Satellite operator SES is set to receive $5.6 billion in incentive payments to clear the C-band, while Eutelsat is set to receive $504 million, according to the FCC’s final C-band order released Friday. SES is allocated to receive 89% of the payments.
Canadian operator Telesat is also participating in the clearing and will receive $189 million.
The incentive payments are split into two portions — to meet the primary deadline of December 31, 2030, and the final deadline of June 30, 2031. Like in the first clearing, operators will be reimbursed for the cost of satellites, launches, and work required to clear the spectrum. The incentive payments are in addition to that reimbursement.
The FCC formally voted last week to repurpose 160 megahertz of the upper C-band in order to create a harmonized “super band” of mid-band spectrum for next-generation wireless services.
Comparatively, the first C-band clearing that kicked off in 2020 paid $9.7 billion in accelerated relocation payments. In that proceeding, Intelsat received about $4.87 billion; SES about $3.97 billion; Eutelsat about $507 million; and Telesat $344 million. Since that clearing, SES and Intelsat are now one company.
Both SES and Eutelsat committed to working with the FCC on the clearing in separate statements.
SES CEO Adel Al-Saleh said in a statement that the incentive payments “appropriately recognize the critical role SES will play” in repurposing the spectrum.
“SES also appreciates the improved reimbursement process, which should support timely execution, minimize finance expenses, and help our partners move quickly. SES stands ready to support its customers and execute the transition plan,” Al-Saleh said.
FCC recently filed with the FCC for seven satellites required to clear the spectrum. SES’s plan calls for five satellites and two in-orbit spares. The operator filed for SES-27, SES-28, SES-29, SES-30, SES-31, SES-32, and SES-33. All seven satellites will be capable of operating with C-band uplink frequencies cross-strapped to Ku-band downlink frequencies.
Separately, Eutelsat CEO Jean‑François Fallacher issued a statement welcoming the FCC order.
“[The order] establishes a clear framework that enables additional spectrum to be made available for advanced wireless services while safeguarding the continuity of satellite operations. Eutelsat is committed to working with the FCC and other stakeholders to ensure the transition is executed in a timely manner which is seamless for customers,” Fallacher said.
The FCC also opened a proceeding to take comment on competitive bidding procedures for the spectrum auction which is intended to close by July 2027.
