Mr. Dave Wendling reports

THINKOM AND TELESAT EXPAND AGREEMENT FOR LOW EARTH ORBIT OPERATIONS

Telesat Corp. and ThinKom Solutions Inc., a leading designer and manufacturer of high performance satcom (satellite communications) antennas, have expanded their development partnership to certify ThinKom's ThinAir Ka2517 antenna for the Telesat Lightspeed low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network.

The multiyear agreement calls for the organizations to co-operate on the integration and certification of the Ka2517 antenna with an airborne modem to enable communications across the Telesat Lightspeed Ka-band LEO network.

"ThinKom is keen to extend its position as the proven leader in airborne, multiconstellation, multiorbit satellite terminal technology," said Bill Milroy, ThinKom's chief technology officer and co-founder. "We bring exactly what it takes, in terms of spectral efficiency, scan volume and rigorous regulatory compliance, in order to fully unlock the unique constellation characteristics and advantages of the Telesat Lightspeed network. We are indeed eager to see airlines and their passengers benefit from the addition of this high-throughput, low-latency global network."

Telesat estimates that its enterprise-class constellation, paired with the Ka2517 antenna, will deliver over one gigabit per second to the aircraft. Telesat Lightspeed can dynamically allocate multiple-gigbit-per-second capacity to areas with high demand, such as congested airport hubs or busy flight routes. This level of connectivity enables robust gate-to-gate, real-time communications for a superior inflight connectivity experience.

ThinKom and Telesat have been formally co-operating on terminal development since the 2021 signing of a memorandum of understanding -- which included validating the Ka2517's ability to seamlessly switch between satellites across multiple orbital planes. With the Telesat Lightspeed satellite manufacturing program now under way, satellite launches are scheduled to begin in 2026, with Ka2517 certification expected to be finalized before global service availability scheduled to commence in 2027.

Over 800 ThinAir terminals will be deployed on commercial aircraft by the end of 2024 with the capability to seamlessly add the Telesat Lightspeed network to their supported communications pathways. As the terminal of choice for the Airbus HBCplus Ka-band linefit program, ThinKom anticipates installation of the Ka2517 on up to 1,000 more aircraft between now and activation of Telesat Lightspeed services. Additionally, ThinKom is pursuing direct linefit with Boeing, which will enable hundreds of additional Ka2517 installations.

"Airlines now have the ability to future-proof their inflight connectivity hardware investments when they select ThinKom's proven, high performance Ka2517 antenna," stated Dave Wendling, Telesat's chief technical officer. "With a relatively simple modem kit installation, airlines will be able to seamlessly access or transition to Telesat Lightspeed connectivity for ubiquitous coverage and unsurpassed service."

About Telesat Corp.

Backed by a legacy of engineering excellence, reliability and industry-leading customer service, Telesat is one of the largest and most innovative global satellite operators. Telesat works collaboratively with its customers to deliver critical connectivity solutions that tackle the world's most complex communications challenges, providing powerful advantages that improve their operations and drive profitable growth.

Continuously innovating to meet the connectivity demands of the future, Telesat Lightspeed, the company's low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network, will be the first and only LEO network optimized to meet the rigorous requirements of telecom, government, maritime and aeronautical customers. Telesat Lightspeed will redefine global satellite connectivity with ubiquitous, affordable, high-capacity links with fibre-like speeds.

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