The operator said that it can make do with less spectrum by rationalising capacity on its current geostationary fleet.
Satellite operator Eutelsat Communications has announced that it will not buy a reimbursable C-band replacement satellite for the US market, as previously planned, according to Space News.
The operator said that it can make do with less spectrum by rationalising capacity on its current geostationary fleet.
Eutelsat will move C-band customers into unused capacity on three satellites Eutelsat 117 West A, Eutelsat 115 West B and Eutelsat-172B.
Eutelsat now expects that prudent management of capacity and demand for C-band satellite services during and after the transition will allow it to provide substantially the same or better service to incumbent earth station operators without launching any new C-band satellites, Eutelsat said.
The FCC is requiring successful auction bidders to cover the cost of satellite operators leaving C-band, including replacement satellites, signal compression technology and other infrastructure, so the bidders can use the spectrum for 5G wireless services.
Satellite operator SES has affirmed to the FCC need for six satellites it already ordered at an average cost of $144.8m. Intelsat has also ordered six satellites and expects to order a seventh in September for an average manufacturing cost of $112.9m per satellite.
