- The Satellite Industry Association (SIA) emphasizes the need for expanded spectrum resources to cater to the growing demand in the commercial space industry.
- SIA’s recent Spectrum Report calls for a national policy prioritizing additional spectrum for the U.S. commercial space sector.
October 4, 2023, WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES — The Satellite Industry Association (SIA) has made a clarion call for the expansion of spectrum resources to meet the surging demand for commercial space industry services. According to the SIA Spectrum Report unveiled today, there’s a pressing need for a national policy that earmarks more spectrum for the U.S. commercial space industry.
Satellite and space services have become an integral part of the daily lives of countless Americans. Their significance is further accentuated by their growing integration into 5G, and the anticipated integration into 6G. The urgency for more spectrum access is underscored by the exponential growth of the U.S. commercial satellite and space sector. Data reveals that while 2017 saw just over 1,700 satellites in Earth orbit, 2023 has already witnessed the launch of approximately 2,200 satellites.
By the close of this year, nearly 10,000 satellites are projected to be in orbit. For the U.S. to maintain its global leadership in the space race and to support a burgeoning industry, a comprehensive multi-agency policy is imperative. This policy should cater to the spectrum requirements of the commercial satellite and space community.
Tom Stroup, president of the Satellite Industry Association, commented, “To meet the significantly increasing demands of government, enterprise, and consumer customers for space industry services, domestic regulators must not only provide continued access to existing allocations, but additional spectrum must also be made available in the low, mid, and high bands. Satellite and space radiocommunications services play a pivotal role in numerous applications that bolster economics, health, education, public safety, emergency response, national security, and more. As we transition to a 6G era, it’s paramount that the commercial satellite industry can tap into both existing and new spectrum allocations to uphold America’s leadership in space.”
About The Satellite Industry Association (SIA): SIA is a premier U.S.-based trade association that represents leading satellite operators, service providers, manufacturers, launch services providers, and ground equipment suppliers. For over two decades, SIA has championed the cause of the U.S. satellite industry on various fronts including policy, regulatory, and legislative matters. More details can be found at www.sia.org.
