Eutelsat and Nelco sign LEO connectivity deal for India
Nelco to offer Eutelsat’s LEO connectivity for land, maritime, and aviation markets, supporting critical government and enterprise applications
Expanding the reach of Eutelsat’s LEO services across India’s borders, territorial waters, and remote regions
Paris, 11 August 2025 - Eutelsat (ISIN: FR0010221234 - Euronext Paris / London Stock Exchange: ETL) and Nelco Limited (ISIN: INE045B01015 – Listed on the equity segment of BSE Limited & National Stock Exchange of India Limited’s stock exchanges), a Tata Group company and one of India’s leading satellite communication service providers, have signed an agreement to deliver OneWeb low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity services across the India region.
Under the agreement, OneWeb India Communications, Eutelsat’s local operating entity, will partner with Nelco to deliver secure, low-latency LEO connectivity for customers on land, at sea, and in the air. Service coverage will extend across India’s borders, territorial waters, and remote regions, supporting a wide range of secure government and enterprise applications. These capabilities will strengthen India’s digital infrastructure and national security, while ensuring reliable connectivity in underserved areas. Nelco is well geared to offer these services to its customers as soon the OneWeb LEO services become commercially operational in the country.
Neha Idnani, Regional Vice President for APAC, Eutelsat and Director of OneWeb Communications India commented:"We are proud to partner with Nelco, part of the respected TATA Group, to deliver advanced LEO connectivity services in India. This agreement strengthens our strategic footprint in one of the world’s most dynamic and fast-growing connectivity markets and underscores our commitment to supporting India’s digital and security ambitions."
P J Nath, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nelco, commented: "We are pleased to partner with Eutelsat to bring OneWeb LEO satellite connectivity services to India. This partnership marks a significant step in enabling reliable, secure, and high-speed communication solutions based on LEO services for critical sectors across land, sea, and air. It reflects our strategy to provide comprehensive multi-orbit satellite connectivity services for advancing India’s digital ecosystem and supporting the country's strategic communication needs."
Eutelsat and Nelco Limited a Tata Group company and one of India’s leading satellite communication service providers have signed an agreement to deliver OneWeb low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity services across the India region.
· New multi-year agreement builds on long-standing relationship between the two companies
· Enhances access to the benefits of LEO satellite communications to Orange’s enterprise and government customers and supports mobile backhauling to meet demand globally
· Further demonstrates the role of LEO connectivity as a complementary component of the global telecoms offer
Paris, 5 June 2025 - Eutelsat Group (ISIN: FR0010221234 - Euronext Paris / London Stock Exchange: ETL) and Orange, one of the world’s leading telecommunications operators and digital service providers, have signed an agreement enabling Orange to reinforce its position in low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications, leveraging Eutelsat’s OneWeb constellation.
Through this latest investment, Orange aims to strengthen its satellite solutions portfolio with LEO connectivity solutions providing high throughput, low latency, resilient and sovereign services to its enterprise and government customers wherever they are located and support mobile backhauling globally.
By combining OneWeb’s satellite coverage with its terrestrial networks, Orange will deliver seamless continuity of service and enhanced security as part of a digital inclusion approach for businesses allowing them to access critical services even in the most complex environments and underserved or remote areas of the globe.
Cyril Dujardin, President of the Connectivity Business Unit at Eutelsat said, “Eutelsat is delighted to further reinforce its relationship with Orange and looks forward to supporting its ambitious project to provide premium, ubiquitous connectivity to its customers. LEO-enabled services are becoming an integral technology for global telco operators. We are delighted to have been selected by Orange to enhance its service to its enterprise customers.”
Jean Louis Le Roux, EVP Orange International Networks, said, “It is of strategic importance for Orange to invest in the unique LEO European solution that provides best in class, resilient, tailored and sovereign digital connectivity services to serve our customers wherever they are located. The partnership with Eutelsat for OneWeb services is of vital importance to support their digital transformation.”
Orange and Eutelsat enjoy a long-standing partnership. Orange is the exclusive reseller of KONNECT VHTS capacity for consumer broadband in France under an agreement dating back to 2020, while earlier this year Orange Middle East and Africa inked an agreement for capacity on the EUTELSAT KONNECT satellite to deliver satellite internet over its footprint.
