Taking into account the contents of the received communication, SML was requested to provide clarifications, by email dated 5 June 2014, on (i) Echostar 21 satellite, as regards its designation, orbital position and entry into service; (ii) performance of the service; (iii) coverage area of satellites and (iv) how the MSS wholesale service would be provided to national service providers.
On 12 June 2014, SML provided by email the requested clarifications, on the designation of the Echostar 21 satellite to be used in the MSS provision, as well as on its orbital position, designation and entry into service. SML also provided information as requested on the performance of the service, having explained that Echostar 21 provides 100% coverage of all 28 Member States of the European Union, including Portugal, having also lifted ANACOM’s doubts both as to the development and entry into service of the Echostar 21 satellite, and the general core infrastructure.
As regards its wholesale offer, SML referred in its reply that it stands in the market as an infrastructure wholesale provider, enabling service providers to provide a variety of hybrid MSS to their customers and markets, including in the commercial and public administration sectors. The company adds that this approach has two main advantages: flexibility to meet the needs of each market and (ii) alignment with European regulation and market tendencies, as regards the functional separation between companies providing infrastructure and those providing services.
Later, on 4 February 2015, SML gave to ANACOM a presentation on its future provision of MSS, which according to the company’s expectations will be available in Member States in 2016. SML informed this Authority of the most recent developments on the launch of the service, namely as regards the ITU coordination of the Echostar 21 satellite and the construction of the first access central station and the central database.
Following the above-mentioned meeting, SML provided additional clarifications to ANACOM, on 12 February, by email, on the satellite connection capacity (92.8 Mbps) and on spectral efficiency (6.19 Mbps/MHz).
