FCC Chair Outlines Priorities for Space Economy
Brendan Kerr, chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), delivered his first significant speech in this new role within the Trump administration, outlining six main priorities for his term, particularly focusing on advancing the United States’ position in the “space economy.”
“We continue to progress from the ground to the airwaves, and now it’s time to look at space,” Kerr remarked during a speech on Wednesday in South Dakota. He emphasized that “the American Build Agenda enhances the nation’s space economy. The final frontier is now inhabited by new satellite constellations that play a crucial role in America’s economic and geopolitical strategies.”
Kerr elaborated on this by mentioning key guiding principles which are speed, simplicity, security, and an abundance of satellite spectrum. Since 2017, he has been an FCC commissioner prior to being appointed chair at Trump’s inauguration in January. His trip to Sioux Falls was to speak at Vikor, a telecommunications infrastructure construction company’s headquarters.
The speech, titled “Building the American Agenda,” highlighted the FCC’s ambitious plans under Kerr’s direction.
Regarding the space economy, Kerr indicated the FCC has already made strides. He stated, “The FCC has been clearing the backlog of satellite system applications. This type of acceleration is undoubtedly essential. In fact, in recent years, American innovators have shown impressive speed in building and launching satellite constellations.”
Kerr also stated, “The Build America agenda supercharges the licensing process by standardizing reviews through more objective metrics, ensuring American orbital benefits persist in the upcoming years.”
In addition to the focus on space, Kerr laid out five other priorities, which include improving infrastructure, reviving American leadership in wireless technology, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, modernizing FCC operations, enhancing national security and public safety, and bolstering the American workforce.
He pointed out that the FCC still has regulations concerning outdated technologies like telegraphs and “rabbit ear” television receivers. His tenure aims to streamline the agency’s operations and shift its focus to future challenges.
Kerr indicated a significant overhaul was on the horizon, stating, “The FCC currently maintains rules that govern telegraph services, rabbit ear receivers, and telephone booths. Starting next month, we will eliminate these outdated regulations, cutting down 40 rules and removing over 7,000 words from federal regulatory codes.”
Kerr outlined his collaboration with President Trump to maintain America’s leadership in technology, aiming to expand 5G deployment and outpace China in the artificial intelligence sector.
“One of my first initiatives as chair was to create a new national security council within the agency,” he mentioned. “Our agenda aims to ensure that the U.S. remains at the forefront against China in critical technology competitions. Whether it’s 5G, 6G, or AI, we intend for U.S. standards to be recognized as the benchmark globally.”
