BCE [NYSE: BCE] subsidiary Telesat Canada has signed a contract with International Launch Services to launch its new Anik F1R satellite aboard a Russian Proton M/Breeze M rocket in 2005.

Anik F1R, a Eurostar 3000, is being built by European manufacturer Astrium. The new satellite, which will replace Anik F1, will enable Telesat to continue to provide telecommunications, broadcasting and Internet services to customers in North America.

“Telesat is pleased to be launching Anik F1R through International Launch Services–our partner in the successful launch of both our direct broadcast satellites, Nimiq 1 and Nimiq 2,” said Larry Boisvert, Telesat’s president and CEO.