Advanced Television

telesat

Analyst: LEOs to boost satellite broadband

The demand for broadband connectivity over both fixed and mobile broadband networks is increasing dramatically. However, despite network expansions and upgrades, only half of households worldwide currently have access to fixed broadband services. With the rollout of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations, satellite broadband services will improve broadband penetration significantly. Global tech market advisory firm […]

April 16, 2021

Telesat sells bonds to fund Lightspeed

Canada-based satellite operator Telesat will raise some C$500 million (€333.5m) in fresh borrowings in order to fund its new fleet of Lightspeed low Earth orbiting satellites. The cash-raising exercise will happen before the end of April, according to CEO Dan Goldberg. The total cost of the Lightspeed 298 satellite project are reportedly about $5 billion. […]

April 16, 2021By Chris Forrester

MDA wraps IPO offer

Satellite technology and services company MDA has reported an over-allotment of shares following on from its IPO. MDA Corp, the satellite builder formerly known as MacDonald, Dettwiler & Assoc, are perhaps better known as the builders of the Space Shuttle’s sophisticated ‘Canadarm’ robotic crane which is still used on the International Space Station MDA says […]

April 15, 2021By Chris Forrester

Telesat catching up in LEO race

Ottawa-based Telesat is reportedly “racing” to launch its 298-craft Low Earth orbiting satellite platform. Even though Telesat is some two years behind Elon Musk’s Starlink, the Canadian company’s CEO, Dan Goldberg says Telesat’s Lightspeed LEO system will be the company’s “Holy Grail” and deliver a “sustainable competitive advantage in global broadband delivery”. Telesat is certainly […]

April 13, 2021

MDA prepares for IPO

Canada’s MDA, the satellite builder formerly known as MacDonald, Dettwiler & Assoc – but perhaps better known as the builders of the Space Shuttle’s sophisticated ‘Canadarm’ robotic crane and still used on the International Space Station – is mounting an IPO. MDA, founded in 1969 (by Dr John MacDonald and Vern Dettwiler) also helped build […]

March 24, 2021By Chris Forrester

Who is behind Project Kraken?

Space Florida, a State-backed unit designed to build on Florida’s already hugely successful space-related activity, is in contact with Project Kraken – a mystery space business that could be looking to locate in or near Florida’s famous Space Coast. Amazon has confirmed that its Project Kuiper mega-constellation of 3,200 satellites have anything to do with […]

March 22, 2021

Canada’s C-band plan draws complaints

The world’s three-largest satellite operators are complaining to Canada’s government regarding its proposed restructuring of C-band spectrum for 5G adoption. In essence they are saying that they must be compensated for giving up their frequencies over Canada, and any Canadian scheme which only compensates Telesat would be a violation of trade agreements. The comments come […]

March 17, 2021

Analyst: “Satcom entering new consolidation cycle”

Joseph Ibeh, analyst at satellite and space market research and consulting services specialist NSR, suggests that further satcom consolidation is on the horizon, with the global satellite communication industry transitioning to meet new market trends and match projected threats from perceived disruptors. In particular, he argues that an SES and Eutelsat merger could help both […]

March 16, 2021By Colin Mann

Telesat “pleasing progress” in 2020

Canadian satellite operator Telesat has announced its financial results for the three-month and one-year periods ended December 31st 2020 For the year, Telesat reported consolidated revenue of C$820million (€541m), a decrease of 10 per cent (C$90million) compared to the same period in 2019. When adjusted for changes in foreign exchange rates, revenue decreased 10 per […]

March 5, 2021

Bezos losing out to Musk in mega-satellite plan?

Amazon owner Jeff Bezos looks like suffering delays to his Project Kuiper broadband-by-satellite mega-constellation. Confirmed delays in the availability of his Blue Origin launch rocket could also affect Eutelsat which had reserved a flight on the rocket for one of its satellites. Bezos is backing the Blue Origin rocket launching system and they have delayed […]

March 2, 2021