Case study
Dog sled traveling across a snowy landscape

Secure Data Networks Solutions: Safeguarding Data in Canada's North

Canadian government and enterprise operations face a persistent challenge: connecting remote northern territories where fibre networks are scarce and terrestrial options fail to meet security requirements.

The Challenge: Reliable Communication Across Remote Territories

Eutelsat's OneWeb LEO satellite technology delivers the answer. Our high-speed, low-latency network brings reliable satellite connection to even the most isolated sites across the High North, with private network options that keep sensitive telemetry, proprietary software and subscriber data off the public internet. Working with trusted partners, we've deployed private satellite network infrastructure that supports mission-critical operations from coast to coast to coast.

Canada-based enterprise and government operations must maintain communications across northern territories where fibre networks are scarce and cellular coverage fades quickly. Climate change is opening previously unexplored tracts of wilderness and sea, increasing demand for connectivity where traditional infrastructure cannot reach.

The operational challenges include:

  • Deploying reliable connectivity where needed, without waiting for costly terrestrial buildout
  • Supporting field operations and real-time analytics at the edge
  • Running encryption to protect critical infrastructure telemetry from hostile actors
  • Ensuring satellite links support moving assets across land, sea and air in austere conditions

For key decision-makers who oversee maritime fleets, land-based enterprise, or emergency response teams, these remote areas demand solutions that guarantee continuous communication—even when an existing ground network fails entirely.

The Need: High-Speed Satellite Internet Access with Full Privacy

Government service providers depend on reliable satellite communications for land fixed, land mobility and maritime applications to serve communities nationwide. Hardware must be proven in all conditions, while traffic features keep data off the public internet when required.

Key operational needs:

  • Controlling access and priority: managing who has access, which data takes priority and what security levels apply
  • Secure downlinking: ensuring private circuits downlink to gateways or landing PoPs (Toronto and Calgary) within Canada's borders
  • Trusted infrastructure: deploying terminals that have been certified for a LEO satellite network and tested in the field for resilient service performance

This combination of high-speed, low-latency LEO connectivity with privacy-first service design enables mission-critical satellite communications for national security, surveillance, emergency response and secure delivery of public services.

The Solution: Certified Hardware and Private Satellite Wi-Fi Connectivity

Eutelsat, working with trusted partner Galaxy Broadband, has delivered network solutions designed to meet operational and security requirements across Canada's most challenging environments. These high-speed satellite internet solutions include private networks for keeping sensitive data off the public internet, and combine certified portable and fixed user terminals with LEO connectivity to support national security and safeguard commercial telemetry.

Deployed user terminals include:

  • Hughes HL1120W
  • Kymeta u8 Osprey
  • Kymeta u8 Peregrine
  • Intellian OW10HV
  • Intellian Manpack OW7MP

Each terminal has been tested in harsh conditions on land and at sea, ensuring reliability for fixed, mobile and maritime operations. Private network features allow customers to control access, prioritise traffic and apply VPN encryption to keep sensitive data off the public internet.

The Impact: Modernised, Secure Satellite Network Communication

The deployment has delivered measurable outcomes for government and enterprise users:

  • Enhanced digital scope to modernise services in remote territories and comply with privacy standards, protecting sensitive telemetry and community data
  • Improved decision-making for national security, surveillance and emergency response coordination, with real-time encrypted satellite links supporting critical operations
  • Multi-million-dollar savings from reduced downtime on degraded fibre networks, by ensuring continuous connectivity for field and maritime communications

This case study demonstrates how private satellite networks enable government and enterprise operations to maintain secure, resilient communication in Canada's most challenging environments—supporting the operational continuity, safety and compliance that mobility-focused organisations require.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is satellite internet performance good for enterprise use?

  • Orbiting at 1,200 kilometres, Eutelsat's OneWeb constellation reduces latency to 25–60 milliseconds—performance comparable to terrestrial broadband and roughly eight times faster than traditional GEO systems. This enables mission-critical workflows including telemetry, cloud analytics, video conferencing and secure communications. With full-duplex terminals achieving speeds up to 195 Mbps, LEO-backed private networks support bandwidth-intensive operations without degradation, even where ground infrastructure is unavailable.

Are there privately owned satellites serving government customers?

  • Satellite operators like Eutelsat deploy dedicated infrastructure for government and enterprise customers who need sovereign, secure connectivity. Eutelsat's multi-orbit network combines 31 GEO satellites with the OneWeb LEO system—the only LEO fleet not controlled by the US or China—to offer Europe a uniquely sovereign asset. Private network circuits route traffic through controlled Points of Presence within national borders, such as Toronto and Calgary for Canadian operations, ensuring data never traverses the public internet. End-to-end security encompasses space, ground and user segments, with access policies, priority routing and encryption tailored to defence, emergency services and critical infrastructure use cases.

What is satellite internet and how does it work for private networks?

