- Orange and Telesat collaborate on satellite connectivity in France
- The deal includes a new ground station and carrier ethernet services
What happened: Orange strengthens satellite connectivity with Telesat
Orange has signed a satellite connectivity agreement with Telesat, enhancing its service options in France. The partnership involves a Telesat Lightspeed Landing Station, which will be hosted at an Orange teleport around 170km from Paris. The French capital itself will be covered by an existing point of presence, operated through Orange’s international wholesale unit.
As part of the arrangement, Orange will integrate Telesat’s carrier ethernet connectivity, ensuring low-latency, high-performance communications. The agreement is supported by service level agreements (SLAs), reinforcing the resilience of global digital infrastructure and improving connectivity in remote areas.
According to Orange Wholesale International CEO Emmanuel Rochas, Telesat will support mobile backhaul, crisis response, and remote connectivity. Orange operates 26 global ground stations, with the selected teleport being a World Teleport Association (WTA) Tier-4 facility, ensuring redundancy, security, and frequency flexibility.
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Why it’s important
Orange’s partnership with Telesat expands its multi-orbit satellite portfolio, increasing its capability to provide connectivity in underserved regions. The Lightspeed network offers low-latency, high-bandwidth satellite services, essential for mobile backhaul, enterprise connectivity, and emergency communications.
By hosting a Telesat Lightspeed Landing Station, Orange enhances its global satellite infrastructure, ensuring secure and seamless communication. The Tier-4 WTA-rated teleport adds operational resilience, including automatic power switching, physical security, and advanced tracking antennas.
With satellite communications playing a growing role in bridging the digital divide, Orange’s latest move strengthens its commitment to digital inclusion. The agreement further positions Orange as a leader in satellite-enabled telecom services, complementing its existing terrestrial and subsea networks.
