The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has opened a public comment period on international satellite market access, as U.S. regulators examine whether American operators face growing barriers overseas.
The notice, issued on March 3, invites feedback on the current state of foreign market access for U.S. satellite companies and how regulatory policies abroad could affect future operations.
According to the FCC, the United States has long allowed international satellite operators to access the domestic market. A framework established in 1997 permits non-U.S.-licensed space stations to provide services in the United States.
The agency noted that roughly one-quarter of the more than 200 satellite systems currently approved by the FCC are licensed by foreign administrations.
The consultation comes amid concerns about the proposed EU Space Act, which aims to unify space policy across the European Union. The draft legislation could introduce new regulatory requirements for non-European companies seeking access to the EU satellite market.
The law is still under development and is not expected to take effect until 2030.
Brendan Carr said the United States has historically maintained an open approach toward foreign satellite operators but warned that American companies may face increasing restrictions abroad.
“For decades, the U.S. has welcomed foreign satellite operators into our market. But restrictions on U.S. operators in other countries have persisted,” Carr said in a statement. “And now, new barriers are emerging that constrain U.S. businesses operating abroad, including in the draft E.U. Space Law & their Digital Networks Act.”
Carr discussed the issue with European telecommunications and technology regulators during meetings at the Mobile World Congress earlier this week.
He told Politico that the United States could adopt a reciprocal regulatory approach if the EU imposes restrictions on foreign satellite providers.
“It’s called reciprocity,” Carr said in a post on X. “And it is revealing to see how strongly Europeans react when told that European businesses operating in the U.S. will be treated the same as American businesses operating in the EU.”
The FCC said the comment process will help assess how evolving international regulations could affect competition and access in the global satellite communications market.