  • Satellite internet relays data between user terminals on the ground, orbiting satellites and ground stations connected to the terrestrial internet backbone. User terminals—mounted on vessels, aircraft, vehicles or fixed sites—transmit requests via satellite signals to ground stations, which convert RF into IP data and route it across secure circuits. For private networks, traffic bypasses the public internet entirely: dedicated circuits connect terminals directly to controlled gateways, maintaining full control over routing, bandwidth allocation and security policies. LEO constellations use inter-satellite laser links to extend coverage over oceans and polar regions, ensuring continuous satellite connection even where ground stations are sparse.

How do private satellite network companies ensure data security?

  • Private satellite network operators employ layered security combining encryption, controlled access and dedicated infrastructure. End-to-end encryption protects data in transit from user terminal to ground station using approved cryptographic standards and hardware security modules for key management. Private Points of Presence and VPN integration ensure sensitive telemetry, subscriber data and operational traffic remain isolated from public networks. Controlled access policies, SIM-based authentication and role-based permissions reduce exposure to hostile actors. With lower latency enabling real-time integrity checks, LEO-backed private networks deliver the confidentiality, availability and operational continuity essential for government, defence and critical enterprise deployments.

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Eutelsat Expands LEO Connectivity Across Greenland
  • Eutelsat to provide OneWeb LEO connectivity under the Enhanced Satellite Connectivity Project for Greenland
  • Project will connect critical infrastructure and remote communities through Eutelsat’s longstanding partnership with Tusass
  • European satellite capabilities will strengthen resilience and sovereignty across Greenland and the Arctic

Paris, 7 September 2026 – Eutelsat (ISIN: FR0010221234 – Euronext Paris / London Stock Exchange: ETL) today announced its participation in the Enhanced Satellite Connectivity Project for Greenland, a new initiative supported by the European Union, the Government of Greenland and the Government of Denmark to extend reliable connectivity to rural and remote communities across the country.

The project was launched today at Eutelsat’s ground station in Greenland, in the presence of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

The European Union’s support for the project also reflects its broader commitment to strengthening European sovereignty and resilience in critical infrastructure. By supporting a European satellite provider to deliver essential connectivity in Greenland, the initiative helps ensure that critical communications across Europe and the Arctic are underpinned by European capabilities.

Under the project, Eutelsat will provide OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) connectivity in partnership with Tusass, Greenland’s national telecommunications provider and the project’s lead partner. Building on their longstanding relationship, the two companies will extend reliable communications to remote settlements and critical infrastructure in areas where Greenland’s geography and climate make terrestrial networks particularly difficult to deploy.

Operating in polar orbit, Eutelsat’s OneWeb constellation is particularly suited to Greenland and the wider Arctic, providing high-speed, low latency connectivity at high latitudes. By extending this capability to more remote communities, the project will support Greenland’s priorities for digital inclusion while strengthening resilient and sovereign communications infrastructure in a strategically important region.

The project also brings together broader European satellite capabilities, including those of HispaSat, and builds on the cooperation between the partners within SpaceRISE, the consortium delivering the EU’s IRIS² secure connectivity programme. Eutelsat is a core partner in SpaceRise and will contribute its LEO capabilities to IRIS².

Eva Bisgaard, President for Connectivity at Eutelsat, said: “Eutelsat and Tusass have worked together for many years to address Greenland’s unique connectivity needs, and this project marks an important new step in that relationship. With support from the European Union, Greenland and Denmark, we will extend OneWeb LEO connectivity to more remote communities, supporting everyday access to communications while strengthening the resilient, sovereign infrastructure Greenland needs for its future. The Arctic is strategically important to Europe, and we are proud that our European satellite capabilities can make a practical difference for the people who live there.”

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Eutelsat today announced its participation in the Enhanced Satellite Connectivity Project for Greenland, a new initiative supported by the European Union, the Government of Greenland and the Government of Denmark to extend reliable connectivity to rural and remote communities across the country.

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French naval ship on calm water with snow-capped mountains in the background.

Demonstrating Operational Connectivity with the French Navy

For naval forces operating far from shore, reliable connectivity is no longer simply a convenience. LEO satellite connectivity for naval operations is becoming a critical component of modern satcom architecture, enabling crews to access information, communicate effectively and maintain low-latency communication links wherever missions take them.

For the French Navy's Force d'Action Navale, and specifically the Frégate Guépratte, Eutelsat's OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) connectivity is helping change what is possible at sea, supporting both mission-critical operations and the daily lives of the crew.

From limited bandwidth to always-on satellite internet at sea

Naval vessels operate across vast geographical areas, often far beyond the reach of terrestrial communications infrastructure. Traditional connectivity limitations can therefore create challenges when crews need to exchange data, access digital tools or communicate with teams onshore.

