rural broadband

NCTA Urges Caution in SES, Intelsat Transaction

The sale could impact internet access in remote areas like Alaska.

Ari Bertenthal

Oct 2, 2024 — 1 min read

Photo of satellite dishes at cable operator central office

WASHINGTON, Oct. 2, 2024 - Cable operators that need satellite services to receive TV programming are concerned about SES's proposed $3.1 billion purchase of Intelsat. Their concerns involve not only video but also broadband.

NCTA, The Internet and Television Association filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission on Monday regarding the planned merger between the satellite operators. SES is based in Luxembourg and Intelsat is headquartered in McLean, Va.

The association noted in the filing that SES and Intelsat hold a majority of the C-Band spectrum in the U.S., a critical platform that enables 35 million cable customers nationwide to receive TV programming.

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rural broadband NCTA SES Intelsat FCC C-Band GCI Justice Department Committee for the Assessment of Foreign Participation in the United States Telecommunications Services Sector