5G

Satellites eligible for FCC’s $9 billion 5G Fund for Rural America
The Federal Communications Commission approved the creation Oct. 27 of a 5G Fund for Rural America to distribute as much as $9 billion over the next decade to extend 5G wireless broadband connectivity to rural communities.

Boeing, Northrop Grumman win SES C-band satellite orders
Boeing and Northrop Grumman will each build two geostationary communications satellites for SES designed specifically for C-band services in the United States, SES announced June 16.

FCC approves $9.7 billion package to speed C-band clearing
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission on Feb. 28 voted to auction a large portion of C-band in December under a plan that includes $9.7 billion in incentives to expedite relocating satellite operators out of the spectrum to make way for high-speed 5G networks.

Telesat sides with SES against Intelsat’s request for more C-band money
Telesat and SES are urging the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to reject Intelsat’s request for a larger share of the $9.7 billion in incentive payments the FCC plans to offer satellite operators to hasten the clearing of C-band spectrum the United States wants to repurpose for 5G cellular networks.

FCC sets December C-band auction, offers up to $14.7 billion for satellite operators
Intelsat, SES and other satellite operators could receive up to $14.7 billion to cover the cost of losing C-band spectrum and to expedite transitioning those airwaves to 5G cellular networks.

International weather agencies object to 5G spectrum decision
A decision made at the recent World Radiocommunication Conference could undermine the accuracy of weather forecasts by interfering with meteorological satellite observations, according to the World Meteorological Organization and the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts.

FCC commissioner defends C-Band Alliance but renews call for more 5G spectrum
The Federal Communications Commission’s most vocal official on C-band spectrum rebuffed critics of a satellite industry proposal to repurpose some of the spectrum for cellular 5G through a private auction.

Satellite C-band is worth billions, but how many?
As the U.S. Federal Communications Commission prepares to decide how to reallocate some or all of the nation’s satellite C-band spectrum for the coming wave of 5G mobile communications services, experts say appraising the monetary value of the spectrum remains tricky.

Fundamental changes ahead as ground systems prepare for constellations, 5G
The ground systems business has changed dramatically in recent years thanks to a massive increase in data volume, advanced technology and fresh competition. More change is coming as constellations in low Earth orbit multiply and individual satellites collect and transmit more data than ever before.

Enabling true mobility: what does the next 40 years of connectivity hold in store?
I believe that the days are receding rapidly when we considered ourselves a niche and, from the perspective of the wider world, a somewhat invisible industry.

Rival plan to C-Band Alliance calls for spectrum auction, fiber switchover for satellite broadcasters
Charter, ACA Connects and the Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) on July 1 filed a counterplan with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, urging the commission to open 370 megahertz of satellite C-band spectrum through an auction.

Satellite operators mull options as pressure for Ka-band uplink spectrum mounts
Satellite operators, including many in Asia, are growing more concerned that regulators will repurpose valuable satellite spectrum for next-generation 5G cellular networks.

Satellite operators worried about losing Ka-band spectrum
As the next World Radiocommunication Conference looms larger, satellite operators are growing concerned that they have not made sufficient defense of Ka-band frequencies wanted for 5G cellular networks.

FCC asks for more input on C-band
The request, issued May 3, suggests it is increasingly unlikely that the agency will make a decision in the first half of the year as satellite operators had previously expected.

5G trumps meteorology as FCC rebuffs NASA, NOAA call to halt auction
Far from ending the fight between members of the Trump administration who see 5G as an international economic race and meteorologists concerned about interference with weather satellite data, the auction was just round one.