Following the introduction of Eutelsat's OneWeb LEO service aboard the Frégate Guépratte, part of the Force d'Action Navale, the vessel has experienced a significant improvement in connectivity. According to the crew, the measured improvements include:

  • Around four times more bandwidth, giving personnel higher throughput for data-intensive tasks
  • Significantly fewer connectivity blind spots across the maritime domain
  • More consistent access to the digital tools and communications systems crews rely on throughout their missions

For naval operations, greater bandwidth is about much more than faster internet. It supports the increasing digitalisation of vessels, strengthens situational awareness and enables faster ship-to-shore data exchange, all while keeping teams connected through Eutelsat's satellite connectivity solutions for defence forces across remote operational environments.

Why Low Earth orbit satellites make a difference at sea

Eutelsat's OneWeb LEO constellation consists of more than 600 satellites orbiting approximately 1,200 kilometres above the Earth, delivering high-speed, low-latency connectivity across land, air and sea. Unlike a traditional GEO satellite positioned tens of thousands of kilometres out, this lower altitude keeps signals travelling a far shorter distance.

That proximity matters. Because LEO satellites orbit much closer to Earth than geostationary satellites, they support applications that depend on rapid, responsive data exchange, exactly what ship-to-shore communications increasingly demand.

For vessels underway, this blend of performance and global coverage means connectivity remains available as ships move between operational areas, supporting everything from cloud-based tools to real-time ship-to-shore communication.

Resilience and sovereignty at the heart of naval communications

Performance is only one part of the equation. For governments and defence organisations, resilience, security and sovereignty have become increasingly important considerations when selecting communications infrastructure.

The experience aboard the Frégate Guépratte and within the Force d'Action Navale highlights this strategic dimension. For the crew, the ability to transmit data using a sovereign European satellite infrastructure is an important part of the solution.

Having access to an additional high-performance connectivity layer also strengthens the vessel's communications architecture. Built-in redundancy and encryption help safeguard sensitive data as ships operate in increasingly contested environments, where jamming and other forms of interference remain a persistent risk.

Rather than depending on a single connectivity technology, satellite networks complement existing systems, giving crews additional options when operating far from shore. For defence organisations, this diversity helps maintain operational continuity while supporting greater control over critical communications infrastructure.

Better connectivity for the people behind the mission

Connectivity at sea isn't only about operational performance, it's about people.

Naval deployments can keep sailors away from family for months, and reliable personal internet access makes a real difference to life aboard a vessel. With the Guépratte's expanded connectivity, crew members can access personal communications more easily during downtime.

This mirrors a wider trend, for example the Royal Navy has turned to LEO satcom to support crew welfare on ships from tropical seas to the polar region, recognising morale as part of operational readiness.

The lesson is the same: connecting the vessel matters, but so does connecting the people aboard it.

What to look for in LEO satellite providers for naval forces

Choosing a LEO satellite provider is a strategic decision, not just a technical one. Naval decision-makers should evaluate partners against criteria that reflect operational reality at sea:

  • Global coverage with low latency: consistent performance across remote maritime routes, supporting real-time command and control
  • Sovereign, European infrastructure: reducing dependency on non-European systems for sensitive defence communications
  • Security and encryption: robust safeguards for data in transit, meeting defence-grade requirements
  • Multi-orbit resilience: combining GEO and LEO layers for redundancy when conditions or coverage change
  • Terminal ecosystem and rapid deployment: a proven LEO terminal range that integrates easily aboard existing vessels

Eutelsat is uniquely positioned here, operating both an established GEO fleet and a fully deployed LEO constellation. This dual-orbit approach, supported by Eutelsat's LEO equipment range, gives naval forces genuine flexibility and continuity of service.

Building the connected naval vessel

Naval operations are becoming increasingly data-driven, with situational awareness, command and control, and even unmanned surface vehicle (USV) support relying on dependable data links.

As vessels integrate more digital systems, communications infrastructure must evolve alongside them. High-performance satellite connectivity delivers the bandwidth, responsiveness and geographical reach required to support this transformation, and LEO satellite connectivity for naval operations is proving central to that shift.

The Frégate Guépratte and the wider Force d'Action Navale offer a real-world example: increased bandwidth, greater continuity of service, access to sovereign European infrastructure and improved connectivity for the crew.

As governments increasingly prioritise resilient, sovereign communications, LEO connectivity will become integral to the architecture supporting naval forces wherever their missions take them.

Frequently asked questions

Does adding OneWeb LEO connectivity mean replacing a vessel's existing satellite systems?

  • No. Satellite networks are designed to complement existing systems rather than replace a single connectivity technology. LEO can be added as an additional high-performance layer, giving crews more options and greater redundancy when operating far from shore.

How does LEO connectivity support unmanned or uncrewed naval systems, such as USVs?

  • As naval operations become increasingly data-driven, dependable data links are needed not only for situational awareness and command and control, but also for USV support. LEO's low-latency, high-throughput connectivity provides the responsive links these systems rely on, making it a natural extension of the vessel's wider communications architecture.

What protects LEO connectivity from jamming and interference in contested naval environments?

