Such was the case in the Solomon Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean to the northeast of Australia with a population of just over 750,000 dispersed across six major islands and 1,000 smaller ones. 

Expanding reach through partnership

With 75% of the country’s citizens residing in areas with limited or outdated connectivity options, Our Telekom, the country’s primary mobile network operator, turned to Intelsat to introduce 3G and 4G services across the country, including in the most remote and rural areas. The network operator had been utilizing cellular backhaul from Intelsat for several years but now sought to expand the partnership to bring modernized connectivity to the entire island nation. 

Cellular backhaul and managed services drive network modernization

Working collaboratively with Our Telekom, Intelsat’s managed services team of technical experts designed and deployed a cost-effective model that included migrating the operator from C-band to Ku-band and installing a completely new satellite hub and main antenna in the capital city of Honiara. With training and guidance from Intelsat, Our Telekom teams retrofitted antennas with Ku components, making it possible for remote sites to begin supporting 3G and 4G technologies. Throughout the project, Intelsat worked alongside the customer every step of the way, providing guidance and expertise and even overcoming extreme weather conditions, including heavy rains and a typhoon, to ensure that all installations and activations were executed successfully. 

With an upgraded network, an expanded footprint, and greater high-speed bandwidth from Intelsat’s CellBackhaul turnkey product, Our Telekom is now delivering high-quality 3G experiences across the Solomon Islands with readiness to support upgrades to 4G in the future. In addition to providing superior levels of connectivity and closing gaps in coverage, the new and enhanced network has led to a surge in customer satisfaction as well as new incremental revenues from data usage for the mobile operator. 

Strengthening sovereignty and security

Because all network infrastructure, as well as all voice and data traffic, remains within the country, Our Telekom is also meeting regulatory requirements related to sovereignty and delivering a more secure and higher performing service to customers, as compared to providers using backhaul solutions that transmit traffic from outside the country via undersea fiber cables which are less secure and vulnerable to damage. 

Ongoing support that builds local expertise and scales for the future

In a reflection of the ongoing and evolving nature of the partnership, Intelsat continues to serve as an extension of the Our Telekom team, remotely monitoring the network, assisting in troubleshooting, and generating performance status reports that offer recommendations for improving the network and optimizing service. Intelsat’s emphasis on providing training and knowledge sharing in its partnership approach has given Our Telekom local employees new skills and capabilities to manage their own network, address issues, and implement any needed fixes, with Intelsat available at all times to provide guidance and suggestions for corrective actions. 

With Intelsat’s scalable, future-ready solution, continued hands-on support, and commitment to partnership, Our Telekom is positioned to meet demand as technology and innovation evolve. Intelsat and Our Telekom expect to continue adding more sites that will power new services as well as the eventual introduction of 5G, helping Solomon Islands’ residents and businesses remain connected in today’s digital world.  

About CellBackhaul:

CellBackhaul is Intelsat’s comprehensive satellite managed service that enables mobile network operators to rapidly and cost-effectively expand 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G coverage into underserved and remote areas. Utilizing GEO and LEO advanced satellite technologies, it offers reliable, end-to-end connectivity with expert support, helping operators reach new markets and enhance network reliability globally.

The post In the Solomon Islands, Intelsat’s Hands-On Partnership Delivers Enhanced Connectivity through Cellular Backhaul to All Across the Remote Pacific Nation appeared first on Intelsat.

Intelsat has been a longstanding partner in this journey and we’re constantly innovating, delivering solutions that meet user expectations and help mobile network operators (MNOs) navigate the challenges associated with building out network infrastructure in rural and hard-to-reach areas.

A New Era of Connectivity Through Satellite

In 2022, Intelsat took a bold step by investing in systems and infrastructure that make it easier for MNOs to deploy cellular services more broadly across the DRC.

This investment is a natural progression following Intelsat’s sustained support to leading mobile operators in the DRC, who have been leveraging Intelsat’s high-performance satellites for decades to provide cellular backhaul coverage to remote areas, underscoring the critical role satellite continues to play in expanding and sustaining connectivity across the country.

