Kenya Space Agency and Dedan Kimathi University of Technology sign research deal
KENYA 19 DEC

Kenya Space Agency and Dedan Kimathi University of Technology sign research deal

The Kenya Space Agency (KSA) and Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT) have agreed to strengthen their partnership to promote research, education and innovation in space technologies. They seek to inspire young people to take an interest in space-related careers and use space science to solve everyday problems. Key areas of cooperation include sharing knowledge and expertise, establishing a research centre of excellence at DeKUT, and developing artificial intelligence technologies to support Kenya'

Nigerian govt plans to launch two new communication satellites
NIGERIA 19 DEC

Nigerian govt plans to launch two new communication satellites

The government has announced plans to replace the NigComSat-1R communications satellite with two new ones, The Guardian reported. ICT minister Bosun Tijani said the investment is part of a broader push to close connectivity gaps and aligns with the broader National Broadband Plan (2020–2025). A Request for Proposal (RFP) has already been issued to attract global manufacturers and service providers to partner on the construction and launch, the report says.

Rocket Lab launches STP-S30 mission for US government
UNITED STATES 19 DEC

Rocket Lab launches STP-S30 mission for US government

Rocket Lab successfully launched the STP-S30 mission for the US Space Force's (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) – completing the launch five months ahead of schedule. The launch, named 'Don't Be Such A Square', lifted off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 2 (LC-2) at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) on Wallops Island, Virginia on 18 December to deploy four DiskSat spacecraft to a 550 km low Earth orbit for Department of War's (DoW) Space Test Program (STP).

Ovzon wins another SEK 58 mln terminals contract from Swedish Defence Materiel Administration
SWEDEN 18 DEC

Ovzon wins another SEK 58 mln terminals contract from Swedish Defence Materiel Administration

Ovzon said it has won another contract worth SEK 58 million from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for mobile satellite terminals for delivery during the first half of 2026. These terminals are fully compatible with the satellite network services that Ovzon provides to FMV and also with Ovzon 3's unique On-Board-Processor, which enables direct communication between terminals without the need for ground-based infrastructure. The order complements the SEK 1.04 billion contract signed with FMV

SES credit rating downgraded at Moody's on concerns over operating performance
GLOBAL 18 DEC

SES credit rating downgraded at Moody's on concerns over operating performance

Moody's Investors Service has downgraded the senior debt ratings of satellite operator SES from Baa3 to Ba1, assigning a stable outlook. The agency also issued a Ba2 baseline credit assessment and a Ba1-PD probability of default rating. The downgrade from Baa3 follows the release of SES' financial results for the nine months to September. Moody's noted that pro-forma operating performance (assuming full consolidation of Intelsat) was materially weaker than expected, and is likely to remain subdued in the fo

Space42 and Cobham Satcom expand range of Thuraya-4 terminals
MIDDLE EAST 18 DEC

Space42 and Cobham Satcom expand range of Thuraya-4 terminals

Space42 and Cobham Satcom said they have extended the range of advanced terminals for the Thuraya-4 Next Generation Satellite (T4-NGS), providing broadband-grade L-band service to users in the government, national security, maritime and commercial sectors. The comprehensive Cobham Satcom terminal portfolio supplies connectivity exceeding 1 Mbps even in contested or remote environments. This follows the start of commercial service on Space42's next-generation mobile communications satellite, Thuraya-4, in No

Angola opens new hub for Angosat-2 satellite
ANGOLA 17 DEC

Angola opens new hub for Angosat-2 satellite

Angola has opened a new hub for its Angosat-2 satellite, located at the Satellite Control and Mission Centre (MCC) in Funda, reported Jornal de Angola. It will provide direct and easy access to Angosat-2's capabilities for telecommunications operators, start-ups, and small and medium-sized businesses. The initiative aims to expand connectivity, supporting business models using VSAT terminals for remote connectivity.

Ariane 6 rocket launches 2 more Galileo satellites
EUROPE 17 DEC

Ariane 6 rocket launches 2 more Galileo satellites

Two Galileo satellites lifted off from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana aboard an Ariane 6 rocket on 17 December, marking the fourteenth Galileo constellation launch, according to the European Space Agency (ESA). It said SAT 33 and SAT 34 were launched at 06:01 CET and separated from the launcher after a flight of less than four hours. At 10:51 CET, the launch was declared successful.

