Hughes, Inmarsat urge FCC restrictions on subsidized C-band satellites

Hughes Network Systems and Inmarsat are asking the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to amend its C-band auction plans to avoid giving Intelsat and SES an unfair competitive advantage in other spectrum bands and neighboring markets. 

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. 

SES weeks away from ordering six C-band satellites

SES is two to three weeks away from ordering six C-band satellites to replace older satellites whose usefulness will be cut short by the FCC’s upcoming spectrum auction, SES CEO Steve Collar told SpaceNews. 

SES details LEO constellation and expanded MEO constellation to FCC

SES proposed a low Earth orbit constellation to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission that, if built, would make the company an operator of satellites in low, medium and geostationary orbits. 

Intelsat, SES to participate in FCC’s $9.7B C-band program • OneWeb says it wants 48,000 satellites

OneWeb told the FCC May 26 that it wants to increase its constellation size to 48,000 satellites despite having filed for bankruptcy over an inability to fund a smaller broadband megaconstellation.

Maxar announces multi-satellite GEO order as pandemic crimps quarter 

Maxar said the satellite order, which industry analysts say is likely driven by a U.S. effort to clear satellite C-band spectrum to make way for 5G wireless networks, is a “multi-hundred million dollar contract.”

Speedcast files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy 

Speedcast International, a network services provider leasing capacity on more than 80 satellites, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection April 23, citing weakness in the cruise and oil markets. 

Gogo pursuing satellite contract changes as coronavirus dampens demand

Gogo CEO Oakleigh Thorne said the coronavirus pandemic is partly behind the company’s cost-saving efforts, since decreased airline traffic has had a knock-on effect on demand for passenger Wi-Fi. 

Satellite operators hint at fear of SpaceX, Blue Origin becoming competitors

Executives from SES and Eutelsat said they are watching as SpaceX deploys its own Starlink constellation of broadband satellites, which could make SpaceX one of their competitors. 

FCC’s $9.7 billion C-band incentive hinging on Intelsat and SES participation 

WASHINGTON — The FCC says it will scrap a $9.7 billion spectrum clearing incentive package approved last week if Intelsat and SES don’t both agree to the terms. 

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SES mulls external investments for O3b, Networks business

Satellite operator SES may separate its growing Networks business, which includes O3b, from its slowing video business to spur outside investment. 

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.

SES and Eutelsat make their own cases for more C-band money

SES has started its own campaign for more money, arguing that “undisputed facts conclusively show that Intelsat and SES deserve equal shares of any accelerated relocation payments.”

Intelsat to FCC: C-Band Alliance is dead, we deserve more money

Intelsat on Feb. 19 urged the FCC to give the company at least $1 billion more of $9.7 billion in proposed compensation for clearing C-band spectrum for 5G networks and to treat the C-Band Alliance Intelsat formed with rivals SES and Telesat as essentially dead. 

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. 

C-Band Alliance pegs satellite spectrum clearing costs at $3.3 billion

The C-Band Alliance said it will cost Intelsat, SES and Telesat $3.3 billion to clear 300 megahertz of C-band spectrum for U.S. 5G wireless networks without leaving satellite-dependent television broadcasters in a lurch.