A revolution is underway for internet access worldwide. A French startup, Constellation Technologies & Operations (CTO), positions itself as a key player in this transition by launching the first 5G mmWave payload for satellite internet, paving the way for ultra-fast and shared global connectivity. The launch is scheduled for June 2025.
An ultra-fast space connectivity: the 5G mmWave payload
CTO has showcased its “Early Test,” the first operational payload using the 5G mmWave spectrum. This technology, which utilizes high-frequency radio waves (between 24 and 100 GHz), promises unmatched speeds and latency compared to current solutions. The objective is clear: enable connectivity comparable to terrestrial networks, but from space. This successful first test is a major step towards the convergence between terrestrial and space connectivity, opening the door to a new era of space telecommunications. Charles Delfieux, CEO of CTO, emphasized the importance of this payload as a fundamental element for developing the next generation of space infrastructure for telecom operators.
The challenge of space congestion: an innovative solution
The satellite communications market is booming, but it is also facing increasing congestion of the Ka and Ku frequency bands, commonly used. New players, such as SpaceX and Amazon, are rapidly deploying satellite constellations, increasing the pressure on these frequencies. CTO proposes an unprecedented solution: using the 5G mmWave spectrum directly from satellites, thus avoiding congestion and enabling more robust and efficient connectivity. This shared network model is crucial for telecom operators, as it allows them to access a global infrastructure without having to invest in expensive proprietary satellite constellations.
For global coverage, CTO plans a constellation of 1500 satellites in low Earth orbit. This sharing model will allow telecom operators to utilize their existing 5G mmWave frequencies for extending their internet services to rural and remote areas, without needing to build new terrestrial infrastructures. Imagine a global network, accessible to everyone, regardless of their geographical location. This is the ambitious vision of CTO.
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A launch scheduled for June 2025: the future of orbiting internet
The “Early Test” payload has been rigorously tested under simulated space conditions. Ready to be launched on a satellite platform, it is expected that its orbiting will take place during the year. This historic launch will mark the advent of a new era in the history of satellite internet. It will enable the transmission of high-speed and low-latency internet data, from space, to any point on the globe. CTO is paving the way for a technological revolution that will change how we access information and communications.
The development of 5G mmWave technology by CTO opens impressive prospects for various applications such as autonomous vehicles, remote surgeries, industrial automation, and smart city infrastructure. The ultra-fast connectivity that this technology enables is crucial for many industries, driving innovation and transforming the digital world. Beyond mere connectivity, CTO aims to make the internet accessible everywhere in the world, thereby helping to reduce the digital divide and improve living conditions in rural and remote areas.
