OmniAccess to Begin Testing and Trials on Telesat’s Recently Launched Phase 1 LEO Satellite

January 29, 2018

Telesat and OmniAccess announced today that OmniAccess will be cooperating in live, over-the-air trials on Telesat’s low earth orbit (LEO) satellite system.

Telesat’s Phase 1 LEO satellite was launched in January 2018 and is now undergoing commissioning and orbit-raising. Telesat’s LEO constellation, once fully deployed, will deliver transformative, low latency, fiber-like broadband for commercial and government users throughout the world. The initial constellation will consist of approximately 120 state-of-the-art satellites by 2021 providing full global coverage and Telesat is evaluating options to expand its system beyond this initial configuration. Telesat is uniquely positioned to deliver the world’s most advanced and capable LEO constellation given the company’s deep technical expertise, strong track record of innovation, senior spectrum rights, and industry-leading customer service and support.

The company’s Phase 1 testing will demonstrate key features of Telesat’s LEO design and enable Telesat to match system performance with the projected requirements of customers like OmniAccess, in terms of both network operations and capacity needs. Telesat has installed ground infrastructure at its teleport in Allan Park in Canada to support testing and has customers in growing enterprise segments who are eager to participate in trials during 2018.

Telesat was the first satellite operator to provide bandwidth to OmniAccess and the companies have been working closely together throughout this decade. In November 2017, Marlink and OmniAccess announced plans to join forces and create a worldwide leader in maritime VSAT services, generating nearly $500 million in annual revenues.

“Since 2010 Telesat satellite capacity has enabled OmniAccess to deliver a superior broadband experience to our superyacht and cruise ship customers,” said Bertrand Hartman, OmniAccess’ CEO. “But to keep pace with customer demands, we need fiber-like performance around the world – far more capacity with ultra low latency at lower costs. This led OmniAccess to undertake a careful review of both existing and planned satellite systems in GEO, MEO and LEO. Based on this evaluation, OmniAccess believes that Telesat’s innovative LEO system design can provide an optimal broadband experience for our demanding customer segments. We are eager to start trials on Telesat’s Phase 1 LEO satellite and demonstrate to our customers and dedicated employees the exciting future of mobile broadband.”  

“OmniAccess has been a true innovator in implementing high performing maritime broadband and Telesat is pleased to be providing the satellite capacity at the core of their success,” said Dan Goldberg, President and CEO of Telesat. “Now with Telesat’s LEO Phase 1 satellite, we are ready to demonstrate a transformational broadband experience for OmniAccess customers in growing cruise and yacht markets – an online experience that can match advanced terrestrial networks. We look forward to starting our LEO trials and continuing our strong relationship with OmniAccess.”