Today, 100% of MNOs in the DRC are leveraging this state-of-the-art satellite ground platform through which Intelsat delivers its commercially known Intelsat CellBackhaul service – a fully managed cellular backhaul service where Intelsat manages all the satellite components connecting towers to the MNOs core networks – that enables mobile operators to seamlessly, quickly and economically extend the networks across the country, ensuring reliable, high-performance connectivity even in the most remote regions.

The platform not only supports MNOs in the DRC but also extends its benefits to neighboring countries. An MNO in a country adjacent to the DRC is leveraging this platform to enhance its network capabilities, reaching more subscribers. We anticipate further growth as demand for reliable connectivity continues to expand across the region.

This is more than infrastructure — it’s a catalyst for digital inclusion

Bringing connectivity to remote areas isn’t easy – especially in a country as vast and geographically complex as the DRC. Our teams have carried hundreds of kilograms of equipment across makeshift bridges and canoes, determined to reach the most isolated communities.

We’ve witnessed firsthand the powerful impact of connectivity in remote areas and the transformation it brings to entire communities. Suddenly, people can use mobile money to receive support from loved ones. They can make calls, sometimes speaking to distant family members for the very first time.

This is more than technology – it’s connection, opportunity and dignity. It reminds us why we do what we do, and why we’ll keep pushing forward – no matter how remote the destination.

Intelsat CellBackhaul is crucial in the DRC due to its vast, geographically challenging terrain, making it extremely difficult to lay traditional fiber optic cables to reach remote areas. Satellite backhaul is the most feasible way to extend cellular connectivity to rural communities where terrestrial infrastructure is limited, offering reliable mobile networks and fostering greater digital inclusion across the country.

Key benefits include:

• Local partnerships, ensuring sustainable and community-aligned connectivity solutions
• Reduced CAPEX, enabling mobile operators to expand their coverage without heavy infrastructure investment
• 24/7 network support and monitoring
• Quick deployment time and economical delivery of connectivity enabling reliable 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G
• Seamless integration with existing mobile network infrastructure

The Future is Inclusive

The DRC stands as a shining example of what can be achieved with the right combination of technology, commitment, and collaboration.

Significant efforts are underway by industry stakeholders to tackle the challenges of rural connectivity, including initiatives like solar-powered base stations.

Intelsat CellBackhaul DRC solution serves as a valuable complement to these ongoing efforts, strengthening the drive toward wider and more reliable rural coverage in the country.

With around 850 active sites – including 120 on LTE – and over 1,000 TB of data traffic generated in 2024 alone, its growing adoption stands as a powerful testament to its value and impact. And this is just the beginning.

At Intelsat, we believe everyone deserves access to the digital world, no matter where they live.

Our investment in the DRC is just one part of a broader commitment to Africa. Similar platforms have been introduced in Nigeria and South Africa, highlighting the growing demand and scalability of this model across the continent.

And as we continue to build digital bridges across the continent, our mission remains clear: to connect the unconnected and power a more inclusive digital future for a brighter Africa.

The post Bridging the Digital Divide in the Heart of Africa: Intelsat’s Commitment to the DRC appeared first on Intelsat.

A comprehensive new audience survey has uncovered remarkable insights about this platform’s reach and the distinctive profile of its viewers, presenting compelling opportunities for broadcasters and content creators looking to connect with specific communities.

Galaxy 19 serves an impressive 2.3 million homes across the United States and Canada, translating to more than 5.7 million viewers who regularly engage with its diverse content offerings. This satellite community has established itself as a crucial platform for FAST channels, faith-based programming, and multicultural content, delivering a single, reliable distribution solution with exceptional continental coverage. Perhaps most significantly, Galaxy 19 reaches both well-connected urban centers and traditionally underserved rural areas, ensuring content providers can access audiences that might otherwise be missed by alternative delivery methods.

What truly distinguishes Galaxy 19 is its remarkably different audience profile compared to traditional broadcast platforms.

