Clearing C-Band for 5G Will Require More Satellites, Intelsat CEO Says
Clearing additional C-band spectrum for terrestrial 5G services will mean having to put up more satellites, Intelsat CEO Stephen Spengler said in a call with analysts Tuesday. He said the number of additional satellites -- needed to maintain the number…
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of transponders available for customers while also being able to clear up to 200 MHz of the 3.7-4.2 GHz band -- isn't clear yet, nor is the timing of when they will be needed. He said designs are being worked on now for the additional satellites. The C-Band Alliance of Intelsat, SES, Eutelsat and Telesat said earlier this month that they could clear as much as 180 MHz for terrestrial operations and 20 MHz as a guard band (see 1810220053), up from the 100 MHz for terrestrial operations and 50 MHz for a guard band that previously had been discussed. He said the alliance is now spearheading discussions with parties potentially interested in the spectrum for terrestrial use. Spengler said to clear more than the 200 MHz in the future would require "some technology development" and potentially additional satellites. The Alliance and other parties filed comments this week on the FCC's C-band clearing NPRM (see 1810300043). Intelsat closed Tuesday down 6.6 percent to $25.63 after it reported a net loss of $374.6 million, most due to early debt retirement and income taxes. It said revenue was little changed at $536.9 million.