Senate Commerce Advances Satellite Broadband Bill Amid Regulatory Overhaul
The Senate Commerce Committee passed a bipartisan bill to streamline FCC approvals for satellite internet deployments, targeting rural connectivity gaps. Amendments by Senator Maria Cantwell added oversight safeguards, balancing speed with regulatory scrutiny.
Sponsors Ted Cruz (R) and Peter Welch (D) argue current processes can't keep pace with SpaceX-led satellite proliferation. The MOVE coincides with Elon Musk's new filing for a million-satellite constellation to power AI data centers—a gambit that could reshape global broadband economics.