Advanced Television

Mega-constellations

China starts second broadband constellation

China successfully launched three test satellites for its expanding broadband Internet technologies on December 30th. The satellite was launched by a Long March-2C carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. These satellites are for the GuoWang national network of 13,000 satellites. However, there is now confirmed news that China […]

January 3, 2024

Eutelsat OneWeb constellation connects to 5G

Eutelsat OneWeb, part of the Eutelsat Group, the satellite communications company, has confirmed that its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation has successfully connected to a 5G mobile network, supporting 5G QoS levels for the first time. This milestone brings super-fast mobile phone connectivity to remote and rural areas one step closer. The achievement of […]

October 19, 2023

Rivada confirms launch timetable

Rivada Space Networks has confirmed its plans to launch two satellite mega-constellations. The news emerged after the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) approved a request to permit a delay in the launch obligations for the two low Earth orbiting constellations. The ITU’s Radio Regulations Board has waived the requirement that Rivada put 10 per cent of […]

July 6, 2023By Chris Forrester

Analyst: Mega-constellations update

Quilty Analytics has provided a summary update on the various operators who are either planning to launch satellite mega-constellations, or already have. Starlink has confirmed that Japanese budget airline Zipair is to offer its broadband service on its flights. OneWeb has agreed a $50 million capacity deal with Canada’s Galaxy Broadband Communications, one of Canada’s […]

March 7, 2023

Rivada issues RFP for satellite constellation

Rivada Space Networks, a European network company launching a unique connectivity constellation for Government and Enterprise communications, has issued its request for proposals for 600 low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, having recently released the RFP for the associated heavy-lift launch services. The company anticipates selecting a prime contractor for the space segment, parts of the […]

November 3, 2022

Forecast: Mega-constellations to boost satellite activity

Paris-based consultancy Euroconsult says that despite the virus pandemic it still expects around 1000 smallish satellites to be launched each year throughout this decade. The drive will largely come from would-be broadband suppliers with mega-constellation operators accounting for around half of all launches and one-fifth of market value. Euroconsult’s forecast (contained within Prospects for the […]

July 27, 2020By Chris Forrester