A French technology company, Constellation Technologies & Operations (CTO), is set to transform global telecommunications with its Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) satellite constellation. This innovative system will allow telecom operators to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet from space, just as they do with terrestrial networks.

As part of this ambitious plan, CTO has unveiled Early Test, the company’s first regenerative 5G millimeter-wave (mmWave) payload. This groundbreaking technology is designed to integrate satellite and terrestrial networks, bringing connectivity to even the most remote areas.

New era for space telecommunications

Charles Delfieux, CEO of CTO, emphasized the significance of this milestone:

Our regenerative 5G mmWave payload is a world first that confirms CTO’s ability to accelerate the convergence between terrestrial and space connectivity. It is a fundamental brick to continue developing the next generation space infrastructure for telecoms operators that they can operate as they do today with terrestrial networks.

The Early Test payload has undergone extensive simulations under space conditions and is now attached to a satellite platform, set for launch in June 2025.

This mission will mark a major breakthrough, as it will be the first time that 5G mmWave spectrum technology is used to provide high-speed, low-latency internet directly from space to Earth.

5G mmWave: Future of wireless communication

5G mmWave is a high-frequency radio wave technology operating between 24GHz and 100GHz, enabling ultra-fast data transmission. While current 5G networks mainly use the 3.5GHz band, the next phase of 5G evolution will harness mmWave frequencies to further improve speed and responsiveness.

This advanced connectivity has the potential to enhance smart city infrastructure, industrial automation, autonomous vehicles, and even remote surgeries, making it a crucial component of future digital transformation.

Shared satellite model for telecom operators

As satellite communications become increasingly competitive, traditional frequency bands such as Ka and Ku (26.5GHz – 40GHz) are becoming congested due to the rapid expansion of satellite constellations deployed by companies like SpaceX and Amazon.

To overcome these challenges, CTO is pioneering the use of 5G mmWave spectrum directly via satellites. The company’s proposed 1,500-satellite constellation will offer global coverage, enabling multiple telecom operators to share the same satellite network instead of building their own expensive infrastructure.

This model allows telecom providers to extend 5G mmWave coverage to remote and underserved regions while leveraging their existing spectrum rights, eliminating the need for costly ground-based infrastructure.

Future of internet connectivity

CTO’s VLEO satellite initiative represents a game-changing advancement in telecommunications, bridging the gap between terrestrial and satellite networks. With its innovative shared satellite model, the company is positioning itself as a key player in the future of global 5G connectivity.

As the June 2025 launch approaches, the world will be watching to see how this cutting-edge technology reshapes the future of space-based internet.