Brendan Carr, the newly appointed chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under President Donald Trump, delivered his first major speech as FCC chair, outlining six key priorities for his leadership. Among these priorities, Carr emphasized the ‘space economy’ as a central focus, aiming to position the United States as a dominant force in space-related technologies and satellite systems. He argued that the FCC’s role in accelerating satellite deployment is critical to maintaining the nation’s economic and geopolitical advantages.
Carr’s speech in South Dakota detailed the ‘Build America Agenda,’ which includes streamlining regulatory processes to expedite approvals for satellite systems. He noted that federal agencies have historically been slower than the pace of innovation in this sector, and his leadership aims to rectify that. Carr also highlighted the importance of modernizing infrastructure, enhancing wireless leadership, and countering the growing influence of China in critical technologies such as 5G, 6G, and artificial intelligence. By promoting U.S. standards as the global norm, he stated, the administration seeks to solidify America’s position as a technological leader.
Carr’s remarks also included a focus on eliminating outdated FCC regulations, such as those governing telegraph service, rabbit ear broadcast TV receivers, and phone booths. He announced plans to remove over 7,000 words from the Code of Federal Regulations, streamlining the agency’s operations for the future. This approach reflects a broader Trump administration strategy to cut red tape and support technological advancement. Carr emphasized that the FCC’s new council on National Security will play a key role in ensuring the U.S. maintains its competitive edge over China in emerging technologies.