• The survey reveals a surprisingly youthful demographic, with 67.8% of U.S. viewers and an even higher 74.2% of Canadian viewers falling between 18-44 years of age.
• This younger audience also demonstrates greater affluence, with 44.4% of U.S. Galaxy 19 households reporting incomes exceeding $100,000, while 40.6% of Canadian homes report similar income levels.
• Educational achievement among viewers is equally impressive, with 57.7% of U.S. and 66.0% of Canadian Galaxy 19 viewers having completed college degrees.

The platform’s audience also exhibits exceptional linguistic diversity and technological sophistication. Spanish is spoken in 15.0% of Galaxy 19’s U.S. homes and Arabic in 1.6%, while in Canada, French is spoken in 13.7% of households and Arabic in 6.6%.

Technology adoption rates further differentiate this audience, with over 94% of homes using connected satellite TV set-top boxes and more than 97% utilizing connected TV sets in both countries. “These metrics reveal not just the size but the quality of our audience,” notes an industry analyst familiar with the survey results. “Content providers are discovering they can reach a younger, more affluent, and technologically savvy demographic through free-to-air satellite distribution.”

Galaxy 19’s penetration into specific cultural communities is particularly noteworthy. The platform reaches 42% of U.S. households watching Arabic programming and serves as the exclusive free-to-air satellite home for most available Arabic channels. Similarly, 38% of U.S. households viewing African French programming do so via Galaxy 19, which exclusively carries all African French language channels available by satellite. The Christian programming audience also demonstrates remarkable loyalty, with 40% of viewers having switched providers specifically to access Galaxy 19’s faith-based content.

The launch of Galaxy 19’s new EPG/Audience Measurement app represents another significant advancement for both viewers and content providers on the platform. This innovation delivers an on-screen program guide enhancing the viewing experience while simultaneously enabling real-time audience measurement.

“This development is transformative for content monetization,” explains a broadcasting executive working with Galaxy 19. “Combined with the survey’s demographic insights, the app’s real-time measurement capabilities create unprecedented opportunities for programmers to quantify and monetize their audience.”

The Galaxy 19 survey results ultimately challenge conventional wisdom about free-to-air satellite audiences, revealing instead a younger, more affluent, better educated, and technologically advanced viewer base concentrated in key cultural and faith-based communities.

As the broadcast industry continues evolving across multiple platforms, Galaxy 19’s unique position connecting content providers with this premium North American audience represents a compelling opportunity for channels seeking expanded reach and engagement. With its robust distribution platform now enhanced by new audience measurement capabilities, Galaxy 19 stands as an essential component of any comprehensive North American content distribution strategy.

The post Galaxy 19: Unveiling North America’s Hidden Premium Audience appeared first on Intelsat.

As the 2025 hurricane season approaches, Intelsat and Help.NGO are strengthening their long-standing partnership to deliver faster, more reliable connectivity to disaster-affected communities. With over a decade of collaboration, the two organizations have supported some of the world’s most critical emergency response efforts.

Intelsat continues to enhance response times through strategic coordination before, during and after hurricane season. This year also marks the second consecutive year that Intelsat will provide multi-orbit connectivity to support Help.NGO’s disaster response operations.

Meteorologists are forecasting an above-average Atlantic hurricane season this year. AccuWeather projects between 13 to 18 named storms, including up to 10 hurricanes, 5 of which could reach major hurricane status (Category 3 or higher). As the threat of severe weather intensifies, so does the urgency to restore connectivity as quickly as possible in the wake of a crisis, where every second counts. Reliable communication networks are the lifeline that enables rescue operations, medical response, and the coordination of essential aid, making the difference between life and death in disaster zones.

A Decade of Experience, Deployed in Hours

Thanks to robust infrastructure and strategic preparedness, Intelsat and Help.NGO maintain satellite terminals on standby for rapid deployment across key disaster-prone regions worldwide. This significantly reduces the response timeline, from the moment an emergency strikes to when connectivity is live on the ground.

The terminals feature intuitive, autonomous operation capabilities. Responders no longer need to wait for VSAT specialists to arrive; non-technical emergency teams can deploy and use the “plug and play” technology immediately, saving critical hours during initial disaster response.

