Both organisations are formed from what was previously the FCC’s International Bureau. The leadership personnel are Julie Kearney as Chief of the Space Bureau and Ethan Lucarelli as Chief of the Office of International Affairs.
“Our country’s economic success today and in the future relies on space-based connections,” said FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel. “Whether it’s bringing broadband to hard-to-connect rural communities, closing mobile dead zones, or linking freedom-seeking people across the globe, satellite connectivity is fundamental to improving our quality of life and maintaining our economic success. That is why the FCC has made important structural changes to meet the needs of space innovation.”
The Space Bureau (SB), in the words of the FCC will “promote a competitive and innovative global communications marketplace by leading policy and licensing matters related to satellite and space-based communications and activities”.
Specific responsibilities include policy analysis and rulemaking, authorising satellite and earth station systems used for space-based services, and to streamline regulatory processes “to provide maximum flexibility for operators to meet customer needs; and foster the efficient use of scarce spectrum and orbital resources”.
The Bureau is also intended to serve as the FCC’s focal point for coordination with other U.S. government agencies on space matters, and collaborate with the Office of International Affairs for consultations with other countries and international organisations involved with satellite and space policy matters.
Personnel
Kearney, of the Space Bureau, joined the Commission in February as Senior Counsel. Prior to her FCC work, she worked in the private sector for communications companies including Twilio, Loon (Alphabet), National Public Radio, MCI, the Consumer Technology Association and in private legal practice.
Lucarelli, of the Office of International Affairs, has recently served as Legal Advisor to the FCC’s Chairwoman Rosenworcel on wireless and international policy issues. Prior to working for the FCC, he worked for Inmarsat, Wiley Rein LLP, and continues to lecture at the George Washington University Law School.
“The launch of these two fundamentally important Commission departments will succeed because of the FCC’s outstanding staff,” added Rosenworcel.
“These hard-working, talented professionals interface with our international counterparts, modernize our satellite and orbital debris rules, review license requests for undersea cables upon which international interconnectivity relies, and much more. I thank them for their service and thank all those across the agency that worked to make this reorganization a reality.”
Tune in now to watch the Launch of FCC Office of International Affairs and Space Bureau at https://t.co/e2rkGHCO8e. #FCCLive
— The FCC (@FCC) April 11, 2023
See also: FCC approves Boeing broadband satellite constellation
