The European Union is reviewing SES’s €3.1 billion acquisition of Intelsat—a strategic move aimed at bolstering Europe’s position in the rapidly evolving satellite communications race, currently dominated by Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper project.
According to an official filing on the European Commission’s website, EU antitrust regulators are set to make a final decision by June 10, 2025, regarding SES’s €3.1 billion acquisition of Intelsat, a major American satellite operator.
Submitted for regulatory review on April 29, the deal signals a bold attempt by Luxembourg-based SES to form a European powerhouse capable of competing more directly with the likes of Elon Musk’s Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper.
SES currently operates a multi-orbit satellite fleet of approximately 70 spacecraft, delivering services such as video broadcasting, governmental communications, and satellite broadband internet. The company plays a key role in Europe’s space infrastructure and is recognized as a critical alternative to U.S.-based satellite providers.
If approved, this merger would combine the operational capabilities and satellite assets of both SES and Intelsat, potentially reshaping the global satellite services market and amplifying Europe’s strategic presence in space.
Regulatory Scrutiny Underway
The European Commission has initiated a preliminary review of the transaction. Based on the outcome, it may approve the deal outright, either with or without remedies, or, if significant competition concerns arise, launch an in-depth investigation that could extend the review process by up to four months.
The stakes are high. With the space industry experiencing rapid privatization and technological disruption, particularly from low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellations, Europe is under increasing pressure to assert its competitiveness through consolidation and innovation.
SES’s acquisition of Intelsat is seen as part of this broader strategy to counterbalance American dominance in satellite internet and communications infrastructure.
Rising Competitive Pressures
The rise of next-generation satellite networks, especially LEO megaconstellations operated by SpaceX and Amazon, has drastically altered the landscape of satellite communications. These systems promise faster, cheaper internet access and have begun challenging traditional geostationary satellite models.
SES, which combines geostationary (GEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellite technologies, is positioning itself to meet this challenge head-on. The proposed acquisition of Intelsat could not only expand SES’s service offerings but also accelerate the development of hybrid satellite architectures with global reach.
Industry analysts suggest the merger could yield one of the most technologically diverse and scalable satellite service providers globally—capable of competing on equal terms with U.S.-based tech giants.
Looking Ahead
Given the scale of the deal and its potential impact on competition and innovation, the European Commission’s decision will be closely watched across the satellite and telecom sectors. A swift approval would empower SES to move forward with integration and investment plans, reinforcing Europe’s footprint in the global space economy.
Conversely, if regulators opt for a more extensive probe, the timeline for completion could be delayed, and additional conditions might be imposed to address market concerns.
With June 10 approaching, all eyes are on Brussels as the EU prepares to deliver a verdict that could redefine the competitive landscape of global satellite communications.
