NSS 7 global C-band coverage. Photo: SES

Harmonic will partner with SES for technology upgrades associated with SES’s process to clear C-band spectrum. The companies announced Monday they will work together to fast-track this deployment, by freeing up spectrum for 5G while maintaining SES C-band video service quality. SES and Harmonic will work jointly to deploy Harmonic’s XOS media processing in the headend and XOS Edge transcoding solutions in remote sites for primary distribution of video feeds.

SES filed its transition plan with the FCC on June 19. To achieve the FCC’s accelerated clearing timeline, SES is working to clear 100 megahertz of mid-band spectrum for commercial 5G deployment by the conclusion of 2021, and clear another 180 megahertz in two years. Additionally, SES is planning for manufacturing contracts to build four satellite and two ground spares.

“We are proud to support SES, its customers and the communications industry in enabling the transformation of C-band spectrum for 5G,” said Jeremy Rosenberg, senior vice president, business development at Harmonic. “Our software-based solutions set the standard for flexibility by enabling these traditional satellite delivery networks to deliver solutions with industry-leading bandwidth efficiency.”