Anik G1 is a Canadian geostationary satellite operated by Telesat, positioned at orbital slot 107.0° W. Its primary audience comprises subscribers across Canada and northern USA. For Ukrainian viewers, this satellite is of purely theoretical interest: the 107° W position is physically beyond the horizon for any point in Ukraine, and no antenna can change that.
Launch and technical base
The satellite was launched on 19 June 2013 from Baikonur aboard a Proton-M rocket. It was built on the Space Systems/Loral 1300 platform — a proven and widely deployed foundation for medium and heavy-class geostationary satellites. Design lifetime: 15 years. NORAD ID: 39127.
The SSL-1300 is known for power system stability and payload flexibility. Dozens of commercial satellites worldwide are built on this platform, confirming its reliability for long-term missions.
Coverage zones
Anik G1 generates several functional beams. The Ku beam covers all of Canada — a 60–90 cm antenna is sufficient for reliable DTH signal reception there. The C band covers wider territories: northern USA, North Atlantic waters and parts of Northern Europe, but those regions require reflectors of 180 to 300+ cm.
| Beam | Coverage | Minimum antenna |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian national (Ku) | Entire territory of Canada | 60–90 cm |
| North American (C) | Northern USA, Canada | 180–240 cm |
| North Atlantic (C) | Ocean routes | 240+ cm |
| Northern Europe (C) | Partial coverage | 300+ cm |
Reception in Ukraine is ruled out by orbital geometry. The satellite is simply not visible above the horizon — neither from Kyiv, nor from Lviv, nor from any other point in the country.
Transponders and frequency bands
Anik G1 carries 7 active transponders in C and Ku bands. The C band is more resistant to rain attenuation, which is critical for Canada's climate with its snowfall and heavy rainfall. The Ku band provides higher spectral efficiency and is used for DTH and corporate channels. Modulation is DVB-S2 with QPSK or 8PSK depending on the specific transponder and traffic type.
The sathub database records 7 channels. Open FTA services at this position are virtually non-existent — almost all content is encrypted using conditional access systems of Canadian operators.
Frequently asked questions
Can Anik G1 be received in Ukraine?
No. The 107.0° W position lies beyond the visible horizon for all of Ukraine's territory. Increasing antenna diameter will not help here — this is a matter of geometry, not signal strength.
Which bands does the satellite use?
C and Ku. The sathub database registers 7 transponders with a total of 7 channels, mostly encrypted.
What platform is Anik G1 built on?
Space Systems/Loral 1300 (SSL-1300). Launched in 2013 with a design lifetime of 15 years.
How can I watch Canadian content in Europe?
Satellite reception of Canadian channels in Europe without special equipment and operator authorisation is not possible. A legal alternative is available through legitimate internet streaming platforms.