La startup española Sateliot busca recaudar 150 millones de euros para transmitir 5G directamente a los teléfonos inteligentes desde la órbita.

      Sateliot, a satellite startup based in Barcelona, is aiming to secure up to €150 million ($172 million), marking a 50% increase from the €100 million funding round announced in April. The company manages a network of low-Earth orbit satellites and plans to utilize the funding to launch 16 additional satellites in the next year. By early 2028, it aims to introduce larger satellites capable of delivering 5G data, voice, and video directly to standard smartphones.

      CEO Jaume Sanpera mentioned to Bloomberg, “A new opportunity has emerged: integrating 5G within a satellite.” Founded in 2018, Sateliot's initial focus was on connecting IoT devices like shipping trackers and utility sensors through satellites. The shift towards smartphones marks a significant expansion for the company. They are collaborating with Telefonica to develop technology for direct device links and have established partnerships with other network operators to extend coverage in remote areas.

      This funding effort is taking place as Europe increases its satellite investments to reduce reliance on Elon Musk's Starlink. The European Space Agency is allocating €22 billion over three years, and the European Commission has proposed setting aside airwaves for domestic players for direct-to-device satellite communication. The global race for satellite connectivity is intensifying, with Amazon’s Project Kuiper also aiming to compete with Starlink. Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile's Satellite Connect Europe initiative is pursuing a similar direct-to-phone service, although its eligibility for the reserved European spectrum is uncertain due to the US company's 50% ownership.

      Sateliot continues to look for a lead investor for this funding round and indicated that part of the additional €50 million could be acquired through debt. The company expects to benefit from up to 50% public co-financing. The IRIS² constellation, led by Eutelsat, SES, and Hispasat, will initially focus on broadband services rather than direct-to-device communication, which is the market Sateliot aims to target. As Starlink continues to raise prices with its expansion, a European alternative that directly connects with existing phones and carriers could attract demand from operators hesitant to channel their customers through a network controlled by Musk.