Spectrum
Intelsat: losing 200 or more megahertz of C-band will require new satellites
Intelsat says some satellite operators will be forced to buy new spacecraft if U.S. telecom regulators demand the transfer of 200 or more megahertz of C-band spectrum from satellite operators to cellular companies.
Satellite operators spar on spectrum sharing
Chief executives of satellite operators took sharply divergent views on working with terrestrial mobile operators on access to spectrum, with some advocating for negotiations while another warned of making any deals.
GVF appoints former Intelsat, Red Cross exec to succeed Hartshorn
The Global VSAT Forum, an association of satellite communications companies that addresses spectrum, cyber, signal interference and other challenges, announced David Meltzer as its new secretary general.
National Space Council officials to attend WRC-19 spectrum conference
Every three to four years, spectrum regulators convene to set rules on the use of the world’s limited radio frequency resources at an event known as the World Radiocommunication Conference. Next year the United States’ recently formed National Space Council will attend to defend the interest of American satellite companies and influence changes in international space policy.
U.S. regulators mull national spectrum strategy that emphasizes sharing
As the Federal Communications Commission nears a decision on the use of C-band satellite spectrum, it and several other U.S. agencies are weighing a broader strategy for the nation’s spectrum.
Globalstar plays up spectrum strategy as debt deadline looms
Low-Earth-orbit satellite fleet operator Globalstar is meeting with telecom regulators around the world in an effort to globally authorize some of its satellite spectrum for mobile broadband services.
FCC commissioner O’Rielly gives Intel-Intelsat C-band proposal a positive early review
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission is still sifting through industry ideas for opening satellite-dominated C-band spectrum to terrestrial telecommunications, and while not yet reaching a conclusion, considers Intel and Intelsat’s proposed spectrum clearing plan a positive step.
CORRECTED | Satellite operators oppose Intelsat-Intel proposal to share C-band spectrum
“It’s not possible for Intelsat to trade anything they they don’t own,” Thomas Choi, Asia Broadcast Satellite (ABS) chief executive, said Oct. 3. “Many operators, including SES, Eutelsat and even ABS have C-band rights over North America. We would never agree to trade that.”
Smallsat companies band together in new spectrum-advocacy organization
Eleven small satellite companies are establishing a trade association to address spectrum policies and regulations specific to the no-longer-tiny smallsat industry.
ITU: mobile networks want some C- and Ka-band spectrum for 5G
The mobile network operators that strove with limited success to obtain large chunks of C-band spectrum two years ago in Geneva will try again in 2019 to secure more spectrune future 5G networks.
FCC chairman says Jan. 20 will be his last day
Wheeler announced Thursday that Jan. 20 — inauguration day — will mark his final day at the helm of the telecom regulatory agency.
Satellite Industry Held its Ground at Global Spectrum Conclave
The attempt by terrestrial broadband networks to gain access to C-band frequencies currently reserved for satellite use mainly failed, with the exception of the lower piece of C-band that had already been partly opened to them in 2007.
Satellite Operators’ 11th-hour Effort To Stop Wireless Industry’s Spectrum Grab
Several of the world’s largest commercial satellite fleet operators on Oct. 22 made an 11th-hour attempt to persuade global governments not to allow terrestrial broadband networks to use spectrum currently reserved for satellites.
Satellite Operators Appear Likely To Lose Exclusive Use of Popular Spectrum
While no final decisions will be made until a Nov. 2-27 meeting of global governments at the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) in Geneva, it now appears many nations want to permit terrestrial broadband into the lowest part of the spectrum being contested.
Arab Nations Willing To Cede Some Satellite Spectrum at WRC-15
Arab nations are willing to cede to terrestrial mobile telecommunications operators some of the spectrum now reserved for satellite links at an upcoming meeting of global regulators, the chairman of the regional grouping of Arab spectrum experts said May 26.
European Satellite Operators Told To Be Happy with Half a C-Band Loaf
Several of the world’s largest satellite fleet operators appear to have lost their battle to persuade European regulators to keep terrestrial broadband out of their protected spectrum.
