(Boursier.com) — HIS the leader in global content connectivity solutions, announced an agreement with the American Verizon Communications to expand mobile operator access to part of the C-band (3700-3800 MHz) in significant areas of the United States sooner than anticipated relocation timelines set by the Federal Communication Commission ( FCC). SES has already completed its Phase I accelerated C-band release ahead of the FCC’s first deadline of December 5, 2021, a critical step in meeting the Commission’s goals to rapidly deploy 5G services across the United States, and earned nearly $1 billion in accelerated relocation awards. To meet the Phase II deadline of December 5, 2023, SES is working to move its existing services from the 3700-4000 MHz band and complete equipment changes for existing ground stations in the entire “contingent” United States, earning an additional $3 billion in accelerated relocation payments in the process.
This new agreement will allow SES to extend Verizon’s access to the 3700-3800 MHz block in certain markets beyond the 46 partial economic zones authorized during Phase I and before the accelerated relocation deadline of the stage II. SES will install filters and other ancillary equipment at approximately 500 sites in 2022, comparable to activities executed during Phase I, and will earn up to an additional $170 million from Verizon, subject to delivery of clearing in a period agreed by the parties.
SES will incur additional costs for clearing. The previously released estimate of $80 million in non-reimbursable costs for the entire C-band compensation project is now increased to $100 million to reflect the size of the deal with Verizon.
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