The Intelsat–Panamsat merger took its first step toward completion in late October when Panamsat shareholders approved the deal, Intelsat CEO David McGlade said during a Nov. 10 conference call with investors. The merger still faces government regulatory and anti-trust scrutiny.

“The approval process at the Federal Communications Commission is underway,” McGlade said. “The initial comment period has begun and we expect comments and replies to be completed in December.”

McGlade also noted the U.S. Department of Justice made a request for additional information. “This was expected and is common in major transactions. We remain comfortable that all approvals will be received and the transaction will be completed sometime in the second or third quarter of next year.”