Conclusion

Next year’s World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27) agenda is unusual for its heavy emphasis on satellite issues. That focus presents an important opportunity for the United States to shape the global policies that will influence the future of one of the world’s fastest-growing communications industries.

In many respects, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is now addressing satellite policy issues that the United States has already resolved—or is in the process of resolving—through domestic regulatory reforms. This places the United States in a strong position to lead international discussions and advocate proven policies that promote innovation, competition, and efficient spectrum use. A sustained U.S. focus on the agenda items discussed in this paper is essential both to maintaining American leadership in satellite communications and to preventing competitors and geopolitical rivals from shaping international rules in ways that disadvantage U.S. firms and technologies.

The best path forward is clear: establish strong U.S. positions early, build domestic consensus, develop regional support through the Inter-American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL), and engage actively in coalition-building before WRC-27 convenes. Doing so will maximize the likelihood that the conference produces outcomes consistent with U.S. economic interests, technological leadership, and broader policy values.