Eutelsat and MTN Côte d'Ivoire sign KONNECT agreement
Multi-year agreement leveraging high-throughput capacity of EUTELSAT KONNECT satellite
Expansion of broadband connectivity for consumer and enterprise markets in Côte d’Ivoire
Deployment of Wi-Fi hotspot solutions to connect underserved and rural communities
Paris, 23 April 2026 - Eutelsat (ISIN: FR0010221234 - Euronext Paris / London Stock Exchange: ETL) and MTN Côte d’Ivoire today announced a new multi-year agreement to deliver satellite connectivity services across Côte d’Ivoire using EUTELSAT KONNECT’s high-throughput capacity. The agreement will expand reliable broadband access nationwide, addressing the connectivity needs of consumer and enterprise segments while supporting digital inclusion through community Wi-Fi hotspots in underserved areas.
MTN Côte d’Ivoire will leverage the high-throughput capabilities of the EUTELSAT KONNECT satellite, positioned at 7° East to extend high-speed connectivity beyond the reach of fibre and mobile networks. Building on KONNECT’s proven performance in supporting digital inclusion initiatives across the region, the agreement will enable broadband services for consumers and enterprises while supporting community Wi-Fi hotspots that connect rural and underserved areas. Satellite connectivity will complement existing terrestrial infrastructure, helping to expand coverage and deliver reliable access to essential digital services nationwide.
MTN Cote D’Ivoire is a subsidiary of South Africa’s MTN Group, and the country’s largest telecommunications operator. The deal follows the multi-year partnership inked in August 2024 with MTN’s, digital and infrastructure service provider, Bayobab, for capacity on Eutelsat’s OneWeb LEO constellation.
Philippe Baudrier, Vice President for Africa at Eutelsat said,“This agreement represents another milestone in expanding our KONNECT services across Africa. Our platform is helping connect underserved and hard-to-reach areas and partnering with a leading operator like MTN Côte d’Ivoire shows how satellite and terrestrial networks work together to scale deliver connectivity at scale. Together, we are bringing reliable broadband to more communities across the continent, and we are proud to further strengthen our collaboration with the MTN Group.”
Honoré Kouame, General Manager MTN Business Côte d’Ivoire said, “Across Africa, satellite connectivity is a powerful complement to terrestrial networks, helping operators accelerate coverage expansion and support digital inclusion. This partnership with Eutelsat enables us to reach more customers, connect underserved communities and continue to support the country’s ongoing digital transformation.”
Eutelsat and MTN Côte d’Ivoire announce a new multi-year agreement to deliver satellite connectivity services across Côte d’Ivoire using EUTELSAT KONNECT’s high-throughput capacity. The agreement will expand reliable broadband nationwide, for consumer and enterprise segments while supporting digital inclusion through community Wi-Fi hotspots in underserved areas.
Eutelsat expands LEO connectivity for global rail market
Eutelsat's OneWeb LEO network is serving rail operators worldwide, supporting both passenger connectivity and mission-critical operational applications
Kymeta and Hughes Network Systems are both developing dedicated user terminals for the OneWeb LEO rail service
Paris, 24 March 2026 - Eutelsat (ISIN: FR0010221234 - Euronext Paris / London Stock Exchange: ETL) today highlighted the growing adoption of its OneWeb LEO connectivity service in the global rail market, including the development and testing of new terminals by Kymeta and Hughes Network Systems.
Eutelsat’s OneWeb LEO service is available to rail operators worldwide through a broad network of distribution partners, specialised rail integrators, and direct relationships with train operators. The company already serves multiple rail deployments in Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East as well as projects over Europe and North America.
Thanks to LEO’s low latency and high-speed capabilities, the service delivers resilient broadband across entire routes including rural and cross-border stretches where cellular coverage is limited, as well as complementing and integrating with existing 4G/5G/LTE and other wired infrastructure. This cutting-edge connectivity solution redefines the passenger experience, delivering seamless, high-speed access that keeps travellers connected, informed, and entertained throughout their journey.
Beyond passenger connectivity, Eutelsat enables and delivers resiliency for Operational Technology (OT) systems that support safe and efficient railway operations including signalling, train control, onboard sensors, SCADA systems, and safety-critical and non-critical communications. The company is involved in several projects to support the industry transition from GSM-R to the new Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) standards.
