ViaSat Aims to Challenge Starlink in the Satellite Internet Race in France

A new player has just entered the game, or rather, the quest for control over the French skies. Last September, the company ViaSat applied for a frequency usage permit from Arcep, which has just been approved.

Public Consultation

Consequently, Arcep has launched a public consultation from November 7 to December 9, 2024, at 6:00 PM. The aim is to gather feedback from stakeholders in the telecommunications sector regarding the authorization request submitted by ViaSat for radio frequency bands in the 17.3-20.2 GHz and 27.5-30.0 GHz ranges.

Specifically, the group intends to establish and operate a public network in France to provide its (satellite) communication services, which promise to be stable and fast for mobile users, including terrestrial, maritime, and aerial vehicles, through a network of satellites in orbit.

This type of network meets a growing demand for high-performance communication solutions on mobile platforms, even in areas that are underserved or not covered by terrestrial networks.

However, it is important to note that ViaSat’s satellites are in geostationary orbit, while Starlink’s are in low Earth orbit. Elon Musk’s network, therefore, offers significantly lower latency (response time) at about 20 ms compared to 600 ms for ViaSat. On the other hand, being further away (positioned directly above the equator at a distance of 36,000 km from Earth), ViaSat’s satellites can cover a larger surface area. Thus, one satellite can encompass an area as large as metropolitan France. This does not require a massive fleet like that of Elon Musk.

Starlink’s solution is noticeably faster than its rival, although the latter plans to expand its constellation further in 2025. Around the world, the two companies compete in various markets, including military applications and maritime and air transport.

Recent contracts secured by Elon Musk (including one with United Airlines to provide in-flight connectivity) have caused ViaSat, which was previously a leader in this segment due to contracts with JetBlue, Delta Airlines, Lufthansa, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, Royal Jordanian Airlines, and LOT, to lose ground.

Contributions should be sent to Arcep, preferably by email, specifying the subject « Authorization for the use of radio frequencies by Viasat Inc. to establish and operate a public network for fixed satellite service » at the following address: consultation_viasat(@)arcep.fr

Alternatively, they can be mailed to the following address:

Response to the Public Consultation: Authorization for the use of radio frequencies by Viasat Inc. to establish and operate a public network for fixed satellite service, Mobile and Innovation Direction
Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications, Posts and Press Distribution
14, rue Gerty Archimède, CS 90410 75613 Paris Cedex 12

Starlink by Elon Musk!

Our Review on Starlink

It is now possible to subscribe to a mini Starlink kit for 359 euros (compared to 599 dollars in the United States), as well as to a monthly subscription of 59 euros (“Regional Mobile”) or 40 euros (“Mini Roaming” 50 GB) depending on usage. By comparison, Starlink’s subscription in France starts at 40 euros per month (with an antenna kit priced at 349 euros). The roaming version (with a motorized antenna priced at 249 euros) is available starting at 59 euros per month.

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