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In the 2023 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission proposed a new regulatory framework for Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS) that would facilitate the integration of satellite and terrestrial networks through partnerships between satellite operators and terrestrial service providers on flexible-use spectrum licensed to terrestrial services.  The proposed framework would enable expanded coverage to a terrestrial licensee’s subscribers, especially in remote, unserved, and underserved areas, and would increase the availability of emergency communications.

In the 2024 Report and Order, the Commission adopted a regulatory framework for SCS that will serve important public interest goals, including expanding the reach of communications services, particularly emergency services, so that connectivity and emergency assistance is available in more remote places.  The framework will also spur advancements in space-based technologies that will position the United States as a global leader in this arena, and promote the innovative and efficient use of our nation’s spectrum resources.  The Commission authorized SCS only in certain spectrum bands and only where one or more terrestrial licensees together holding all licenses on the relevant channel throughout a defined geographically independent area lease access to their spectrum rights to a participating satellite operator.  The Report and Order also imposed technical rules in an effort to mitigate harmful interference.

In the Report and Order, in recognition that this new offering has the potential to bring life-saving connectivity to remote areas, the Commission adopted interim 911 call and text routing requirements to ensure that help is available to those who need it today while the Commission works toward enabling automatic location-based routing of all emergency communications.  In the 2024 Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission sought to further develop the record on 911 service for SCS connections, including the use of location-based routing to route SCS voice calls directly to an appropriate Public Safety Answering Point.  In addition, the Commission sought further comment on procedures related to the protection of radio astronomy.