Image Courtesy: Reuters
Eutelsat, the world’s third-largest satellite operator by revenue, successfully launched 20 new satellites for its communications network on Sunday, marking its first major step since merging with OneWeb last year. The satellites were launched using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, which took off from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base at 5:13 AM GMT. This is the first satellite launch for the newly merged entity, and according to Eutelsat’s CEO, Eva Berneke, it will be the beginning of many more launches to come over the next several years.
The merger, which took place in September 2023, combined the strengths of France's Eutelsat and Britain's OneWeb, creating a powerful force in the satellite industry. The company now operates a constellation of more than 600 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, offering communication services to broadcasters, telecommunications companies, and radio stations across the globe. Berneke emphasized Eutelsat’s desire to play a more integrated role in the telecommunications sector, noting that while satellites are a smaller player in the overall connectivity landscape, they hold a significant niche in supporting broader telecom ecosystems.
Eutelsat already has a strong client base that includes major telecom operators like France’s Orange and Australia’s Telstra. The company is also in discussions with major U.S. firms like AT&T, as it aims to expand its services to new markets. One of its major ambitions is to tap into the rapidly growing satellite market in countries like India and Saudi Arabia, where satellite services are still in development or awaiting regulatory approval.
India, in particular, represents a huge opportunity for Eutelsat. With a market expected to grow 36% annually to reach $1.9 billion by 2030, the country is on the brink of allowing satellite services, although domestic competitors and international companies like Starlink have faced regulatory hurdles. Eutelsat has orders waiting in the Indian market, and Berneke explained that once the country opens up to satellite services, the company will begin building out its infrastructure to meet demand.
In addition to its traditional markets, Eutelsat is also in negotiations with aviation companies to provide in-flight connectivity, including internet browsing capabilities for passengers. This is another area where the company sees potential for revenue growth, with Berneke predicting that these efforts will start contributing to the company’s income as early as next year.
With a strong backlog of $4 billion in orders and ambitious plans to expand in key global markets, Eutelsat is positioning itself for significant growth in the coming years. The company’s partnership with SpaceX for satellite launches and its ongoing efforts to integrate further into the telecommunications ecosystem signal a bright future for the newly merged satellite giant.
