Advanced Television

FCC

SES to receive FCC’s $3bn by October 16

A report from investment bank BNPP’s Sami Kassab says that October 16th is the likely date when satellite operator SES will receive about $2.99 billion as its share of the FCC’s C-band compensation scheme. SES is also involved in litigation over about $400 million from Intelsat in its claim for a larger percentage of the […]

October 2, 2023

SES further explains FCC claim on Intelsat

Lawyers acting for SES have submitted a detailed document to the Bankruptcy Court handling Intelsat’s Chapter 11 reconstruction. The move is made in response to a successful appeal by SES in its ‘breach of contract’ claim for about $421 million (€399.1m) and damages relating to the 50/50 agreement and share of the FCC’s C-band compensation. […]

October 2, 2023By Chris Forrester

FCC modernises satellite licensing process

The FCC is updating and modernising its satellite and teleport/Earth station licensing process. It says the move is designed to keep pace with the rapid evolution of the space industry. The FCC has approved a Report and Order to accelerate existing processes for licensing satellite and earth stations. Noting an “increase in complexity and number” […]

September 27, 2023By Chris Forrester

Intelsat qualifies for $3.7bn for C-band clearing

Intelsat is due to receive a windfall of $3.7 billion (€3.38bn) later this year after successfully clearing the C-band spectrum ahead of schedule for terrestrial 5G telecommunications companies in the US. The company launched its seventh and final C-band replacement satellite (Galaxy 37/Horizons-4) on August 3rd and obtained FCC certification for moving its broadcast customers […]

August 15, 2023By Chris Forrester

SES completes C-band clearing

Satellite operator SES has confirmed that the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has validated the certification of SES’s Phase II accelerated C-band clearing and relocation activities. With this milestone, and following the successful completion of its Phase I activities in 2021, SES has fulfilled its commitment to the FCC’s programme to clear a portion of […]

August 10, 2023

FCC spectrum boost for space launches

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has shared with her colleagues final rules to ensure spectrum certainty for communications services used during commercial space launches. As private companies have assumed a vital role in the launch and operation of space satellites, scientific exploration, and transportation of astronauts both for public and commercial purposes, they need access to […]

July 31, 2023By Colin Mann

Viasat changing Inmarsat’s plan for LEOs?

Inmarsat, prior to its take-over by US-based Viasat, had planned to launch a fleet of low Earth orbiting satellites (Orchestra). It now seems that Viasat is re-thinking the scheme which would save millions in terms of investment. Viasat has written to the FCC withdrawing its applications for V-band satellite spectrum. The letter from Viasat to […]

July 26, 2023By Chris Forrester

FCC mulls video programming rules update

Noting that video consumption has increased in recent years, expedited in part by changes in how people have watched entertainment during the pandemic, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel has circulated a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to her colleagues to initiate a proceeding to understand challenges related to distribution and supply in this market, especially as it […]

July 13, 2023By Colin Mann

FCC proposes Next Gen TV rule changes

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has introduced a Report and Order in the Next Generation Broadcast Television (ATSC 3.0 or Next Gen TV) docket, making changes to its Next Gen TV rules designed to preserve over-the-air (OTA) television viewers’ access to the widest possible range of programming while also supporting television broadcasters’ transition to […]

June 26, 2023By Colin Mann

Biden nominates Gomez for FCC

US President Joe Biden has announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to serve as key leaders in his administration: Anna M Gomez, Nominee for Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission Geoffrey Adam Starks, Nominee for Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission Brendan Carr, Nominee for Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission Starks and […]

May 23, 2023By Colin Mann