SES S.A. has noted the comments made by Intelsat in its ex-parte submission to the U.S. Federal Communication Commission (FCC) dated 19 February 2020.
SES reaffirms its steadfast support for the Commission’s objectives to ensure global leadership in 5G, and it stands ready, willing, and able to play a central role in the expedited clearing of a portion of the C-band. SES believes that there remains an important role for the C-Band Alliance (CBA), and that the CBA’s collaborative clearing plan is the most efficient path to clear the spectrum. That said, SES is prepared to act on its own in the clearing process if necessary, while protecting its customers.
SES is disappointed by Intelsat’s eleventh-hour attempt to renounce its commitments made to other CBA members and the Commission over the course of this proceeding, in aid of a transparent and egregious attempt to capture a greater share of the proposed accelerated relocation payments. Having worked collaboratively for a long period of time on this project, this sudden and recent change in direction by Intelsat is both disappointing and not legally compliant. SES will hold Intelsat responsible under its commitments.