Cross-border terrestrial telecommunications cable licensing

(a) In general No person may construct, connect, operate, or maintain in the United States a terrestrial telecommunications cable directly connecting the United States with a foreign country unless a written license to construct, connect, operate, or maintain such cable has been issued by the Commission. (b) Requirements A terrestrial telecommunications cable for which a license is required under subsection (a) shall be subject to the same requirements under the Act of May 27, 1921, as amended by this Act, as a submarine cable for which a submarine cable license is required, to the maximum extent practicable (as determined by the Commission). (c) Relationship to certain other requirements Executive Order 13867 (84 Fed. Reg. 15491; relating to issuance of permits with respect to facilities and land transportation crossings at the international boundaries of the United States) does not apply with respect to a terrestrial telecommunications cable for which a license is required under subsection (a). (d) Application process Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commission shall promulgate regulations to establish a single application for— (1) a license under subsection (a); and (2) any other Federal authorization required with respect to a terrestrial telecommunications cable for which a license is required under subsection (a). (e) Applicability Subsections (a), (b), and (c) shall apply with respect to a terrestrial telecommunications cable that is constructed after the date on which the Commission promulgates regulations under subsection (d).