LeoSat Enterprises has announced that SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation (SJC), Asia’s largest satellite operator and Japan’s only provider of both multi-channel pay TV broadcasting and satellite communications services, has entered into an agreement to invest in LeoSat.

SJC thus becomes the first Asian satellite operator to pursue the development of low earth orbit capabilities.

LeoSat plans to launch a constellation of up to 108 low-earth-orbit communications satellites that will provide the fastest, most secure and widest coverage data network in the world. The satellites will be developed and built by Thales Alenia Space. The two companies are currently finalizing the manufacturing plan.

The European firm and LeoSat Enterprises signed the phase B development contract in October 2016. The constellation aims to offer very-high-speed broadband, low latency and secure global connectivity, setting a new standard in satellite network performance. Inter-satellite laser links will create an “optical backbone in space” claimed to be 1.5 times faster than terrestrial fibre backbones and without the need for any terrestrial touchpoints.

SJC says it sees the LeoSat solution as a key opportunity to opening up new markets and delivering business growth.