The Countdown to SES-3’s End of Life: Transitioning to Ensure Business Continuity
SES-3, a satellite equipped with both C/Ku band transponders, was launched on July 15, 2011, to serve the critical 103° W orbital location. It has been an integral part of the satellite communication infrastructure for over a decade, providing radio and TV networks, commercial businesses, and retailers with the Ku bandwidth they need to deliver essential communication services. However, its legacy is now coming to an end.
SES-3 Legacy
SES-3 has been an essential component of the satellite communication industry, providing a variety of services such as direct-to-home (DTH) broadcasting, broadband connectivity, and government communication services. The C-band transponders on SES-3 are primarily used for television broadcasting, while the Ku-band transponders are used for broadband internet and VSAT services.
Over the years, SES-3 has been instrumental in providing communication services to various businesses and organizations. For example, it has been used by television networks such as CBS and NBC for broadcasting major sporting events like the Olympics and the Super Bowl. It has also been used by internet service providers like HughesNet and Viasat to provide high-speed internet access to remote areas.
SES-3 Transition
With the satellite’s end of life approaching in July 2024, businesses and organizations need to make accommodations to transition services. Entities currently dependent on SES-3’s C/Ku band transponders are being transitioned to SES-1 at 101 degrees W and other satellites to guarantee uninterrupted satellite communication services. Being proactive in the satellite transition ensures that businesses and organizations can keep up with the ever-evolving satellite industry and ensure continuous service.
The process of moving from SES-3 to other satellites requires careful planning and execution to avoid disruption of services. Depending on your number of terminals, not all satellite telecommunications companies will be poised to respond. You’ll want to find a solutions provider that has experience with satellite migrations and field force that is available for both your geography and time frame. Waiting until it is close to July 2024 is not recommended.
At Expedition Communications, our team of experienced professionals has migrated many customers from end-of-life satellites and can assist with this change. We specialize in satellite antenna migrations, installations, and repoints, and our technical team covers a wide range of geographic areas, including the United States, Puerto Rico, Honduras, and Maritime.
Whether you need a satellite antenna repointing or require the replacement of an old antenna, Expedition Communications is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our services.