CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. ~ On Friday, March 17th, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket launched two American-made satellites from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The launch of the SES-18 and SES-19 satellites marks the fourth and fifth – and final – launches as part of SES's C-band transition plan.

The launch is part of a larger effort to clear 300 MHz of C-band spectrum to enable wireless operators to deploy 5G services across the contiguous U.S. (CONUS). This plan also ensures that existing customers continue to enjoy uninterrupted TV, radio, and critical data transmission services to millions of Americans. To accomplish this goal, SES has been launching new satellites, building new ground stations and sending hundreds of satellite earth station technicians across the country to install new filters on customers' antennas.

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The successful launch of the two satellites will provide contractual service protections to customers who receive video services in the U.S., allowing SES to safely clear C-band spectrum while helping accomplish the FCC's ambitious goals for American 5G innovation. SES-18 is expected to begin operations in June 2023 at 103 degrees West replacing SES-3 C-band payload and SES-19 will be co-located with SES-22 at 135 degrees West.

Steve Collar, CEO of SES expressed his gratitude for Northrop Grumman, SpaceX, and all other partners involved in making this plan a reality. He also noted that they are now on the home stretch in protecting their customers' broadcasts while freeing crucial 5G spectrum and look forward to successfully concluding their work well before the FCC's December 2023 accelerated clearing deadline.

For more information on the SES-18 and SES-19 satellites visit their newsroom or follow them on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn or Instagram for updates on their progress.

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