News
SES advances next-generation MEO strategy following successful completion of IRIS² Rendez-vous 1
IRIS² expands SES's differentiated MEO architecture while supporting Europe's secure, sovereign multi-orbit connectivity ambitions
SES-20 Arrives at 103 degrees West
In-orbit spare satellite will help ensure broadcast and video service continuity
Luxembourg, January 5, 2023 – SES announced today that the new SES-20 satellite has arrived at the 103 degrees West orbital slot and will serve as an in-orbit spare satellite to provide contractual service protections to customers who receive video services via C-band in the United States.
SES-20 is part of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program to clear a portion of C-band spectrum to enable wireless operators to deploy 5G services across the contiguous U.S. (CONUS). Satellite operators, including SES, have been tasked by the FCC to clear the lower 300MHz of C-band spectrum throughout CONUS by December 5, 2023. SES-20 is necessary to continue service for customers and reduce the likelihood of a prolonged outage in the event that SES experiences an in-orbit failure during the transition.
The Boeing-built SES-20 was successfully launched by United Launch Alliance (ULA) in tandem with SES-21 from Cape Canaveral, Florida in October 2022.
More information on the SES-20 and SES-21 satellites can be found on the SES C-band in the U.S. newsroom.
SES Inks EUR 300 million Term Loan with European Investment Bank
Luxembourg, 16 December 2022 – SES announced today it has entered into a EUR 300 million Term Loan with the European Investment Bank. The loan agreement provides for an availability period of 18 months during which SES can draw under the loan in multiple tranches, subject to fulfilling the common conditions precedent. Any given tranche can be priced based on a fixed or a floating rate, with a tenor of up to 7 years.
SES is rated Baa2, negative outlook by Moody’s and BBB, stable outlook by Fitch.
More details about the loan will be announced during a press event on 11 January 2023.
For further information please contact:
Suzanne Ong
External Communications
Tel. +352 710 725 500
[email protected]
