Moving ahead to prepare for the accelerated C-band spectrum, Intelsat has contracted with U.S. manufacturers Maxar Technologies and Northrop Grumman to build new satellites in order to meet the accelerated C-band spectrum clearing timelines established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) earlier this year.
Intelsat’s two new agreements are; one with Maxar Technologies to build and deliver four satellites; and another with Northrop Grumman to build and deliver two satellites. Intelsat is currently in negotiations with manufacturers for a seventh satellite required to support its C-band transition.
Intelsat Chief Services Officer Mike DeMarco stated that quickly clearing 300 megahertz of the U.S. C-band spectrum to make way for 5G wireless applications is a complex task, layered with a significant number of highly interdependent technical activities, including building and launching multiple new satellites designed to operate at the higher portion of the band. Intelsat looks forward to collaborating with their longstanding partners Maxar Technologies and Northrop Grumman on these critical builds, essential to clearing portions of the C-band spectrum and cementing America’s leadership in 5G.
Later this week, Intelsat plans to file its full C-band spectrum transition plan with the FCC in accordance with the FCC’s revised timeline. The plan will provide additional manufacturing and launch details for new satellites and outline the steps that Intelsat will take to reconfigure its terrestrial-based infrastructure and to ensure a successful transition.