Intelsat Continues Investment in Global 5G Software-Defined Network with Acquisition of Two Software-Defined Satellites from Thales Alenia Space
12.1.2022 13:00:00 EET | Business Wire | Press release
Intelsat, operator of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial network, and Thales Alenia Space, Joint Venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%) have signed an agreement to build two software-defined satellites designed to advance Intelsat’s global fabric of software-defined GEO connectivity as part of its 5G software-defined network.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220112005271/en/
The artist’s view represents the two Intelsat software-defined satellites, IS-41 and IS-44, with the corresponding antennas configuration. (courtesy: Thales Alenia Space).
The addition of the Thales Alenia Space software-defined satellites represents an essential advancement in Intelsat’s 5G software-defined network designed to enable greater agility, flexibility and orchestration across edge, satellite and core. Named Intelsat 41 (IS-41) and Intelsat 44 (IS-44), the two next-generation software-defined satellites are scheduled to be in service in 2025. They will join two Airbus constructed software-defined satellites, Intelsat 42 (IS-42) and Intelsat 43 (IS-43), announced January 8, 2021.
Intelsat 41 and Intelsat 44 will be based on the Thales Alenia Space’s innovative Space Inspire product line allowing seamless telecommunications mission and services reconfiguration, instant in-orbit adjustment to broadband connectivity demand, and superior video broadcasting performance while maximizing the effective use of the satellite resources.
“Intelsat’s standards-based, open-architecture network design facilitates the incorporation of the best technology at any given time, further bolstering network resiliency,” said Stephen Spengler, CEO of Intelsat. “With the addition of Intelsat 41 and Intelsat 44, in partnership with Thales Alenia Space, Intelsat will blanket the earth with software-defined satellites, progressing the world’s first global 5G software-defined network, designed to unify the global telecoms ecosystem.”
The contract enables the continued advancement of Intelsat’s planned global software-defined satellite-based network, adding high-speed dynamically-allocated connectivity across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia for commercial and government mobility services and cellular backhaul.
“Our relationship with Intelsat has been so meaningful knowing that our attractive Space Inspire software-defined solution will contribute to the realization of Intelsat’s global 5G software-defined unified network,” said Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space. “We are proud that our advanced satellite technology will play a significant role in Intelsat’s vision to reimagine the global telecoms ecosystem.”
About Intelsat
As the foundational architects of satellite technology, Intelsat operates the world’s most trusted satellite telecom network. We apply our unparalleled expertise and global scale to connect people, businesses, governments and communities, no matter how difficult the challenge. Intelsat is building the future of global communications with the world’s first hybrid, multi-orbit, software-defined 5G network designed for simple, seamless, and secure coverage precisely when and where our customers most need it. Follow the leader in global connectivity and “Imagine Here,” with us, at Intelsat.com .
About Thales Alenia Space
Drawing on over 40 years of experience and a unique combination of skills, expertise and cultures, Thales Alenia Space delivers cost-effective solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Governments and private industry alike count on Thales Alenia Space to design satellite-based systems that provide anytime, anywhere connections and positioning, monitor our planet, enhance management of its resources, and explore our Solar System and beyond. Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth. A joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space also teams up with Telespazio to form the parent companies’ Space Alliance, which offers a complete range of services.
Thales Alenia Space has around 7,700 employees in 10 countries with 17 sites in Europe and a plant in the U.S. www.thalesaleniaspace.com .
To view this piece of content from cts.businesswire.com, please give your consent at the top of this page.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220112005271/en/
Contact information
Melissa Longo, Intelsat, +1 (240) 308-1881, melissa.longo@intelsat.com
Thales Alenia Space contact(s)
Sandrine Bielecki, +33 (0)4 92 92 70 94, sandrine.bielecki@thalesaleniaspace.com
Catherine des Arcis, +33 (0)6 78 64 63 97, catherine.des-arcis@thalesaleniaspace.com
Marija Kovac, +39 (0)6 415 129 91, marija.kovac-somministrato@thalesaleniaspace.com
About Business Wire
For more than 50 years, Business Wire has been the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure.
