Bill Overview
Title: Secure Space Act of 2022
Description: This bill prohibits the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from granting licenses or access to U.S. markets for non-geostationary orbit satellite systems to certain producers or providers of communications equipment or services. Specifically, the FCC may not grant a license or market access to an entity that produces or provides equipment or a service that the FCC determines poses an unacceptable risk to national security or the security and safety of U.S. persons (e.g., Huawei Technologies Company and China Mobile International USA Inc.). Non-geostationary satellite systems are comprised of satellites that do not maintain a stationary position but rather move in relation to the Earth's surface; they may be used to provide broadband and other telecommunications services.
Sponsors: Rep. Pallone, Frank, Jr. [D-NJ-6]
Target Audience
Population: People who rely on non-geostationary satellite systems for telecommunications
Estimated Size: 100000000
- The bill targets non-geostationary satellite systems, which are used for telecommunications, including broadband services.
- Many businesses and consumers rely on satellite systems for communication, especially in rural and remote areas where traditional infrastructure is lacking.
- The legislation could impact companies like Huawei and China Mobile by restricting their access to U.S. markets, affecting their global operations and strategies.
- This could lead to an increase in the costs of telecommunication services in the U.S. if competition decreases.
Reasoning
- The primary impact group includes rural and remote communities that depend on non-geostationary satellites for internet and telecommunications. These areas lack traditional infrastructure, making satellite services vital.
- Businesses using satellite communications, especially those with a reliance on international providers like those potentially restricted by the policy, might experience increased costs if fewer companies can serve U.S. markets.
- National security measures affect all citizens by potentially reducing risks associated with compromised communications infrastructure, even though this benefit is less directly observable.
- Urban populations may be less affected due to alternative communications infrastructure (e.g., fiber, cable).
- The cultural perspective, largely influenced by geopolitical opinions, can shift public perception on the need and effectiveness of such a policy.
Simulated Interviews
small business owner (rural Idaho)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I rely heavily on satellite internet to keep my business running, especially in rural Idaho where options are limited.
- I understand the need for national security, but I hope this doesn't mean higher costs for me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
telecommunications analyst (urban New York)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Our company might have to rethink its strategy if we lose access to certain technologies.
- It could mean more investment in alternative systems, which isn't a bad thing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
teacher (rural Appalachia)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Internet is crucial for my students’ learning. Any negative impact would be worrying.
- I hope this policy will lead to more reliable and secure internet services.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
fisherman (remote Alaska)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Dependable satellite services are crucial for my safety and work efficiency.
- I understand the security concerns but hope services won’t become less affordable.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
stay-at-home parent (suburban Ohio)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't think this bill will impact us much as we use cable and DSL lines for most of our internet needs.
- Still, I appreciate any step that protects us nationally.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
retired engineer (rural Wyoming)
Age: 63 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm all for policies that keep our communications systems secure and free from foreign control.
- We need to ensure our country's safety, even if it means sacrificing some conveniences.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
university student (urban Los Angeles)
Age: 22 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's important that our tech stays secure and isn't dominated by giants that could spy on us.
- I hope this doesn't affect my internet speeds or costs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
farmer (rural Texas)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Satellites are crucial for my farm operations to track weather and manage crops.
- I hope we don't face service issues or higher prices because of this.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
software developer (urban San Francisco)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My work indirectly involves satellites but not in the way that’s likely affected by this policy.
- I'm glad our government takes proactive steps to secure tech sectors.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
IT consultant (suburban Colorado)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Balancing security with functionality is important, and this policy seems to address that.
- As long as satellite internet remains accessible, I'm supportive.
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 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 2: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 3: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 5: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 10: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 100: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Key Considerations
- The main cost involves the FCC's implementation and enforcement of the bill, including staff and operational adjustments.
- National security benefits, while difficult to quantify, potentially protect against significant long-term costs.
- Market concentration in satellite telecommunications might lead to higher costs for consumers and businesses, especially in rural areas.