Remarks of Chief of Staff Brooke Donilon at the USTTI Satellite Connectivity Training in Ghana

Satellite communications are connecting the world and delivering global access to information. While Geostationary orbit satellites have served a valuable connectivity mission for decades, low- and medium- Earth satellite constellations in non-Geostationary orbits offer new opportunities that complement existing services. Importantly: there’s plenty of room for all LEO, MEO, and GEO operators in today's satellite industry. In short: there’s a lot of space in space. Additional options mean greater connectivity and resilience with new space vendors working with existing space vendors on novel uses of technology in space (like power stations, manufacturing, and data centers)—all powered and supported by satellite communications. While GSO constellations remain useful as providers of reliable and continuous coverage, the rise of LEO providers presents new opportunities for the entire satellite industry. We believe you share our view that satellite communications enable us to connect the unconnected, bring relief in disasters, provide opportunities for entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises, advance the space economy, and continue to build and ensure a secure and trustworthy global Information and Communication Technology ecosystem. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration, alongside our colleagues from across the U.S. Government, is working to improve access to secure and trusted satellite connectivity, and we hope to discuss with you this week how your countries can deliver such connectivity to your people.