Real-World Impact: Hurricanes Helene and Milton

The partnership’s capabilities were put to the test during back-to-back hurricanes Helene and Milton, which devastated the southeastern United States in late 2024. Widespread power outages, cellular disruptions, and blocked roads left communities in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina isolated from vital communication channels.

Help.NGO teams were among the first responders to deploy, relying on Intelsat’s multi-orbit satellite network to reestablish connectivity across affected zones. Using sophisticated hybrid approach—geostationary (GEO) satellites for broad coverage and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites via Eutelsat OneWeb for low-latency services— emergency teams maintained reliable connections even in the most isolated and damaged areas.

Case Study

Restoring Critical Communications After Hurricanes Helene and Milton

 

Read Case Study

A Blueprint for the Future of Disaster Response

Looking ahead, the Intelsat-Help.NGO collaboration stands as a model for how technology and preparedness can transform emergency response. By enabling fast, autonomous deployment and dependable communications in the world’s most difficult conditions, they are setting new standards for what’s possible in humanitarian aid.

As communities worldwide brace for the 2025 hurricane season, one thing is certain: Help.NGO and Intelsat will be ready; on the ground, online and fully connected when it matters most.

The post Intelsat and Help.NGO Expand Rapid-Response Connectivity Capabilities Ahead of 2025 Hurricane Season appeared first on Intelsat.

Intelsat and SoftBank Corp. have successfully completed the first phase of testing for seamless 5G handoffs between satellite and cellular networks, marking a significant step in their joint effort to develop a global roaming network. This milestone was demonstrated through a connected-vehicle test, where off-the-shelf SD-WAN solutions were used to integrate Intelsat’s FlexMove Fleet service with public 5G cellular service. The trial highlights the potential for uninterrupted connectivity across different network infrastructures, paving the way for advanced mobile communications and enhanced global mobility solutions.

The post Intelsat and SoftBank Corp. Complete First Phase Satellite-to-Cellular Handoff Test for 5G Ubiquitous Networking Joint Initiative (Video) appeared first on Intelsat.

Enter low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network solutions that reshape maritime connectivity by bringing fiber-like performance to the oceans. As global shipping and commercial fishing industries modernize, LEO is quickly becoming a foundational technology layer for the next generation of integrated maritime systems.

Why Maritime Operators Need LEO — Now

Global cargo shipping is projected to reach $24 billion by 2030, with growth driven by increased demand and digital transformation. But maritime operations are evolving in complexity, facing aging fleets, workforce shortages, rising cyber threats, and regulatory pressure. These realities demand better connectivity—not only for compliance and performance monitoring but also for operational resilience and competitive edge.

LEO networks, operating much closer to Earth than traditional geostationary satellites (GEO), are optimized for exactly these use cases. Their proximity allows for:

• Low latency, ideal for real-time applications like remote diagnostics, telemedicine, and autonomous systems.
• High-speed data transfer, supporting sensor integration, predictive maintenance, and video feeds.
• Better coverage in congested corridors and polar regions, where legacy networks often fall short.

Merchant Fleets: Aging Assets, New Requirements

Many merchant ships are already decades old — nearly 50% of tankers, bulk carriers, and containerships will be over 21 years old by 2030. These aging fleets are vulnerable to equipment failures and inefficiencies that can erode profits and compromise safety.

LEO connectivity enables real-time performance monitoring and remote diagnostics. By connecting onboard sensors to shoreside maintenance teams, operators can shift from reactive maintenance to predictive strategies — extending vessel life and reducing costly downtime. For integrators, this means growing demand for systems that integrate seamlessly with shipboard IoT frameworks.

Solving the Crew Connectivity Challenge

As maritime operations evolve, so do expectations from the workforce. Today’s seafarers — especially the younger generation — demand continuous digital access. For merchant ships and commercial fishing vessels alike, crew morale and retention hinge on providing connectivity for entertainment, social media, and communication with family.

LEO networks deliver the bandwidth and speed needed to meet these expectations. Operators gain a recruitment edge, while integrators have the opportunity to deliver value-added services like virtual wellness apps, live streaming capabilities, and crew training modules—all onboard and uninterrupted.