  • The satellites composing Eutelsat's OneWeb LEO constellation move quickly through orbit, meaning beams handing off between satellites happen constantly. Combined with built-in redundancy and encryption, this makes the network harder to disrupt than a static system, helping safeguard sensitive data even as ships operate in increasingly contested environments where jamming remains a persistent risk.

Why does Eutelsat maintain both GEO and LEO capabilities instead of moving fully to LEO for naval forces?

  • Combining GEO and LEO layers gives naval forces multi-orbit resilience: GEO delivers stable, wide-area coverage while LEO adds low latency and higher throughput. If conditions or coverage change in one layer, the other helps maintain continuity of service, which is why Eutelsat positions its dual-orbit approach as a source of genuine flexibility for naval forces.

What does "sovereign European satellite infrastructure" mean in practical terms for naval communications?

  • It means naval data is transmitted over a satellite network designed and controlled within Europe, reducing dependency on non-European systems for sensitive defence communications. For governments and defence organisations, this translates into greater control over the infrastructure carrying their critical communications, alongside the resilience and security benefits outlined above.

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Reliable satellite connectivity, even in the harshest winter conditions.

Expanding Remote Satellite Internet Access Across Greenland

Greenland's vast, frozen and mountainous terrain poses a highly complex connectivity challenge to national postal and telecommunications company Tusass. In 2025, Tusass signed a strategic partnership with Eutelsat to connect strategic sites on the ground to a resilient, low-latency communications network powered by the OneWeb low Earth orbit satellite system. Sites include critical infrastructure, maritime operations, emergency response and community broadband. 

The Challenge - Connectivity Strategy For A Unique Landscape

Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and a mountainous island three times the size of Texas that is mostly buried under an ice sheet. Many of its small communities scattered along the coast are hard to connect due to the combination of extreme weather and harsh terrain. These conditions make a fibre network too costly to install and maintain, while legacy geostationary satellite systems located above the equator struggle to provide optimal service this far north.

The Need - Agile Network Services For Fast-Changing Demands 

Local, low-latency, high-speed broadband communications are vital to Greenland’s increasingly international profile as well as to the distribution and delivery of critical services such as healthcare and economic development for its population. As an overseas country and territory of the EU, the government also receives funding from the European Union (EU) towards sustainable development, with a particular focus on education. Climate change scientists monitoring the island’s ecosystem are reliant on fresh data to determine what the ice melt that is occurring means for the rest of the world. Southern neighbours Canada and the US as well as Dennark and the EU both require reliable communications on the ground to maintain their strategic presence there.  In 2026 Canada announced plans to open a new consulate in the capital Nuuk. Offshore, Greenland’s maritime industry is it’s largest. Fishing accounts for more than 90% of exports. As climate change shrinks the ice sheet new shipping routes are opening up that need connectivity for strategic and commercial applications.

The Solution - LEO Partnership And Robust Installations

In 2025, Tusass expanded its partnership with Eutelsat to deploy LEO connectivity and deliver secure and resilient communications across the country’s vast and remote territory. The deployment supports Tusass in delivering on its strategic objectives for digital inclusion, infrastructure integration, and sovereign capacity across Greenland. The partnership ensures:

  • OneWeb LEO services: Eutelsat’s polar-orbiting satellite communications system offers low-latency, high-speed connectivity for Tusass services everywhere
  • Arctic-ready hardware: Ruggedised terminals and ground equipment are designed to withstand extreme cold, snow and wind
  • Hybrid network: LEO services complement Tusass's own fibre backbone and microwave infrastructure, to create a more resilient service and product portfolio
  • Portable and mobile capabilities: Approved hardware is equipped to support emergency response, maritime operations and remote access communications on-the-move as well as fixed

The Impact

Eutelsat's OneWeb LEO network has strengthened connectivity in some of Greenland's most challenging environments:

Greenland presents one of the world’s most complex connectivity challenges. By partnering with Eutelsat and its OneWeb LEO solution, we are strengthening our ability to meet the needs of our people and institutions.

Toke Binzer

Tusass CEO

Frequently Asked Questions

What effect does satellite internet for remote areas have on public services in Greenland?

  • Satellite connectivity enables reliable broadband access for healthcare, education, emergency services and government operations across remote Greenland communities where terrestrial networks are impractical. Eutelsat's OneWeb LEO technology provides low-latency performance that supports real-time applications—telemedicine consultations, online learning platforms and emergency coordination. For public sector IT directors, this means continuity of essential services even in harsh Arctic conditions, with the responsiveness required for cloud-based workflows and video conferencing. The satellite service integrates with existing fibre and microwave infrastructure, creating a resilient hybrid network.

Is there a portable satellite internet solution for Arctic conditions?

  • The equipment operates reliably in sub-zero temperatures, high winds and challenging field conditions—Eutelsat's OneWeb LEO solution uses approved hardware specifically designed to withstand extreme Arctic environments, supporting portable and mobile deployments for emergency response, maritime operations and remote community access. The equipment operates reliably in sub-zero temperatures, high winds and challenging field conditions—essential for first responders requiring rapid deployment without extensive site preparation. Portable terminals can be set up quickly at evacuation centres, temporary command posts or isolated settlements, providing secure, low-latency connectivity when terrestrial networks fail. This operational flexibility ensures critical communications remain available during disasters or infrastructure buildouts in remote areas.

