INCOMPAS Emphasizes Need for Streamlined Permitting for Undersea Cable and Competitive Satellite Markets While Safeguarding National Security
WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 1, 2025 – Following yesterday’s House Energy and Commerce Communications and Technology Subcommittee hearing on “Global Networks at Risk: Securing the Future of Telecommunications Infrastructure,” INCOMPAS, the internet and competitive networks association, reiterated the need for policy solutions that enhance national security while ensuring continued investment in America’s vital undersea cable and satellite communications infrastructure.
“Yesterday’s hearing highlighted the critical importance of both undersea cable infrastructure and satellite systems as essential lifelines that power our economy,” said Christopher L. Shipley, Executive Director of Public Policy at INCOMPAS. “As representatives of competitive communications providers, we believe protecting these assets requires smart policies that balance legitimate security concerns with the need for continued innovation and infrastructure deployment. This means streamlining permitting processes for new infrastructure including undersea cables, enhancing satellite licensing certainty, and establishing sensible security protocols without imposing unnecessary regulatory burdens.”
Building on its recent FCC comments regarding undersea cable rules, INCOMPAS recommends a comprehensive approach that includes:
- Streamlined Permitting and Licensing: Removing deployment barriers for both undersea cables and satellite systems while maintaining appropriate security reviews. Procedural improvements should focus on expediting approvals without compromising national security assessments.
- Enhanced Interagency Coordination: Supporting coordinated security evaluations between the FCC, Team Telecom agencies, and the State Department to ensure comprehensive yet efficient security assessments.
- Protecting Critical Infrastructure: Avoiding requirements to disclose unnecessarily sensitive information about infrastructure that could create additional security vulnerabilities.
- ‘All of the Above’ Deployment Strategy: Promoting policies that enable multiple providers to deploy diverse network technologies, from fiber and 5G to low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, creating resilience through competition.
“We’re encouraged by the bipartisan recognition that America’s infrastructure security requires both protection and continued investment. Our recommendations aim to support the dual objectives of enhancing national security while preventing unnecessary regulatory burdens that could impede network development. INCOMPAS stands ready to collaborate with Congress and the FCC on solutions that strengthen America as a global leader in telecommunications,” added Shipley.
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