Press Releases

Superior design of Telesat’s LEO system makes it ideal for serving high bandwidth needs of OmniAccess customers in superyacht and cruise segments

OTTAWA, CANADA and PALMA DE MALLORCA, SPAIN, January 29, 2018 – Telesat, a leading global satellite operator, and OmniAccess, a leading supplier of integrated communications solutions to superyachts and cruise ships, announced today that OmniAccess will be cooperating in live, over-the-air trials on Telesat’s low earth orbit (LEO) satellite system.

Telesat’s Phase 1 LEO satellite was launched in January 2018 and is now undergoing commissioning and orbit-raising. Telesat’s LEO constellation, once fully deployed, will deliver transformative, low latency, fiber-like broadband for commercial and government users throughout the world. The initial constellation will consist of approximately 120 state-of-the-art satellites by 2021 providing full global coverage and Telesat is evaluating options to expand its system beyond this initial configuration. Telesat is uniquely positioned to deliver the world’s most advanced and capable LEO constellation given the company’s deep technical expertise, strong track record of innovation, senior spectrum rights, and industry-leading customer service and support.

The company’s Phase 1 testing will demonstrate key features of Telesat’s LEO design and enable Telesat to match system performance with the projected requirements of customers like OmniAccess, in terms of both network operations and capacity needs. Telesat has installed ground infrastructure at its teleport in Allan Park in Canada to support testing and has customers in growing enterprise segments who are eager to participate in trials during 2018.

Telesat was the first satellite operator to provide bandwidth to OmniAccess and the companies have been working closely together throughout this decade. In November 2017, Marlink and OmniAccess announced plans to join forces and create a worldwide leader in maritime VSAT services, generating nearly $500 million in annual revenues.

“Since 2010 Telesat satellite capacity has enabled OmniAccess to deliver a superior broadband experience to our superyacht and cruise ship customers,” said Bertrand Hartman, OmniAccess’ CEO. “But to keep pace with customer demands, we need fiber-like performance around the world – far more capacity with ultra low latency at lower costs. This led OmniAccess to undertake a careful review of both existing and planned satellite systems in GEO, MEO and LEO. Based on this evaluation, OmniAccess believes that Telesat’s innovative LEO system design can provide an optimal broadband experience for our demanding customer segments. We are eager to start trials on Telesat’s Phase 1 LEO satellite and demonstrate to our customers and dedicated employees the exciting future of mobile broadband.”

“OmniAccess has been a true innovator in implementing high performing maritime broadband and Telesat is pleased to be providing the satellite capacity at the core of their success,” said Dan Goldberg, President and CEO of Telesat. “Now with Telesat’s LEO Phase 1 satellite, we are ready to demonstrate a transformational broadband experience for OmniAccess customers in growing cruise and yacht markets – an online experience that can match advanced terrestrial networks. We look forward to starting our LEO trials and continuing our strong relationship with OmniAccess.”

About OmniAccess www.omniaccess.com

Headquartered in the “yachting capital of the Mediterranean,” Palma de Mallorca, OmniAccess is the leading specialized maritime connectivity solutions provider. Established in 2002 and part of the Marlink Group since November 2017, the company offers a portfolio of cutting-edge IT networks, broadband services and IPTV solutions to over 250 vessels, including the world’s most impressive yachts, boutique cruise lines and high-end expedition vessels.

With an experienced staff of over 70 employees, OmniAccess operates an advanced global VSAT network on over 24 satellite-beams in both C-band and Ku-band, uplinked from 5 Teleport-locations in Spain, Germany, Hawaii, Australia and the USA.  With an unparalleled 24/7 Network Operations Center OmniAccess provides the highest service levels and pushes the boundaries of VSAT connectivity with nextGen BroadBeam® speeds of up to 300 mbps. The company also specializes in advanced integrated maritime IT networks, all-in-one management tools and Plexus TV IPTV solutions.

About Telesat (www.telesat.com)

Telesat is a leading global satellite operator, providing reliable and secure satellite-delivered communications solutions worldwide to broadcast, telecom, corporate and government customers. Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, with offices and facilities around the world, the company’s state-of-the-art fleet consists of 15 GEO satellites, the Canadian payload on ViaSat-1 and one Phase 1 LEO satellite which is the start of  Telesat’s planned global LEO satellite constellation that will offer low latency, high throughput broadband services. An additional two GEO satellites are under construction with launches planned for mid-2018. Telesat is also a leading technical consultant providing high value expertise and support to satellite operators, insurers and other industry participants on a global basis. Privately held, Telesat’s principal shareholders are Canada’s Public Sector Pension Investment Board and Loral Space & Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: LORL).

Forward-Looking Statements Safe Harbor

This news release contains statements that are not based on historical fact and are ‘‘forward-looking statements’’ within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this news release, the words “will”, “look forward to”, “expand”, “projected”, or other variations of these words or other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. Actual results may differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements as a result of known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Detailed information about some of the known risks and uncertainties is included in the “Risk Factors” section of Telesat Canada’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 which can be obtained on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov. Known risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: risks associated with operating satellites and providing satellite services, including satellite construction or launch delays, launch failures, in-orbit failures or impaired satellite performance, volatility in exchange rates and risks associated with domestic and foreign government regulation. The foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. The information contained in this news release reflects Telesat’s beliefs, assumptions, intentions, plans and expectations as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, Telesat disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise the information herein.

Media Contact:

Gerry Nagler
Telesat
+1 908 470-4907
gnagler@telesat.com