Satellite

Americans continue to demand more wireless data to power everything—from AI to wearables, digital streaming services, and more. In 2025 alone, Americans used a staggering 159.3 trillion megabytes of data—20 percent more data than was used the previous year and 39 percent more data than was used during the entire 4G decade. That growth reflects the increasingly central role wireless plays in everyday life, as data demand is expected to grow 4x by 2032. And the growth of AI will place an even greater strain on America’s wireless networks.

Rep Richard Hudson (R-NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, led a markup of six bills to strengthen communications networks and modernize satellite regulations. 

• H.R. 8255, the Satellite and Telecommunications Streamlining Act, was forwarded to the Full Committee.

• H.R. 9129, the GUARD Act, was forwarded to the Full Committee.

SpaceX is still pushing federal regulators to slash a broadband subsidy that supports rural internet service providers the company is increasingly competing with for subscribers. Three SpaceX attorneys and satellite policy chief Joseph Bissonnette recently met with staff from the Federal Communications Commission to press their case. 

Elon Musk's SpaceX is making moves to acquire more AWS-3 midband spectrum for Starlink's mobile satellite direct-to-device service and is getting closer to nationwide coverage in the US. In a recent Federal Communications Commission filing, SpaceX subsidiary Starlink Spectrum Holdings requested permission to transfer control of three unpaired AWS-3 licences in the 1695MHz–1710MHz band that are held by Tristar License Group.

With plans underway to launch massive constellations of satellites to deliver broadband services and support orbital AI data centers and other applications and services, the space economy is enjoying a boom time. But this growing and evolving sector will also need to adhere to current and coming regulations.

Shentel (Shenandoah Telecommunications Company) executives told investors and analysts on the company's recent Q2 earnings call that it saw less of an impact from satellite competitors than in Q1, particularly in its Glo Fiber regions, with satellite remaining "a relatively small contributor to churn." But the company is clearly keeping the low-Earth orbit satellite threat in its sights.

A new report from the Federal Communications Commission suggests that Starlink’s growth in the US has somehow tripled, reaching over 7 million subscribers. The 7 million figure is in the “Section 706” report from the FCC, which examines broadband access nationwide, covering fixed and mobile services. In releasing the report, the commission not only 

The Federal Communications Commission voted to adopt the agency’s annual Section 706 Report. Section 706 requires that the Commission report on “whether advanced telecommunications capability is being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion.” The Section 706 Report finds that advanced telecommunications capability is being deployed to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion. Key findings include:

The Texas Broadband Development Office placed a temporary hold on August 12 on all disbursements of billions of dollars in federal funds related to the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program.

For generations, the Caribbean has connected the world. Today, the means of connection have changed. The ships remain, but now they are joined by fiber-optic cables beneath the sea, satellites overhead, wireless networks across islands, and innovators building applications that can serve customers around the globe. The countries that embrace these technologies, encourage investment, and create space for innovation will not only build better communications networks. They will build stronger economies. More resilient societies. And greater opportunities for their citizens.