FCC Part 25 Satellite Rules Overhaul Takes Effect Monday

Revised Part 25 rules for satellite services take effect Monday, the FCC International Bureau said in a public notice in Wednesday's Daily Digest. The overhaul was adopted in December (see 1512170036). It comes with some changes in filing procedures, including use of the web-based Schedule S form becoming mandatory Monday, pro forma assignments or transfers of control of licenses held by telco carriers no longer requiring prior approval, and pro forma assignments or transfers of control by entities that aren't telco carriers being deemed granted one business day after filing as long as the applicant fills out the proper certifications. Notifications of pro forma transfer of control of a receive-only earth station are no longer required, and the bureau will begin accepting applications under the optional two-part licensing process for first-step applications and applications of "non-routine" transmissions starting at 2 p.m. Monday.