Eutelsat Advances Key Satellite Projects as Share Price Holds Steady

The Eutelsat Group has begun the new operational year with significant progress on two strategic fronts. As its shares hold stable at €1.84, the European IRIS² satellite constellation is moving from blueprint to reality, and a new deployment of OneWeb technology in Africa provides a tangible commercial proof point.

In a development that underscores the practical application of its assets, Eutelsat OneWeb, in partnership with Airtel Gabon and railway operator SETRAG, has activated high-speed internet for passenger trains in Gabon. This implementation leverages the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation to provide connectivity across remote stretches of rail where terrestrial networks are absent.

This project serves as a critical reference case for the scalability of Eutelsat's services within the global mobility sector. It highlights a substantial growth avenue in emerging markets with underdeveloped ground infrastructure. The long-term viability of this segment, however, will depend on the company's ability to maintain competitive margins against rivals like Starlink.

Major Tender Launched for IRIS² Constellation

In a parallel and pivotal move, the SpaceRISE consortium—led by Eutelsat and including SES and Hispasat—initiated the next phase of Europe's sovereign connectivity project on December 29, 2025. The consortium has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the manufacturing and launch of precisely 272 LEO satellites.

Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying Eutelsat?

This step solidifies the transition of the IRIS² initiative from planning to industrial execution. The state-backed infrastructure is designed to provide independent connectivity for government and corporate users. For Eutelsat, its leadership role in this consortium promises long-term revenue streams, offering a strategic counterbalance to its legacy video business, which is in structural decline. The upcoming selection of manufacturing partners will be a decisive factor for the project's cost structure and ultimate profitability.

Financial Market Perspective

The market has absorbed these updates with measured calm. Eutelsat's equity saw a modest gain of 0.33%, with its share price stabilizing at €1.84. This level gives the company a market capitalization of approximately €2.17 billion. Chart analysis suggests the area around €1.80 is acting as a support zone. A sustained break above the €1.90 threshold would be required to signal the beginning of a new upward trend.

The coming weeks are expected to bring clarity regarding the IRIS² contract awards. The announcement of the chosen manufacturing partners will provide the first concrete financial data points to assess the project's full economic scale.