As part of its rail ecosystem strategy, Eutelsat continues to expand its portfolio of user terminals for rail applications. Partners such as Kymeta and Hughes Network Systems are developing and testing dedicated ruggedized, rail certified hardware optimized for the OneWeb LEO network.
Eutelsat offers a comprehensive land connectivity portfolio providing solutions for field operations, trackside infrastructure and back-up communications - enabling rail operators to address all connectivity needs through a single, integrated provider.
Eva Bisgaard, President of the Connectivity Business Unit at Eutelsat said, "Rail is one of the most compelling use cases for LEO with long routes, complex terrain, and increasing demand for passenger connectivity, reliability and resiliency in critical operational communications. Eutelsat is uniquely positioned to address the full spectrum of needs through our global LEO constellation and our strong partner network. The continued expansion of our rail capabilities and terminal ecosystem will further accelerate adoption across the sector.”
Eutelsat today highlighted the growing adoption of its OneWeb LEO connectivity service in the global rail market, including the development and testing of new terminals by Kymeta and Hughes Network Systems.
Jean-François Fallacher, Mobile World Congress, Barcelona 2026
Europe's path to tech sovereignty
At MWC Barcelona, Jean François Fallacher, Eutelsat's CEO, shared his perspective on sovereign connectivity and why LEO satellite constellations have become strategic assets for Europe. This article reflects his contribution to the keynote panel discussion, exploring how Eutelsat’s OneWeb constellation supports Europe’s sovereignty, resilience and security in an increasingly competitive global landscape.
WHY LEO CONSTELLATIONS HAVE BECOME STRATEGIC ASSETS
A European Champion Competing in a World of Giants
Eutelsat stands at the centre of Europe’s space ecosystem, with a 47year legacy and a fleet of 33 geostationary satellites. The company’s strategic transformation accelerated with the acquisition of OneWeb — today one of only two operational low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations in the world. Jean François highlighted that it remains the only LEO constellation not controlled by the US or China, giving Europe a uniquely sovereign asset. To reinforce this position, Eutelsat has secured €1.5 billion in new capital to expand the fleet by 440 satellites, bringing the constellation to roughly 650 units by 2030. “We are the sovereign European constellation. We have European shareholders. We are listed on the Paris and London stock exchanges.” He also pointed to the company’s central role in IRIS², the European Commission’s next generation secure connectivity programme. LEO activities now account for 20% of turnover and continue to grow at around 60% year over year.
Why LEO Is Essential for Europe’s Sovereignty
LEO constellations are a critical pillar for Europe’s digital autonomy. They deliver seamless global broadband and require massive, long-term investment, making them difficult to replicate. Jean François noted that OneWeb had already absorbed seven years of development and $7 billion before Eutelsat acquired it — a reminder of its scale and strategic relevance. “[LEO constellations] are extremely large and capital-intensive infrastructures… This is why we believe LEO is a strategic asset — a strategic service — for Europe.” He also raised the emerging opportunity of Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity, an area poised to transform the communications landscape. While Europe has strong projects underway, he stressed that achieving D2D at scale will require significant investment and a clear, unified industrial ambition.
Serving Governments and Critical IndustrieS
Eutelsat’s OneWeb LEO constellation focuses on high reliability B2B markets — governments, aviation, maritime, enterprise and defence. A landmark €1 billion, 10year agreement with the French Ministry of Defence underscores the constellation’s strategic importance. This partnership strengthens operational access and supports further hardening of the system for defence and national-security use cases. Recent geopolitical events continue to highlight the risks of dependency on foreign controlled connectivity. Jean François emphasised that sovereignty becomes very real when an external operator can unilaterally restrict service over a conflict zone. Eutelsat’s European governance and operational control directly address this vulnerability.
We believe LEO is a strategic asset - a strategic service - for Europe.
Europe needs [...] more agility, faster development and a culture of iteration [to] master the key technologies we still have to import today.
JEan-François FALLACHER
CEO, EUTELSAT
Why Europe Needs to Act Together
Europe faces global competition from large American and Chinese constellations. Jean François warned that fragmented national initiatives would undermine Europe’s ability to match this scale. A coherent and unified approach — particularly around IRIS² — is essential to maintain a sovereign position in orbit. “The geopolitical situation has given us real momentum. People now realise that sovereignty is not theoretical. When one of our competitors [,,,] decides to cut services over a country, that marks the spirit. The dependency becomes immediately visible.”
