France-based satellite services provider Eutelsat Group (ETL.PA) announced Tuesday, a significant agreement with Intelsat regarding its OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation.
“Today’s announcement takes that partnership to a new level, enhancing our ability to offer new, true multi-orbit services and solutions across our portfolio of customers and business segments,” said Intelsat’s CEO, Dave Wajsgras.
The seven-year, $500 million deal, set to commence in mid-2024 with an initial commitment of $250 million, includes an option for an additional $250 million.
This collaboration will allow Eutelsat to integrate OneWeb’s LEO network with its existing Geostationary Equatorial Orbit (GEO) and terrestrial networks.
The formation of the Eutelsat Group in 2023, resulting from the merger of Eutelsat and OneWeb, established the first fully integrated GEO-LEO satellite operator.
The group aims to provide enhanced satellite services globally with a fleet of 35 GEO satellites and a LEO constellation comprising over 600 satellites.
Despite adjustments to its targets for the 2023-2024 financial year due to delays in OneWeb’s LEO activities, Eutelsat remains optimistic. The company confirmed that OneWeb’s ground roll-out is progressing as planned, with an expected 90% coverage by mid-2024.
