Page 94 - SAMENA Trends - March-April 2022

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SES Speeds Up C-Band Clearing; Verizon to Gain Early Access to 5G Spectrum

set out by the Federal Communication
Commission’s (FCC). SES previously
completed its Phase I accelerated C-band
clearing – ahead the first FCC deadline of
5 December 2021 – earning almost USD1
billion in accelerated relocation payments.
To meet the Phase II deadline (5 December
2023), SES is already working to relocate
its existing services from the 3700MHz-
4000MHz band and complete equipment
changes for its Incumbent Earth Stations
across the entire contiguous US, earning
an additional USD3 billion in accelerated
relocation payments in the process. In a
separate press release, Verizon notes that
the accelerated C-band clearing timetable
will allow it to launch 5G in at least 30
Satellite operator SES has signed an 3700MHz-3800MHz C-band spectrum in additional ‘major population centers this
agreement with Verizon to expand the US important regions across the US earlier year, including the likes of Atlanta, Denver,
telco’s access to a portion of 5G-suitable than the relocation deadlines previously Baltimore and Washington, DC.

Orange Tests Satellite Technology to Boost Coverage in Africa

Orange is planning to use satellites via 3G frequencies. It claimed the satellite offerings to geographic regions where it is
to plug coverage gaps in one of its is the first and only space-based cellular difficult to build out cellular infrastructure,"
African markets, with a successful trial broadband network designed to be said Orange International Networks EVP
resulting potentially in a full rollout of accessible directly by standard mobile Jean-Luc Vuillemin. "AST SpaceMobile
the technology across its footprint. In a phones. The satellite company said the test seeks not only to fill cellular broadband
statement, US-based satellite company “paves the way” for a potential agreement coverage gaps for millions of existing
AST SpaceMobile revealed a non-binding to serve more Orange subscribers with subscribers, but also to extend mobile
memorandum of understanding with the technology, orange has over 220 service to areas which currently have little
Orange, to examine the opportunity for the global subscribers. "AST SpaceMobile's to none at all," added AST SpaceMobile
operator to test the company’s technology satellite constellation could revolutionize Chief commercial officer Chris Ivory. Other
in an unspecified African country. The test how mobile subscribers connect. We look backers of AST SpaceMobile includes
will use AST SpaceMobile’s BlueWalker 3 forward to working with AST SpaceMobile Rakuten Mobile, Vodafone and American
satellite which beams directly to phones to explore expanding Orange’s service Tower.

Starlink Receives Romanian Authorization

Starlink, the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite in Romania. What does this mean for us Regulation in Communications (ANCOM),
broadband provider backed by Elon Musk’s Romanians? That we are one step closer to Starlink was issued a license to provide
SpaceX venture, has been authorized in having internet access in any corner of the internet access services on 2 March.
Romania, Ziarul Financiar reports. The country, no matter how isolated it may be, Although the operator has yet to begin
announcement was made on LinkedIN because in addition to high-speed fiber- taking orders in Romania, customers are
by Sabin Sarmas, Chairman of the IT&C optic internet, we will also have satellite invited to pre-order the service by paying
Commission of the Chamber of Deputies. internet on a large scale,’ Sarmas wrote a deposit of USD99.
‘Starlink, Elon Musk’s famous satellite in his LinkedIN post. According to the
internet service, has also been licensed National Authority for Management and

94 MARCH-APRIL 2022