Canadian satellite operator Telesat has joined forces with French telecom giant Orange to expand satellite connectivity across France. The multi-year partnership aims to enhance broadband access, particularly in remote and underserved areas, through Telesat’s Lightspeed Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network. This collaboration represents a major step toward bridging the digital divide and strengthening France’s telecommunications infrastructure.
At the center of this initiative is the construction of a Telesat Lightspeed landing station at Orange’s teleport facility in Bercenay-en-Othe, approximately two hours southeast of Paris. This WTA Tier-4 certified facility will act as the first European gateway for Telesat’s LEO network. The landing station will connect to Telesat’s point of presence in Paris through Orange Wholesale’s International Private Line (IPL), ensuring secure, high-performance data transmission.
The integration of Telesat’s satellite services into Orange’s network will provide reliable broadband connectivity in areas where traditional terrestrial networks are limited. By leveraging the low-latency, high-throughput capabilities of the Lightspeed network, Orange can offer enhanced services to rural communities, improving access to education, healthcare, and business opportunities.
Telesat’s Lightspeed network is designed to meet carrier-grade telecommunications standards, offering enterprise-class Carrier Ethernet services. Telecom operators can configure and monitor services in real time and redirect capacity as needed, all while maintaining compliance with a Zero-Trust Security Architecture. This ensures network resilience and robust protection against potential cyber threats.
Beyond improving connectivity, this partnership aligns with broader goals of digital inclusion and economic growth. By connecting remote regions, Orange and Telesat aim to empower local communities, support business development, and enhance mobile backhaul services. The collaboration also serves as a model for future telecom and satellite partnerships, demonstrating how advanced satellite technology can complement terrestrial infrastructure.
As demand for reliable and high-speed internet continues to rise, the Telesat–Orange partnership highlights the potential of satellite connectivity in transforming communications. By combining cutting-edge LEO technology with established telecom networks, this collaboration is poised to deliver faster, more reliable internet services to regions that have historically lacked connectivity.