Europe’s Cultural Inflection Point
Europe’s technological expertise remains strong, but development speed is a critical challenge. The “new space” economy depends on agility, fast iteration and shorter development cycles. Jean François noted that Europe must adopt these practices if it is to maintain leadership and regain control over key technologies still sourced externally. “This is why Eutelsat is advocating for unity — not only around Eutelsat, but for the European project to build the next-generation constellation, IRIS². For IRIS² to succeed, we need all European countries and public funding united behind one sovereign approach.”
Looking Ahead
The message from MWC Barcelona is clear: Europe has the talent, industrial capability and technological foundation to lead in space — but only if it acts with unity and urgency. A sovereign LEO constellation is not just a technological milestone; it is a cornerstone of Europe’s resilience, economic strength and strategic independence. "In new space, companies are already working in agile, fast cycles. This is what Europe needs — in mindset and practice: more agility, faster development, and a culture of iteration. That’s how we will master more of the key technologies we still have to import today."
General Hospital & Trauma Center, San Francisco, USA
Leo connectivity for hospital communications
Connectivity in action : Satellite integration delivers fast and reliable connectivity in hospital environments.
Hospital Emergency Connectivity: How San Francisco General Stays Online in Any Crisis
San Francisco General, one of Northern California's busiest public hospitals, must remain operational through power outages, disasters and network disruptions. Emergency departments depend on uninterrupted connectivity to coordinate patient care. To strengthen emergency readiness, Eutelsat Distribution Partner IP Access International and Remote Satellite Systems International integrated a blended satellite solution that keeps hospital communications online when traditional networks fail.
The Challenge: Maintaining Critical Communications
Emergency departments depend on continuous connectivity to coordinate patient care, yet power outages, disasters and damaged fibre lines can sever communications when they are needed most. Congested cellular networks add further risk during large-scale incidents.
The challenge is particularly acute when:
First responders transmit vital signs, electrocardiograms and patient history from ambulances before arrival
Health information exchange between paramedics and receiving staff requires real-time data flows
Trauma and stroke cases demand instant coordination across departments, buildings and partner agencies
Non-technical staff have to implement and follow complex back-up communications protocols in the event of failover
The Need: A Unified Satellite-Backed Network
San Francisco General needed connectivity to remain operational regardless of conditions on the ground, with instant failover capability, easy-to-manage controls and independence from terrestrial infrastructure. The hospital’s emergency staff needed a unified communications system that would support coordination across departments, buildings and partner agencies without introducing operational complexity.
Specifically, the hospital sought:
Lower latency for critical applications including telehealth consultations and real-time data exchange
Streamlined operations suitable for non-technical clinical staff working under pressure
A resilient network architecture maintaining continuous access to electronic health records, imaging systems and external emergency coordination channels
The Solution: Blended LEO and Terrestrial Paths
The system integrates advanced satellite and terrestrial components into one unified operational network:
A Hughes 1120W LEO Terminal for fast, low-maintenance satellite access
A Dejero GateWay M6E6 using Smart Blending Technology™ to manage and blend multiple network paths intelligently
SuperGIG™, delivered and supported by IP Access International, providing the orchestration layer that combines satellite and terrestrial connections into a single, resilient service
Both hospital buildings connect through a shared satellite gateway, creating a unified hub that supports continuous communication between departments, multiple campuses and external emergency agencies—even during severe disruption.
Unlike traditional failover solutions that wait for complete link failure, Smart Blending routes individual data packets across the best available network in real time—whether satellite, 5G cellular or fibre. When any single path becomes congested or unavailable, traffic seamlessly shifts without interruption. This ensures coordination remains uninterrupted around the clock through Priority Access across Verizon, T-Mobile Priority and FirstNet—critical for first responder communication and inter-hospital transfer when every second counts.
Impact: Reliability That Saves Lives
The blended network delivers continuous communications across crises, enabling paramedics to transmit real-time vital signs, ECGs and patient data through health information exchange directly to the ambulance-receiving team. Intelligent path selection ensures clinical workflow never depends on a single link, supporting rapid multi-team coordination across departments and partner agencies when every second counts. The result is future-ready infrastructure built for resilience under pressure.
Hospitals depend on continuous network access during natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes and wildfires, mass casualty incidents, cyberattacks that disable primary systems, and infrastructure failures including power outages or damaged fibre lines. Time-critical trauma and stroke cases rely on uninterrupted data flows between ambulance crews and emergency departments to transmit vital signs and imaging that guide treatment decisions. When connectivity is maintained, paramedics can share real-time patient assessments, enabling hospital teams to prepare operating rooms and coordinate specialist response before the patient arrives.
