FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel announces plan for a Space Bureau

Edinburgh / Washington, 4 November 2022. – Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, announced a plan to reorganize the agency to better support the needs of the growing satellite industry, promote long-term technical capacity at the FCC, and navigate 21^st century global communications policy, the FCC said.  Under the plan, the FCC’s International Bureau will be reorganized into a Space Bureau and a standalone Office of International Affairs.  

The changes aim to ensure that the FCC’s resources are better aligned to the changing needs of the industry. This will help the agency to fulfil its statutory obligations and keep up with the satellite industry and global communications policy. Chairwoman Rosenworcel said that the reorganization was necessary as the FCC has received applications for 64,000 new satellites. In addition, new commercial models, new players, and new technologies are emerging that need access to wireless airwaves. 

The FFC licenses satellite radio frequency use and ensures the mitigation of orbital debris under the authority of the Communications Act of 1934. The Space Bureau will ensure the needed regulatory frameworks for licensing amid a rapidly changing space industry. Meanwhile, the stand-alone Office of International Affairs will allow experts to focus on matters of international communications regulation and licensing.