Constellation Technologies & Operations, a start-up that is developing a constellation of satellites to enable telecom operators to provide high-speed, low-latency internet access from space, has secured a funding of 9.3 million euros. This investment comes from Expansion, a fund dedicated to New Space and New Air Mobility, and the French Tech Seed fund managed by Bpifrance on behalf of the French government as part of the France 2030 plan, along with its historical investor. This funding will allow the company to conduct its first end-to-end connectivity tests on the ground and in orbit, and to finalize detailed engineering studies of the first two satellites in its constellation.
Access to internet from space: a new opportunity for telecom operators in a market dominated by new entrants
The global market for high-speed, low-latency internet from space is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the convergence of performance and pricing between terrestrial and satellite connectivity for the first time in the history of telecommunications. According to a 2023 GSMA Intelligence report, this market represents a potential annual revenue opportunity of $35 billion for telecom operators by 2035.
However, this rapidly growing market is largely captured by new entrants in the telecom sector, including American projects like SpaceX’s Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper, as well as Chinese ambitions. These players are already developing or operating B2C satellite constellations, with several thousand satellites – a number that could reach 1.5 billion by 2030, reaching tens of thousands of people in the future.
To remain competitive, telecom operators need solutions that allow them to tap into this new space connectivity market and provide internet access from space, in addition to their terrestrial networks.
Constellation Technologies & Operations: providing telecom operators with space-based internet connectivity
Founded in 2022 by Charles Delfieux, Constellation Technologies & Operations aims to address this challenge by developing a B2B2C satellite constellation that places telecom operators at the center of the value chain. The company’s goal is to enable universal access to the internet, essential for social development and economic growth, by allowing telecom operators worldwide to offer their customers high-performance, affordable, and sustainable internet access from space, especially in areas where terrestrial networks are not available.
Innovative technology combining very low earth orbit and 5G frequency bands
Constellation Technologies & Operations stands out with two key technological innovations. Firstly, by deploying its constellation in very low earth orbit, the company ensures high-speed connectivity with minimal latency. It also supports a more sustainable use of space by reducing risks related to space debris and light pollution.
Secondly, Constellation Technologies & Operations has adopted an innovative approach to radio frequencies by reallocating terrestrial 5G spectrum from telecom operators to space connectivity. This approach offers operators an alternative access to underutilized spectrum.
Funding to support end-to-end connectivity tests and satellite development
The 9.3 million euro seed round, led by the Expansion fund, the French Tech Seed fund managed by Bpifrance on behalf of the French government as part of the France 2030 plan, and the company’s historical investor, will enable Constellation Technologies & Operations to achieve key milestones in its development. These include end-to-end testing of its space internet services with a combination of orbital payload prototypes and ground stations. The start-up employs around thirty people in its offices in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines and Toulouse, France.
This funding will also support detailed engineering studies of the first two complete satellites, with a launch planned by the end of 2026. Subsequently, the company plans to industrialize and mass-produce satellites, user terminals, and the overall system, with a gradual deployment of its space connectivity service. Constellation Technologies & Operations expects its infrastructure to be fully deployed by the end of the decade, offering global coverage and enabling telecom operators to provide their customers with high-speed, low-latency internet access from space – just as they do today with terrestrial telecom networks.
Charles Delfieux, CEO and founder of Constellation Technologies & Operations, stated: „We are thrilled to have secured this funding, which will allow us to continue developing our constellation and help telecom operators harness the enormous potential of space connectivity. Our mission is to ‚Bridge the digital divide and provide universal access to the internet, enabling telecom operators to serve customers even in the most remote areas.'“
Investor Charles Beigbeder, co-founder of Expansion, concluded: „Constellation Technologies & Operations represents a unique opportunity to support disruptive innovation in space connectivity infrastructure. Its approach ensures that telecom operators can fully participate in this new market while addressing the environmental challenges facing the space sector.“
Claire Waché, Senior Investment Manager at Bpifrance, added: „We are pleased to support Constellation Technologies & Operations, as its technological innovations around ultra-low orbit and the use of 5G spectrum are essential to enable telecom operators to enter and compete in the space connectivity sector. This investment aligns with Bpifrance’s mission to support disruptive innovation in strategic sectors.“
Constellation Technologies & Operations has already received several expressions of interest from European telecom operators and is in advanced discussions with international operators.
Source: Press Release