Why was a LEO satellite solution chosen over traditional connectivity?

  • Greenland's extreme latitude and rugged terrain make traditional geostationary satellite and terrestrial solutions challenging. Geostationary satellites orbit at approximately 35,786 kilometres, resulting in latency of 600 milliseconds or more—unsuitable for real-time applications. LEO satellites orbit much closer to Earth (around 1,200 kilometres for OneWeb), delivering latency comparable to terrestrial broadband. The hybrid model with Tusass leverages existing fibre backbone alongside LEO capacity, ensuring communities beyond submarine cable reach benefit from responsive, high-capacity connectivity. This approach provides the resilience required for mission-critical public services and emergency coordination.

How does Eutelsat ensure reliable connectivity in extreme environments?

  • Eutelsat's multi-orbit network combines GEO and LEO capabilities to provide resilience and continuous coverage across the Arctic. Hardware is ruggedised for extreme conditions, meeting the operational demands of government and emergency service users. The partnership with Tusass ensures local expertise and operational support, enabling rapid deployment and service management tailored to Greenland's unique geography and regulatory requirements. Network resilience features—including automatic failover and 24/7 monitoring—guarantee critical communications remain online even when individual network paths are disrupted.

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Fire service response vehicle with satellite communication equipment.

LEO Connectivity for Fire & Emergency Services in France

When fire brigades respond to critical incidents, secure and uninterrupted communications are vital. Reliability is mission-critical when terrestrial networks fail in remote or disaster zones. This case study explores how LEO-powered satellite connectivity provides resilient, rapidly deployable links, enabling emergency services to maintain command and control during high-stakes operations.

The Challenge: Maintaining Communications in Challenging Environments

Local fire and emergency services (SDIS) in France routinely arrive at the scene of a wildland fire, structure fire, or large-scale emergency. They may find themselves operating within a connectivity dead zone just as their need for reliable communications for situational awareness and coordination efforts is greatest.

Where wildfires occur, challenges can intensify during the summer season (July to August), as tourist activity increases human presence in forested areas and emergency response demands surge. Where incidents span departmental boundaries, interoperability is required between SDIS units, national coordination centres (UIISC) and other emergency agencies. Network failures can fragment this coordination and

the consequences can cascade quickly. Without reliable, real-time connection, incident commanders cannot coordinate resource deployment as effectively, or safeguard crews on the ground and civilians in the area.

The Need: Resilient, Rapidly Deployable Connectivity for First Responders

Light radio support vehicles deployed as mobile command units ahead of full command posts are often the first to arrive on scene and need signal to run UAV operations or feed telemetry for situational maps and voice coordination with multiple agencies.

Satellite solutions need to integrate with 3G/4G/5G networks. With smart SD-WAN orchestration, responder teams can automatically switch between paths where cellular coverage is patchy or non-existent to maintain unbroken links back to the main command centre.

Responder organisations need the security and compliance standards required for public-sector procurement. Public-sector organisations exploring satellite for civil government applications increasingly recognise how resilient communications infrastructure is foundational.

Key features as requirements include:

  • Redundancy and resilience: Automatic failover between satellite and terrestrial paths to ensure zero communication blackouts during critical operations
  • Rapid deployment capability: Terminals that are portable, mountable on vehicles and activate within minutes, with minimal technical expertise
  • Bandwidth for first responder applications: Simultaneous transmission of drone video, real-time mapping updates and multi-party voice coordination

The Solution: LEO-Powered Satellite Connectivity for Fire and Emergency Services

A Telespazio France solution powered by Eutelsat's OneWeb low Earth orbit system combines terminals, terrestrial mobile networks and intelligent traffic management into a unified platform for the critical needs of first responder operations.

LEO Terminals and SD-WAN Integration: Creates multiple redundant pathways for connectivity and orchestrates traffic intelligently across diverse links as lines become congested or unavailable.

Intuitive interfaces: Teams can monitor connection status, manage bandwidth allocation and maintain secure lines back to command centre.

Comms-on-the-Move and Comms-on-the-Pause: Terminal types for distinct operational scenarios:

Flexible Service Plans for Occasional and Full-Time Use: Service plans to match the operational patterns and budget realities of a public-sector emergency service. Examples include: 

  • COTP.B.HD 50/10/50B: Comms-on-the-pause broadband with 50 Mbps download, 10 Mbps upload and 50 GB monthly data allocation
  • Mobile. B 100/20/100B: Full mobility service maintaining 100/20 Mbps performance with 100 GB capacity

Procurement: Solutions procured through compliant public-sector frameworks to enable rapid deployments that meet strict budget and regulatory requirements.

