Satellite

Boeing to line-fit SES satellite connectivity systems. (Image source: SES)

SES has announced a key milestone toward achieving offerability of its multi-orbit antenna system for installation by Boeing

This development will enable airlines to take delivery of new aircraft with onboard connectivity systems already installed, allowing services to be activated immediately following delivery through a Boeing-provided modification.

As part of the collaboration, Boeing will integrate SES’s in-cabin connectivity hardware during the aircraft production process. This marks an important step toward making SES’s multi-orbit system available as a fully line-fit connectivity solution across Boeing’s commercial aircraft portfolio. Boeing will handle installation of the full in-cabin network while also coordinating the integration of external equipment. The initial rollout will focus on the Boeing 737, followed by the 787 programme.

“We are proud of our partnership with Boeing and this outstanding progress,” said Mike DeMarco, president of Mobility at SES. “We are on track for full line-fit offerability, giving airlines a seamless path to select and install the multi-orbit electronically steered array (ESA) antenna solution during aircraft factory production.”

“Our collaboration with SES reflects Boeing’s commitment to delivering advanced, reliable connectivity to our airline customers,” said Destry Lucas, Director Airplane Connectivity, at Boeing. “We are making strong progress bringing multi-orbit connectivity into the production environment, enabling a more streamlined installation approach and supporting scalable, line-fit capable solutions.”

SES’s multi-orbit system is designed to operate across both low Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary (GEO) satellite constellations, enabling global coverage, built-in redundancy, and low-latency performance. The company’s electronically steered array (ESA) technology has already achieved 500 installations, with a further 1,000 commitments secured, highlighting strong market confidence in its in-flight connectivity solution.

Amazon Leo adds D2D with Globalstar merger

Amazon and Globalstar have announced a definitive merger agreement under which Amazon will acquire Globalstar

The move will allow Amazon Leo to introduce direct-to-device (D2D) services within its low Earth orbit satellite network, expanding cellular connectivity to areas beyond traditional terrestrial coverage.

Alongside this development, Amazon has also reached an agreement with Apple to enable Amazon Leo to support satellite-based services for iPhone and Apple Watch devices, including Emergency SOS via satellite. These advancements form part of Amazon’s broader strategy to build a space-based connectivity ecosystem, working with mobile network operators and partners to deliver dependable, high-speed connectivity worldwide.

“There are billions of customers out there living, traveling, and operating in places beyond the reach of existing networks, and we started Amazon Leo to help bridge that divide,” said Panos Panay, senior vice-president of devices & services, Amazon. “By combining Globalstar’s proven expertise and strong foundation with Amazon’s customer-obsession and innovation, customers can expect faster, more reliable service in more places, keeping them connected to the people and things that matter most. We’re excited to support Apple users through the Leo D2D system, and look forward to working with mobile network partners to help extend coverage to every corner of the planet.”

Globalstar is recognised as a major mobile satellite services operator, with extensive experience in non-geostationary orbit satellites and D2D technology, as well as providing essential and emergency communications worldwide. Through the agreement, Amazon will take ownership of Globalstar’s satellite operations, infrastructure, and assets, including globally authorised MSS spectrum licences.

By integrating Globalstar’s spectrum resources and satellite capabilities with the scale and performance of Amazon Leo, the combined platform aims to deliver seamless connectivity for consumer, enterprise, and government users. This will support users in remote regions as well as those moving in and out of conventional network coverage. Globalstar’s current satellite fleet, along with its upcoming enhanced satellites, will operate in conjunction with Amazon Leo’s broadband and planned D2D systems.

“We have long believed low Earth orbit satellite constellations offer the most effective path to truly connect users and devices anywhere and anytime,” said Paul Jacobs, CEO, Globalstar.

“For more than 30 years, Globalstar has executed on this vision through sustained, long-term investment in technological innovation, operational excellence, and development of globally harmonized spectrum across both satellite and terrestrial applications. The combination with Amazon Leo will advance innovations in digital connectivity that will benefit our customers and advance us toward a more intelligent, continuously connected world.”

From 2028, Amazon Leo is expected to roll out its next-generation D2D satellite system, delivering advanced voice, messaging, and data services directly to mobile devices. The system is designed to offer improved spectrum efficiency compared to existing direct-to-cell technologies, resulting in faster speeds and enhanced performance. It will integrate with Amazon’s broader satellite infrastructure, creating a unified network that supports both fixed and mobile connectivity use cases across a global user base.

As part of the Apple collaboration, Amazon will continue supporting satellite services currently enabled through Globalstar’s infrastructure for devices such as iPhone 14 and later models, as well as Apple Watch Ultra 3. These services include emergency messaging, location sharing, roadside assistance, and communication with contacts. Future developments will involve collaboration between Amazon and Apple to expand satellite-enabled features using the enhanced Amazon Leo network.

