Page 102 - SAMENA Trends - July-August 2022

SATELLITE UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Viasat Selected by European Space Agency to Conduct Multi-Layered

SATCOM Study

Viasat UK Ltd., a subsidiary of global communications company
Viasat Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), today announced it was selected
by the European Space Agency (ESA) to conduct a multi-layered
Satellite Communication (SATCOM) study focused on evaluating
the use cases, market segments and technical aspects of these
future systems, which will be comprised of networks that span
multiple orbital types including Geostationary Equatorial Orbit
(GEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), Low Earth Orbit (LEO), High
Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) and others, as well as include
various frequency bands, satellite operators and network designs.
Multi-layered, hybrid networks are increasingly being explored as
an enabler of enhanced communications agility and performance,
as well as a provider of critical resilience to protect against
potential disruptions or attacks. This new research, which will be further the collective understanding of multi-layered networks and
conducted over the next year, will look to answer some fundamental how they can increase capability, resilience, and performance for
questions around the future implementation and use of multi- end-users across commercial and government,” said John Reeves,
layered networks. This includes examining the current technology managing director of Viasat UK. “As a SATCOM provider serving
trends and assessing different markets that would most benefit multiple markets, we see tremendous potential in using multi-
from multi-layered SATCOM system applications. Additionally, layered space networks for different sectors and mission use
the research will analyze existing layered SATCOM networks to cases. Our work with ESA will consider all different types of orbital
evaluate the approach, benefits and limitations for those market satellites, networks and frequency bands and ultimately provide
segment applications. The study will explore a system design that recommendations to guide the formation, technical needs and
supports the full range of both current and future satellite service use of these future multi-layered networks.” This research program
types, increased spectral efficiency, and interoperability. It will is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2023 and
involve several tasks to assess the current market and technologies, could offer UK, European and allied nations important guidance
develop system requirements and trade-off exercises, modelling on a pathway toward developing and harnessing the potential of
and simulation, further analyses and provision of a future roadmap. resilient multi-layered SATCOM capabilities.
“We are excited to collaborate with ESA on this research project to

Province Invests in Satellite Internet

The government is helping homes and businesses get internet gibility has been confirmed and the satellite service and equipment
where there is no access to wired or wireless solutions. The Sat- has been purchased, applications can be submitted electronically
ellite Internet Service Rebate program announced that it will cover or by mail by the customer. Qualified satellite service providers for
the cost of installing satellite internet equipment for eligible house- the program must meet or exceed the Canadian Radio-television
holds or businesses, up to a maximum of $1,000. The rebate will and Telecommunications Committee minimum speed targets of
be available to about 3,700 homes and businesses for which no 50 Mbps download / 10 Mbps upload. Currently, only Starlink has
other internet service solution has been found. "As our province indicated it can meet or exceed these speeds, but if other satellite
continues to grow, important infrastructure like reliable high-speed providers can meet these speeds, they may also be included in the
internet is critical to our success," said Economic Development program.
Minister Susan Corkum-Greek. “We want to foster growth and
prosperity across Nova Scotia, and each new internet connection
represents fewer barriers, faster business growth and more com-
munities being able to connect.” The government has invested $8.5
million in the Nova Scotia Internet Funding Trust for the program,
as part of its commitment to extend internet to every household in
Nova Scotia. The program, led by Develop Nova Scotia, will open
on Tuesday, August 2. Nova Scotians should confirm they are el-
igible for the rebate before purchasing satellite equipment. They
can confirm their eligibility by visiting https://internet.developns.
ca/satellite and entering their home or business address. Once eli-

102 JULY-AUGUST 2022