Telstra and Eutelsat OneWeb launch deployment of LEO backhaul in Australia

Telstra and Eutelsat OneWeb launch the largest deployment of LEO backhaul in Australia aimed at revolutionizing connectivity.
The collaboration stems from a strategic multi-year agreement inked last year between Eutelsat Group and Telstra. This pact lays the foundation for delivering LEO capacity to Telstra’s remote mobile customers, promising an enhanced experience particularly in the realm of real-time applications such as voice and video calling.

A significant milestone in this endeavor was achieved recently with the successful completion of a voice call on-air utilizing Eutelsat OneWeb’s LEO solution. Notably, this marks the first instance of a satellite backhaul call being executed on a commercial mobile network with guaranteed quality services in Australia.

Over the course of the next 18 months, more than 300 remote mobile base station sites currently reliant on satellite backhaul will transition to Eutelsat OneWeb’s LEO solution. This transition promises to empower Telstra to extend its mobile coverage footprint while supporting the deployment of new sites.

Cyril Dujardin, Co-General Manager of Eutelsat Group’s Connectivity Business Unit, expressed enthusiasm about supporting Telstra in providing satellite connectivity to customers across Australia, irrespective of their location.

Iskra Nikolova, Telstra Executive for Network and Technology, highlighted the potential benefits of Eutelsat OneWeb’s LEO solution in improving customer experience in regional and remote areas. Furthermore, the solution holds promise as a backup backhaul option, particularly in areas prone to natural disasters.

Australia joins several other markets as Eutelsat OneWeb completes the rollout of its ground segment, paving the way for true global coverage. This milestone underscores the transformative potential of satellite technology in bridging connectivity gaps and fostering socio-economic development on a global scale.