Telesat's Lightspeed: A Bridge to IRIS2's Satellite Revolution
Telesat's Lightspeed, a potential game-changer in satellite communication, is making waves before its European counterpart, IRIS2, comes online. Despite no public evidence of European governments using Lightspeed for speed tests yet, Telesat is open to collaboration with the EU and its allies.
IRIS2, a €10 billion project, plans a vast network of over 290 satellites, mostly in low Earth orbit (LEO), aiming to revolutionize internet speed. However, legacy operators like Telesat are finding it tough to justify new business cases for fresh broadcast satellites.
Telesat sees Lightspeed as a bridge to IRIS2, expected in 2027, and a way to support Canada's defense spending boost. It has pitched Lightspeed to the U.S. Department of Defense, including its 'Golden Dome' initiative worth $175 billion. Meanwhile, EchoStar has shifted its strategy to an 'asset-light growth company' after selling spectrum to SpaceX and AT&T.
The satellite video broadcasting industry has seen revenues decline, with wholesale video revenues dropping 20% over four years to $4.4 billion. Legacy operators face challenges in consumer broadband expansion due to Starlink's dominance and Amazon's upcoming Project Kuiper.
Telesat's Lightspeed is positioning itself as a crucial link between current capabilities and the future of connectivity represented by IRIS2. While legacy operators adapt to changing geopolitical landscapes, the race to provide global broadband continues, with Starlink and Project Kuiper leading the pack in speed tests.
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