This agreement combines CTO's expertise in the development of a constellation of VLEO satellites exploiting the 5G millimeter-wave (mmWave) spectrum, and TDF's know-how in the operation of secure terrestrial infrastructures. TDF and CTO thus illustrate their shared commitment to meeting the needs of a fast-changing market and actively contributing to the promise of universal connectivity.
A shared ambition: to build hybrid, resilient connectivity for telecom operators
Convergence between terrestrial and space connectivity is becoming a reality, opening up new opportunities for telecom operators. CTO offers an innovative response to this challenge, with a novel approach: to provide a shared, neutral space infrastructure in very low orbit, avoiding the need for each telecom operator to make heavy space investments of its own to extend network coverage. This system enables telecom operators to directly exploit their 5G mmWave spectrum to offer their customers high-speed, low-latency Internet access from space, just as they do today from terrestrial networks - including in rural, isolated or underserved areas. This breakthrough marks a departure from the proprietary constellations of new entrants, giving operators a competitive solution to benefit from the new market opportunities generated by space-based connectivity.
Driven by this same vision, TDF has chosen to join forces with CTO to enrich its portfolio of solutions, strengthen its key role in tomorrow's connectivity by integrating terrestrial and NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) networks, and offer innovative, resilient solutions.
A technological partnership for the connectivity of the future
The alliance between CTO and TDF is based on a strong technological and industrial fit. On the one hand, CTO is bringing a major breakthrough with its VLEO satellites exploiting the 5G mmWave spectrum, guaranteeing high-speed, low-latency Internet access from space. On the other hand, TDF is providing its fleet and expertise in infrastructure hosting, antenna management and support. In addition, TDF is supporting CTO in testing and validating the use of NTN 5G millimeter frequencies, to optimize the integration of satellite and terrestrial networks.
The agreement also includes the development of emergency satellite connectivity solutions, to guarantee continuity of communications in the event of natural disasters or major crises, notably via inter-satellite links. These will enable inter-satellite transmissions to be maintained even in the event of damage to ground relay antennas in a disaster zone.
Charles Delfieux, CEO and founder of CTO, states:
"Internet access from space is a new frontier for telecom operators. For us, this partnership with TDF is a strategic milestone that fits perfectly with our drive to converge and integrate terrestrial and space networks. Together, we are bringing an innovative solution to telecom operators, enabling them to extend their coverage and guarantee resilient connectivity in all circumstances."
Roland Chedlivili, Co-General Manager BU TowerCo at TDF, explains:
"With this partnership, TDF is taking a new step forward by integrating space innovations into its connectivity expertise. Alongside CTO, we are exploring the synergies between terrestrial and satellite networks to bring ever more effective solutions to our customers and support French innovation. This partnership reflects our shared ambition to transform the telecommunications landscape over the long term and pave the way for universal, high-performance and accessible connectivity."