SES-22, the first SES C-band satellite dedicated to freeing up the lower 300 MHz of the C-band spectrum, is currently being prepared for launch from SpaceX’s Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on June 29, 2022.
Built by Thales Alenia Space, SES-22 will operate in the 135 degrees West orbital slot and will deliver TV and radio to millions of American homes while providing other critical data transmission services. It is expected to start operations by early August of this year.
The launch of SES-22 is part of a broader FCC program to clear a portion of the C-band spectrum to enable wireless operators to deploy 5G services across the contiguous US (CONUS). In response to a mandate from the FCC, satellite operators such as SES are required to transition their existing services from the lower 300 MHz to the upper 200 MHz of the C-band spectrum to make room for 5G.
SES completed all Phase I transition activities in September 2021 and is on track for completing Phase II transition activities to meet the FCC's December 2023 deadline.
