Pending Submarine Cable Applications

Submarine Cable Landing License Applications

To land or operate a submarine cable in the United States, submarine cable operators must obtain a cable landing license from the FCC.  The FCC’s Office of International Affairs, Telecommunications and Analysis Division (TAD) issues licenses to own and operate submarine cables and associated landing stations in the United States pursuant to the Commission’s authority under the Cable Landing License Act of 1921 and Executive Order No. 10530.  Before granting the application, the FCC coordinates with the Department of State and any other agencies, as needed.

As of Feburary 2025, there are 16 pending new submarine cable landing license or renewal applications.  The applications listed in the table below are pending applications for new cable landing licenses or renewals.  The table provides a link to an Accepted for Filing Public Notice (AFF PN) if the Office of International Affairs has reviewed the application and placed it on an AFF PN, or a link to the application.  The applications listed in this table do not include modifications and transfers of control or assignments of existing cable landing licenses.  A complete list of all pending submarine cable applications, including modifications and transfer of control or assignment applications, can be found in IBFS at FCC Submarine Cable Landing Pending Applications List By File Number.