Commissioner Simington Addresses Incompas Policy Summit

I focus my remarks on the satellite service sector—both what I see for its future and what the Federal Communications Commission can do today to ensure its success. Starting with direct-to-cell—I am pleased to see that the FCC is crafting a flexible framework that allows the US to take the lead on policymaking for this new service, while also ensuring that we do not constrict innovation and fledgling business models. A strong but flexible regulatory framework is the best approach for bolstering both America’s leadership and industry’s success. Turning to streamlining of application processing, I think that the most important thing the FCC can do is to ensure swift and efficient action on its part. Finally, I’d like to touch on orbital debris. I have said throughout the ongoing FCC proceeding and in several speeches before industry that we should apply the same orbital debris rules to both U.S-licensed providers and market access licensees—which are foreign licensed entities who provide service in the US. The FCC must move in this direction as a high-priority policy goal.