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Eutelsat Misses Forecasts as Weak Video Sales Offset Growth in Government Services

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Eutelsat (ETL.PA), the French satellite operator and rival to Elon Musk’s Starlink, reported disappointing first-quarter results on Tuesday as a sharp drop in its video broadcasting division overshadowed solid growth in government contracts, particularly in Ukraine.

Revenue for the quarter ending in September fell 1.2% year-on-year to €283 million ($330 million) on a comparable basis, missing analyst expectations of €295 million, according to company data.

The company’s video segment, which still represents 47% of total revenue and reaches over a billion global viewers, declined 10.5%, reflecting a prolonged slump in satellite TV demand and the continued fallout from European sanctions on Russian broadcasters. French regulators recently ordered Eutelsat to halt transmissions of two Russian channels tied to sanctioned entities — a move the company said would cost around €16 million this year.

Eutelsat’s other major division, government services, was the standout performer, rising 18.5% year-on-year to €52.4 million, driven by defense and connectivity contracts in Eastern Europe. Chief Financial Officer Christophe Caudrelier told analysts that while demand for satellite broadband is growing rapidly, Starlink continues to dominate the B2C market, challenging Eutelsat’s growth trajectory.

Through its subsidiary OneWeb, Eutelsat operates more than 600 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, giving it the only LEO constellation besides Starlink — a key part of Europe’s push for independent satellite infrastructure. A €1.5 billion capital infusion led by France and the UK is expected to close by the end of 2025 to help bolster competitiveness.

Despite the weak quarter, Eutelsat maintained its full-year and long-term targets, betting that its diversification into broadband and government services will offset the gradual decline of its legacy video operations.

China Expands Guowang Internet Constellation with New Satellite Launch

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China launched the eighth batch of Guowang satellites on August 13 using a Long March 5B rocket, progressing toward its goal of a 13,000-satellite internet network. Devamını Oku

France’s SNCF to Roll Out Satellite Internet on Trains Amid European Connectivity Push

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France’s state railway operator SNCF is preparing to introduce satellite internet on its trains, joining a growing movement across Europe to improve onboard connectivity using low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks. The company announced on Friday it will launch a tender seeking providers to supply satellite-powered internet services.

Dual-Network Strategy

In a statement to Reuters, SNCF said it is adopting an “innovative approach” that combines terrestrial (4G/5G) and satellite internet to enhance network resilience and continuity across its vast rail network, including in rural and isolated areas.

“The satellite plus 4G/5G combination would eliminate dead zones and offer stable, fast service adapted to new uses such as streaming or video conferencing,” the company said.

Possible Partners: Starlink and Eutelsat

According to a source familiar with the matter, Elon Musk’s Starlink and France’s Eutelsat are among the companies being considered for the project. While SNCF declined to confirm specific talks, Eutelsat has publicly expressed interest, stating it is already in discussions with SNCF about a potential pilot project.

A Eutelsat spokesperson highlighted its experience in similar pilot efforts in Britain and Kazakhstan, and emphasized its position as one of only two active LEO providers currently operating, alongside Starlink. Eutelsat’s OneWeb network, backed by the French government, operates more than 600 LEO satellites.

“We intend to bid for the contract with our French partners such as Orange Business Services,” said the spokesperson.

A Broader European Trend

France’s move mirrors similar efforts across Europe:

  • Italy’s Ferrovie dello Stato ran a two-week trial in June with providers including Starlink.

  • Scotland’s ScotRail began a six-week Starlink trial in May.

These initiatives seek to address longstanding problems with mobile-based train internet, which often suffers from dead zones, tunnel interference, and rapid handovers between towers—particularly challenging at high train speeds.

In contrast, LEO satellites offer more stable, continuous coverage, including in rural and mountainous regions where cellular signals are often weak or absent.

Looking Ahead

With public demand growing for high-speed, uninterrupted internet on the move, satellite connectivity is poised to become a mainstay of next-generation transportation infrastructure. France’s entry into the space-connected railway space may soon redefine the standard for European rail travel.