Eutelsat, speaking at an investment conference June 13^th, said it would shortly start experimenting with a new small satellite technology with a view to launching a new LEO constellation of low-cost, narrow band, small satellites aimed at providing Internet of Things services.

Eutelsat told delegates to the Exane/BNPP that its new generation craft would be ‘Very High Throughput Satellites’ and offer governments a better alternative to bridge the digital divide, according to a note from Exane/BNPP.

The bank says that Eutelsat believes that the capital expenditure per home for a satellite-based system, at €500-€1000 is more attractive than the costs of rolling out fibre, which is costs at €2000 or more per home.

As to financial expectations, management told delegates that 2019 should show very slight growth and then gradually accelerate as Eutelsat executes on its residential broadband strategy, and with an emphasis on satellite as a complementary technology for the telco industry, not a competitor.

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