Via Satellite’s Top Stories of 2020
The year 2020 was eventful for the satellite industry in many ways. From the FCC‘s final C-band spectrum clearing offer, to the Intelsat and OneWeb bankruptcies (and OneWeb’s sale), and SpaceX‘s numerous s Starlink satellite launches throughout the year. Here is a look back at some of Via Satellite‘s most popular stories and most-read executive interviews of the year.
FCC Approves Public C-Band Auction
The FCC sealed the fate of satellite operators in the C-band spectrum in February, voting 3-5 to expand flexible use of the spectrum for 5G deployment, requiring satellite operators to clear the spectrum.
Chapter 11 Filing Gives Intelsat Leverage in C-Band Auction
Intelsat made clear that its desire to receive accelerated relocation payments for clearing C-band spectrum was a factor in the operator filing for bankruptcy in May.
In the Eye of the Storm: Greg Wyler Breaks Cover to Talk OneWeb
OneWeb founder Greg Wyler gave Via Satellite an exclusive interview after OneWeb filed for bankruptcy in March, sharing how the situation has affected him on both a personal and professional level.
Rocket Lab Launch Failure Was a ‘Kick in the Teeth’ for In-Space, CEO Says
“We were looking at the telemetry and going — ‘This isn’t right. This isn’t right. Something is definitely going wrong,” said Doug Liddle, CEO of In-Space, recounting what it was like to watch a launch carrying his team’s satellite fail.
Eutelsat CEO Says Satellite Operators are ‘Too Small,’ Industry Consolidation Needed to Stay Competitive
Eutelsat CEO Rodolphe Belmer talks about consolidation in the industry, the upcoming start of KONNECT service, Low-Earth Orbit Orbit (LEO) constellations, and the future in Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity.
It’s Over — Comtech and Gilat Terminate Merger
The merger of Comtech and Gilat Satellite Networks did not come to pass. The two companies announced in October that they terminated their merger agreement, and Comtech agreed to pay Gilat $70 million.
SpaceX Launches Public ‘Better Than Nothing Beta’ for Starlink With $99/Month Service
SpaceX began to roll out public beta testing for the Starlink constellation, giving some long-awaited insight into its satellite internet service — including the antenna price.
New Viasat CEO Baldridge Explains Global Approach in Light of Eutelsat Deal
In his first interview with Via Satellite, new Viasat CEO Rick Baldridge talked about the deal to acquire EBI, the operator’s global ambitions, as well as what it will be like to follow in the footsteps of Viasat founder Mark Dankberg