Telesat Lightspeed slips to 2028
Canada's homegrown low-orbit satellite network is still coming — just later, and mainly for business and defence customers.
- Service start moved from late 2027 to around Q1 2028
- Cause: delays with the satellites' onboard processor chips
- First satellites still scheduled to launch late 2026
- Built for enterprise, government and defence users
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On March 17, 2026, Telesat CEO Dan Goldberg told investors that Lightspeed will enter service around the end of Q1 2028 instead of late 2027, due to delays with chips supplied for the satellites' processors. He said the first satellites are still scheduled to launch at the end of 2026, with heavy launches through 2027 (Via Satellite). Telesat is also dedicating part of the network's capacity to military Ka-band for defence customers (Runway Girl Network).
What it means in NL
Telesat has always pitched Lightspeed at enterprise and government users (Telesat). For a cabin owner, outfitter or crew that needs a connection this season, Starlink remains the practical option. See how it stacks up in satellite internet options in Canada, or rent a Mini to test it at your own site.
Frequently asked
Telesat has designed Lightspeed for enterprise and government users rather than individual households, so it isn't positioned as a direct consumer alternative to Starlink.
Telesat told investors in March 2026 that service should start around the end of the first quarter of 2028, after a delay with onboard processor chips.
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