ARTEL

What ARTEL does

Artel, LLC is a privately held U.S. Government communications integrator headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, founded in 1986 and acquired by Cydecor, Inc. from TPG in September 2024. The company delivers mission-critical, carrier-agnostic network solutions combining a global MPLS terrestrial network (more than 100 points of presence worldwide, over 8 Gbps of capacity across five continents) with commercial satellite bandwidth services (nearly 6 GHz on 60 GEO satellites). Artel is the largest commercial provider of satellite bandwidth to the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security and operates the Afri-CORE network spanning 43 Sub-Saharan African countries. Its product portfolio is organized around four core service lines: Global SATCOM Enterprise Services, Terrestrial Connectivity (including the Afri-CORE MPLS backbone), Technology Support Services (systems engineering, cybersecurity, cross-domain solutions testing), and SurgeNet On-Demand Services, a pay-as-you-go satellite offering powered by Inmarsat's Global Xpress network. A 24x7x365 Network Operations Center in Herndon provides tiered support and real-time monitoring across these services.

Artel monetizes primarily through managed services and professional services delivered via government contract vehicles. The company holds prime contractor positions on DISA Global Network Services ($4.3 billion ceiling, one of eight awardees), GSA Complex COMSATCOM Solutions ($2.5 billion ceiling over 10 years, one of 20 awardees), GSA Future COMSATCOM Services Acquisition, and GSA IT Schedule 70. Customer revenue is derived from recurring transponder leases and bandwidth subscriptions, task-order-based systems engineering under those vehicles, and subscription-based SurgeNet plans billed monthly with no minimum commitment. The customer base is concentrated in U.S. federal defense and civilian agencies — including CENTCOM, AFCENT, AFRICOM, DISA, DARPA, DHS, FEMA, NSF, the Department of State, and NATO Communications and Information Agency — with distribution supplemented by reseller and channel agreements with Inmarsat Government, OneWeb Technologies, Telesat, Eutelsat, SES Government Solutions, and HISPASAT. Artel also holds a unique regulatory credential as the first and only non-DoD lab team certified by UCDSMO to perform Lab Based Security Assessments on Cross Domain Solutions, supported by an ISO 9001:2015 quality management system with seven consecutive zero-nonconformity audits.

Name

ARTEL

Legal name

Artel, LLC

Website

https://artelllc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Acquired

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Artel is a cleared U.S. Government communications integrator providing carrier-agnostic terrestrial MPLS and commercial SATCOM services to DoD, DHS, and allied agencies worldwide via prime positions on DISA GNS and GSA CS3 contract vehicles.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Government Satellite Communications and Managed Network Services

NAICS

Satellite Telecommunications (51741), Satellite Telecommunications (5174), Satellite Telecommunications (517410)

SIC

Communications Services, Nec (4899), Services-Engineering Services (8711)

akta.pro primary industry

Satellite Network Operations & Capacity Services (NOC, Capacity Leasing, Managed Payload Services) (HDAIAJAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

NTN-Enabled Emergency, Government & Defense Communications (Public Safety, Tactical, Resilience) (HDAIAJAJ), Defense Communications (Secure Radios, SATCOM Terminals, Crypto) (IMABAGAG), Satellite Broadband Terminals & Gateways (VSAT/LEO CPE) (HDAFAIAM)

Keywords

• Satellite communications services
• Managed network services
• Terrestrial connectivity solutions
• Government IT services
• Cybersecurity systems engineering

Headquarters

HQ city

Reston

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Revenue model

1. Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Bandwidth Services: Artel provides commercial satellite bandwidth to DoD and DHS, managing nearly 6 GHz on 60 GEO satellites. Revenue comes from transponder leases, bandwidth procurement, and subscription services. Major contracts include DISA GNS ($4.3B ceiling), CS3 ($2.5B ceiling), and various task orders for COMSATCOM capacity in Southwest Asia and other regions.
2. Terrestrial Connectivity Services: Long-haul terrestrial technologies delivering voice, data, and video services for mission-critical applications. Artel provides secure, end-to-end MPLS network with more than 100 points of presence worldwide and more than 8 Gbps of terrestrial capacity across five continents.
3. Technology Support Services: Systems engineering, test & evaluation, technology insertion, operations & maintenance, cybersecurity, risk management, and IT solutions. Includes cross-domain solutions testing, certification and accreditation support, and enterprise network expertise.
4. SurgeNet On-Demand Satellite Services: Flexible pay-as-you-go model for essential operational communications with unlimited usage and no long-term commitment. Powered by Inmarsat GX platform with Committed Information Rates (CIRs) that fit specific budget requirements.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Artel provides secure network communication solutions to U.S. Government and military agencies through four core service areas: Global SATCOM Enterprise Services (satellite bandwidth provisioning across 60 GEO satellites with nearly 6 GHz of capacity), Terrestrial Connectivity (carrier-agnostic global MPLS network with 100+ points of presence), Technology Support Services (cybersecurity, systems engineering, and JITC-certified Cross Domain Solutions testing), and SurgeNet On-Demand Services (flexible, pay-as-you-go satellite bandwidth for surge or contingency missions).

