ThinKom and Telesat Expand Agreement for Low Earth Orbit Operations
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The certification of ThinKom's ThinAir Ka2517 antenna for the Telesat Lightspeed network represents a significant development in the telecommunications industry. This partnership underscores the growing demand for high-throughput, low-latency connectivity solutions in the aviation sector. The Ka2517 antenna's compatibility with low earth orbit (LEO) satellites is particularly noteworthy, as LEO networks offer reduced signal latency compared to geostationary satellites, enhancing the inflight connectivity experience.
From a technical standpoint, the ability of the Ka2517 to seamlessly switch between satellites in multiple orbital planes is a testament to its advanced design and engineering. This functionality is crucial for maintaining consistent and reliable communications, especially in a dynamic environment such as aviation where aircraft are constantly on the move. The potential to deliver over 1 Gbps to aircraft significantly exceeds current inflight connectivity standards, which typically offer much lower speeds.
Moreover, the focus on spectral efficiency and regulatory compliance indicates that ThinKom is aligning its technology with industry regulations and spectrum usage norms. This alignment is essential for ensuring that the technology can be widely adopted without legal or regulatory hindrances.
The strategic partnership between Telesat and ThinKom is poised to create a competitive advantage in the inflight broadband market. The anticipated network performance, offering over 1 Gbps to aircraft, addresses a critical market need for faster and more reliable inflight internet services. As airlines seek to differentiate themselves by enhancing passenger experience, the ability to offer high-speed internet connectivity is becoming a key factor.
The commitment to deploy over 800 ThinAir terminals by the end of 2024, with plans for additional installations on both Airbus and Boeing aircraft, indicates a strong market adoption trajectory. This deployment could catalyze further growth in the sector, as airlines upgrade their fleets to meet passenger expectations for constant connectivity. The direct linefit arrangements with major aircraft manufacturers simplify the adoption process, making it easier for airlines to integrate the Ka2517 antenna into their offerings.
However, the market should also consider the potential risks associated with the adoption of new technologies. For instance, the actual performance of the network in a live environment and the potential for unforeseen technical challenges could affect market perception and adoption rates. The timeline for satellite launches and global service availability, slated to begin in 2026 and 2027 respectively, will also be critical milestones to monitor.
The financial implications of the expanded partnership between Telesat and ThinKom are multifaceted. On one hand, the investment in R&D and certification processes for the Ka2517 antenna is likely to increase short-term operational costs for both companies. However, the long-term revenue potential from the deployment of these antennas on commercial aircraft is substantial.
Investors should note the strategic timing of the certification, which is expected to be finalized before the commencement of global service availability in 2027. This timing suggests a calculated effort to ensure market readiness and capitalize on the anticipated demand surge for LEO satellite services. The integration of the Ka2517 with an airborne modem for the Telesat Lightspeed network could also open additional revenue streams from modem kit sales and service contracts.
Furthermore, the partnership's emphasis on future-proofing inflight connectivity hardware investments could lead to sustained demand for ThinKom's antennas, as airlines look to avoid technological obsolescence. The potential market share gains from being the terminal of choice for Airbus's HBCplus Ka-band linefit program and the pursuit of a direct linefit with Boeing, are significant. These developments could positively influence Telesat's and ThinKom's stock performance, contingent on successful execution and market adoption of the technology.
ThinAir® Ka2517 antenna to be certified for Telesat Lightspeed™ network
HAWTHORNE, Calif. and OTTAWA, March 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Telesat (NASDAQ and TSX: TSAT), one of the world’s largest and most innovative satellite operators, and ThinKom Solutions, Inc., a leading designer and manufacturer of high performance satcom antennas, today announced an expanded development partnership to certify ThinKom’s ThinAir Ka2517 antenna for the Telesat Lightspeed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network.
The multi-year agreement calls for the organizations to cooperate on the integration and certification of the Ka2517 antenna with an airborne modem to enable communications across the Telesat Lightspeed Ka-band LEO network.
“ThinKom is keen to extend its position as the proven leader in airborne, multi-constellation, multi-orbit satellite terminal technology,” said Bill Milroy, ThinKom’s CTO and co-founder. “We bring exactly what it takes, in terms of spectral efficiency, scan volume, and rigorous regulatory compliance, in order to fully unlock the unique constellation characteristics and advantages of the Telesat Lightspeed network. We are indeed eager to see airlines and their passengers benefit from the addition of this high-throughput, low latency global network.”
Telesat estimates that its enterprise-class constellation, paired with the Ka2517 antenna, will deliver over 1 Gbps to the aircraft. Telesat Lightspeed can dynamically allocate multiple-Gbps of capacity to areas with high demand, such as congested airport hubs or busy flight routes. This level of connectivity enables robust gate-to-gate, real-time communications for a superior inflight connectivity experience.
ThinKom and Telesat have been formally cooperating on terminal development since the 2021 signing of a Memorandum of Understanding– which included validating the Ka2517’s ability to seamlessly switch between satellites across multiple orbital planes. With the Telesat Lightspeed satellite manufacturing program now underway, satellite launches are scheduled to begin in 2026, with Ka2517 certification expected to be finalized before global service availability scheduled to commence in 2027.
