Advanced Television

Hispasat takes stake in LeoSat

July 10, 2018

By Chris Forrester

Madrid-based satellite operator Hispasat is joining Japan’s SKY Perfect/JSAT in taking a financial stake in LeoSat.

LeoSat, in a joint press release, says the drive to be ready for fast, more secure and global data communications, is behind the move. LeoSat is planning for 108 Low Earth orbiting satellites and each using laser transmission – which is about 1.5 times faster than terrestrial fibre – for its ultra-secure communications.

“Big Data is driving the need for new communications infrastructure,” says LeoSat. “Data volumes are exploding, with more data created in the past 2 years that in the entire history of the human race.  Global networks are already carrying more than 1 Zeta Byte of traffic globally and this is forecast to grow exponentially.  This will have a lasting effect on the communications industry, with the need to invest in and deploy appropriate infrastructure, particularly with satellite communications, whose data market will grow with the deployment of low earth orbit solutions that will enable telecom and satellite operators to complement their current portfolio with suitable capabilities for future demand.

“With the ever-increasing demand to move large quantities of data quickly and securely around the world there is a growing interest in the major performance advantages of communications networks in LEO.  The unique features of LeoSat’s system – ubiquity, low-latency, speed and cybersecurity – are ideal for a number of applications, such as to enabling global 4G and 5G satellite connectivity for cellular operators, providing the bandwidth required for energy, maritime or financial sector operations, delivering secure networks for government and defense communications, ensuring critical emergency communications and enabling Internet access and connectivity for remote communities.”

LeoSat is working with Thales Alenia Space on the constellation, and the constellation is expected to launch in 2021.

Financial terms were not revealed.

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