Product overview

Artel provides a portfolio of mission-critical communications solutions comprising four core service areas: Global SATCOM Enterprise Services (satellite bandwidth engineering and management), Terrestrial Connectivity (MPLS network with global points of presence), Technology Support Services (cybersecurity, systems administration), and SurgeNet On-Demand Services (pay-as-you-go satellite). The company operates the Afri-CORE network, one of Africa's largest private data networks spanning 43 countries. Artel delivers these services primarily through government contract vehicles including DISA GNS ($4.3B), GSA CS3 ($2.5B), GSA FCSA, and GSA IT Schedule 70. Recent product addition includes the FiberLink™ ST2110-TD for SDI-to-IP video transmission conversion.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SurgeNet: Pay-as-you-go on-demand satellite services powered by Inmarsat's Global Xpress network with month-to-month service plans and no minimum commitments
• Afri-CORE

Products and services

• SurgeNet On-Demand Services Flexible, pay-as-you-go satellite bandwidth service providing immediate access to SATCOM capacity for surge, contingency, or short-term mission requirements. Designed for U.S. Government and military customers needing rapid-response communications.
• Global SATCOM Enterprise Services Large-scale, fixed satellite bandwidth provisioning service delivering nearly 6 GHz of capacity across 60 GEO satellites, supporting global mission operations for DoD, DHS, and federal agencies.
• Terrestrial Connectivity Services Carrier-agnostic managed terrestrial network service built on a global MPLS backbone with more than 100 points of presence, providing secure site-to-site connectivity for government customers worldwide.
• Afri-CORE Network Proprietary satellite-based communications network spanning 43 African countries, designed to deliver secure, high-availability connectivity across the African continent for U.S. and allied missions.
• Technology Support Services Engineering, cybersecurity, and Cross Domain Solutions (CDS) security testing services, including the first and only non-DoD laboratory team certified by the Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) to conduct CDS security assessments.
• DISA Global Network Services (GNS) Contract Vehicle $4.3 billion Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Global Network Services contract vehicle on which Artel holds a prime position, enabling task orders for telecommunications and network services to DoD customers.
• GSA CS3 (Connectivity and Communications Services and Support) Contract Vehicle $2.5 billion General Services Administration (GSA) CS3 government-wide contract vehicle on which Artel holds a prime position, providing federal agencies with access to secure communications services.
• GSA FCSA Contract Vehicle General Services Administration Fair Opportunity (FCSA) contract vehicle used by Artel to deliver satellite communications and terrestrial network services to federal customers.
• GSA IT Schedule 70 General Services Administration IT Schedule 70 contract vehicle through which Artel provides IT and telecommunications services to federal, state, and local government customers.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% availability on Afri-CORE network circuits
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered major, supporting and core.

