FCC overhauls orbital licensing with new Part 100 framework, what it means for Canadian operators

The FCC replaced legacy Part 25 space licensing rules with a modernised Part 100 framework on 22 July 2026, cutting approval timelines and extending licence terms to 20 years for low-Earth orbit constellations and earth stations. Canadian satellite operators face new reciprocity checks and mandatory space situational awareness data-sharing to access the U.S. market, whilst domestic U.S. subsidiaries gain direct access to expedited licensing.