Neal Dunn: “It is imperative that the United States continues to lead in satellite communications technology and space exploration…”

“It is imperative that the United States continues to lead in satellite communications technology and space exploration to ensure our global competitiveness. In today's world, indispensable spectrum resources know no borders or boundaries, and they must be used to enhance space and satellite operations, provide broadband access to our fellow Americans, and enhance America's security capability. As our private-sector partners continue to innovate, the Federal Government can play a collaborative role through the modernization of the launch spectrum licensing process. This is why I joined my esteemed colleague from Florida (Mr. Soto) in reintroducing the Launch Communications Act. This updates and simplifies an outdated regulatory process so the U.S. can maintain our competitiveness in space exploration. Currently, commercial missions launching from the United States to space must use government-owned spectrum to communicate with the rockets during launch and reentry. Additionally, these private companies must apply to the FCC who must then coordinate with the NTIA to receive special temporary authority to use such spectrum each time they launch. The Launch Communications Act will lift the burden of obtaining many authorizations and enable the private companies to temporarily use certain spectrum bands for satellite launches when needed.…”