• EutelsatmajorTechnology or Integration · 15 December 2022Artel expanded global network with Eutelsat ADVANCE Services - global Ku, C and Ka Managed Telecommunications service offering fixed and mobile satellite connectivity. Artel deploys ADVANCE via Cloud Connex portal to augment and expand satellite networks.
• OneWeb Technologies Inc.majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 15 December 2022Artel signed distribution agreement with OneWeb Technologies to deliver low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation services directly to the U.S. government. The partnership addresses demand for global, high-speed, low-latency LEO solutions to augment current networks.
• TelesatmajorTechnology or Integration · 13 December 2022Artel signed Master Service Agreement for Telesat Lightspeed LEO services. Artel is the first reseller distribution partner for providing Telesat Lightspeed services to the U.S. Government. The enterprise-class network will offer multi-gigabit-per-second links with sophisticated security including jam resistance, low probability of intercept, and Layer 2 encryption.
• HISPASATmajorTechnology or Integration · 24 June 2020HISPASAT won a contract with Artel to embed the U.S. Space Force's Pathfinder 2 mission on its Amazonas Nexus Satellite. Artel leads the project as global secure communications network systems integrator, with the 108 MHz payload providing COMSATCOM capacity meeting DoD security requirements for the satellite's 15-year lifetime.
• SES Government SolutionsmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 January 2020Artel and SES Government Solutions teamed with Leidos to deliver connectivity solutions to Palmer Station, Antarctica for the National Science Foundation. Artel engineered solutions leveraging C-band coverage from SES-14 satellite with backhaul from SES Government Solutions Teleport in Bristow, VA.
• Optimal Satcom, Inc.majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 August 2019Artel and Optimal Satcom collaborate on AFSPC SMC/MCX support through Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC) Other Transaction Agreement for Enterprise Management and Control (EM&C) Situational Awareness/Common Operating Picture (SA/COP) prototype development. The partnership enables proof of concept for SA/COP functionality critical to future EM&C concepts.
• LinQuest CorporationsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 13 June 2019Artel received subcontract award from LinQuest Corporation in support of Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) for Pilot 3 - prototype development for Enterprise Management and Control (EM&C) for future Enterprise SATCOM Operations.
• Inmarsat GovernmentcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 17 July 2018Artel established as a service provider of Inmarsat's Global Xpress subscription services supporting U.S. Government communication needs. The agreement integrates Artel's bundled satellite equipment solutions with Inmarsat's worldwide Ka-band network for reliable, always-on communications to government and military customers.
• Hunter CommunicationssupportingTechnology or IntegrationSatellite communication solutions provider supporting Artel's Pathfinder 2 mission for U.S. Space Force. Hunter brings expertise in hosted payload design including its own beam on E115WB satellite.
• LeidosmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner with Artel and SES Government Solutions in delivering vital connectivity to Palmer Station, Antarctica for National Science Foundation. Long-term service initiated September 2019 continuing through 2027.
• Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArtel participates in the Space Enterprise Consortium Other Transaction Agreement for prototype development including Enterprise Management and Control, Pathfinder 2, and Pilot 3 programs. SpEC contracts enable rapid prototyping with nontraditional defense contractors.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Comtech Telecommunications: Established defense and commercial communications company offering satellite ground systems, modems, and cyber-hardened communications. Overlaps with Artel on mission-critical SATCOM, deployable communications, and cybersecurity solutions for U.S. and allied defense customers.
• Kratos Defense & Security Solutions: Defense technology provider with significant space, satellite communications, and cyber operations offerings for DoD, intelligence community, and federal civilian agencies. Competes with Artel on SATCOM ground systems, network management, and protected communications services.
• Leidos: Large federal systems integrator with deep DoD, intelligence, and federal civilian IT and mission-support business. Competes with Artel on integrated communications, network operations, and on federal contract vehicles including those for the NSF program where Leidos is a current Artel partner.

Direct peers

• Intelsat General Communications: Government services arm of Intelsat, one of the largest commercial GEO satellite operators. Direct comparable in providing managed satellite bandwidth, transponder capacity, and end-to-end managed services to DoD, DHS, and intelligence customers, including UAV and airborne ISR missions.
• Hughes Network Systems: Provider of broadband satellite networks and managed services for government and enterprise. Holds significant position on GSA and DISA contract vehicles for SATCOM and terrestrial integration, and competes directly with Artel on managed network and hybrid SATCOM/terrestrial solutions.
• Inmarsat Government: Government-focused arm of Inmarsat providing global mobile satellite services including Global Xpress (Ka-band). Provides the underlying capacity that powers Artel's SurgeNet product and is a core channel partner; both target DoD and DHS users with secure, always-on global connectivity.
• Viasat: Major satellite broadband provider with deep U.S. Government business across DoD, DHS, and coalition forces. Operates its own GEO constellation and competes with Artel for managed SATCOM, tactical communications, and ISR bandwidth task orders on DISA and GSA vehicles.
• SES Government Solutions: Subsidiary of satellite operator SES providing managed SATCOM and network services to U.S. Government. Direct comparable to Artel's Global SATCOM Enterprise Services; both serve DoD, DHS, and intelligence customers with hybrid GEO/MEO capacity. Partnered with Artel on the NSF Palmer Station Antarctica deployment.

Emerging players

• Telesat Government Solutions: Government-focused arm of Telesat, building the Lightspeed LEO constellation. Partnered with Artel as the first reseller for U.S. Government; emerging as a direct competitor in LEO-enabled managed services for defense, intelligence, and federal civilian users.
• OneWeb Technologies: U.S. Government-focused LEO satellite communications provider leveraging the OneWeb constellation. Direct competitive overlap with Artel on multi-orbit and LEO-enabled managed services to DoD and DHS, and partner via Artel's distribution agreement for U.S. Government customers.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/artelllc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/artel-inc

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ARTEL