A quick history of satellite frequency bands

With plenty of available bandwidth, Q-band is a hot topic in satellite circles these days – but it wasn’t so long ago that this band wasn’t even considered for commercial use. In  early days of satellite communications, C-band was the spectrum for telecommunications and early internet. Satellite dishes dotted the landscape. Signal encryption wasn’t a concern, as only broadcasters could receive satellite transmissions. 

Since then, the story is one of continuous innovation: more players, more research and testing, and more applications – from military to in-flight communications to earth observation, and weather monitoring. Below is a quick snapshot of the major milestones along the way. 

1971 – First Domestic Communications Satellite (Canada) 

National satellite launched by Telesat Canada to provide telephone service to rural areas, avoiding costly microwave relays. This satellite provided nationwide coverage via a C-band geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite. 

1978 – First Ku-Band Demonstrations 

Anik B was one of the first Canadian satellites to carry Ku-band equipment, making it capable of broadcasting TV signals more efficiently and helping pave the way for future direct-to-home satellite services. 

Early 1980s – Launch of NXCs (Next Gen Ku-band Satellites) 

Canada launched satellites using Ku-band frequencies — better than the older C-band for sending TV signals directly. This helped TV networks like CBC send their programs across the country more easily, especially to rural or remote areas that couldn't be reached with cable or microwave towers. 

1990s – Rise of DTH in Europe & Ka-Band Exploration 

In the 1990s, Europe was running out of space on its existing Ku-band satellites because so many people were using direct-to-home (DTH) satellite TV. 

Europe began testing Ka-band for satellite TV and early internet, as Ku-band systems were becoming increasingly congested. To solve this, the European Space Agency (ESA) launched a test satellite to explore a new part of the frequency spectrum called Ka-band – and test it for direct-to-home, connections between satellites-to-ground station communication, and early satellite internet. 

Late 1990s – First Real Ka-Band Payloads for Comms 

Real Ka-band satellites began to launch – not just test ones. These satellites had more available spectrum, which meant they could send more TV channels and begin to offer early satellite internet services. While slow compared to today, internet speeds were much faster than anything previously available. Vendors like Norsat of Canada were involved in building some of the first Ka-band terminals. 

Early 2000s – Internet-to-the-Home Begins 

In the early 2000s, satellite internet became available for homes, using Ka-band.  It wasn’t fast, but it worked for rural areas that had no other options. Providers included WildBlue(US), Telesat (Canada) and early EU services. 

2015+ – LEO Constellations & FCC Involvement 

In the mid-2010s, companies like Starlink and OneWeb started launching large constellations of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to bring fast internet to people, using Ka-band frequencies to connect satellites to users on the ground. Government agencies like the FCC allocated spectrum between operators.  However, each satellite’s available spectrum is shared by thousands or even millions of users, which can limit speed. 

2020s – Q-Band Rises in Importance  

Today, both GEO and LEO satellites are looking to Q-band to ease Ka-band congestion. One of the most pressing demands is for high-capacity feeder links connecting LEO satellite networks to the terrestrial internet.