Telesat has received Canadian government approval to design, build and launch a new direct broadcast satellite (DBS) spacecraft that will carry a range of advanced direct-to-home (DTH) services to consumers. The satellite will enable the expansion of services such as high-definition television, local services and new broadcast technologies.

The government approved Telesat’s plan to serve customers from Canada’s orbital position at 72.5 degrees West Longitude. The new satellite will be Telesat’s third DBS spacecraft. The company is currently flying nine satellites — five for its own customers, and four for other service providers.