French Startup CTO and TDF Partner for VLEO 5G Network Integration
TAMPA, Fla. — Constellation Technologies & Operations (CTO), a French satellite broadband innovator, has joined forces with TDF, a leading French operator of carrier-neutral hosting infrastructure. This collaboration aims to seamlessly integrate CTO’s proposed very low Earth orbit (VLEO) 5G services with terrestrial telecommunications networks.
Feasibility Testing of Cellular Frequencies
The companies announced an agreement on March 20 to evaluate the viability of utilizing cellular frequencies from telecom partners. This initiative will assess the delivery of VLEO services to user terminals, which CTO is currently developing internally.
Shared Vision as Neutral Hosts
Charles Delfieux, founder and CEO of CTO, stated that this agreement also sets the stage for deploying gateways at TDF facilities. These gateways would support backhaul services and facilitate emergency communications between the satellite and terrestrial networks.
“Beyond infrastructure, CTO and TDF share a mutual objective: to function as neutral hosts for telecommunications operators — TDF on the ground, CTO from space,” Delfieux conveyed via email.
Advancing VLEO Services and Deployment Strategy
CTO secured approximately $10 million in funding last year from France’s state-backed Expansion Ventures fund. This investment supports CTO’s plans to deploy a constellation of 1,500 small satellites at an altitude of 335 kilometers.
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Operating satellites at this lower altitude offers the potential for faster communication speeds and the use of smaller user terminals compared to higher orbits, such as low Earth orbit (LEO) used by SpaceX’s Starlink. However, VLEO operations also present challenges due to increased atmospheric drag and other operational considerations.
Progress on Launch and Testing Timeline
Delfieux confirmed that CTO remains on schedule to launch a test payload in June aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshare mission. The payload will be hosted on a spacecraft provided by Italy’s D-Orbit.
This mission will facilitate initial end-to-end 5G testing from an altitude of 550 to 600 kilometers, preceding CTO’s broader VLEO constellation deployment.
CTO anticipates deploying its initial pair of 350-kilogram VLEO satellites next year. The complete satellite constellation is projected to be operational by 2029, enabling global service coverage.
Emergency Connectivity Solutions via Satellite Network
According to Delfieux, just 36 satellites in equatorial orbit would suffice to establish an initial emergency connectivity service. This service would ensure communication continuity even when natural disasters disrupt ground-based relay infrastructure.
“In disaster scenarios, our inter-satellite links will enable connectivity to ‘hop’ between islands or to mainland regions where terrestrial infrastructure remains functional, ensuring continuous access through anchor gateways,” he explained.
TDF to Provide Local Support for Rapid Connectivity
In addition to network integration, Delfieux noted that TDF will contribute local expertise and personnel to support rapid connectivity deployments during critical events.