USA, Oct 20 (V7N) – Eutelsat, the world’s third-largest satellite operator by revenue, successfully launched 20 satellites for its communications network on Sunday. The launch was facilitated by SpaceX, marking a significant milestone since Eutelsat merged with OneWeb last year.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the satellites lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 0513 GMT. Eutelsat's CEO, Eva Berneke, noted that this was the first satellite launch for OneWeb post-merger. "We will be launching more satellites over the coming years," she told Reuters in an interview.

The merger of France's Eutelsat and Britain’s OneWeb, completed in September 2023, has resulted in a constellation of over 600 low Earth orbit satellites, serving broadcasters, telecom companies, and radio stations. "We aim to integrate into the telco ecosystem, where satellites form a niche within the broader connectivity landscape dominated by telecoms," Berneke added.

Eutelsat's clientele includes notable telecom operators such as France’s Orange and Australia’s Telstra, with ongoing discussions in the US. With a backlog of $4 billion in orders, the company awaits market openings in India and Saudi Arabia. India, a market expected to grow 36% annually to reach $1.9 billion by 2030, is currently in the process of opening up to satellite services. However, competition with domestic players and companies like Starlink has caused some delays.

The company is also in talks with aviation companies to provide in-flight connectivity services, including internet browsing. Eutelsat expects a boost in revenue starting next year.

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