Bill Overview
Title: SAT Streamlining Act of 2022
Description: This bill directs the Federal Communications Commission to revise its regulations that govern licenses and grants of U.S. market access (and renewals and modifications of such licenses and grants) for geostationary and nongeostationary orbital satellites. Geostationary orbital satellites maintain a stationary position in orbit while nongeostationary satellites move in relation to the Earth's surface. These satellites may be used to provide broadband and other telecommunications services. Matters that must be addressed in the regulations include deadlines for decisions regarding the licenses or grants of market access, space safety and orbital debris, and sharing of the electromagnetic spectrum band by licensees and grantees.
Sponsors: Rep. McMorris Rodgers, Cathy [R-WA-5]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals who rely on or are employed within the satellite telecommunications sector
Estimated Size: 300000000
- The SAT Streamlining Act of 2022 affects regulations on satellite licenses, which will impact satellite service providers as they will need to apply for these licenses or renewals.
- Telecommunications companies that rely on satellite technology for service provision will be directly impacted, especially those involved in broadband services.
- Consumers of broadband and telecommunications services provided via these satellites may experience changes in service quality or pricing resulting from changes in regulations impacting cost or efficiency for providers.
- Changes in regulations concerning space safety and orbital debris have implications for environmental safety and sustainability sectors.
- Companies involved in the innovation and development of satellite technology may be indirectly impacted by shifts in market dynamics, competitiveness, and regulatory requirements.
- Customs and international regulatory bodies concerned with U.S. market access will need to respond to alterations in license requirements with these nuances affecting global telecommunication firms.
Reasoning
- Satellite telecommunications impact a wide array of people, from industry professionals to end consumers of telecommunication services. So, implementing the SAT Streamlining Act may affect different demographics and occupational groups.
- Individuals in rural areas who rely on satellite broadband can be significantly affected if regulatory efficiencies lead to cost reductions or service quality improvements.
- Service providers within the telecommunications sector will experience direct impacts through streamlined regulatory processes, potentially reducing costs or increasing operational efficiencies.
- Younger demographics, especially those in technology-related fields, might have a more optimistic view of regulatory improvements, expecting positive changes in market dynamics or job opportunities.
- Rural and underserved communities are likely a key target group for improved satellite broadband services, and this will affect their standard of living if access improves.
- For urban professionals, changes may manifest in job environments rather than in direct service changes, unless competitive pricing adjustments affect broadband services in urban areas.
Simulated Interviews
Farmer (Rural Tennessee)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy will help improve our internet service because it's crucial for managing our farm operations efficiently.
- Right now, the service we have is pretty slow, and any improvements would be hugely beneficial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Tech Startup Entrepreneur (San Francisco, California)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Streamlining satellite license regulations could significantly enhance our ability to innovate and bring solutions to market faster.
- I'm particularly interested in how this will affect competition and collaboration globally.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Middle School Teacher (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't know if this will affect my internet service, but I'm hopeful for more affordable and reliable connectivity, especially for my students.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Telecommunications Consultant (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The streamlining process should aid our clients significantly in navigating the complex regulatory environment.
- I expect this to facilitate quicker adaptation to new market trends and needs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Environmental Engineer (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 32 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am concerned about the space safety measures and hope these regulations enforce stricter controls on debris.
- This could significantly reduce risks in our field.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Digital Marketing Specialist (New York, New York)
Age: 24 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am optimistic that policy changes may lead to better broadband pricing and connectivity.
- Faster, more reliable service would streamline digital marketing work greatly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Retired (Rural Iowa)
Age: 72 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful that any changes will make things cheaper or offer more consistent service.
- Currently, our service is pretty expensive.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
CEO of a Telecommunications Company (Austin, Texas)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm keenly interested in how these streamlined processes might save us time and money, and how they could introduce new competition.
- Anything that cuts bureaucratic red tape is welcome.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 6 |
College Student (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 18 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Faster and more affordable internet would be fantastic. It's something I heavily rely on for my studies and social interactions.
- Satellite tech is extremely fascinating, and any policy that supports its growth could create new learning opportunities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Software Developer (Boston, Massachusetts)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- More efficient satellite regulations will likely hasten the advancement of tech and applications I work on, which is exciting.
- From a consumer's perspective, it could foster innovation and maybe improve service quality.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $45000000 (Low: $35000000, High: $55000000)
Year 2: $47000000 (Low: $37000000, High: $57000000)
Year 3: $49000000 (Low: $39000000, High: $59000000)
Year 5: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Regulatory changes could both streamline and improve safety, potentially catalyzing industry growth.
- Initial costs may be high due to the complexity of overhauling current FCC processes and systems.
- Long-term savings and benefits are expected to offset initial costs through improved efficiency and safety.
- Impact on global competitiveness of U.S. satellite and telecom firms should be considered.
- Potential for job creation within defense, satellite operations, and administrative roles.