FCC Internet Satellite Regulations
The Federal Communications Comission is responsible for regulating all types of Internet connection in the U.S, but surprisingly, satellite Internet regulations are more relaxed than for DSL and cable. The reason for this is that satellite Internet is tied to several valuable political and social initiatives, of which the FCC is an active part.
Other People Are Reading
-
Significance
-
The FCC and the government as a whole view satellite Internet as a viable solution for providing access to the rural parts of the country. While solid line providers of DSL and cable may be reluctant to hook up remote areas due to costs, satellite providers don't have this issue. Additionally, the cost of the dish can be born by the consumer.
Broadband Technology Opportunities Program
-
Part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of February 2009, this program sets out to guarantee full broadband coverage of the entire U.S population. The FCC has been tasked with setting up a national broadband plan, and satellite broadband is a big part of that, covering remote areas.
-
Definitions
-
Satellite Internet is considered broadband by default, and therefore most of the rules are the same as for other types of broadband. Primary among these is speed, which must be at a minimum of 200 kilobits per second. The service must be "always on" like other broadband services. However, the FCC does allow for extreme weather disruptions. Satellite broadband must support all known Internet protocol applications, especially VoIP.
Telecommunications Act
-
Passed in 1996, this act includes the Over the Air Reception Devices rule, which is the main law regulating consumer satellite Internet. The rule makes the installation of basic satellite dishes easy and almost regulation-free, so long as the dish is under one meter in diameter and used for non-broadcast reception, including data or broadband. This rule allows placing dishes wherever a tenant has exclusive access, even patios.
Prohibited restrictions
-
Based on the above rules, the FCC's authority makes it illegal to impose unnecessary restrictions on the installation of satellite Internet. If the equipment passes safety checks for interference and emanation, which are the same as for any satellite dish of similar size, local governments can't limit private installation nor impose unreasonable fees. No license is required by individuals as far as the FCC is concerned.
Computer Rules legislation
-
Back in 1980, the FCC cemented its Computer Rules principle, which mandated telephone companies allow Internet providers to purchase transmission capability toward sending data to customers. This rule tied the Internet to dial-up for over two decades, but was superseded by the Broadband ISP Act of 2006. This legislation makes the selling of bandwidth to ISPs optional, compelling them to look into alternative technologies, including satellite, which is independent of the phone line backbone.
Recommended performance
-
The FCC suggests consumers expect actual speeds of 500 kilobits per second for downloads and 80 kilobits per second for uploads. However, these are not rules beyond the 200 Kbps minimum. The FCC also reminds consumers that line of sight between the transmission source, orbiting satellites and consumer dish makes a big difference in performance. It's made clear that satellite service differs from DSL and cable in that it's indirect.
-
