(Telecompaper) Eutelsat has announced that it has ordered a next-generation satellite to support its European fixed broadband and in-flight connectivity businesses. Named Konnect VHTS, the satellite will be built by Thales Alenia Space and is expected to enter into service in 2021. Eutelsat said that the project is backed by multi-year distribution commitments from Orange, which will re-sell broadband connectivity to rural households, and by Thales, which will target government and public-sector customers.