The telecom industry needs to work harder and faster to integrate satellite technology into connectivity strategies, or risk leaving millions offline, global telecommunications specialist Livewire Digital, warns today.
With demand for seamless global connectivity surging and recent network outages highlighting the vulnerabilities of terrestrial infrastructure, Livewire Digital stresses that traditional networks alone cannot meet the growing need for reliable, uninterrupted access.
The company points to recent events - such as widespread mobile service disruptions and the increasing reliance on non-terrestrial networks (NTN) in conflict zones and disaster responses - as proof that telecom providers must act now. By integrating satellite technology into their strategies, they can bridge critical coverage gaps, enhance network resilience, and future-proof their infrastructure against rising connectivity challenges.
Tristan Wood, the technical pioneer behind RazorLink SD-WAN, that forms the basis for telco hybrid propositions such as Inmarsat’s NexusWave that enables ‘bonded’ satellite and terrestrial connectivity, said that hybrid networking is the logical, fastest and most effective way to help bridge the digital divide:“Existing solutions like cellular and fibre simply cannot reach vast tracts of the globe, especially in remote locations, where access to digital health and other vital services could transform lives for those living in such areas.”
“Whilst advances in telecommunications technology have realised 5G cellular services and disruptive low-cost LEO satellite services, no single network service can address the exponential demand for seamless connectivity, especially on the move. Hence the rapid drive towards hybrid connectivity solutions that can use multiple networks in unison. The advanced world is beginning to realise the potential of hybrid connectivity, as evidenced by the take-up by a wide range of satellite and terrestrial network providers. However, it shouldn’t be the preserve of government funded bodies or the very rich, as everyone can benefit from fast resilient communications. Furthermore, the telecoms industry can offer hybrid communications as a service and a new income stream.”
During the World Mobile Congress in Barcelona this month, Sunil Bharti Mittal who has a 50% stake in Eutelsat’s OneWeb, as well as significant interests in a range of other global telecoms providers, also strongly advocated the greater take-up of LEO satellite, as pioneered by Elon Musk’ Starlink and OneWeb.
Wood says this is not enough. “We must embrace hybrid solutions more widely if we are to cope with the increasing dependence on fast always-on connectivity, and software-enabled hybrid networks are the only way of achieving this goal.”
Hybrid connectivity fuses diverse networks, expertly placed to address the challenge of connecting vehicles, drones and devices of all sizes and complexity, regardless of local area conditions and infrastructure. Bonding any combination of available services, including cellular, GEO & LEO satellite, LTE and other terrestrial services, it ensures uninterrupted and reliable communication crucial to business and government operations.
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