OTTAWA and SURREY, UK — Canadian satellite operator Telesat announced today it has signed a long-term strategic agreement with UK-based satellite communications provider NSSLGlobal to collaborate on the commercial and technical aspects of Telesat’s Lightspeed low Earth orbit (LEO) network.
As part of the agreement, Telesat Lightspeed services will be integrated into NSSLGlobal’s value-added network, “providing an expanded service portfolio that delivers increased performance, flexibility and resiliency for customers,” says a Telesat press release.
“As a key commercial launch partner, NSSLGlobal will provide a European end-user testing and trials facility for Telesat Lightspeed services at its UK Headquarters. From this facility, NSSLGlobal will support Telesat with service testing, performance validation and customer onboarding to the Telesat Lightspeed network, and also conduct field testing of user terminals from a range of providers,” reads the release.
NSSLGlobal’s intention is to market Telesat Lightspeed services into the European defence and maritime markets, the release says.
“We have been working in close cooperation with Telesat for many years and on Telesat Lightspeed since 2019, including live demonstrations for key customers, and we are delighted to formally expand our partnership,” said Sally-Anne Ray, group CEO of NSSLGlobal, in the release.
“Telesat Lightspeed will be a game-changer for our long-standing customers who demand the most reliable, cutting-edge technologies on the market. It is the only LEO satellite constellation offering that has been specifically designed first and foremost for mobility customers on land, sea and air,” Ray added.
Telesat’s Lightspeed LEO constellation will initially consist of a global mesh network of 298 LEO satellites integrated with on-ground data networks, according to the press release.
For more on the announcement, please click here.