Safety in an Increasingly Hostile Environment

Piracy, geopolitical instability, and cyber threats are all rising concerns in commercial shipping. Continuous, secure connectivity is essential for real-time monitoring, threat detection, and coordinated emergency response.

LEO’s redundancy and responsiveness offer maritime operators an always-on line of communication. Coupled with integrated terrestrial and port-based systems, LEO ensures that a ship is never digitally isolated, even in the most dangerous regions.

System integrators can leverage this to build layered security architectures that include surveillance, real-time alerts, and encrypted data pathways between ship and shore.

Intelsat and OneWeb: A Unified Approach to Maritime Connectivity

Intelsat’s FlexMaritime LEO combines the high speeds and low latency connectivity of Eutelsat OneWeb’s LEO network with Intelsat’s managed service and support to deliver a complete and unparalleled maritime connectivity solution for maritime operations.

With FlexMaritime LEO, system integrators and ship operators gain a wide range of maritime connectivity advantages, including:

• Ultra-high-speed connections up to 100 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload.
• Ultra-low latency performance of ~70 milliseconds for faster application response times.
• Robust low-Earth orbit network coverage, including the busiest shipping routes.
• Scalable managed service for a range of business needs.
• Unmatched industry experience with Intelsat’s 60 plus years providing satellite solutions on land, in the air, and at sea.

Conclusion: A Sea of Change in Maritime Connectivity

The maritime industry has entered a new phase — one where every ship is a data center, every voyage a source of analytics, and every decision driven by real-time insights. Low-Earth orbit connectivity solutions like FlexMaritime LEO are not just improving how maritime businesses connect — they’re redefining what’s possible at sea.

For system integrators and operators, the opportunity is clear: adopt LEO-enabled connectivity services now for a more efficient, secure, and connected maritime future.

The post Transforming Maritime Operations with Low-Earth Orbit Connectivity appeared first on Intelsat.

In the latest MSUA Game Changers webcast, Roger Lanctot, President of the Mobile Satellite Users Association (MSUA), hosted Scott Congdon, Intelsat’s Market Development and Partnership Manager, to discuss emerging trends in satellite and mobile connectivity.

Following a brief introduction—where Scott shared his career journey and enthusiasm for the communications industry —the discussion turned to Intelsat’s FlexMove Fleet—its applications across mining, transportation, agriculture, and construction—and how strategic collaborations and technology investments drive the industry forward.

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Roger: Always working with some just amazing people in the satellite industry. It’s one of the things that attracts me to the industry. You’ll never work with a group of more dedicated and smart people as you find in the satellite industry.

Getting back to FlexMove Fleet, which we’re trying to focus on here, is it correct for me to assume that It is an upgrade to an existing Intelsat solution, or is it taking Intelsat into entirely new markets and solutions?

Scott: It’s more of the latter. Intelsat launched quite a few interesting services to focus on the land mobility space when it came to Comms-on-the-Pause and Comms-on-the-Move solutions.

However, to properly serve the fleet environment, you needed a different solution. You needed a different platform and a different sort of user terminal that was more appropriately sized and priced for the market that needed to buy thousands of them to be deployed across a fleet, whether you’re the fleet operator or the heavy equipment OEM that wanted to include that as a service.

The FlexMove Fleet focuses on those needs either at the OEM or fleet operator level, targeting agriculture, mining, construction, and the transport industry. It has flavors of what we did previously, but it’s a new service and solution.

Roger: You’re on some travel coming up next week. Is that related to FlexMove Fleet?

Scott:  It is. We’re working with a global construction heavy equipment company; we’ve done similar types of proof of concept and deployments with other heavy equipment manufacturers across the globe. Usually, it’s in Brazil, the US, and Europe initially, but with an eye toward where else they need this sort of capability.

Roger: Those vehicles tend to operate in places where the cellular networks don’t reach, right? And there is this importance of always having connectivity.

Scott: Brazil, uniquely, is an ideal market for satellite technology. I assume you agree with that.

Roger: Absolutely.

