The Global Spectrum Fight That Could Define U.S. Satellite Leadership

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New America’s Wireless Future Program and the International Center for Law & Economics co-hosted a June 30 webinar on the global spectrum negotiations that will help shape the future of U.S. satellite leadership.

At next year’s World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27) in Shanghai, governments will negotiate the international spectrum rules that govern satellite communications. Those decisions could determine whether America’s leading low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite operators—including Starlink and Amazon Kuiper—can expand capacity, lower costs, and deliver new services at home and abroad.

The webinar examined why the United States must establish clear priorities well before the conference begins. Success at WRC-27 will require strong U.S. positions and effective coalition-building with international partners.

The discussion focused on the satellite issues most likely to shape the conference agenda, the positions the United States should advance, and what is at stake for American innovation, economic competitiveness, and global connectivity.

Key Issues

Outdated Power Limits on LEO Transmissions 

Current rules cap transmission power in ways that restrict service capacity and no longer reflect technological or competitive realities. 

The Russia-Iran Authorization Proposal 

A proposal would prohibit satellite transmissions into countries where an operator lacks local authorization, giving governments an effective veto over services offered by U.S. satellite operators. 

New Paper Release

At the webinar, New America and ICLE released a new paper recommending U.S. positions on five key satellite issues at WRC-27 to advance American economic interests and values.

Speakers

Arpan Sura
Senior Counsel to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr

Kristian Stout
Director of Innovation Policy, International Center for Law & Economics

Michael Calabrese
Director, Wireless Future Program, New America