“Since launching more than three years ago, our groundbreaking safety service Emergency SOS via satellite has helped save many lives around the world, from a scout troop stranded on a winter hike in British Columbia, to a woman who was airlifted to safety in Colorado after her car rolled down a 250-foot cliff,” said Greg Joswiak, senior vice-president of Worldwide Product Marketing, Apple.

“Apple and Amazon have a long and proven track record of working together through Amazon’s core infrastructure services, and we look forward to building on that collaboration with Amazon Leo. This ensures our users will continue to have access to the vital satellite features they have come to rely on, including Emergency SOS, Messages, Find My, and Roadside Assistance via satellite, so they can stay safe and connected while off the grid.”

Orange Tunisie rolls out satellite broadband in Tunisia

Orange Tunisie has introduced satellite-based broadband services in Tunisia, expanding its connectivity offerings through an existing collaboration with Eutelsat. The new service delivers internet speeds of up to 100 Mbps

Branded as Orange Satellite, the solution is designed to provide nationwide coverage, with a strong emphasis on reaching remote and underserved areas where traditional telecom infrastructure is limited or unavailable. This enables more consistent and reliable connectivity in locations that are typically difficult to serve.

The company stated that the service is offered through two packages, including one tailored specifically for professionals operating in isolated or rural environments.

The offering is powered by Eutelsat’s next-generation KONNECT satellite, which delivers enhanced performance compared to previous systems. Improvements include greater bandwidth capacity, stronger signal reliability and significantly higher data throughput.

This development builds on a multi-year partnership agreement signed in 2024 between Orange Middle East and Africa and Eutelsat, aimed at expanding access to broadband services using the KONNECT satellite platform. The initial deployment under this agreement covered markets such as Jordan, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with further expansion planned across other countries in which Orange operates.

In a related development, Orange also signed an agreement with Eutelsat Group in June 2025 to leverage the OneWeb constellation for delivering low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity. This service is aimed at enterprise and government customers globally, with a strong focus on Africa and the Middle East.

Beyond the markets already mentioned, Orange operates mobile networks across several countries, including Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Egypt, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritius, Morocco, Central African Republic, Senegal and Sierra Leone.

This initiative utilises the Tianqi Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to deliver advanced industrial connectivity across multiple sectors

Q-KON has signed a strategic trilateral partnership with Beijing Guodian High-Tech Technology Co., Ltd. (Guodian Gaoke) and China StarWin Science & Technology Co., Ltd. (StarWin) to introduce next-generation Internet of Things (IoT) services in South Africa

This initiative utilises the Tianqi Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to deliver advanced industrial connectivity across multiple sectors.

As part of the agreement, Q-KON will serve as the authorised provider for Tianqi-based IoT solutions in South Africa, leveraging its extensive local market expertise and distribution network. Guodian Gaoke will supply the LEO satellite constellation and related systems, while StarWin will provide certified ground terminals to ensure compliance with South African technical and regulatory standards.

Driving digital transformation in South Africa

The collaboration represents a significant international partnership in aerospace, combining advanced Chinese satellite technologies with local market knowledge. It aims to support South Africa’s national digital strategy while driving industrial modernisation, economic growth, and inclusive development.

Dr Dawie de Wet, CEO of Q-KON, said, “This strategic alliance marks a significant milestone in our quest to service the African market through the application of leading satellite technologies by expanding the Twoobii portfolio to include an IoT service. Q-KON has always been committed to providing robust and relevant connectivity solutions, and our partnership with Guodian Gaoke and StarWin allows us to expand this commitment into the industrial IoT area.”

The Tianqi LEO constellation is designed for low-power, reliable communications, offering industrial-grade connectivity for sectors including mining, transport, agriculture, and utilities. The system enables real-time monitoring, automation, and data management for businesses and government agencies.

Sector applications and benefits

Amelia, chief operating officer & co-founder of StarWin, highlighted IoT’s role in addressing South Africa’s digital divide, a key challenge to economic growth.

“During its G20 Digital Economy Working Group presidency, the South African government positioned digital transformation as a core national strategy with clearly defined development goals. Within this framework, IoT is recognised as a pivotal technology for transforming traditional industries and has been deeply integrated into key sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing,” she said.

By enabling precision management and automation, these IoT solutions are expected to enhance the competitiveness of South African products globally, support economic complexity, and create new employment opportunities in industrial IoT.

Zheng, vice-president of Guodian Gaoke, added, “This tripartite cooperation marks the Tianqi Constellation’s first project in Africa. Together, we will integrate advanced satellite IoT technologies with local industry to drive digital applications in forestry, power management, logistics, marine operations, and disaster prevention.”

The partnership exemplifies a co-creation model, combining technology with local market insight. It sets a benchmark for future international satellite IoT collaborations and represents a key step in accelerating South Africa’s digital industrial transformation, strengthening the country’s leadership in space-based technologies.