Over 800 ThinAir terminals will be deployed on commercial aircraft by the end of ‘24 with the capability to seamlessly add the Telesat Lightspeed network to their supported communications pathways. As the terminal of choice for the Airbus HBCplus Ka-band linefit program, ThinKom anticipates installation of the Ka2517 on up to one thousand more aircraft between now and activation of Telesat Lightspeed services. Additionally, ThinKom is pursuing direct linefit with Boeing, which will enable hundreds of additional Ka2517 installations.
“Airlines now have the ability to future-proof their inflight connectivity hardware investments when they select ThinKom’s proven, high-performance Ka2517 antenna,” stated Dave Wendling, Telesat’s Chief Technical Officer. “With a relatively simple modem kit installation, airlines will be able to seamlessly access or transition to Telesat Lightspeed connectivity for ubiquitous coverage and unsurpassed service.”
Media Contacts:
Greg Otto
ThinKom Solutions Inc.
+1 310 802 4507
Jetway Communications for ThinKom Solutions
Maryann Simson
+44 7821 1499797
W2 Communications for Telesat
Telesat@w2comm.com
About ThinKom
ThinKom Solutions, Inc., is a leading provider of innovative, ultra-low-profile broadband antenna solutions for commercial and business aviation applications, delivering fast, resilient, and reliable connectivity “from every orbit to every seat.” The ThinAir® product line delivers compact, affordable Ku- and Ka-band options suitable for installation on planes ranging from business jets to super-jumbos. ThinAir antennas consume less power while delivering high spectral efficiency, reducing recurring satellite costs. Packaged in a low-drag design to save fuel and reduce emissions, ThinAir’s proven, proprietary, patented solutions are trusted by leading inflight connectivity providers and airline customers around the globe. Learn more about ThinKom at www.thinkom.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and Facebook.
About Telesat
Backed by a legacy of engineering excellence, reliability and industry-leading customer service, Telesat (NASDAQ and TSX: TSAT) is one of the largest and most innovative global satellite operators. Telesat works collaboratively with its customers to deliver critical connectivity solutions that tackle the world’s most complex communications challenges, providing powerful advantages that improve their operations and drive profitable growth.
Continuously innovating to meet the connectivity demands of the future, Telesat Lightspeed, the company’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network, will be the first and only LEO network optimized to meet the rigorous requirements of telecom, government, maritime and aeronautical customers. Telesat Lightspeed will redefine global satellite connectivity with ubiquitous, affordable, high-capacity links with fibre-like speeds. For updates on Telesat, follow us @Telesat on X, LinkedIn, or visit www.telesat.com.
Forward-Looking Statements Safe Harbor
This news release contains statements that are not based on historical fact and are “forward-looking statements’’ within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Canadian securities laws. When used herein, statements which are not historical in nature, or which contain the words “will,” “expected,” “can,” “scheduled,” “anticipates,” or similar expressions, are forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements as a result of known and unknown risks and uncertainties. All statements made in this press release are made only as of the date set forth at the beginning of this release. Telesat Corporation undertakes no obligation to update the information made in this release in the event facts or circumstances subsequently change after the date of this press release.
These forward-looking statements are based on Telesat Corporation’s current expectations and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond Telesat Corporation’s control, are difficult to predict, and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements. There are numerous risks and uncertainties associated with Telesat’s business and the Telesat Lightspeed constellation. Known risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: inflation and rising interest rates; Telesat’s ability to enter into definitive funding agreements with the company’s Canadian federal and provincial government partners, and to meet the funding conditions of those agreements and of its vendor financing; technological hurdles, including our and our contractors’ development and deployment of the new technologies required to complete the constellation in time to meet our schedule, or at all; the availability of services and components from our and our contractors’ supply chains; competition; risks associated with domestic and foreign government regulation, including access to sufficient orbital spectrum to be able to deliver services effectively and access to sufficient geographic markets in which to sell those services; Telesat’s ability to develop significant commercial and operational capabilities; risks associated with operating satellites and providing satellite services, including satellite construction or launch delays, launch failures, in-orbit failures or impaired satellite performance; and volatility in exchange rates. The foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Investors should review the other risk factors discussed in Telesat Corporation’s annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2022, that was filed on March 29, 2023, with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Canadian securities regulatory authorities at the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (“SEDAR”), and may be accessed on the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov/ and SEDAR’s website at https://www.sedarplus.ca/ as well as our subsequent reports on Form 6-K filed with the SEC and also available on SEDAR.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the expanded development partnership between Telesat and ThinKom Solutions?
What benefits does Telesat estimate its enterprise-class constellation paired with the Ka2517 antenna will deliver to aircraft?
When are satellite launches for the Telesat Lightspeed network scheduled to begin?
How many ThinAir terminals will be deployed on commercial aircraft by the end of '24?
What is the significance of ThinKom being the terminal of choice for the Airbus HBCplus Ka-band linefit program?
