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Telesat Seeks Global Partners to Expand Lightspeed Satellite Network Capabilities
Electronic Technology · Telecommunications Equipment · bnn_bloomberg · 2026-09-16
Telesat CEO Daniel Goldberg is courting international investors to support the $7-billion Lightspeed satellite constellation, aiming to compete with Starlink.
What Happened
Investment Strategy: Telesat is actively seeking global financial and strategic partners to bolster its $7-billion Lightspeed low-Earth-orbit satellite network. While the project is currently fully funded, the company is looking to leverage additional capital to further enhance its infrastructure and competitive standing.
Competitive Landscape: The Lightspeed constellation is being positioned as a primary alternative to SpaceX’s Starlink, targeting diverse sectors including defense, aviation, maritime, and telecommunications. CEO Daniel Goldberg emphasized that the network will provide essential global connectivity, with full coverage expected by early 2028.
Strategic Value: Beyond pure financial backing, Telesat is interested in strategic investors, such as sovereign wealth funds, that can provide both capital and industry-specific demand. These partnerships are expected to help the company secure long-term customer relationships and integrate its services into global markets.
National Sovereignty: The Canadian government views advanced satellite communications as a critical sovereign capability for modern defense and national security. By fostering this sector, Canada aims to bridge the domestic digital divide while driving innovation, job creation, and high-value technology exports.