Scott: Our pioneer customer, with whom we launched FlexMove Fleet, is the big agricultural construction equipment manufacturer CNH. In the initial market we’re serving with them, we’re rolling out the services in Brazil.

Brazil is a very large land mass country. You have farms the size of the US state of Minnesota, where less than ten percent of that entire farm operation has reached a cellular network. So it is satellite or nothing. And it’s a natural fit.

Roger: So, in your estimation, what sets FlexMove Fleet apart from competing solutions, and what did it take for Intelsat to bring this solution to the market?

Scott: It was constructed and viewed as needing to be an enterprise-grade solution from inception, from architecture through rollout through support. With that focus on an enterprise-grade solution, we started with the assumption that we needed to have multiple layers and multiple orbit network connectivity to drive the right solution for these very special users, these fleet users.

As a complement to the existing cellular networks that may or may not be there, we layer the reliability of Intelsat’s terrestrial and satellite networks into the solution.

Then, we can also layer non-geostationary satellites into the same connectivity platform.

We deliver it through an IP connection, not a messaging-based platform, but an IP stream connection. So, the user has the same experience of transmitting applications and data as they do from a cell phone connection, but it now just transits through a satellite. So that’s on the architecture side of it. Then, you need to start looking at what the terminals are. Because no one-size-fits-all’s going to meet the needs of every potential fleet user.

So, you have to work with a number of technology partners to solve the size, price, and performance puzzle and bring to market a terminal that fits the need, the pocket, and the SAE standards.

It will be able to perform in very ruggedized marketplaces where there’s dust, vibration, and all sorts of difficulties that could damage a user-grade, consumer-grade terminal. Instead, that terminal can survive because we are reaching vibration and thermal thermals related to the environment embedded into the terminal’s design.

It’s not going to break the first time out.

Because it is an enterprise customer, you have to support networks that meet the expectations of an enterprise user. So, there have to be platforms that drive the network’s performance and give the user a chance to look into what is happening with their particular connection.

How quickly can we activate, deactivate, or manage a terminal on the network? How quickly can you alert Intelsat support, a globally based organization? It’s done in multiple languages and multiple locations to help customers in various regions of the world identify and resolve a problem that may be occurring with that customer’s connection. So, it’s important that you have an enterprise-grade support organization.

Lastly, it’s all about planning for the future as well. Intelsat is very engaged with the organization on a global scale to ensure that our future roadmap and desire to integrate five g technology in non-terrestrial networks is compatible with terrestrial-based networks. As technology evolves to chipsets and core networks, five g talks to five g regardless of which network and which terrestrial or non-terrestrial platform it resides on, and you benefit from the scalability of five g technology across all. And we’re very involved in ensuring that we’re part of that progression as we come to market with true global 5G solutions.

So it all sounds simple. We make it look easy.

But what is the current state of enterprise connectivity? Do customers know what they want? Do they need to be educated? Are there new possibilities and opportunities?

The end customer doesn’t know what they want. They know they need connectivity, but they don’t care how it’s delivered, right?

What we’re doing behind the curtain is of no consequence to the end customer unless they have reliable, high-performing connectivity that they’re willing to pay for, right? The education is more about calming them down. They don’t have to think about managing yet another network.

Or having multiple pieces of hardware on a vehicle to maintain connectivity. We have to make it simple for them.

And what happens in that transition between terrestrial and satellite-based connectivity is of no consequence. Their reach, their ability to communicate to that vehicle, wherever it may be, is possible.

Roger: Oh, and now I feel bad because I failed to mention at the beginning of this conversation that Intelsat won a mobile satellite innovation award for this solution. Congratulations on the award.

Where would I find more information regarding the Intelsat and FlexMove Fleet?

Scott: Our marketing organization ensures our messaging is always at the forefront and available.

If you go to our corporate website you’ll find out about all the great things that Intelsat does and offers to the market across all of our focus market segmentations, including land mobility. Then, the website dedicates a specific area to land mobility, including a segment about the FlexMove Fleet.

Roger: That’s great, Scott. Thank you. I want to thank the Mobile Satellite Users Association for hosting these sessions.

