18 April 2019

Eutelsat Communications took a major step toward providing 75gb/s of capacity covering Africa and western Europe after it successfully mated the platform and payload of the Konnect satellite.

Konnect is a next-generation, all-electric High-throughput satellite (HTS) and is the first to use Thales Alenia Space’s new Spacebus Neo platform. Eutelsat described it as a “major pillar” of its strategy of return to growth, enabling the company to bolster its presence in the fast-growing broadband market.

According to Eutelsat, the operation was an important milestone in the construction of the satellite in preparation for its launch by the end of 2019.

The Konnect satellite program supports the group’s ambition to contribute to reducing the digital divide with a view to building a more inclusive digital society.

“This mating operation represents a key step in this significant satellite programme,” said Yohann Leroy, deputy chief executive officer and chief technical officer, Eutelsat. “One that will enable to deliver high-speed broadband services at affordable prices, with a view to complementing terrestrial networks in western Europe but also in Africa where the drive to increase Internet penetration is a key priority.”

Eutelsat successfully mated the platform and payload of the Konnect satellite in Cannes, France.