FCC Establishes Rules To Further Enable Wireless Connectivity on Planes

On December 28, 2012, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC or Commission) released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Report and Order (Order) establishing technical and licensing rules to promote wireless connectivity to passengers on airborne aircraft. The administrative regime created by the Order - for Earth Stations Aboard Aircraft (ESAA) as an application of the Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) - replaces what was previously an ad hoc authorization process for the use of these satellite communications systems.