Anuvu, a mobile connectivity company, is exploring highly elliptical orbit (HEO) satellites to enhance inflight Wi-Fi speeds, particularly for polar routes. Partnering with D-Orbit USA, Anuvu plans to design a HEO satellite network capable of providing low-latency, high-speed connectivity akin to low Earth orbit (LEO) systems but covering regions inaccessible to geostationary (GEO) satellites. D-Orbit USA is preparing to develop these satellites, leveraging its existing capabilities and a U.S.-based manufacturer to meet Anuvu’s deployment schedule, pending Federal Communications Commission approval.
Anuvu has previously relied on GEO satellites to provide connectivity but has encountered delays with its GEO fleet. Its GEO satellites, developed by Astranis, faced setbacks due to solar power issues, delaying launches intended to cover North America and the Caribbean. Anuvu, which also leases satellite capacity to serve mobile users in aviation and maritime, sees HEO as a solution to improve service speeds and cover critical routes. The company aims to deploy 16 HEO satellites within a year of regulatory approval, benefiting from the satellites’ proximity to aircraft, which enhances data transmission speeds compared to traditional GEO systems.
With growing demand for in-flight connectivity and the emergence of competitors like SpaceX’s Starlink, Anuvu is positioning HEO as a strategic advantage. The HEO satellites are expected to cover 95% of Anuvu’s airline customers’ routes, with an emphasis on the northern hemisphere, where demand is highest. Anuvu is also set to provide capacity through Telesat’s Lightspeed constellation in 2026, further diversifying its connectivity offerings as the inflight Wi-Fi market continues to expand.
The deployment of highly elliptical orbit (HEO) satellites by Anuvu for enhanced inflight Wi-Fi introduces new cyber implications, particularly as these systems expand coverage into areas previously unreachable by geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites. With high-speed, low-latency connectivity accessible across broader regions, including polar routes, the risk of cyber threats increases due to the extensive reach and accessibility of the network. The network architecture of HEO satellites, optimized for rapid data transmission, could expose inflight systems to new vulnerabilities if not adequately secured, making aircraft potentially susceptible to hacking attempts, unauthorized access, and data breaches. As Anuvu moves toward HEO satellites in partnership with D-Orbit USA, robust cybersecurity protocols must be embedded into the design and operation of these satellites, ensuring that data transmitted in high-latency environments remains encrypted and secure against sophisticated attacks.