Satellite operators SES and Eutelsat have finally settled their long-running
dispute over the right to operate at 28.5 degrees East, Broadband TV News
reported today.
The settlement consists of three agreements, the first of which ends the
arbitration process between SES and Eutelsat that was initiated in October 2012
under the rules of the International Chamber of Commerce. The dispute was
over the right of 500MHz spectrum at the 28.5 degree East orbital position and
surrounded the German orbital frequencies at 28.5 degrees East, assigned to
SES under a 2005 agreement with German company Media Broadcast. The
second agreement provides for Eutelsat to lease 20 of its transponders on
capacity within the disputed 500MHz segment. The third agreement defines in
specific, technical terms, the geographic coverage and transmission power levels
for the particular frequencies at those levels.
Romain Bausch, President and CEO of SES, said that the “agreements create a
secure framework for operations in major broadcasting and data markets in
Europe, Middle East and Africa. They are beneficial for our whole industry and,
above all, for our customers and end users as they experience optimal satellite
services. The agreements allow SES to fully leverage its satellite and fleet
investments and operate its assets and frequency spectrum efficiently. We can
focus on further commercialising our satellite capacity and ensuring excellent
services for customers and users worldwide.’
For his part Michel de Rosen, Chairman and CEO of Eutelsat, said the
agreements were hammered out through a “pragmatic and businesslike
approach… “These long-term agreements clarify the conditions for interference-
free operations, enabling each company to independently expand its commercial
activity in a competitive environment. Eutelsat is committed to delivering
innovative services at one of the most vibrant neighbourhoods in the
broadcasting market and can now further improve the productivity of its in-orbit
resources and future investments.’
