License Granted for Türkiye’s First LEO Satellite Constellation

Connecta, a subsidiary of Plan-S and the producer of Türkiye’s first and only Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation satellites—with 17 satellites successfully launched to date—has been granted a license by the Information Technologies and Communication Authority (BTK) to provide satellite-based Internet of Things (IoT) communication services in Türkiye. This historic step is not only a first for Türkiye but also creates powerful momentum for Plan-S’s goal of providing satellite-based IoT services in global markets.

At a time of significant developments and major transformations in the global satellite communication sector, a historic step has been taken, showing that Türkiye is also a strong player in this field. Connecta Communication Services Inc., a 100% subsidiary of Plan-S, has been licensed by the BTK to provide satellite communication services. As the first license issued to a LEO satellite operator in Türkiye, it holds special importance because the constellation has been fully developed and produced using domestic and national capabilities.

With the Connecta IoT Network constellation satellites—whose design, production, testing, and integration processes were all carried out by Plan-S—the company is now activating satellite-based IoT communication services in Türkiye. The system, which currently consists of 12 satellites, will be expanded into a large constellation of 200 satellites with launches in the coming period. This infrastructure, which will provide global coverage, will rapidly increase its service capacity and quality as new satellites come online.

Expanding IoT Services and Application Areas

With this license, services will be provided to many sectors such as agriculture, energy, logistics, mining, water resource monitoring, disaster management, and even defense—covering regions where communication infrastructure is absent or inadequate. Thanks to this technology, which allows sensor data to be accessed via satellites with very low power consumption, IoT data can be transmitted to users securely and reliably in all fixed or mobile applications at sea, in rural areas, and in remote locations, independent of terrestrial networks.

Global Market Access and Strategic Positioning

The company had already taken a significant step in its global market access strategy with licenses obtained earlier in Australia. This new and historic license from Türkiye now serves as a springboard for Plan-S to provide services in international markets, further strengthening the company’s strategic position as a global player.

Plan-S’s Space Vision

Plan-S, which began operations in 2021, quickly attracted the industry’s attention with its innovative satellite technologies. While the company offers satellite-based IoT solutions with the Connecta IoT Network, it also aims to provide high-resolution Earth observation and advanced data analytics services through its Observa constellation satellites. Plan-S aims to establish a comprehensive and independent space infrastructure on a global scale by 2030 with a constellation of over 200 satellites.

Plan-S CEO Özdemir Gümüşay made the following statement regarding this important milestone:
“Being licensed as Türkiye’s first LEO satellite operator represents a historic turning point not only for our companies but also for our country’s space and satellite communication ecosystem. I believe our country has taken a significant step at a time when the world is undergoing a major transformation in satellite communication and nations are revising their strategies. This license will not only allow us to offer our existing IoT services in our country but will also greatly accelerate our investments in new and more strategic satellite communication technologies in international markets. This is a very important strategic step for our country on its path to independence in the field of technology and space.”