In a statement, Solaris Mobile and its shareholders Eutelsat Communications and SES Astra said that the current evaluation of the in-orbit tests of the S-band payload on the W2A satellite launched on 3 April indicate an anomaly which requires further tests.
Additional analysis is consequently planned with the satellite’s prime contractor, Thales Alenia Space, in order to identify the cause of the anomaly and to fully assess the extent of the S-band payload's capability to provide mobile satellite services to the European marketplace.
Solaris Mobile remains confident of its ability to meet the commitments made according to the European Selection and Authorisation Process, under which it has applied for S-band spectrum to provide these services. The company is evaluating a range of options to compensate for this situation and expects to make further announcements in due course.