The Impact: Reliable Operations and Improved Decision-Making

Public-sector organisations exploring satellite for civil government applications increasingly recognise how resilient communications infrastructure is foundational, based on tangible operational improvements that include:

  • Uninterrupted communications in environments where existing infrastructure has failed or become overloaded.
  • Real-time data for faster response and simultaneous voice, video and data flows even in contested operating environments.
  • Greater redundancy and resilience in the field.

For public-sector IT directors, emergency services leads and digital infrastructure managers exploring resilient connectivity for their organisations, this deployment model offers a practical blueprint for maintaining uninterrupted public services during crises.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of satellite architecture support disaster management?

  • Disaster management operations rely on both low Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites to maintain command-and-control capabilities when terrestrial networks fail. LEO constellations such as OneWeb deliver low-latency, high-speed broadband connectivity that enables first responders to share real-time data, coordinate field operations and support bandwidth-intensive applications like UAV feeds during active incidents. GEO satellites provide wide-area, persistent coverage that ensures stable communication channels across large disaster zones, particularly valuable for establishing redundant links to remote or affected regions. Fire service and emergency response agencies increasingly deploy multi-orbit satellite solutions to guarantee resilient connectivity throughout the critical early hours of a crisis, when rapid situational awareness and uninterrupted voice and data transmission can directly influence outcomes and protect lives.

What will satellite services for first responder operations look like in the future?

  • Case study: WildFireSat is a Canadian government satellite mission developed collaboratively by the Canadian Space Agency, Natural Resources Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada to monitor active wildfires across the country from space. The mission uses a constellation of microsatellites equipped with infrared sensors to provide near-real-time wildfire detection data during the late afternoon peak burn period—a critical gap when existing public satellites offer no coverage, and fires propagate most rapidly due to higher temperatures and strong winds. WildFireSat delivers precise information on fire behaviour, smoke plumes and air quality impacts, enabling wildland fire management agencies to identify high-risk wildfires, allocate resources effectively and issue timely public health warnings. Scheduled to launch in 2029, this mission complements operational satellite connectivity solutions deployed by fire services on the ground, ensuring that incident commanders have both observational intelligence from orbit and a reliable communications infrastructure to coordinate response teams in real time.

What are the 5 C's of radio communication?

  • The 5 C's of radio communication—Conciseness, Clarity, Confidence, Control and Capability—form a proven framework for effective emergency radio use by fire services and first responders. Conciseness requires condensing messages to essential information whilst keeping them complete, eliminating confusion during time-critical incidents. Clarity demands plain-text language, standard terminology and audible transmission at appropriate volume and pitch to ensure messages are received and understood immediately. Confidence means maintaining a calm, steady voice that reassures teams and prevents hysteria on scene. Control involves listening before transmitting, avoiding channel interference and using proper radio technique such as keying the push-to-talk button before speaking. Capability encompasses both the reliability of the radio equipment itself and the operator's ongoing training and proficiency. Satellite connectivity enhances each element by providing resilient, clear channels that remain operational when terrestrial networks are congested or damaged, ensuring that fire service teams can maintain professional, effective communications throughout the most demanding operational environments.

What is the fireman phone system?

  • The fireman phone system, also known as a firefighter telephone system (FFT), is a dedicated hardwired communication network installed in high-rise buildings and large facilities to enable secure voice communication between firefighters operating inside the structure and the fire ground commander at the building's fire command centre. These systems consist of remote telephone jacks located at strategic points throughout the building, where firefighters can plug in portable handsets to establish direct audio links during emergency operations—particularly valuable when radio signals cannot penetrate deep into concrete and steel structures. Modern codes now favour emergency responder radio communications systems (ERRCS) with distributed antenna systems, yet the principle of dedicated, resilient communications remains central to firefighter safety. Satellite connectivity solutions extend this concept beyond building boundaries, enabling fire services to maintain secure, reliable field-level communications in remote areas, during infrastructure disruptions or when coordinating multi-agency responses across wide geographical zones where traditional systems cannot reach.

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Eutelsat and Poland Sign IRIS² Cooperation MoU
  • Strengthening cooperation with the Polish space ecosystem to support Europe's future secure satellite communications infrastructure
  • Polish companies to access Eutelsat facilities to develop and test future IRIS² user terminals
  • Discussions launched on reserved OneWeb LEO capacity to support Poland ahead of IRIS² deployment


Paris, 28 July 2026 – Eutelsat (ISIN: FR0010221234 - Euronext Paris / London Stock Exchange: ETL) announced the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Poland to deepen cooperation in support of Europe's future secure satellite communications infrastructure under the IRIS² programme.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Warsaw by Jean-François Fallacher, Chief Executive Officer of Eutelsat, and Tomasz Szymański, Secretary of State at the Ministry of the Interior and Administration of the Republic of Poland, during a ceremony attended by Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defence and Space and Marcin Kierwiński, Minister of the Interior and Administration of the Republic of Poland. The signing marks another important milestone in the implementation of IRIS² and reflects the shared commitment of Poland, Eutelsat and the European Union to strengthening Europe's secure, resilient and sovereign satellite connectivity capabilities.

