CTO partners with TDF for VLEO 5G integration

A French satellite broadband startup called CTO has partnered with TDF, a major operator of telecommunications infrastructure in France. This partnership aims to connect CTO's very low Earth orbit (VLEO) 5G services with traditional telecom networks. The companies announced their agreement on March 20. They plan to test how cellular frequencies can be used to deliver VLEO services. CTO is developing special user terminals in-house for this purpose. Charles Delfieux, CTO’s founder and CEO, emphasized that both companies aim to support telecom operators, with TDF focusing on ground infrastructure and CTO on satellite services. Last year, CTO received $10 million from France’s Expansion Ventures fund to help deploy 1,500 small satellites at an altitude of 335 kilometers. These satellites are expected to provide faster communication and smaller user devices, although they face challenges such as atmospheric drag. CTO plans to launch a test payload in June using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. This payload will help test 5G services at an altitude of 550 to 600 kilometers before CTO initiates its full VLEO deployment. The first two VLEO satellites are expected to launch next year, with the full network operational by 2029. Delfieux noted that just 36 satellites could provide emergency communication services, even during natural disasters. This would allow connectivity to be maintained across islands or areas with intact ground infrastructure. TDF will also contribute local expertise to support quick responses in critical situations.