Rendition of the Konnect satellites. Photo: Thales Alenia Space

Telecom Italia (TIM) purchased all of the capacity dedicated to Italy on Eutelsat’s KONNECT satellite in order to provide fixed broadband services to Italian households starting in January 2021. Additionally, TIM purchased the vast majority of the capacity covering Italy on the follow-on satellite, KONNECT VHTS, once it enters service. This contract is expected to be valued at approximately $178 million (150 million euros).

KONNECT entered into service this month. TIM will have exclusive rights for the distribution of satellite broadband in Italy on both the KONNECT and KONNECT VHTS satellites during the entire lifetime of the contract. This contract follows a similar contract with Orange in France signed earlier this year for capacity on both satellites.

Commenting on the agreement Rodolphe Belmer, CEO of Eutelsat said: “We are delighted to announce this major agreement with TIM which will deliver high speed broadband to all Italian households. Following the agreement with Orange for France and the acquisition of BBB Europe for retail, this agreement represents another important step in our distribution strategy, enabling us to further secure the ramp-up of our latest capacity and ensuring 2021 is a turning point in fixed broadband.”