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ARTICLE · 17 JULY 2026

FCC Establishes New Submarine Cable Licensing Requirements, Seeks Comment On Additional Measures

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The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has released new rules governing submarine cable landing licenses that introduce a licensing framework for terminal equipment operators, implement enhanced national security certifications, and establish a fast-track approval process for applications meeting specific security standards.

United StatesMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Denise Wood
Denise Wood
Liam Fulling
Liam Fulling
Trina Kwon
Trina Kwon

On June 30, 2026, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Second Report and Order and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Second Order) related to its submarine cable landing license rules and the associated procedures to assess evolving national security, law enforcement, foreign policy, and trade policy risks.

The Second Order seeks to facilitate faster, more efficient deployment of submarine cables while strengthening national security. It builds upon the FCC’s 2025 Submarine Cable First Report and Order (First Order) by:

  • adopting a licensing requirement for Submarine Line Terminal Equipment (SLTE) owners and/or operators, inclusive of routine conditions and reporting requirements;

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