Satellite Players Launch C-Band Alliance to Speed Access to 5G Spectrum

Intelsat, SES, Eutelsat and Telesat formed the C-Band Alliance in a move aimed at accelerating access to midband spectrum for 5G. A July FCC NPRM sought comment on the band (see 1807120037). “The formation of the CBA is a significant achievement and demonstrates the industry alignment necessary to make this mid-band spectrum available quickly, thus supporting the U.S. objective of winning the race to introduce terrestrial 5G services,” the companies said. “The proposal establishes a commercial and technical framework that would enable terrestrial mobile operators to quickly access spectrum in a portion of the 3,700 to 4,200 MHz frequency band in the U.S., speeding the deployment of next-generation 5G services.” The coalition includes Head-Advocacy and Government Relations Preston Padden, a key player in the TV incentive auction, and CEO Bill Tolpegin, who was co-founder and CEO of OTA Broadcasting. The announcement “appears to be a great step to quickly and orderly reallocate the spectrum to commercial wireless use,” said Commissioner Mike O’Rielly.