Review of Submarine Cable Landing License Rules and Procedures To Assess Evolving National Security, Law Enforcement, Foreign Policy, and Trade Policy Risks
What happened
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a Second Report and Order on June 25, 2026, which became effective on September 25, 2026 (with some exceptions). This rule establishes a regulatory regime for licensing owners and/or operators of submarine line terminal equipment (SLTE), including granting a blanket license to certain current and future SLTE owners and/or operators. It also adopts national security-related conditions and reporting requirements, and allows applications meeting ten national security standards to be fast-tracked, avoiding referral to executive agencies. The policy was signed by Donald Trump.
Why it matters
This rule aims to accelerate investment and deployment of crucial submarine cable infrastructure for internet and communications, while also ensuring robust national security oversight. By bringing SLTE owners and operators under a licensing framework, the government gains more control over vital international data conduits, protecting against potential security risks.
Who it affects
- ›Owners and operators of submarine line terminal equipment (SLTE)
- ›Companies seeking to deploy submarine cables connecting to the U.S.
- ›Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
The receipts are official. The summary is ours.
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