Anik F1R is a geostationary communications satellite of Canadian operator Telesat Canada at position 107.0° W. It replaced Anik F1 and remains a key hub for television signal distribution and corporate data transmission for Canada and the northern United States. The database contains 53 transponders and 405 channels in the C and Ku bands.
History and Launch
The satellite was launched into orbit on 18 November 2004 by Ariane 5 rocket from the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana. Manufacturer — Lockheed Martin, platform — A2100. This platform is considered one of the most reliable in the commercial geostationary industry: the minimal failure rate over more than two decades of commercial operation by various operators confirms this in practice. The estimated active service life is 15 years.
Coverage Areas and Reception
All beams of Anik F1R are oriented exclusively towards the North American region. Reception in Ukraine and Europe is physically impossible — the 107° W position is located almost on the opposite side of the geostationary arc relative to Europe, and no satellite beam reaches there.
| Beam | Coverage | Antenna Diameter |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian National (Ku) | Entire territory of Canada | 60–90 cm |
| Northern United States (Ku) | Northern part of the USA | 75–100 cm |
| C-band Wide | Canada, USA, Caribbean, Central America | 180–240 cm |
| North Atlantic (C) | Maritime and aviation routes | 180+ cm |
| Ukraine / Europe | Reception impossible | — |
For viewers in Ukraine, the optimal choice is satellites at positions 13° E (Hotbird), 16° E (Eutelsat 16A) or 19.2° E (Astra 1): a standard 60–90 cm antenna provides stable signal even in heavy cloud cover.
Transponder Capacity and Frequency Bands
The satellite operates in two bands. Ku — the primary band for direct DTH broadcasting to Canada and adjacent US regions. In practice, when setting up a 0.90 m antenna in central Canadian provinces, the Ku-band signal level consistently stays above the comfort threshold even in moderate rain conditions. C-band covers a wider region — extending to the Caribbean and Central America — and is used for backbone telecommunications links and data transmission. Here, a reflector diameter of at least 180 cm is essential.
Active transponders in the database — 53, modulation standard — DVB-S2 with support for modern coding schemes. The total number of channels is 405: including both open FTA channels and encrypted subscription packages.
Television Packages and Open Channels
Anik F1R is the main distribution hub for Canadian broadcasting. Among key broadcasters and services:
- CBC, CTV, Global — leading national channels of Canada;
- Sports packages — broadcasts of NHL (ice hockey) and CFL (Canadian football);
- Regional channels — local provincial broadcasting;
- Corporate services — data transmission, video conferencing, broadband access for remote areas of Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Anik F1R be received in Ukraine?
No. The 107° W position and the direction of all beams are exclusively towards North America. No beam physically reaches Europe.
What antenna diameter is needed for reception in Canada?
Ku-band — 60–90 cm is sufficient. C-band — from 180 to 240 cm depending on region and elevation angle.
How many transponders and channels are on the satellite?
53 transponders and 405 channels in the C and Ku bands according to the current database.
What platform is Anik F1R built on?
Lockheed Martin A2100 — a platform with proven reliability in the commercial geostationary industry and a long active service life.