What Happened
Ottawa Invests in Secure Arctic Communications Network
The Canadian government has awarded Telesat a $1.6 billion contract to provide secure military satellite communications in the Arctic region. The contract, announced today, is part of the Enhanced Satellite Communications Project - Polar and will see Telesat deliver military Ka-band connectivity for a period of 5 years, with options for additional years. The deal also includes an expansion of Telesat’s Lightspeed Low Earth Orbit network, with Canadian satellite maker MDA subcontracted for the new satellites. According to Breaking Defense, the contract is a significant step in Canada’s efforts to develop a secure MILSATCOM grid over the Arctic and the far north.