Page 94 - SAMENA Trends - August-September 2025

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

FCC Floats Ground Control Changes

The US Federal Communications boosting the “nascent ground-station-as- without “first identifying a specific satellite”
Commission (FCC) agreed fresh rules for a-service” model would aid smaller space communication point. Offering operators,
the nation’s space sector to encourage companies by enabling “multiple satellite a simplified notification process when
greater participation by start-ups and systems to share the same ground station”, communication points are added “would
new businesses. Reforms were agreed removing “needless paperwork” and eliminate approximately 49 per cent of
to boost development of neutral-host regulatory barriers, and commence services earth station modification applications”.
ground infrastructure, an approach the without building their own terrestrial Simplified application processes for space
Commission noted had been successful receivers. The FCC’s amendments mean and earth stations were also passed, and
in the broader wireless industry. It stated ground station operators can be licensed the FCC broadened the list of license
modifications which will not require
previous approval, a move it stated would
particularly benefit the Geostationary Earth
Orbit satellite sector. FCC chair Brendan
Carr said the space sector is “a key pillar”
of moves to boost the US economy, with a
value in excess of $600 billion. A correct
regulatory framework should see US
companies “lead the world” in the field,
he said. Concurrently, the FCC detailed
plans to overhaul processes for deploying
high-speed infrastructure including 5G by
reviewing its environmental protections
with a view to simplifying planning
permission processes.

T-Mobile US Wraps Up $4.4B Deal for UScellular Assets

T-Mobile US completed its acquisition of have access to T-Mobile’s fixed wireless and a larger presence in rural markets.
most of UScellular’s wireless assets, access broadband service in their homes. Former UScellular CEO Laurent Therival
significantly expanding its network and T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert stated on Q2 stated the completion of the deal “is a win
customer base through the $4.4 billion earnings call adding UScellular’s spectrum for customers and communities across the
deal. The completion of the deal came after will give it a 50 per cent increase in capacity United States”.
the mobile operator agreed in early July to
end its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)
practices, which led to the US Department
of Justice’s antitrust division dropping its
investigation. The agreement included
T-Mobile acquiring customers, stores and
30 per cent of UScellular’s spectrum.
Former UScellular customers will be
allowed to stay on their current mobile
phone plans with most of their devices
continuing to work on T-Mobile’s network.
Once the networks and systems are
integrated, T-Mobile stated those
subscribers can migrate to one of its
premium plans which include benefits such
as free international roaming, device
upgrades, and access to Netflix or Apple+.
Lastly, UScellular’s former subscribers now

94 AUG-SEP 2025