Chunghwa may need to change bands for ST-2 satellite

1 min readUpdated May 30, 2025Apr 23, 201811:32 PM

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Taiwan’s Chunghwa Telecom could be required to the change frequencies it is using for its ST-2 satellite in order to accommodate the use of 5G on the 3.4-GHz to 3.6-GHz frequency range.

Taiwanese regulator NCC plans to conduct experiments to see if the operator’s satellite system can coexist with 5G servicesv.

If it is found that there are potential interference problems, the regulator may order Chunghwa Telecom to use different frequencies for its satellite service, which is used by a number of TV channels to transmit broadcast signals.

The NCC believes that the order would not cause much disruption as it would affect only one transponder of the satellite system.

The ST-2 contains 10 transponders in the frequency band in question – the C-band in satellite parlance, which uses 3.7-GHz to 4.2-GHz spectrum for downlink and 5.9-GHz to 6.4-GHz for uplink. It also has 41 transponders in the 12-GHz/14-GHz Ku-band.

The report adds that the NCC may offer compensation to Chunghwa Telecom to cover the costs of the spectrum relocation.

Meanwhile the Taiwanese government is expected to make its final decision over the use of spectrum in the 3.4-GHz to 3.6-GHz range for 5G by June, while the NCC has established a taskforce to draw up the rules for a 5G auction.

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What this means

Chunghwa Telecom faces a significant technical and operational challenge if the NCC orders a frequency change for its ST-2 satellite, potentially disrupting TV channel transmissions. While the NCC suggests minimal impact on one transponder and possible compensation, the move pressures Chunghwa's established satellite business. This contrasts with market entries by brands like % Arabica or Putien, which expand into new physical locations without spectrum co-existence issues. The decision could mandate substantial adjustments for a critical infrastructure provider, unlike a simple management change at HSBC Private Bank. The financial implications for Chunghwa and the broader regulatory approach to converging technologies deserve close scrutiny. We await the government's final spectrum decision by June.

Wei Zhang · Retail News Asia newsroom

Questions & Answers

What is the primary reason Chunghwa Telecom might need to change the frequencies for its ST-2 satellite?

The change is being considered to accommodate the use of 5G services within the 3.4-GHz to 3.6-GHz frequency range. The Taiwanese regulator NCC plans experiments to check for potential interference issues with Chunghwa's satellite system.

How significant would the disruption be if Chunghwa Telecom is ordered to change its satellite frequencies?

The NCC believes the disruption would not be substantial as the order would affect only one transponder of the satellite system. The ST-2 satellite has 10 transponders in the C-band, which is the frequency band in question.

Which specific frequency band is causing the potential conflict between the ST-2 satellite and future 5G services?

The potential conflict arises within the C-band, which uses the 3.7-GHz to 4.2-GHz spectrum for downlink and 5.9-GHz to 6.4-GHz for uplink. This overlaps with the 3.4-GHz to 3.6-GHz range targeted for 5G.

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