SAT Streamlining Act

This bill, known as the Satellite And Telecommunications Streamlining Act, aims to significantly amend the Communications Act of 1934 by establishing clear and timely processes for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding radiofrequency licensing. Its primary purpose is to streamline the application, renewal, and modification procedures for licenses and market access grants related to satellite and earth station operations, thereby promoting efficiency and innovation in the telecommunications sector. The Act introduces specific deadlines for FCC decisions on various applications. For instance, it mandates a 1-year timeframe for the FCC to determine whether to grant initial applications and major amendments for both non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) and geostationary orbit (GSO) space station licenses and market access. Applications for receive-only earth stations are subject to an even shorter 30-day review period. Furthermore, the bill sets a 180-day deadline for the FCC to act on requests for license renewals. It also provides for expedited treatment of minor modifications to licenses, such as those that increase transmission capacity or improve spectral efficiency, requiring a decision within 90 days. The FCC is directed to issue rules within 12 months to define these expedited modification classes and establish policies that foster competition and efficient spectrum use. A significant provision is the "deemed granted" clause, which stipulates that if the FCC fails to meet the specified deadlines for certain applications or requests, they will be automatically granted upon the applicant's written notice of the missed deadline. The bill also includes provisions for emergency grants, renewals, or modifications, allowing for temporary operations under extraordinary circumstances for up to 180 days. To address national security concerns, the Act requires the FCC to refer applications with "reportable foreign ownership" to the Committee for the Assessment of Foreign Participation in the United States Telecommunications Services Sector for review. The FCC retains discretion to refer other applications for similar scrutiny and may extend deadlines for these reviews, provided it issues public notice and informs Congress. Additionally, the legislation prohibits state and local governments from regulating the rates charged by these licensees or grantees, though they may still regulate other terms and conditions. The Act clarifies that its provisions do not apply to experimental or amateur radio services.