Eutelsat launches 20 satellites in first move post-merger with OneWeb

Eutelsat, the world's third-largest satellite operator by revenue, has made a significant move in the telecommunications sector by launching 20 satellites in partnership with SpaceX.  

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base at 05:13 GMT, carrying the Eutelsat satellites, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.  

"This is the first launch of OneWeb satellites since the merger," CEO Eva Berneke told Reuters. "We plan to launch more satellites in the coming years."   The Paris-based company, formed in September through the merger of France's Eutelsat and Britain's OneWeb, boasts a constellation of over 600 low Earth orbit satellites that serve broadcasters, telecom operators, and radio stations worldwide. "We are eager to integrate into the telecommunications ecosystem," Berneke stated.

"While satellites occupy a unique niche in the broader connectivity landscape, where telcos are the dominant players, satellite services will always represent a smaller segment."  

Eutelsat counts telecom giants like France's Orange (ORAN.PA) and Australia's Telstra (TLS.AX) among its clients and is currently in discussions with other potential partners, including AT&T (T.N) in the U.S. The company boasts a robust backlog of orders worth $4 billion and is awaiting market openings in countries like India and Saudi Arabia. 

India, projected to grow at 36 per cent annually to reach $1.9 billion by 2030, is moving towards permitting satellite services but has faced challenges between local companies and international players like Starlink.

"We have a portion of our backlog tied up in the Indian market... It remains there until India opens up. The moment it does, we will commence our operations," Berneke explained.   Additionally, Eutelsat is in talks with aviation companies to provide in-flight connectivity options, including internet access, and anticipates a revenue increase starting next year.

By Naila Huseynova