You can learn more about the MSUA at MSUA.org. There, you can also learn how to get our weekly newsletter, which updates you on industry news and shares information about upcoming events. You can also find out how to become a member.

We look forward to seeing you on MSUA’s Game Changer webcast next time. And, Scott, thanks for joining me.

Scott: It’s been my pleasure. Thank you.

The post MSUA Game Changers Webcast – Technological Advances Behind the Mobile Satellite Connectivity appeared first on Intelsat.

Unfortunately, there are numerous challenges to accessing quality and stable connectivity in the areas where border security teams are typically deployed.

Much of the border lies in remote areas of the country outside the footprint of any terrestrial network. Often, there are no cell towers to provide service, contributing to vast dead zones. In the areas where cellular connectivity does exist, different mobile network operators have varying degrees of coverage and bandwidth. If an officer carrying a device with a SIM card for one provider roams onto another network, he may find interruptions or significant degradations in service. 

Finally, in many cases, ground networks in the area may only be capable of transmitting voice communications. Critical information, such as GPS location data derived from P25 radios, becomes un-shareable and unusable as a result, compromising missions and potentially endangering the health and safety of officers in the field. 

Even in the most remote, connectivity-challenged areas, satellite networks can effectively fill the connectivity void along borders and enable all officers and agencies to communicate and share information. As a foundational satellite industry leader, Intelsat is focused on delivering satellite-powered connectivity solutions designed with the unique needs of border agents, law enforcement officials, public safety officers, and first responders, in mind. 

Real World Impact: Cochise Conty Sheriff’s Office

A prime example of how satellite technology is revolutionizing border security comes from Cochise County, Arizona where the Sheriff’s Office recently announced deploying satellite communications from Intelsat to enhance connectivity along the U.S.-Mexico border. This deployment allows officers to communicate seamlessly in remote areas, ensuring they can share real-time data and greatly enhancing coordination and safety during critical operations.

Intelsat’s MLCS: Empowering Border Security Teams

Intelsat’s MLCS (Multi-Layer Communications System) for Law Enforcement Agencies is a first of its kind innovation, bringing together the vast coverage of geostationary, the low latency of low Earth orbit, and cellular into a singular, unified, portable kit that requires little technical expertise to program or operate. Agents and officers can use MLCS to maximize wireless connectivity for tasks such as sharing GPS location data, streaming body camera video, using in-car mobile dispatch systems, sending and receiving surveillance video, dispatching officers, and transmitting distress calls in real time.

With MLCS, border patrol teams can communicate with each other and with other agencies using any connected device imaginable, from personal smartphones to ruggedized laptops to P25 radios. Officers on extended assignments in the field can even stream music, access entertainment and connect with their families. 

Automated switching and failover capabilities ensure constant connectivity using the best available network. Encryption embedded into the solution allows agents and officers to communicate naturally without the need to decrypt or change security keys with frequency. 

The success of any mission-critical border operation on land or at sea is dependent on the presence of robust and reliable connectivity. The ability to communicate and continuously share information at all times allows border security teams to stay one step ahead of the bad guys. 

The Future of Border Security Connectivity

The improved affordability of satellite, the emergence of new technologies that blend satellite and cellular, as well as the availability of government funds earmarked for border security, offer any law enforcement entity, from the federal level down to a sheriff’s office, an opportunity to leverage the power of satellite to ensure that no mission or routine patrol is ever again hamstrung or impeded by connectivity challenges. 

The post Beyond the Dead Zones: How Game-Changing Satellite Tech is Empowering Border Security appeared first on Intelsat.

This fully funded program equips schools with cutting-edge STEM kits, hands-on training, and exclusive resources, seamlessly integrating space science, sustainability and IoT education into their classrooms.

Since 2020, Intelsat has been at the forefront of engaging students across Africa in STEM learning, space exploration and satellite technology. The newly adapted 2025 program is focused on empowering schools and educators to build a lasting impact on African education systems, ensuring thousands of students gain the skills and inspiration needed to thrive in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers.