Eutelsat Group and Orange, one of the world’s leading telecommunications operators and digital service providers, have signed an agreement enabling Orange to reinforce its position in low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications, leveraging Eutelsat’s OneWeb constellation.
Eutelsat and InterSAT extend Africa connectivity capacity
Deepening successful partnership to address growing market needs for connectivity in Sub-Saharan Africa
Showcasing the ongoing pertinence of geostationary satellites to deliver a compelling and reliable connectivity service to the remotest areas
Potential to complement with LEO capacity to further optimise service
Paris, 13 May 2025 - Eutelsat Group (ISIN: FR0010221234 - Euronext Paris / London Stock Exchange: ETL) and InterSAT are extending their successful partnership with a new multi-year agreement for Ku capacity on the EUTELSAT 7C satellite.
InterSAT will leverage this capacity to enhance its delivery of fixed data services over Central and Eastern Africa. InterSAT has also renewed its existing capacity contract on the EUTELSAT 70B satellite, and the two companies are in discussions aimed at the addition of OneWeb capacity for East Africa.
InterSAT Communication Services is a leading provider of satellite-based data solutions in Africa offering Internet via Satellite connectivity to major organizations, government institutions and the private sector.
EUTELSAT 7C is a high-power satellite for markets in Africa positioned at the 7° East orbital position. EUTELSAT 70B, located at 70.5° East, offers broad wide beam coverage and four high-performance fixed beams, with a high degree of on-board connectivity.
Philippe Baudrier, Eutelsat OneWeb’s Vice President for Connectivity, Africa said: “We are delighted to deepen our relationship with our long-standing partner, InterSAT, to support their growth in Africa. This partnership highlights the ongoing relevance of our powerful geostationary in-orbit assets to deliver a cost-effective and reliable connectivity service to the remotest areas. Furthermore, we are excited to discuss the possibility of adding LEO capacity to further optimize the service offering.
Hanif Kassam, Chief Executive Officer of InterSAT,added: “With their optimal orbital locations over Africa, EUTELSAT E7C and E70B provide InterSAT with wide coverage and efficiency across the Horizon. Additionally, our state-of-the-art Teleport investments leveraged in this solution provide growth capabilities for our diverse customers in the region. We look forward to adding One Web to our service portfolio whereby our customers across the African Continent can benefit from low-latency and reliable connectivity.”
Eutelsat and Orange Africa and Middle East partner for digital inclusion
Paris, Casablanca, 4 March 2025 - Orange Africa and Middle East (OMEA) and Eutelsat announce a strategic partnership to bridge the digital divide through satellite connectivity in Africa and the Middle East. It aims to connect isolated areas with broadband access, thereby strengthening digital inclusion in the region.
As part of this multi-year partnership, Orange will use the EUTELSAT KONNECT satellite, which offers state-of-the-art broadband technology, to provide reliable and accessible Internet access. Initially, deployment will involve Jordan, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the aim of gradually extending to all countries in the region.
By combining Orange's expertise in telecommunications and Eutelsat's technological innovation in the satellite sector, this partnership will make it possible to offer services tailored to both private individuals (B2C) and businesses (B2B), guaranteeing secure, reliable and high-performance connectivity. The complementary nature of the fixed, mobile and satellite technology offers will help to connect isolated territories and meet the growing need for Internet access in the region.
The partnership is based on cutting-edge solutions offering speeds of up to 100 Mbps, which, combined with Orange's capabilities, will make it possible to:
Cover remote and rural areas,
Provide services tailored to local conditions and the needs of individuals and businesses,
Provide reliable and secure connectivity, in compliance with national regulations.
This proactive approach is part of a long-term vision to support digital development in all the areas where Orange is present, using the best technologies available, while respecting national frameworks and enhancing local ecosystems.
Jérôme Hénique, Managing Director, Orange Africa and Middle East, comments: “This partnership illustrates our commitment to connecting all territories and bridging the digital divide in Africa and the Middle East.
Today, Orange serves more than 160 million customers in the region, and is pursuing its ambition to provide digital access for all. Drawing on our expertise and local roots, we are positioning ourselves as a key player in supporting evolving customer expectations, while guaranteeing sustainable connectivity that respects local legislation.”