Subscribe to releases from Business Wire
Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Latest releases from Business Wire
Tacton Named a Leader in the 2026 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for CPQ Applications for the Fourth Consecutive Year27.1.2026 19:00:00 EET | Press release
Tacton, a global leader in Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) solutions for manufacturers of complex, configurable products, today announced that it has been named a Leader in the 2026 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for CPQ Applications. This marks the fourth consecutive year Tacton has been recognized as a Leader in the report. Among the 16 vendors evaluated, Tacton placed highest in the quadrant on Completeness of Vision and for the second consecutive year is positioned highest in Ability to Execute. Tacton CPQ is designed to support manufacturers selling highly configurable products by helping them: Ensure accurate configuration so every quote reflects valid options and constraints Quote faster with confidence across high-variance portfolios without relying on manual engineering checks Maintain pricing and margin control through consistent configuration and pricing logic This approach supports manufacturers as they manage complexity while meeting buyer expectations for speed and accuracy. “We
CSG Recognized in Multi-Category Trusted Analyst Reports for CPQ, Monetization, and Digital Partner Management27.1.2026 18:05:00 EET | Press release
Communication service providers (CSPs) are under pressure to simplify complexity, monetize new services, and deliver experiences customers trust with speed and accuracy. To succeed, they need partners who can turn quote-to-cash and digital monetization into a competitive advantage, not just a back-office function. Over the past year, CSG® (NASDAQ: CSGS) has achieved multi-category recognition from leading analyst firms for doing exactly that. To CSG, these recognitions reinforce a role as a go-to partner for CSPs looking to move faster, unlock new revenue streams, and modernize their core with AI-powered, telco-specific platforms built for real-world complexity. CPQ Leadership for Complex B2B and B2B2X Monetization CSG Quote & Order continues to stand out for CSPs that need to configure complex offers, quote with confidence, and move from deal to revenue without friction. With Quote & Order, CSG is named: A Challenger in the 2026 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Configure, Price & Quote Ap
ThetaRay Unveils Ray: An Agentic AI Investigation Suite Delivering Faster, More Consistent AML Investigations27.1.2026 18:00:00 EET | Press release
In the face of rapidly evolving global regulatory standards and rising Anti-Money Laundering (AML) scrutiny, ThetaRay today announced the launch of Ray, an Agentic AI AML investigation suite designed to transform how financial institutions conduct transaction monitoring investigations. Embedded in the ThetaRay Investigation Center, Ray extends Cognitive AI from detection to investigation, combining autonomous investigative execution with on-demand analyst support enabling financial institutions to significantly improve case resolution time and bring greater consistency to the investigation process across teams and jurisdictions. Global regulators are converging on higher expectations for investigative quality and documentation. In the European Union, the new Anti-Money Laundering Regulation (AMLR) and the broader AML Authority framework, created a unified rulebook requiring stronger due diligence, more rigorous monitoring and record-keeping, and consistent compliance controls across ju
State Street, in Collaboration with ADIO, to Create 300+ New Jobs With Launch of New Al Ain Operations Hub27.1.2026 17:15:00 EET | Press release
State Street Corporation (NYSE: STT), one of the world’s leading providers of financial services to institutional investors, has signed a support agreement with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) to establish a new operating center in the Al Ain region, Abu Dhabi. The collaboration marks a significant step in State Street’s long-term expansion strategy in the Middle East and UAE and reinforces its role as a strategic partner within the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) ecosystem. As part of its long-term growth plan in Abu Dhabi and aligning to State Street’s global clients’ increasing presence in Abu Dhabi, the new operating hub will create more than 300 financial services roles over the next four years, providing meaningful career pathways for local Emirati talent. In addition, State Street will collaborate with local universities to create career and internship opportunities for graduates, as well as organize training and seminars to help develop the next generation of local young
Andersen Consulting Strengthens Cybersecurity Capabilities with Addition of RedLegg27.1.2026 16:30:00 EET | Press release
Andersen Consulting deepens its cybersecurity offering through a Collaboration Agreement with RedLegg, a cybersecurity firm known for its managed threat detection and advisory services. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in the U.S., RedLegg delivers tailored cybersecurity solutions with a focus on risk mitigation, managed security services, and penetration testing. Its offerings include managed detection and response (MDR), incident response, policy development, and virtual CISO advisory. Serving mid-market clients across finance, insurance, legal, and healthcare, RedLegg combines automation, threat intelligence, and a dedicated Security Operations Center (SOC) to help organizations streamline cybersecurity operations and build long-term resilience. “Our focus has always been on helping clients cut through the noise and prioritize what truly matters — building defenses that actually perform,” said Lynn Weddle, president of RedLegg. “Collaborating with Andersen Consulting expands our ab
In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.
Visit our pressroom