European satellite operators receive $6.1 billion for clearing US wireless spectrum

European satellite operators Eutelsat and SES are set to receive $6.1 billion (€5.4 billion) in compensation from the United States government for clearing specific radio frequency bands.

According to company announcements, the incentive payments follow the clearance of spectrum previously used for satellite transmissions. The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plans to repurpose these freed-up frequencies to expand domestic mobile wireless services, including 5G networks. The cleared spectrum is scheduled to be auctioned off to telecommunications providers next year.

The multi-billion-dollar payout provides a significant financial boost to both Luxembourg-based SES and Paris-headquartered Eutelsat as telecom regulators globally continue reallocating spectrum for high-speed mobile connectivity.

Sources: Der Standard