SES Seeks OK for FSS Downlinks in 17 GHz Band, Market Access for SES-17

As it seeks U.S. market access for its Luxembourg-licensed SES-17 high-throughput satellite, SES also wants the FCC to amend rules to allow fixed satellite service downlinks in the 17.3-17.7 GHz band on a protected basis. Tuesday's petition said downlinks in the 17 GHz band wouldn't hurt the FSS uplinks and broadcasting service downlinks allocated there on a co-primary basis, but its FSS downlinks would be unprotected. It said the proposed rules change would allow more intensive use of the band. In a separate International Bureau filing Tuesday asking for market access, SES said the Ka-band SES-17 operates at 67.1 degrees west and will supplement the SES-10 Ku-band spacecraft at 66.9 degrees west with a particular focus on aeronautical connectivity.