Canadian satellite operator Telesat is buying its next satellite, Nimiq-6 from Space Systems/Loral. This is no real surprise.
The order covers a Space Systems/Loral (SS/L) SS/L1300 model, which will be used by Telesat to supply DTH services for Bell Canada.
The lack of surprise comes from the fact that Telesat is 64% owned by SS/L, and while it is widely recognised that arms-length competitive tendering would have taken place, few outside observers expected a non SS/L to evolve.
Nimiq-6 will have 32 powerful Ku-band transponders.
