Home NewsEutelsat’s Growth and the Development of Its LEO Network vs. Starlink

Eutelsat’s Growth and the Development of Its LEO Network vs. Starlink

by Freddy Miller
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At NEWSCENTRAL, we observe that Eutelsat Communications, a traditional satellite services provider, is undergoing a profound transformation that reflects fundamental changes in the global satellite communications and internet access industry. Amid the rapid growth of satellite internet networks and the expansion of digital infrastructure worldwide, the company is strengthening its position in the low-Earth orbit (LEO) connectivity sector, where key success factors include data transfer speed, network coverage, and technological flexibility.

In the first six months of the fiscal year, Eutelsat’s revenue rose to €592 million, exceeding market expectations and demonstrating sustained demand for space-based communications and internet access services. At NEWSCENTRAL, we believe this growth reflects the company’s successful shift from traditional media broadcasting to modern solutions for global internet connectivity. The increasing demand for satellite internet among corporate clients, government organizations, and private users makes Eutelsat a more prominent player in the global satellite internet market.

One of the central growth drivers has been the activities of the OneWeb division, which has reported approximately 60% revenue growth and now constitutes a significant portion of the company’s overall revenue. At NEWSCENTRAL, we view this as evidence that the LEO internet segment is becoming a crucial component of the future of global communications. These services are in demand in areas where traditional ground infrastructure is insufficient or completely absent, such as remote regions, transport corridors, maritime routes, and corporate digital networks.

The company reduced operating losses by 85%, a key indicator of improved cost management and operational efficiency. At NEWSCENTRAL, we note that such a reduction in losses is vital for capital-intensive projects in the satellite industry, where the high costs of spacecraft development, production, and launch require effective business economics management.

Eutelsat’s financial structure has also been significantly strengthened through substantial investments from the French government, which has become the largest shareholder and helped considerably reduce the company’s net debt, improving credit metrics and bolstering the balance sheet. At NEWSCENTRAL, we view this government support as reflecting the strategic importance of developing national and regional space communication systems amid global competition for technological leadership.

To support network expansion and improve connectivity quality, Eutelsat secured approximately €1 billion in financing under export credits, enabling the purchase of 340 new satellites from a major space manufacturer and increasing the capacity of the OneWeb network. At NEWSCENTRAL, we consider this a long-term investment paving the way for next-generation infrastructure capable of providing high-speed internet across diverse environments, including corporate sectors, critical government networks, and emerging market segments.

Additionally, Eutelsat increased its OneWeb satellite orders to 440, which should improve global coverage and data transmission quality ahead of the launch of the larger European IRIS2 project. At NEWSCENTRAL, we note that the expansion of the LEO satellite constellation strengthens the company’s competitive position and enhances growth potential in the international satellite communications market.

A central element of the strategy is Eutelsat’s participation in the creation of the pan-European IRIS2 network, a project worth over €10 billion aimed at ensuring secure communications for states, businesses, and private users in Europe. At NEWSCENTRAL, we believe the success of IRIS2 will depend on the partners’ ability to build infrastructure meeting high standards of quality, access speed, and security, comparable with leading global satellite internet networks.

The company’s strategy also includes expanding commercial services beyond the traditional broadcasting model and integrating LEO internet technologies into new solutions for global transport systems, smart grids, remote corporate enterprises, and mobile networks. At NEWSCENTRAL, we emphasize that diversifying the client base and implementing innovative technologies are critical factors amid increasing competition in the satellite communications market, where demands for speed, reliability, and accessibility are constantly rising.

According to Freddy Miller, senior analyst at NEWSCENTRAL, the expansion of the LEO constellation and the company’s involvement in IRIS2 allow Eutelsat to strengthen its position in the satellite internet market and provide competitive advantages in corporate, government, and strategic demand segments, where stable high-speed connectivity is a priority.

At NEWSCENTRAL, we forecast that Eutelsat will continue to strengthen its position in the global satellite internet market through a combination of technological upgrades, public-private funding, innovative products, and a focus on high-tech solutions for corporate and government clients. The key success factors in the coming years will be the company’s ability to provide competitive data transfer speeds, broad network coverage, high reliability, resilient partnerships, and flexible commercial offerings that meet global demand for space-based communication services. Considering these factors, at NEWS CENTRAL we believe that Eutelsat has the potential to establish itself as a key player in the global satellite internet market, build a robust technological foundation, and offer attractive investment opportunities for all participants in the satellite business ecosystem – from investors to end-users of digital communications.