French startup Constellation Technologies & Operations (Constellation) hopes to become a player in the satellite communications business by working with mobile network operators to repurpose 5G technology for broadband connectivity using existing assets, TechCrunch reported. The company plans to launch a constellation of satellites in very low Earth orbit, around 235 miles, and work directly with MNOs to provide high-speed internet access via small, stationary terminals. This is not direct-to-cell phone service. Constellation would provide the infrastructure (connectivity from satellites using 5G spectrum and ground terminals) while the MNO would sign up subscribers, in a subscription revenue-sharing model.
“We are basically witnessing a convergence between space and terrestrial connectivity in terms of performance and price,” comments Charles Delfieux, Constellation founder and CEO. “If you want to really achieve ubiquitous, universal connectivity, the only way to do that is to leverage space technologies.” Working with MNOs, Delfieux sees significant opportunities to provide universal internet access regardless of location or existing connectivity.
Constellation intends to keep costs down by building small form factor satellites using inexpensive components being produced for terrestrial networks and repurposing MNO 5G spectrum. With $10.2 million in seed funding, as Inside Towers reported, the company estimates it will need a 1,500-satellite constellation to provide global coverage with 150 Mbps downlink/50 Mbps uplink and a latency of less than 30 milliseconds.
The first launch is planned for June 2025 to test the service end-to-end, followed by two prototype satellites to be launched by the end of 2026, and with production satellites deployments in 2027.
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