(MENAFN) The European Commission on Tuesday granted unconditional approval for SES’s $3.1 billion acquisition of fellow satellite operator Intelsat, a move poised to solidify Europe’s foothold in the rapidly expanding satellite broadband sector.

Both companies—SES and Intelsat—operate global satellite networks from their shared base in Luxembourg. However, while Intelsat is legally registered in Luxembourg, its main administrative and operational functions are based in the United States.

Following a detailed review, the Commission determined the merger would not stifle competition. It noted that the combined entity will continue to face significant pressure from alternative technologies, including ground-based fibre for "one-way" services and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite operators like Elon Musk’s Starlink for "two-way" connectivity.

“The Commission concluded that the transaction would not raise competition concerns in the European Economic Area,” the EU’s executive arm said in a statement.

SES and Intelsat stated that the merger would improve service coverage and operational resilience while bolstering their competitiveness against LEO satellite challengers in the increasingly contested satellite communications industry.

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