Telesat has reported that OmniAccess will be cooperating in live, over-the-air trials on Telesat’s LEO satellite system.
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.
Bertrand Hartman, OmniAccess’ CEO, noted that since 2010, Telesat satellite capacity has enabled OmniAccess to deliver a superior broadband experience to the company's superyacht and cruise ship customers. In order to keep pace with customer demands, the company required 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 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.
Dan Goldberg, the President and CEO of Telesat, added that 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. Now with Telesat’s LEO Phase 1 satellite, the company is 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.