The Eutelsat Konnect VHTS (very high throughput satellite), successfully entered into service at the 2.7°E orbital position on October 26, 2023.
The satellite, built by Thales Alenia Space, will provide fixed, mobile and government connectivity across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Delivering 230 beams and with a Ka-band capacity of 500 Gbps, Eutelsat Konnect VHTS is the largest geostationary satellite to date in Europe. It embarks the most powerful on-board digital processor ever put in orbit, offering capacity allocation flexibility, optimal spectrum use, and progressive ground network deployment.
The satellite, with capacity seven times that of the previous generation Eutelsat Konnect, enters service with several major committed customers, namely Orange, via its Nordnet affiliate for the French coverage; Telecom Italia Mobile over Italy; and Thales Alenia Space to serve notably government connectivity services. Totaling c.€450m, these commitments underpin Eutelsat Group’s revenue growth objectives in the coming years.
Speaking about the development, Eutelsat Group CEO Eva Berneke said: “The entry into service of the state-of-the-art Eutelsat Konnect VHTS is an important milestone for the Group, showcasing once again our leadership in innovation, and our commitment to bringing connectivity to the next level in Europe to help bridge the digital divide. With its ability to accommodate joint GEO-LEO services, specifically in zones where demand is highly concentrated, Eutelsat Konnect VHTS represents a key asset in the Group’s offering going forward. Moreover, its substantial precommitments are a testament to the significant demand for satellite connectivity, even in developed markets.”
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