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French Startup to Test mmWave 5G via Satellite

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Feb 28, 2025, 1:02 PM by Rich Brome @rbrome.bsky.social

A company called Constellation Technologies & Operations is preparing to launch a test satellite for its own new 5G-from-space system. Constellation's will be the first such system to use high-frequency mmWave radio spectrum. This spectrum has the potential for very high-speed data transmission, but is under-utilized in most parts of the world. mmWave has relatively poor propagation characteristics, in that it typically doesn't reach very far, or penetrate solid objects well. Therefore, on land, it has typically been deployed only in the highest-density areas, such as arenas, stadiums, train stations, busy city plazas, and some city central business districts. This leaves mmWave spectrum completely unused in rural and remote areas where satellite connectivity is often most useful. Constellation has not announced plans for service directly to cell phones; the antennas necessary on the ground are much larger. But the system would potentially enable cell phone carriers to monetize their mmWave spectrum licenses that are currently unused or under-utilized. Constellation's first test satellite is currently scheduled to launch into Very Low Earth Orbit this June.

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