Satellite operator Telesat has announced plans to build a landing station for its low earth orbit satellite network in Timmins.

The company purchased a plot of land on Laforest Road from the City of Timmins, and has already started site preparation work on the site.

The landing station will support Telesat’s Lightspeed program, which helps to extend the reach of terrestrial telecom networks in rural and remote communities and deliver high-performing broadband connectivity.

“Timmins offers access to superior telecommunications infrastructure, including an extensive 2,200 km long haul fibre network, highly reliable hydroelectric infrastructure, and access to a multitude of energy solutions,” said Telesat’s Chief Network and Information Officer, Asit Tandon. “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.”

Construction of satellite antennas and networking equipment will start next spring.