Globalstar, Skydio complete drone testing using Band n53 and private 5G platform
NORTH AMERICA 17 DEC

Globalstar, Skydio complete drone testing using Band n53 and private 5G platform

Globalstar has teamed up with drone manufacturer Skydio to trial a drone connectivity system powered by Globalstar's licensed Band n53 spectrum and its software-defined private 5G radio system XCOM RAN. Globalstar's mid-band, time division licences were used to operate a private 5G trial system connecting with Skydio's X10 drone designed for first responder usage. The partners believe this approach could provide an alternative to traditional Wi-Fi and public cellular networks. 

Tusass upgrades satellite internet speed in Eastern Greenland
GREENLAND 17 DEC

Tusass upgrades satellite internet speed in Eastern Greenland

Tusass said it is upgrading internet services for customers in Eastern Greenland served by satellite connectivity. So far, there had been two options, namely a 3 Mbps/1 Mbps service for DKK 299 monthly or a 6/2 Mbps service for DKK 599. On 16 December, Tusass automatically upgraded customers on the latter service to 10/2 Mbps at no extra cost. It also brought in a new subscription for service at 15/5 Mbps for DKK 799, benefiting customers in Tasiilaq and Ittoqqortoormiit as well as residential areas.  The

Entel extends Starlink-backed satellite connectivity service to iPhones
CHILE 17 DEC

Entel extends Starlink-backed satellite connectivity service to iPhones

Entel Chile has announced the activation on iPhones of satellite connectivity services via Starlink's network. The company said iPhone users can now access a mobile signal to send SMS in areas where it has never been possible to deploy terrestrial infrastructure, even in seas up to 12 nautical miles from the coast.

Amazon launches 27 more Leo satellites
GLOBAL 17 DEC

Amazon launches 27 more Leo satellites

United Launch Alliance (ULA) said that its Atlas V rocket carrying 27 broadband satellites for the Amazon Leo 4 mission lifted off on in the early hours of 16 December from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This takes the number of satellites launched by ULA to 108 altogether. There have been 47 launches between ULA's Atlas and Vulcan vehicles.

OMAN 17 DEC

Archangel Lightworks and Omantel partner to bring laser-optic satellite communications to Oman

Omantel and Archangel Lightworks, a UK-based specialist in optical and laser communications, announced the signing of an agreement to work on satellite and optical communication services. The agreement creates a collaborative framework for the parties to introduce Archangel Lightworks' laser-optic satellite ground station communication technologies within Omantel's network. Together, they aim to position Oman as a regional hub for advanced satellite connectivity and high-capacity digital networks.

NAMIBIA 17 DEC

Namibian consultation attracts mostly positive views on Starlink licence bid

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has reported the progress of the Starlink telecommunications licence application currently under consideration. By the 12 December consultation deadline, CRAN received 1,180 written submissions reflecting a range of views, most of them expressing support for the application. There were sixteen submissions opposing the bid. There are a number of substantive comments that the applicant will be required to formally address as part of the evaluation proc

SRI LANKA 17 DEC

Eutelsat, Airtel deploy OneWeb LEO connectivity for Indian Army relief efforts in Sri Lanka

Eutelsat and its partner Airtel are extending the OneWeb LEO satellite connectivity to support the Indian Army's ongoing humanitarian relief operations in flood-impacted areas of Sri Lanka. Eutelsat also reports that, with the deployment of Eutelsat's OneWeb LEO services, the Indian Army has been able to re-establish communications in regions where terrestrial networks have been severely disrupted. The connectivity is facilitating 24/7 telemedicine consultations with specialist medical teams, ensuring the A

AFRICA 17 DEC

Airtel Africa to launch Starlink direct-to-cell service in 2026

Airtel Africa said it has partnered with SpaceX to introduce Starlink's direct-to-cell satellite technology to all fourteen of its markets serving 174 million customers. Under the Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellite connectivity partnership, Airtel Africa customers with compatible smartphones in regions without terrestrial coverage can have network connectivity through Starlink. The satellite-to-mobile service will begin in 2026 with data for select applications and text messaging.

GLOBAL 17 DEC

Gilat raises USD 100 mln in private share issue

Gilat Satellite Networks announced an oversubscribed private placement of USD 100 million in shares to Israeli investors at USD 11.25 each. The net proceeds of USD 98.8 million will be used for general corporate purposes, including potential strategic acquisitions.