Michael Trabbia, CEO of Orange Wholesale, said: “I am delighted with this strategic partnership between the Orange Group and Eutelsat Group, which is part of a long-term relationship. It is part of our strategy to offer our customers the best satellite connectivity solutions in high and low orbit, complementing our terrestrial networks. Orange Wholesale's satellite factory has all the expertise required to implement this strategy for all Orange Group entities. We also offer satellite operators the terrestrial connectivity solutions they need, such as teleports or long-distance fiber.”
Cyril Dujardin, President of the Connectivity Business Unit within the Eutelsat Group added: “Our satellite technology including GEO capacity, combined with Orange's local footprint, brings connectivity where it's needed most. Together, we're creating a robust solution to accessibility challenges, providing reliable and affordable connectivity for consumers and businesses alike.”
Orange is already a reference customer of Eutelsat's KONNECT VHTS satellite, which it uses to provide broadband services to its subscribers in France.
Orange Africa and Middle East (OMEA) and Eutelsat announce a strategic partnership to bridge the digital divide through satellite connectivity in Africa and the Middle East. It aims to connect isolated areas with broadband access, thereby strengthening digital inclusion in the region.
Expansion of partnership to enhance low-latency, high-speed connectivity for businesses and communities across Southern Africa
New agreement strengthens efforts to deliver reliable internet access in underserved regions
Paris, 14 November 2024 - Eutelsat Group (ISIN: FR0010221234 - Euronext Paris / London Stock Exchange: ETL), announces a new multi-year agreement with Q-KON, a leading satellite solutions and services provider, to expand Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services across Sub-Saharan Africa. The agreement will further accelerate the delivery of high-speed, low-latency connectivity to specialized and underserved businesses and communities, particularly in Southern Africa.
The expanded agreement with Q-KON builds on the successful 2023 incorporation of Eutelsat’s OneWeb LEO satellite connectivity into Q-KON’s Twoobii Smart Satellite Services and the launch of digital banking services in February 2024. Under the terms of the agreement, Eutelsat’s OneWeb network will deliver significant capacity to Q-KON, enabling the growth and expansion of Twoobii-LEO, delivering enhanced broadband services to meet the growing demand for reliable and fast internet in the region.
The new partnership will strengthen the delivery of critical services such as cloud-based applications, remote healthcare, e-learning, fintech applications and enterprise connectivity across Sub-Saharan Africa, benefiting both urban and rural populations. By combining Eutelsat’s advanced satellite infrastructure with Q-KON’s local expertise and engineering, the agreement aims to bring high-quality internet access with competitive business case metrics to areas where terrestrial networks have yet to reach.
Cyril Dujardin, President of the Connectivity Business Unit for Eutelsat Group commented:"We are delighted to step up our relationship with Q-KON and we are honoured in the confidence Q-KON has placed in us following our initial successful cooperation. We are excited to continue to work with Q-KON as it leverages cutting-edge satellite network solutions to meet the challenging demands for low-cost, high availability, and trusted services in Africa."
“We value our continued partnership with Eutelsat and are excited to take this next step in expanding and scaling-up our LEO satellite services across Southern Africa,”said Dr Dawie de Wet, Group CEO of Q-KON. "This agreement opens up more product flexibility and service differentiation for faster, more reliable connectivity that will empower businesses and support digital transformation across Sub-Saharan Africa.”
Eutelsat Group announces a new multi-year agreement with Q-KON, a leading satellite solutions and services provider, to expand Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite services across Sub-Saharan Africa.
New partnership to deliver energy-efficient connectivity solutions aimed at rural and remote communities where access to stable electricity remains a hurdle
Eutelsat will integrate Clear Blue’s energy technology into its GEO Konnect and LEO OneWeb platforms to optimize broadband quality and prioritize applications based on real-time power conditions
Paris, 12 November 2024 – Eutelsat Group (ISIN: FR0010221234 - Euronext Paris / London Stock Exchange: ETL) has entered a partnership with Clear Blue Technologies, the industry frontrunner in smart energy solutions. This collaboration will expand and improve connectivity solutions across Africa by launching state-of-the-art, power-efficient broadband services to support businesses, community WiFi networks, even in the most energy-constrained environments.
