South Africa’s media and communications regulator, ICASA, has identified seven spectrum bands for auction and subsequent licensing for 4G/5G and future mobile telecoms services. The seven bands are the first new cellular frequencies made available in South Africa for some 15 years. The seven bands are: · IMT700: 703-733MHz and 758-788MHz · IMT750: 733-758MHz · […]

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched a proceeding to streamline its review processes for satellite applications. As the space economy booms, the agency will look further to update its rules and processes to ensure that its critical review responsibilities are met as efficiently and effectively as possible. In recent years, the Commission says […]

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has decided not to authorise proposed regional mobile network arrangements between Telstra Corporation and TPG Telecom. Under the statutory test, the ACCC must not grant authorisation unless it is satisfied the proposed arrangements would not be likely to substantially lessen competition, or that the likely public benefits from […]

France’s Arcom (Autorité de régulation de la communication audiovisuelle et numérique/Audiovisual and Digital Communication Regulatory Authority) has issued a call for applications for the award of two national FTA High Definition DTT licences. This call comes in light of the expiry of the authorisations currently granted to the TF1 and M6 services. The spectrum, available […]

Three quarters (75 per cent) of people in key UK constituencies want their MP to protect traditional TV services, as the country faces a deepening cost of living crisis. A poll of over 5,000 people in the north and south of England found that eight in 10 (78 per cent) see digital terrestrial TV – […]

Two major shareholders in the pre-bankruptcy Intelsat, plus the former chairman, are named again by Plaintiffs in a Class Action which alleges they took part in selling off investments in Intelsat helped by inside knowledge. The complaint was originally mounted earlier in 2022, but the judge in the case dismissed the Federal Class Action, nevertheless […]

A study published by the European Commission supports the EBU position that there should not be any change in the way that UHF spectrum is allocated in Europe. The study makes clear that both DTT and wireless audio equipment for programme making and special events (PMSE) will continue to require the sub-700 MHz spectrum currently […]

Airlines will be able to provide the latest 5G technology on their planes, alongside previous mobile technology generations following the European Commission’s updating of the implementing decision on spectrum for mobile communications on-board aircrafts, designating certain frequencies for in-flight 5G technology. Passengers aboard flights in the EU will be able to use their mobile phones […]

SES is mounting an appeal in its battle to win 50 per cent of the FCC’s C-band incentive payments. On September 30th the US Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division, disallowed the SES motion which – in effect – meant that Intelsat could hold onto its FCC payments. SES Americom, the […]

A Virginia bankruptcy court has ruled (“disallowed”) the action by SES against Intelsat for a 50 per cent share of the FCC’s C-band incentive payments. The Court has allowed SES to appeal the decision if it so wishes. SES says it is disappointed with the ruling. “It is reviewing with outside counsel its options to […]