C-Band Alliance Responds to Announcement by Federal Communications Commission Chairman Regarding the C-Band Spectrum Proceeding

In a statement, the CBA said, The FCC Chairmans indication that he intends to pursue a public auction of C-band spectrum is a significant departure from the CBAs market-based proposal.

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Provider: 
Business Wire, Inc.
Retrieved on: 
Monday, November 18, 2019
Information
Tags: 
Mobile, Wireless, Other Government, Technology, Security, Satellite, Telecommunications, Public policy, Government, White House, Federal Government, Public policy, Other Policy Issues, Private equity, Telecommunications, Satellite broadcasting, C band, Intelsat, Euronext, Telesat, SES S.A.
Geotags: 
United States
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Organisation: 
THE C-BAND ALLIANCE
Summary
Key Points: 
  • In a statement, the CBA said, The FCC Chairmans indication that he intends to pursue a public auction of C-band spectrum is a significant departure from the CBAs market-based proposal.
  • The announcement does not address the critical involvement of the incumbent satellite operators in executing the complex task of reconfiguring and transitioning their networks.
  • The C-Band Alliance, or CBA, is comprised of leading global satellite operators Intelsat (NYSE: I), SES (Euronext Paris: SESG), and Telesat.
  • Its breakthrough, market-based proposal to clear spectrum will also protect the quality and reliability of existing C-band services, providing current users certainty and operational integrity.


The C-Band Alliance (“CBA”), comprised of the leading global satellite operators Intelsat (NYSE: I), SES (Euronext Paris: SESG), and Telesat, responded today to an announcement by the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) that he intends to pursue a public auction to clear the satellite spectrum currently licensed to the members of the C-Band Alliance.

In a statement, the CBA said, “The FCC Chairman’s indication that he intends to pursue a public auction of C-band spectrum is a significant departure from the CBA’s market-based proposal. The announcement does not address the critical involvement of the incumbent satellite operators in executing the complex task of reconfiguring and transitioning their networks. Nor does the announcement address the fundamental modification of the rights afforded by the existing FCC licenses held by the CBA members which would be required under a public auction approach.

“To ensure U.S. national security interests, U.S. leadership in 5G innovation and the expected accompanying GDP and job growth, the full cooperation of the satellite operators will be required to ensure the successful clearing of the C-band while protecting the incumbent broadcast services enjoyed by millions of U.S. households.

“We will continue to work cooperatively with the FCC to develop an effective alternative plan and achieve the best outcome for the American public while protecting the interests of our users and the rights of our companies.”

Forward-Looking Statements

The repurposing of any C-Band spectrum, and any incentive compensation or cost recovery to be received by CBA members, is contingent upon the terms included in a final FCC order.

About the C-Band Alliance

The C-Band Alliance, or CBA, is comprised of leading global satellite operators Intelsat (NYSE: I), SES (Euronext Paris: SESG), and Telesat. The role of the CBA is to implement the safe and efficient clearing and repurposing of C-band spectrum, supporting the United States in its goal of leadership in 5G deployment and innovation. Its breakthrough, market-based proposal to clear spectrum will also protect the quality and reliability of existing C-band services, providing current users certainty and operational integrity. For more information, please visit www.C-BandAlliance.com.

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