Connectivity Business speaks with Intelsat CEO Steve Spengler about how the fleet operator’s financial restructuring will position it for growth as satellite and terrestrial ecosystems converge.

As well as substantially reducing its near-US$15bn debt mountain to invest in innovation and growth, the restructuring paves the way for an accelerated release of certain C-band frequencies for 5G. Intelsat is carrying out business as usual throughout the process, albeit against the backdrop of an economy-hurting global pandemic. Today, the company launched a new managed service for cellular backhaul, where demand has been surging as COVID-19 accelerates the need for more connectivity in more places...

C-band progress in the US will offer some relief for the connectivity supply chain, which has been battling long-running strains that are being worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. With plans to substantially reduce its near-US$15bn legacy debt burden with a Chapter 11 restructuring, amid commitments for US$1bn in new financing, satellite operator Intelsat is clearing the way to meet the FCC’s roadmap for releasing parts of the spectrum for terrestrial 5G.

Recent results from satellite maker Maxar also suggest payloads are already being ordered to meet the regulator’s accelerated timeframe, providing stimulus that will help some steps in the value chain more than others...