Anik F2 is a geostationary communications satellite of Canadian operator Telesat Canada at orbital position 111.0° W. Launched in 2004, it provides broadcasting, broadband internet and corporate communications across Canada, the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean basin. Three frequency bands — C, Ku and Ka — enable service to fundamentally different customer categories: from standard DTH subscribers to internet service providers in remote areas of the Canadian Arctic. The satellite's NORAD ID is 28378.
For readers in Ukraine, the key point upfront: reception of this satellite in Europe is physically impossible. Position 111° W lies beyond the horizon for any antenna east of the Atlantic — no dish, regardless of industrial size, will help here.
Launch and platform
Anik F2 was placed into geostationary orbit on 13 July 2004 by Ariane 5 rocket from the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana. Manufacturer — Space Systems/Loral, platform — SSL-1300. At the time of launch, it was one of the most powerful commercial platforms in its class: large fuel reserves, high electrical power and a design life of 15 years. The satellite is also known by its earlier working designation CANSAT KA-4 — which reflected the mission's key feature: full Ka-band capability for the Canadian market.
Coverage areas and reception
All Anik F2 beams are oriented exclusively toward North America. Below is a summary table with minimum recommended antenna diameters for each beam.
| Beam | Coverage | Antenna (min.) |
|---|---|---|
| Continental (C-band) | USA, Canada, Mexico | from 1.8 m |
| Ku-beam (Canada) | Continental Canada | from 0.9 m |
| Ku-beam (USA) | Continental USA | from 0.75 m |
| Ka-beam | Canada, northern USA | from 0.6 m |
| Caribbean beam | Caribbean basin, Central America | from 1.2 m |
| Ukraine / Europe | Reception impossible | — |
Transponders and frequency bands
Onboard are 30 active transponders, distributed across three bands. C-band provides wide continental coverage and is virtually unaffected by rain attenuation — which is why it remains the foundation for backbone channels and long-distance broadcasting. Ku-band is oriented toward DTH broadcasting and VSAT networks: by signal measurements under moderate cloud conditions, the signal margin here is quite sufficient for antennas from 0.75 m. Ka-band has the narrowest coverage area but provides the highest throughput for broadband internet.
Modulation standards — DVB-S and DVB-S2. Total number of registered channels in the database — 136.
Television packages and FTA channels
Anik F2 primarily carries Canadian and American television channels and radio stations. Main areas of use:
- Canadian regional and national television and radio channels
- Broadcasting for audiences in the USA and Mexico
- Corporate data transmission networks and videoconferencing
- Broadband internet for remote areas of Canada (Ka-band)
There are no open FTA channels available for free reception outside North America on this satellite.
Frequently asked questions
Can Anik F2 be received in Ukraine?
No. Position 111.0° W is physically not visible from any point in Ukraine or Europe — the satellite is simply beyond the horizon. Increasing antenna size will not change this.
What platform is used?
SSL-1300 manufactured by Space Systems/Loral — a commercial geostationary platform with large power and fuel reserves for extended orbital service.
How many transponders and channels are active on Anik F2?
30 transponders and 136 channels across C, Ku and Ka bands.
What is the Ka-band used for on this satellite?
Primarily for broadband internet in remote areas of Canada and northern USA — where laying terrestrial infrastructure is economically impractical.