FCC Exempts Space From NEPA and Opens 1 GHz of Spectrum

The FCC voted to exempt space operations, launches and Earth stations from NEPA environmental review and freed over 1,000 MHz in the 12.7 and 42 GHz bands for satellite broadband. Launch activities remain subject to FAA review.

• Space operations and spectrum licenses no longer count as major federal actions under NEPA
• Over 1,000 MHz opened in the 12.7 and 42 GHz bands for satellite communications
• 12.7 GHz gets a bi-directional plan; 42 GHz adopts light licensing
• FCC also opened a rulemaking on 1,450 MHz in Ku-, Ka- and D-bands