Hospitals use standardised emergency codes to trigger immediate, coordinated responses across departments. Code Blue signals a cardiac arrest requiring rapid resuscitation, Code Red indicates fire and Code Yellow typically signals a bomb threat or internal disaster requiring heightened precaution. Modern emergency communication protocols rely on digital systems requiring continuous network connectivity 24 hours a day to alert staff, coordinate resources and document patient care in real time. When emergency departments lose connectivity, staff must revert to manual processes that slow triage and delay test results.
When connectivity is maintained, patient data transfers faster between paramedics and hospital staff, enabling more accurate triage before arrival. Inter-hospital transfer coordination improves because receiving facilities can review imaging, lab results and clinical notes in real time through health information exchange, eliminating delays caused by incomplete information. Continuous network access also supports automated wait time tracking, resource allocation dashboards and telehealth consultations that help emergency departments process patients more efficiently.
Health information exchange enables emergency departments to access patient records, medication histories and recent test results from other facilities electronically, improving care coordination and reducing duplicate testing. When first responders and receiving hospitals can share real-time data before patient arrival, emergency department teams can prepare more effectively and make faster treatment decisions. This connectivity is particularly critical during mass casualty events or when patients present unconscious. Effective health information exchange reduces readmission risk by ensuring discharge teams and follow-up providers have complete information about emergency department care and medications prescribed.
Eutelsat and unconnected.org bring community Wi-Fi to Africa
Leveraging the EUTELSAT KONNECT high-throughput satellite
Showcasing the ability of satellite to deliver reliable, affordable connectivity in unserved and underserved regions
Building on Eutelsat’s milestone of connecting one million people in Sub-Saharan Africa through satellite broadband
Paris, 11 February 2026 – Eutelsat (ISIN: FR0010221234 – Euronext Paris / London Stock Exchange: ETL) and unconnected.org, a global non-profit organization focused on delivering “Meaningful Internet For All”, have entered into a partnership to expand access to community Wi-Fi across Africa leveraging Eutelsat’s EUTELSAT KONNECT high-throughput satellite.
The partnership will launch in Tanzania, where unconnected.org will introduce the KONNECT community Wi-Fi service to local partners – including ISPs, NGOs, system integrators, and government stakeholders through a commercial model designed to accelerate return on investment, expand digital access in underserved and hard to reach places, and support long term delivery.
The initiative will also lay the groundwork for expansion into additional African countries, as the two organizations collaborate to extend digital access across the continent.
Powered by the EUTELSAT KONNECT satellite, the Community Wi-Fi service provides high-speed connectivity to locations beyond the reach of terrestrial networks, enabling schools, healthcare centers and small businesses to access essential online resources.
Positioned at the 7° East orbital position, EUTELSAT KONNECT is a high-throughput satellite offering unprecedented operational flexibility and delivering significant resources for broadband services across Africa.
Philippe Baudrier, Eutelsat’s Vice President for Africa,said“Through EUTELSAT KONNECT, we are already seeing the tangible impact that satellite broadband can have in communities across Africa — from schools and clinics to local entrepreneurs. Partnering with unconnected.org allows us to extend this reach even further, supporting the development of sustainable, community-based connectivity that delivers real social and economic value.”
Mea Thompson, CCO, of unconnected.org, said “Eutelsat KONNECT plays a critical role in Tanzania by extending connectivity into areas that have historically been impossible to serve in a sustainable way. By lowering the cost of backhaul, it enables viable business models that allow local ISPs and community partners to achieve a return on investment while connecting the unconnected. This is exactly the kind of solution needed to scale digital access in a way that is both impactful and commercially sustainable.”
The collaboration builds on Eutelsat’s ongoing commitment to digital inclusion. At the beginning of 2025, Eutelsat reached a major milestone by connecting one million people in Sub-Saharan Africa to satellite internet—two years ahead of its initial target—fulfilling its pledge under the Partner2Connect Digital Coalition led by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Eutels and unconnected.org, a global non-profit organization focused on delivering “Meaningful Internet For All”, have entered into a partnership to expand access to community Wi-Fi across Africa leveraging Eutelsat’s EUTELSAT KONNECT high-throughput satellite.
