- Telesat (TSX: TSAT) is deepening its collaboration with Farcast to deliver enterprise-class Flat Panel Antenna (FPA) user terminals integrated with the Telesat Lightspeed modem, targeting commercial availability in 2027
- Telesat invests US$5 million in Farcast and secures a board seat to align the startup’s technology with the Lightspeed program
- Farcast’s proprietary AESA design enables full-duplex communication through a single aperture, reducing SWaP-C and enhancing performance for global enterprise customers
- Telesat stock (TSX:TSAT) last traded at C$42.22
Telesat (TSX:TSAT) announced an expanded collaboration with Farcast, a San Francisco-based startup specializing in advanced satellite user terminals. Under the new agreement, Farcast will deliver an enterprise-class Flat Panel Antenna (FPA) User Terminal fully integrated with the Telesat Lightspeed modem and ready for volume production. Terminals are expected to be commercially available in 2027.
As part of the deal, Telesat will make a US$5 million equity investment in Farcast and take a seat on its board of directors to ensure strategic alignment with the Lightspeed program. This move underscores Telesat’s commitment to enhancing its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) network, which aims to deliver fibre-like speeds and global coverage for telecom, enterprise, government, and aviation customers.
Farcast’s proprietary Active Electronically Scanned Antenna (AESA) technology enables simultaneous transmit-and-receive capability through a single aperture, reducing Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP-C). The electronically steered beams compensate for satellite and user movement, offering superior performance for enterprise-class connectivity worldwide. This innovation is expected to strengthen the value proposition for Lightspeed customers and open opportunities in aviation and defence markets.
The two companies have collaborated since 2022 on pre-production development, with multiple hardware iterations successfully tested. Farcast plans to enter a production ramp in 2026, followed by full-scale manufacturing in 2027. To date, Farcast has raised C$13.6 million in funding and is pursuing an additional C$10 million Series Extension to support its transition to commercial manufacturing.
“We see value not only in what Farcast can provide for Telesat’s telecom and enterprise customers, but also the wider satellite industry for mass-produced, high-performing terminals, including aviation and defence applications,” Telesat’s chief technology officer, Michel Forest said in a news release.
Telesat is one of the world’s largest satellite operators.
Telesat stock (TSX:TSAT) last traded at C$42.22 and has risen 75.84 per cent since the year began.
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