Telesat now plans to begin global commercial service on its Lightspeed satellite network by the end of the second quarter of 2028, approximately three months later than its previous schedule. The company outlined the revised deployment sequence during its October 29, 2026, earnings call, as reported by SpaceQ.
The schedule separates initial Arctic coverage from worldwide availability. Telesat plans to start high-latitude service by the end of the first quarter of 2028, using a deployment order that establishes northern coverage before completing the global network.
Two pathfinder satellites are scheduled to launch no earlier than June 2027. These spacecraft will support approximately 60 days of testing before the first production batch, comprising 15 satellites, launches no earlier than September. Subsequent launches are planned at roughly three-week intervals. The first 45 production satellites, delivered on three launches, would support the initial high-latitude service.
The revised dates reflect changes in the readiness schedule for satellite hardware and software supplied by MDA Space and software developed by Telesat. The company’s deployment plan links the pathfinder testing campaign to the start of production launches.
A Larger Network Supported by Canadian Defense Funding
In its third-quarter financial results, Telesat described Lightspeed as a fully funded program with 225 production satellites. The expanded network incorporates capacity associated with Canada’s Enhanced Satellite Communication Project–Polar.
The Canadian military agreement, announced in August, is valued at approximately C$2.7 billion over 15 years, including options. Approximately C$2 billion in milestone payments is scheduled between the third quarter of 2026 and the fourth quarter of 2028, principally supporting expansion from 156 to 225 satellites.
Telesat spent C$368 million on Lightspeed during the third quarter, comprising C$344 million in capital expenditure and C$24 million in operating expenses. The company revised its forecast for full-year program spending to C$1.1 billion–C$1.3 billion, reflecting the timing of payments under the updated implementation schedule.
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