Satellite Networks

Arabsat and Telesat agree on terms for Lightspeed LEO capacity

Arabsat and Telesat agree on terms for Lightspeed LEO capacity

Saudi Arabia-based Arabsat and Canada-based satellite operator Telesat announced on Wednesday they have signed a term sheet under which Arabsat will lease multi-gigabit capacity from Telesat’s planned Lightspeed LEO satellite constellation.

The term sheet – which builds on a MoU signed by both operators last year – establishes the negotiated framework for Arabsat to integrate Telesat Lightspeed LEO services into its multi-orbit satellite ecosystem. The capacity will be backed by committed information rates (CIRs) and service level agreements (SLAs).

Arabsat and Telesat expect to conclude definitive agreements by December 2025.

Telesat Lightspeed is planned as a constellation of 198 LEO satellites, with services focused on the enterprise and government sectors. According to Space News, Telesat has booked 14 launches from SpaceX to start launching satellites in the middle of next year, and aims to deploy the entire constellation by mid-2027.

Arabsat president and CEO Alhamedi Alanezi said that adding Lightspeed’s LEO capacity to its geostationary satellite portfolio will ensure robust and seamless broadband connectivity solutions tailored for the enterprise, telecom, government, and mobility sectors.

“By offering LEO and GEO service, as well as blended combinations, we are laying the foundation for a new era of connectivity,” he said in a statement. “Multi-orbit satellite systems and terminals will position the Arabsat Group at the forefront of digital transformation – delivering faster, more reliable, and cost-effective connectivity tailored to the distinct performance needs of each industry.”

“In addition to the inherent security and reliability features of Telesat Lightspeed, Arabsat will have unprecedented flexibility to design, manage and control services to their customers, through Telesat’s interoperable lifecycle orchestration systems,” added Telesat president and CEO Dan Goldberg.



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