Canada: Telesat completes CA$2.54 billion in funding agreements

Canadian satellite firm Telesat has announced the completion of funding agreements with the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec for the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) broadband constellation. The satellite firm now has all financing sources in place to fund the Lightspeed network, including the satellites, launch vehicles, landing stations, and points of presence.

“We are pleased to conclude these funding arrangements with the governments of Canada and Quebec as we make strong progress on the build-out of the revolutionary Telesat Lightspeed constellation, the largest space program in Canada’s history,” said Dan Goldberg, president and CEO of Telesat. “Telesat Lightspeed will help bridge the digital divide in Canada and throughout the world, create and sustain thousands of high-quality jobs in Canada, deliver billions of dollars of investment in the Canadian economy, spur domestic innovation and exports, and ensure that Canada and Quebec are at the forefront of the rapidly growing New Space Economy.”

“Our government is focused on Canadians and today’s announcement with Telesat and MDA is our commitment in action. Designed, manufactured, and operated in Canada – the Telesat Lightspeed satellite network will be the largest in Canadian history – creating thousands of jobs, growing our economy, and getting high-speed internet to Canadians. We’re putting Canada at the forefront of opportunity, with a fair chance for everyone to succeed," said Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada.