Page 58 - SAMENA Trends - August 2020

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Amazon Gets FCC Approval for Project Kuiper Satellite Constellation

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has require an investment of $10 billion, says the company. As well
given Amazon approval for its Project Kuiper low orbit as satellite-based broadband, Kuiper will also provide backhaul
satellite constellation, to provide Internet access. The planned solutions for wireless carriers, says Amazon, extending LTE and
constellation of 3,236 satellites is intended to address “unserved 5G service to new regions. “We have heard so many stories
and underserved communities” around the world. SpaceX is a lately about people who are unable to do their job or complete
rival in this area, with its planned Starlink eventually consisting schoolwork because they don’t have reliable internet at home,”
of 4,425 satellites. The FCC granted Amazon approval by a 5-0 said Dave Limp, Senior Vice President, Amazon. “There are still
vote to deploy and operate the service to deliver satellite-based too many places where broadband access is unreliable or where
broadband services in the United States. The Ka-band system will it doesn’t exist at all. Kuiper will change that. Our $10 billion
investment will create jobs and infrastructure around the United
States that will help us close this gap. We appreciate the FCC’s
unanimous, bipartisan support on this issue, and I want to thank
Chairman Pai and the rest of the Commission for taking this
important first step with us. We’re off to the races.” According
to the company, Project Kuiper will be designed and tested in
its new research and development facility opening in Redmond,
Washington. Amazon was first reported to be planning a low orbit
satellite constellation for internet access back in April 2019.

Intelsat Launches Its First Quad-Band Satellite, to Boost HDTV, Broadband

and Mobile Network Coverage

International satellite operator, Intelsat, has launched its first ever Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in transitioning and
quad-band satellite, to boost digital TV, broadband and mobile safeguarding media services currently utilizing the lower portion
network service provision. The Galaxy 30 is capable of utilizing of the band to make way for 5G wireless services. Intelsat is not
spectrum in the C-, Ku-, Ka- and L-bands, enabling it to deliver a seeking any reimbursement costs from the FCC’s public auction
diverse portfolio of services to Intelsat customers. “Today’s launch proceeds for any aspect of the Galaxy 30 launch or relocation.
of Galaxy 30 demonstrates Intelsat’s long-term commitment to
our North American media customers,” said Intelsat CEO Stephen
Spengler. “At Intelsat, we’re constantly innovating, investing in and
upgrading our satellite fleet and terrestrial infrastructure. Galaxy
30 is a great example of how we help our customers stay ahead of
evolving consumer demands, today and well into the future.” The
Galaxy 30 is a geosynchronous communications satellite that will
primarily provide high-performance services to Intelsat’s North
American customers. Galaxy 30 is the first satellite in Intelsat’s
Galaxy fleet refresh plan and will replace Galaxy 14 at 125 degrees
west once it is in service in early 2021. The Intelsat Galaxy fleet is
the most reliable and efficient media content distribution system
in North America, offering customers an unmatched penetration of
cable head-ends. Galaxy 30 will play an important role in Intelsat’s
U.S. C-band spectrum transition plan, which is accelerating
America’s path to 5G. Intelsat is facilitating the work of the U.S.

58 AUGUST 2020