The proposed acquisition of Intelsat by satellite operator SES has received clearance from key US federal law enforcement and national security agencies, marking a major step forward for the deal. However, final approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is still pending.
The green light came from Team Telecom, a US government committee that includes representatives from the Departments of Defence, Justice and Homeland Security, among other agencies. This clearance is contingent upon SES meeting several conditions designed to safeguard national security and public safety.
As part of the agreement, SES must keep Team Telecom informed about any significant changes to the merged satellite network, new partnerships, or major purchases of equipment and services. The company is also required to uphold a range of physical and cybersecurity commitments and undergo routine compliance audits.
In a statement, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) said: “After discussions with representatives of SES S.A in connection with the above captioned application and SES’s pre-existing licenses, the Committee has concluded that the additional commitments set forth in the NSA will help ensure that those agencies with responsibility for enforcing the law, protecting the national security, and preserving public safety can proceed appropriately to satisfy those responsibilities. Accordingly, the Committee advises the Commission that it has no objection to the Commission granting the above-captioned application.”
The final regulatory step for the merger to proceed is securing formal approval from the FCC.
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