AUSTRALIA 17 DEC

NBN Co's speed upgrade lifts Australia's high-speed broadband

Households that use high-speed NBN plans with a fibre to the premises (FTTP) or hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) connection are now receiving faster internet speeds following the rollout of NBN Co's recent upgrade program, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) latest Measuring Broadband Australia report has found. In September 2025, NBN Co increased the wholesale plan speeds for certain NBN plans that use a FTTP or HFC connection at no extra charge for retailers. The upgrade was not availabl

AUSTRALIA 17 DEC

Southern Launch signs long-term launch services agreement with Innospace

Australian satellite launch services company Southern Launch has signed a contract with South Korean launch service provider Innospace to host orbital and suborbital space missions from its Australian launch facilities. Under the agreement, Innospace will conduct missions from the Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex and the Koonibba Test Range in South Australia. The contract covers a range of activities, including orbital satellite launches and suborbital technology demonstration missions, with operations e

INDONESIA 17 DEC

Telkomsat, Space42 strike 5G D2D partnership deal

UAE-based Space42 and Telkom Satelit Indonesia (Telkomsat) have agreed to collaborate on Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity. The partnership leverages Equatys, a D2D venture between Space42 and Viasat, to enable 5G connectivity across satellite and terrestrial networks.

GERMANY 16 DEC

Inmarsat Maritime deploys NexusWave for 4 new cargo vessels for Krey Schiffahrt

Viasat company Inmarsat Maritime said it will deploy NexusWave on Krey Schiffahrt's four newbuild heavy lifting vessels to enable the German ship manager to enhance operational efficiency and benefit from constant and unlimited. connectivity. Krey Schiffahrt already manages eight multi-purpose heavy lifting vessels and is expanding its fleet to meet changing cargo project demands. The new freight carriers have optimised hull shapes and innovative propulsion systems to cut carbon dioxide emissions by over 35

LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN 16 DEC

SES launches in-flight connectivity on Abra Group fleet

SES said it has begun providing in-flight broadband connectivity on the first of more than 100 Airbus and Boeing aircraft operated by Abra Group airlines across the Americas. The new service is already active on ten Avianca Airbus A320s, converting the Colombian carrier into one the first in Latin America to use SES's electronically steered array antenna technology.

JAPAN 16 DEC

KDDI to launch Oppo Find X9 with satellite messaging support

KDDI and Okinawa Cellular will launch the Oppo Find X9 smartphone on the au network on 23 December 2025, with pre-orders opening on 16 December. The device will be offered as part of au's 5G portfolio and will support both Sub-6 5G services and KDDI's au Starlink Direct service for satellite-based messaging and data communications. As part of the launch, KDDI is running a handset upgrade campaign under which customers who meet specified conditions can receive a discount of up to JPY 22,000 on the device pri

GLOBAL 16 DEC

Viasat uses Ka-band satellite assets for unified network for governments

Viasat has introduced a unified global Ka-band satellite communications network aimed at government and military users, combining its own Ka-band satellites with the Global Xpress fleet and selected partner satellites. The service provider said the network integrates Viasat Ka-band satellites, Global Xpress spacecraft acquired through the purchase of Inmarsat in 2023, and other commercial and government Ka-band systems into a single, interoperable architecture.

Just In

19 DEC 16:42

SLT-Mobitel launches 5G network in Sri Lanka

19 DEC 16:19

Dialog Axiata launches 5G network, connects 1.5 million subscribers

19 DEC 15:56

UK govt to ban AI-enabled nudification apps to protect women, girls

19 DEC 15:42

3 UK launches last-minute Christmas sale

Commentary

13:56

Video market set for slower growth ahead

11:38

Netflix buys Warner Bros to deepen content catalogue

11:11

KPN's mixed performance in Q3 raises questions for strategy day

15:26

Stock markets breaking records but what happened to Odido's IPO plans?

Background

01:04

The week in telecom: Wi-Fi bolt-ons take off to boost broadband growth, video market works on consolidation

01:39

The week in telecom: Netflix wins bidding for Warner Bros, Apple poaches new execs, Samsung debuts trifold

13:51

Proximus vs. Telenet: Proximus performs better in Q3 while Telenet uses up cash

14:16

Proximus Domestic still struggling with low margins