Anik F3 is a geostationary communications satellite operated by Canadian operator Telesat Canada at orbital position 119.0° W. Three frequency bands — C, Ku and Ka — enable capacity distribution across fundamentally different service classes: wide-area broadcasting, corporate VSAT networks and broadband internet for remote regions. The satellite has 28 active transponders carrying over 346 channels and services.
The satellite is part of Telesat's fleet, which has served North America, Central America and transatlantic routes for decades.
Launch and platform
Anik F3 was launched to geostationary orbit on 18 September 2007 by Ariane 5 rocket from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou. Manufactured by Space Systems/Loral, platform SSL 1300. This is one of the most widely deployed geostationary platforms in the industry: it is characterised by proven design and stable reliability performance in long-term commercial missions. The design life is 15 years.
Anik F3 replaced earlier satellites in the series, expanding overall fleet capacity and adding Ka-band for broadband access.
Coverage areas and reception in Ukraine
The primary service area covers Canada, the United States, Mexico, Central America and northern South America. Ku-beams are focused on continental North America. Ka-spot beams provide broadband access in specific geographic zones with enhanced spectral efficiency. C-band coverage extends over a wider territory, including the Atlantic Ocean.
For operators and viewers in Ukraine and Europe, reception from position 119.0° W is practically impossible. The satellite is in a deep western orbit — its beams do not reach Eastern Europe even with a large-diameter antenna. Installing a dish pointed at this satellite within Ukraine has no practical value.
| Beam | Coverage | Band | Reception from Ukraine |
|---|---|---|---|
| North America Wide | Canada, USA, Mexico | C | Impossible |
| Regional Ku | Continental North America | Ku | Impossible |
| Ka Spot Beams | Local zones in North America | Ka | Impossible |
| Atlantic Region | Atlantic Ocean waters | C | Impossible |
Transponder capacity and frequency bands
28 active transponders are distributed across three bands. C-band is used for wide-area broadcasting and backbone communication channels: it is more resistant to atmospheric precipitation, which is critical for coverage of large geographic areas. Ku-band provides regional DTH broadcasting and corporate VSAT networks. Ka-band is focused on broadband internet access via spot beams.
Modulation complies with DVB-S2 standard with support for QPSK and 8PSK — this enables maximum efficient use of available transponder capacity. The total number of active channels and services in the database is 346 positions.
Television packages and FTA channels
Anik F3 is a key resource for Canadian and American DTH broadcasting. It carries Canadian television packages, regional and national broadcasters. Some transponders are allocated to corporate communication channels, government and military applications, as well as broadband internet services for remote areas of Canada — regions where terrestrial infrastructure is virtually non-existent.
Open FTA channels on this satellite are limited: the vast majority of capacity is occupied by commercial encrypted packages from North American operators. The current list of transponders and channels is available in the sathub database.
Frequently asked questions
Can Anik F3 be received in Ukraine?
No. Position 119.0° W is not within the orbital arc visible from any point in Ukraine or Europe.
What bands does Anik F3 use?
The satellite operates simultaneously in C, Ku and Ka bands. Each is designated for a separate service class: broadcasting, corporate communications and broadband internet respectively.
How many transponders are active on Anik F3?
28 active transponders carrying over 346 channels and services.
What is the satellite's service life?
The design life is 15 years from launch in September 2007. The SSL 1300 platform has a proven track record in the commercial satellite industry.