The Memorandum of Understanding complements the agreement signed on the same occasion between the European Commission and the Republic of Poland on Poland's additional investment in the IRIS² programme. Together, these agreements reinforce Poland's contribution to Europe's flagship secure connectivity programme, combining increased financial investment with concrete industrial and operational cooperation.

The MoU reflects the shared ambition of Eutelsat and Poland to strengthen Europe's secure and sovereign connectivity capabilities, contribute to Europe’s technological leadership and strategic autonomy, and support the continued development of the Polish space ecosystem.

Under the agreement, Eutelsat and Polish institutions will collaborate on the development of secure satellite communications in Europe, with a particular focus on the deployment and future evolution of the low Earth Orbit (LEO) part of the IRIS² constellation.

As part of this cooperation, Eutelsat will provide Polish space companies with access to its facilities to test and validate IRIS² user terminals, helping accelerate innovation and supporting the integration of Polish industry into the European secure connectivity ecosystem.

The parties also intend to explore the provision of up to 2 Gbps of reserved and prioritised OneWeb low Earth orbit (LEO) capacity over Poland ahead of the entry into service of IRIS², with the objective of concluding a commercial agreement by June 2027. By leveraging OneWeb’s operational low Earth orbit (LEO) network, Poland would benefit from resilient, low-latency satellite connectivity ahead of IRIS² becoming operational, providing an effective bridge to Europe’s future sovereign secure connectivity system.

Jean-François Fallacher, Chief Executive Officer of Eutelsat, said: "Secure low Earth orbit (LEO) connectivity has become a strategic capability for Europe. We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Poland through this Memorandum of Understanding, reflecting our shared commitment to Europe's next generation of secure satellite communications. By combining OneWeb's operational capabilities today with the future potential of IRIS², we are creating tangible benefits for Poland while helping build Europe’s secure connectivity and architecture."

The MoU forms part of the implementation of Poland's participation in the European Union Secure Connectivity Programme and further reinforces Eutelsat's role within the SpaceRISE consortium, where it is leading the deployment and operation of the low Earth orbit (LEO) component of the IRIS² constellation.

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Eutelsat announced the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Poland to deepen cooperation in support of Europe's future secure satellite communications infrastructure under the IRIS² programme.

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Eutelsat secures capacity contract under French Armed Forces NEXUS framework
  • Call-off contract under the NEXUS framework agreement for the immediate deployment of sovereign Low Earth Orbit capabilities
  • With a duration of eight years and a maximum ceiling of €350 million, the CENTAURE contract has been awarded with an initial firm commitment of €138 million over a period of four years
  • An immediately operational solution to meet the Defence sector’s strategic requirements ahead of the deployment of IRIS²


Paris, 15 June 2026 – Eutelsat (ISIN: FR0010221234 – Euronext Paris / London Stock Exchange: ETL) today announced the signature, through the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), of the CENTAURE contract, marking the first call-off contract under the €1bn NEXUS framework agreement with the French Ministry of the Armed Forces and Veterans inked in June 2025.

This new milestone marks the first concrete implementation of the NEXUS project (Neo-Space for Multiple Secure Uses), a strategic initiative led by the French Ministry of the Armed Forces and Veterans to strengthen France's military satellite communications capabilities by combining sovereign assets with trusted commercial capacity. Against a geopolitical backdrop characterised by growing demand for secure, resilient and sovereign connectivity, France is continuing to enhance its space capabilities while preparing for the deployment of the future European IRIS² constellation.

The total CENTAURE contract is valued at circa €350 million1, for a duration of up to eight years. It is comprised of an initial firm commitment of €138 million2 over a period of four years for the provision of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite capacity across multiple areas of strategic interest to the French Armed Forces as well as an initial stage aimed at enhancing the security of Eutelsat's OneWeb services.

This approach ensures the French Armed Forces benefit from sustained access to low-latency, globally available satellite resources, while maintaining operational continuity and flexibility during the ramp-up of the European IRIS² programme.

Through its OneWeb constellation, the only global LEO constellation currently operated by a European provider and readily available for governmental use, Eutelsat delivers secure operational capabilities tailored to the requirements of today's most demanding defence missions.

The NEXUS agreement demonstrates how trusted European commercial space infrastructure can complement sovereign defence assets and accelerate the deployment of next-generation capabilities. As space becomes an increasingly critical component of national security, Europe must be able to rely on resilient, secure and sovereign connectivity solutions under its own control.

Jean‑François Fallacher, Chief Executive Officer of Eutelsat, said: "The signature of the CENTAURE contract marks a major milestone in the implementation of the NEXUS framework agreement and reflects the continued trust placed by the French Ministry of the Armed Forces in the capabilities of our OneWeb constellation. In a profoundly transformed strategic environment, secure, resilient and low-latency connectivity has become a decisive driver of military operational effectiveness. With an infrastructure that is immediately available and field-proven, Eutelsat is now delivering a concrete response to the needs of the French Armed Forces.”

