Telesat Secures Ontario Land for Lightspeed Satellite Ground Station

Ground Station Development

Canadian satellite operator Telesat has acquired real estate in Ontario for a new ground station facility, according to company announcements. The company reportedly purchased land on Laforest Road in Timmins, Ontario, where it plans to construct a landing station for its Telesat Lightspeed low Earth orbit satellite network.

Ground Station Development
Strategic Location Selection
Lightspeed Constellation Update
Financial Context and Market Position
Regional Economic Impact

Sources indicate the facility will process orbital data for terrestrial points of presence and connect to Northern Ontario’s fiber network. The Timmins Economic Development Corporation confirmed site preparation is already underway, with construction of satellite antennas and networking equipment scheduled to commence in Spring 2026.

Strategic Location Selection

Timmins offers superior infrastructure advantages that informed Telesat’s decision, analysts suggest. According to reports, the location provides access to an extensive 2,200-kilometer long-haul fiber network, reliable hydroelectric infrastructure, and multiple energy solutions.

“These features, plus easy accessibility to Southern Ontario and Western Quebec, make Timmins an ideal location to meet the stringent resiliency requirements for our terrestrial Landing Station network,” said Asit Tandon, Telesat’s chief network and information officer, in an official statement. The company acknowledged the professionalism and responsiveness of the Timmins Economic Development Corporation throughout the engagement process.

Lightspeed Constellation Update

Telesat’s Lightspeed constellation, named for its optical intersatellite link technology, is scheduled to enter commercial service in late 2027, with launches beginning in 2026. The report states that the first 198 satellites of the Lightspeed fleet are currently under construction by MDA Space, which began construction on a new manufacturing facility in Quebec in early 2024 to double its production capacity.

Industry analysts note that optical intersatellite links have become standard technology for new LEO constellations, including competitors like Starlink and Kuiper systems. Telesat reportedly switched manufacturing partners from Thales Alenia to MDA Space in 2023 and reduced its initial fleet from an original 298-satellite constellation following supply chain disruptions in 2020.

Financial Context and Market Position

Telesat’s latest quarterly results showed consolidated revenue of $106 million, representing a 30 percent decrease from the previous year. The company reportedly attributed the decline to lower rates for North American direct-to-home television customers, revised lower LEO revenues, and customers reducing some services.

Despite these challenges, the company continues to invest in LEO infrastructure amid growing interest in data sovereignty and secure communications. According to industry observers, LEO constellations like Lightspeed can connect rural communities beyond terrestrial service reach, with particular utility for remote industry, maritime shipping, and national security applications.

Regional Economic Impact

City officials strongly welcomed the landing station project, stating that Timmins’ existing infrastructure informed Telesat’s location decision. “Telesat’s decision to establish a Landing Station in Timmins highlights the strategic advantages our city offers — from robust telecommunications to our prime geographic location in Northern Ontario,” said Brenda Camirand, director of economic development for the City of Timmins.

The project reinforces the municipality’s commitment to supporting innovative industries and attracting investment that drives economic growth. Local officials expressed anticipation for continuing collaboration with Telesat as the company advances this initiative, contributing to the growth of the local space economy in the Ontario region.