FCC Adopts New Licensing Regime for Submarine Cable SLTE
Submarine cable SLTE owners and operators must meet new FCC licensing and national security requirements to retain operational authorization and avoid enforcement penalties.
On June 25, the FCC issued a Second Report and Order creating a mandatory blanket licensing regime for all entities that own or operate submarine line terminal equipment (SLTE) connected to U.S. cable landing points, paired with new national security reporting and certification mandates. The rules also establish an expedited review track for applicants meeting 10 specified national security standards, exempting them from standard Team Telecom review. Existing SLTE operators and submarine cable licensees must evaluate compliance with new filing requirements for modifications, transfers, renewals and ongoing operations, and update internal national security protocols to align with the FCC’s new requirements prior to the effective date.