News Satellite

Eutelsat’s Konnect satellite ready for launch

The satellite is a Very High Throughput (VHTS) craft and aims to boost Eutelsat’s broadband coverage over Africa.

Eutelsat’s Konnect satellite, which will provide broadband services for Europe and Africa, has entered its final phase ahead of its launch scheduled for January 16.

The Konnect satellite, which was built by Thales Alenia Space for Eutelsat, is part of a European Space Agency (ESA) partnership project to help to deliver competitive satellites for the commercial telecommunications market.

The satellite aims to cater to Eutelsat’s broadband coverage over Africa and additionally serve Europe and Russia.

Konnect is occupying the upper – top – position of the Ariane 5 rocket. The lower position is taken by an Indian communication satellite (GSAT-30) and will provide C-band coverage to the Gulf countries as well as much of Asia, India and Australia.

This is the first launch for Arianespace this year.

Commenting on the launch, Eutelsat was quoted as saying: “This latest-generation satellite service enables all types of users, from consumers to businesses, schools, hospitals and governments to enjoy the social and economic opportunities that internet connectivity entails, whether they are in urban, rural or the remotest locations.”