In regions where access to stable electricity is a hurdle, the convergence of intelligent power management with world-class IP connectivity is paramount. Eutelsat will integrate Clear Blue’s energy technology capabilities into its GEO Konnect and LEO OneWeb platforms. The new solutions will offer reliable, sustainable, and scalable connectivity solutions that empower enterprises and transform communities across the continent.
The new offer will feature:
Smart Load Shedding: Ensuring consistent and high-speed critical connectivity, even in scenarios with limited power availability, to keep essential services operational.
Adaptive Broadband Quality: Adaptability that intelligently modulates broadband service in real-time based on power levels, maximizing performance and user experience.
Intelligent Power Monitoring and Savings: Advanced systems that not only prevent power abuse but also drive energy efficiency, resulting in significant cost reductions for end users.
Cyril Dujardin, President of the Connectivity Business Unit at Eutelsat,said: “Our strategic partnership with Clear Blue marks a significant leap forward in our mission to expand digital inclusion across Africa. Eutelsat’s expertise in power optimization, combined with Clear Blue’s smart energy management technologies, enables us to deliver new, sustainable connectivity solutions. This collaboration will empower communities, bridge digital divides, and ensure access to critical broadband services, regardless of local power infrastructure.”
Miriam Tuerk, CEO of Clear Blue Technologies said: “Connecting the unconnected across Africa represents that largest global growth potential for connectivity services. Power and connectivity together have been shown to be critical to successful roll outs, and more importantly, ongoing service quality and reliability. Eutelsat’s innovative approach to combining Smart Power technology with energy management of its communications technology will deliver unparalleled service at a compelling price point within the market.”
Eutelsat Group has entered a partnership with Clear Blue Technologies, the industry frontrunner in smart energy solutions. This collaboration will expand and improve connectivity solutions across Africa by launching state-of-the-art, power-efficient broadband services to support businesses, community WiFi networks, even in the most energy-constrained environments.
Leveraging Eutelsat’s OneWeb LEO constellation to offer high-quality, highly secure satellite communications service to multiple end users
Marking Eutelsat’s entry into the Japanese market alongside its trusted partner
Paris, 3 September 2024 - Eutelsat Group (ISIN: FR0010221234 - Euronext Paris / London Stock Exchange: ETL) announced today a landmark partnership enabling SoftBank Corp. (SoftBank) to integrate Eutelsat’s OneWeb low Earth orbit (LEO) connectivity services into its offering.
The multi-year partnership will enable SoftBank to deliver a high quality, robust bandwidth- and communication speed-guaranteed service to customers including corporations and government entities, notably providing momentum for SoftBank’s satellite communication services. It will directly interconnect with SoftBank's closed network service "SmartVPN" for additional security communications. The scope will initially target the Japanese market, with potential to expand to Japanese customers in other territories.
Commenting on the partnership, Cyril Dujardin, Co-President of Eutelsat’s Connectivity Business Unit said, "Our partnership with SoftBank is a significant milestone in our mission to deliver innovative connectivity solutions globally. We are delighted to rely on SoftBank as our partner to enter the Japanese market, and we look forward to cementing and expanding our collaboration in the years to come."
Masakatsu Kawahara, SoftBank Corp. Vice President, Head of Communication Service Division, said, "We are excited to partner with Eutelsat. By using the OneWeb low Earth orbit constellation it becomes possible to use high-quality, highly secure satellite communications services in places such as maritime and mountainous areas where connectivity is difficult to provide with terrestrial mobile networks.This will enable us to promote digital transformation in various industries and for local governments, heralding a new era in secure, ubiquitous connectivity services."
The agreement follows the granting to SoftBank by Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of a blanket license for specific radio stations, including VSAT earth stations and mobile earth stations, while the same ministry granted Eutelsat OneWeb a gateway station license.
Eutelsat Group announced today a landmark partnership enabling SoftBank Corp. (SoftBank) to integrate Eutelsat’s OneWeb low Earth orbit (LEO) connectivity services into its offering.
Strategic multi-year partnership for satellite capacity over Central and Eastern Africa on EUTELSAT 70B satellite
Complementing existing Ka-band agreement on the EUTELSAT KONNECT satellite
Highlighting the role of VSAT services delivered through powerful, geostationary capacity to reach remote areas
Paris, 23 May 2024 - Eutelsat Group (ISIN: FR0010221234 - Euronext Paris / London Stock Exchange: ETL) has extended its partnership with InterSAT one of Africa's leading satellite service providers to support InterSAT’s growth in the Pan-African enterprise and retail segments.
