regulatory efficiency and accelerate the deployment of satellite services within the U.S. and around the world. According to SIA’s 2012 State of the Satellite Industry Report, the global satellite industry posted revenues of $177 billion in 2011, with an average annual growth rate of nearly 11 percent over the past decade.

“SIA and its members are heartened by the FCC’s initiative to update, streamline and consolidate the myriad rules that affect the communications satellite sector,” said Patricia Cooper, the President of SIA. “A sensible and up-to-date regulatory framework is vital to the robust innovation and investment that are hallmarks of the satellite sector. SIA and its members expect this NPRM to make applications easier to file for satellite stakeholders and also easier for the Commission staff to review. We look forward to reviewing the proposals in detail and commit to being an active participant in the proceeding.”

ABOUT THE SATELLITE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

SIA is a U.S.-based trade association providing worldwide representation of the leading satellite operators, service providers, manufacturers, launch services providers, remote sensing operators, and ground equipment suppliers. Since its founding in 1995, SIA has become the unified voice of the U.S. satellite industry on policy, regulatory, and legislative issues affecting the satellite business.

SIA Press Release on Part 25 NPRM 2012 9 28