For traditional telecom operators, integrating new technologies from New Space has become a critical strategic challenge. Faced with the emergence of new players such as Starlink and Kuiper, which are developing satellite constellations to provide internet access from space, operators are confronted with a crucial choice: adapt or be left behind.
A new opportunity, but also increased competition
The global market for space-based internet access represents a significant opportunity, with revenues projected to reach $35 billion annually by 2035, according to GSMA Intelligence. However, traditional operators must quickly find their place in this new market, currently dominated by space sector giants.
This is where Constellation Technologies & Operations, a startup founded in 2022 by Charles Delfieux, positions itself as a strategic partner for telecom operators. The company is developing a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, enabling operators to offer their customers high-speed, low-latency internet access from space, complementing existing terrestrial networks.
“By enabling telecom operators worldwide to provide their customers with high-performance, affordable, and sustainable internet access from space, Constellation Technologies & Operations aims to contribute to universal internet access, essential for social and economic development,” explains Charles Delfieux, the company’s founder.
A low Earth orbit satellite constellation: a technological asset
One of the key technological advantages of Constellation Technologies & Operations lies in its decision to place its satellites in low Earth orbit. This approach ensures low latency, a crucial factor for end-users, particularly in areas underserved by terrestrial networks.
By operating at a lower altitude than most constellations, the company also aims to minimize the risk of space pollution and debris generation—critical concerns for the sustainability of the space industry.
Using the 5G spectrum: an innovative strategy
Another key element of the competitiveness of Constellation Technologies & Operations’ solution is the reuse of telecom operators’ 5G spectrum for its space services. This innovative approach helps avoid issues related to the saturation of frequency bands allocated to large satellite constellations.
“We offer telecom operators an alternative access to an unsaturated frequency spectrum, enabling them to remain competitive against new entrants in the space sector,” notes Charles Delfieux.
Fundraising to accelerate deployment
To realize its ambitions, Constellation Technologies & Operations has raised €9.3 million from Expansion, a fund dedicated to New Space, as well as from the French Tech Seed fund, managed by Bpifrance as part of France 2030, and its historical investor. This funding will enable the startup to conduct initial end-to-end connectivity tests on the ground and in orbit, as well as to finalize the engineering of the first two satellites in its constellation.
“Constellation Technologies & Operations represents an exceptional opportunity to support groundbreaking innovation that rethinks the infrastructure of space connectivity,” says Charles Beigbeder, co-founder of Expansion.