Under the latest multi-year strategic deal, InterSAT will add Ku-Band capacity over Central and Eastern Africa on Eutelsat’s EUTELSAT 70B satellite to its current portfolio which already includes Ka-Band capacity on the EUTELSAT KONNECT satellite.
Located at the 70.5° East orbital position, EUTELSAT 70B offers a broad wide beam coverage and four high-performance fixed beams, with a high degree of on-board connectivity.
Commenting on the agreement, Hanif Kassam, Chief Executive Officer of InterSAT said: ‘We are delighted to be able to rely on Eutelsat capacity once again to support our growth ambitions in Africa, home to some of the world's most remote and underdeveloped regions which represent a challenging environment for building terrestrial communication networks. Leveraging our VSAT service expertise and our teleport infrastructure, we are able to use satellite communication to deliver reliable and cost-effective connectivity to remote and underserved areas while assuring a high-end user experience for our customers.”
Ghassan Murat, Eutelsat’s RVP of the AMEA region added: “We are honoured to be selected by our long-standing partner, InterSAT, to accompany the further roll-out of its services in Africa. The growth of VSAT services in Africa is a testament to the potential of this technology to transform the continent's ICT landscape, connecting more people and businesses than ever before, as well as the ongoing relevance of our powerful geostationary in-orbit assets to deliver a compelling and reliable connectivity service to the remotest areas.”
Eutelsat Group has extended its partnership with InterSAT one of Africa's leading satellite service providers to support InterSAT’s growth in the Pan-African enterprise and retail segments.
EUTELSAT KONNECT satellite will enhance Yahsat’s satellite network with multi-year, multi Gbps contract for delivery of high-speed internet connectivity across multiple African and Middle East nations
Paris, 22 May 2024 - Eutelsat Group (ISIN: FR0010221234 - Euronext Paris / London Stock Exchange: ETL) and YahClick, the data solutions’ arm of Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PJSC (Yahsat), the UAE’s flagship satellite solutions (ADX: YAHSAT, ISIN: AEA007501017), today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), enabling YahClick to leverage capacity on Eutelsat’s geostationary satellite, EUTELSAT KONNECT.
The collaboration between the two leading satellite operators is in line with Yahsat’s efforts to elevate its offerings and drive growth across its satellite broadband footprint in Africa to provide enhanced services and expand into new markets in Africa and beyond. As part of the agreement. Yahsat will enjoy exclusive rights to Eutelsat’s KONNECT capacity over Ethiopia, one of the fastest-growing African markets.
In service since November 2020, EUTELSAT KONNECT is a high throughput satellite delivering significant resources for broadband services with 75 Gbps of capacity across a network of 65 spotbeams. Originally covering Europe and Africa, the satellite’s entire capacity is being progressively transferred to provide dedicated African coverage.
Commenting on the MOU, Sulaiman Al Ali, Chief Commercial Officer of Yahsat said: ‘We are delighted to partner with Eutelsat and have access to state-of-the-art orbital assets, to support our satellite network. This partnership shall enable us to further enhance our portfolio and drive growth of our ‘YahClick’ broadband services to consumer and enterprise markets. Yahsat supported Eutelsat in the early years of its African Broadband journey, and we are happy to be collaborating once again to ensure our existing and future customers benefit from the highest level of service and availability.”
Ghassan Murat, Eutelsat’s RVP of the AMEA region added: “We are honoured to further deepen our ties with our long-standing partner, Yahsat. Yahsat’s strong presence in Africa and the Middle East through the successful deployment of its YahClick satellite broadband service, together with the uptake we are seeing as we progressively transfer EUTELSAT KONNECT capacity to Africa highlight the buoyant demand for robust broadband services in the market, and the pertinence of satellite in connecting users, even in the most remote locations.”
Eutelsat Group and YahClick, the data solutions’ arm of Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PJSC (Yahsat), the UAE’s flagship satellite solutions, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), enabling YahClick to leverage capacity on Eutelsat’s geostationary satellite, EUTELSAT KONNECT.
