Broadcasters Want Non-GSO Satellite Operators (Meaning SpaceX) to Shoulder More FCC Fees
The National Association of Broadcasters says proposed earth station fees would burden fixed satellite facilities
WASHINGTON, June 17, 2026 – Broadcasters are pushing back against the Federal Communications Commission's proposed fee hike for earth stations, arguing that low-Earth-orbit broadband operators like Elon Musk’s Starlink should shoulder more of the agency’s regulatory costs.
The National Association of Broadcasters told FCC staff last week that the agency’s proposed 46% increase in regulatory fees for earth station licenses would unfairly burden broadcasters that use fixed satellite facilities to distribute programming.