Patrick Pailloux, Director General for Armaments (DGA) added: "With the CENTAURE call-off contract, France is taking another step forward in the modernisation of its military satellite communications capabilities. Recent conflicts have demonstrated the critical importance of diverse, secure, resilient and sovereign connectivity for the conduct of modern operations. By relying on a trusted European solution that is immediately available and provides global low-latency coverage, the French Ministry of the Armed Forces and Veterans is acquiring the necessary resources to address today’s operational challenges while laying the groundwork for the future sovereign European capabilities that will be delivered through the IRIS² programme."


Circa €300m net of value added tax (VAT)

Circa €115m net of value added tax (VAT)

Image-Press-GettyImages-Jose-Nicolas-539565688.webp 354211 Paris, France, Military helicopter in red emergency response vehicle
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Eutelsat today announced the signature, through the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA), of the CENTAURE contract, marking the first call-off contract under the €1bn NEXUS framework agreement with the French Ministry of the Armed Forces in inked June 2025.

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Mynewsdesk Source ID
3454211
Eutelsat signs French Armed Forces NEXUS contract
  • Call-off contract under the NEXUS framework agreement for the immediate deployment of sovereign Low Earth Orbit capabilities
  • With a duration of eight years and a maximum ceiling of €350 million, the CENTAURE contract has been awarded with an initial firm commitment of €138 million over a period of four years
  • An immediately operational solution to meet the Defence sector’s strategic requirements ahead of the deployment of IRIS²


Paris, 15 June 2026 – Eutelsat (ISIN: FR0010221234 – Euronext Paris / London Stock Exchange: ETL) today announced the signature, through the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), of the CENTAURE contract, marking the first call-off contract under the €1bn NEXUS framework agreement with the French Ministry of the Armed Forces and Veterans inked in June 2025.

This new milestone marks the first concrete implementation of the NEXUS project (Neo-Space for Multiple Secure Uses), a strategic initiative led by the French Ministry of the Armed Forces and Veterans to strengthen France's military satellite communications capabilities by combining sovereign assets with trusted commercial capacity. Against a geopolitical backdrop characterised by growing demand for secure, resilient and sovereign connectivity, France is continuing to enhance its space capabilities while preparing for the deployment of the future European IRIS² constellation.

The total CENTAURE contract is valued at circa €350 million1, for a duration of up to eight years. It is comprised of an initial firm commitment of €138 million2 over a period of four years for the provision of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite capacity across multiple areas of strategic interest to the French Armed Forces as well as an initial stage aimed at enhancing the security of Eutelsat's OneWeb services.

This approach ensures the French Armed Forces benefit from sustained access to low-latency, globally available satellite resources, while maintaining operational continuity and flexibility during the ramp-up of the European IRIS² programme.

Through its OneWeb constellation, the only global LEO constellation currently operated by a European provider and readily available for governmental use, Eutelsat delivers secure operational capabilities tailored to the requirements of today's most demanding defence missions.

The NEXUS agreement demonstrates how trusted European commercial space infrastructure can complement sovereign defence assets and accelerate the deployment of next-generation capabilities. As space becomes an increasingly critical component of national security, Europe must be able to rely on resilient, secure and sovereign connectivity solutions under its own control.

Jean‑François Fallacher, Chief Executive Officer of Eutelsat, said: "The signature of the CENTAURE contract marks a major milestone in the implementation of the NEXUS framework agreement and reflects the continued trust placed by the French Ministry of the Armed Forces in the capabilities of our OneWeb constellation. In a profoundly transformed strategic environment, secure, resilient and low-latency connectivity has become a decisive driver of military operational effectiveness. With an infrastructure that is immediately available and field-proven, Eutelsat is now delivering a concrete response to the needs of the French Armed Forces.”

Patrick Pailloux, Director General for Armaments (DGA) added: "With the CENTAURE call-off contract, France is taking another step forward in the modernisation of its military satellite communications capabilities. Recent conflicts have demonstrated the critical importance of diverse, secure, resilient and sovereign connectivity for the conduct of modern operations. By relying on a trusted European solution that is immediately available and provides global low-latency coverage, the French Ministry of the Armed Forces and Veterans is acquiring the necessary resources to address today’s operational challenges while laying the groundwork for the future sovereign European capabilities that will be delivered through the IRIS² programme."


 

Circa €300m net of value added tax (VAT)

Circa €115m net of value added tax (VAT)

3454211 GETTY IMAGES
Industry
Government 0

Eutelsat today announced the signature, through the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA), of the CENTAURE contract, marking the first call-off contract under the €1bn NEXUS framework agreement with the French Ministry of the Armed Forces in inked June 2025.

Read more press releases

Latest news
Mynewsdesk Source ID
3454211
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