Why This Program Matters

The Intelsat Africa Space STEM Program isn’t just about technology—it’s about transforming education and driving sustainable growth across the continent. Let’s break down the benefits for countries, schools, teachers and students:

For the Country:

• Building a Future-Ready Workforce: The program nurtures the next generation of engineers, scientists and space industry professionals, solidifying Africa’s position in the global space economy.
• Advancing National Development Goals: By promoting quality education (SDG 4), innovation (SDG 9), and climate action (SDG 13), this initiative directly supports key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Boosting Technological Capabilities: Students engage in hands-on projects involving satellite communications, IoT and Earth observation—practical skills essential for sectors like agriculture, climate monitoring and disaster response.

For the School:

• Access to Exclusive STEM Resources: Schools receive MaxIQ Space STEM Kits, Advanced Sensor Add-on Kits and digital learning materials, fostering an interactive STEM curriculum.
• Teacher Training & Support: Educators benefit from professional development, with access to a custom Learning Management System (LMS) offering lesson plans, interactive content and mentorship from space industry experts.
• Global Recognition & Awards: Participating schools join an international STEM network and compete for awards recognizing excellence in STEM education and sustainability projects.

For the Teachers:

• Empowerment Through Training: Intelsat engineers and space professionals lead specialized workshops, giving teachers the confidence to deliver advanced STEM lessons.
• Professional Growth & Certification: Educators receive certificates of completion, network with STEM professionals and access ongoing development through virtual workshops.
• Real-World STEM Education: Teachers guide students in data-driven experiments, blending IoT, sustainability, and satellite technology into engaging lessons.

For the Students:

• Hands-On Space STEM Learning: Students explore Earth observation, climate science, and IoT applications through practical experiments, making STEM both exciting and relevant.
• Participation in Global Challenges: As part of World Space Week, students tackle real-world issues like climate action, renewable energy and smart cities.
• Career Inspiration & Exposure: Interaction with Intelsat engineers, industry mentors, and STEM alumni inspires students to pursue careers in the global space sector.
• Certificates & Recognition: Participants earn certificates of completion—valuable credentials for future academic and career opportunities.

Intelsat’s Commitment to African STEM Education

Since its inception, the Intelsat Africa Space STEM Program has reached thousands of students across Africa, sparking curiosity in space technology, satellite communications and sustainability. By supporting educators and integrating STEM into school curricula, Intelsat has fueled a wave of African innovators ready to shape the future of technology and engineering.

With the 2025 program, Intelsat goes a step further—empowering schools to become long-term hubs of STEM excellence. By investing in teachers and classrooms, the initiative ensures sustainable educational impact for generations to come.

As pioneers of the satellite market, Intelsat understand the transformative power of technology. Satellites have revolutionized communication, connectivity, and access to information, bridging gaps and connecting communities across vast distances.

By supporting Space STEM education in Africa, we are investing in the future of our industry, nurturing the talent that will drive innovation and shape the satellite technologies of tomorrow.

Apply Now – Be a Part of Africa’s STEM Revolution

Intelsat and MaxIQ Space are calling on schools and teachers in Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa to seize this incredible opportunity.

Applications are now open—don’t miss your chance to revolutionize STEM education in your school and inspire the next generation of African space scientists and engineers.

The post Intelsat Africa Space STEM Program: Empowering Schools and Shaping Africa’s Future appeared first on Intelsat.

In the recent Mobility Brief interview, Todd Cotts, Intelsat’s Senior Product Marketing Manager, and Mike McNally, Director of Maritime Products, Mobility, discussed the advantages of the FlexMaritime Duo service. This dynamic solution integrates Intelsat’s existing FlexMaritime GEO network with Eutelsat OneWeb’s LEO coverage, offering maritime operators a robust, multi-orbit managed service.

The FlexMaritime Duo service is designed to address the growing demand for seamless connectivity at sea. Intelsat is committed to delivering advanced, tailored solutions that meet the evolving needs of the maritime industry, empowering operators with the tools they need to stay connected and competitive in a digital-first world.

Todd: I’m excited about our new services for the commercial maritime industry today, particularly merchant shipping and commercial fishing. I understand we have a new multi-orbit solution that leverages Intelsat’s partnership with Eutelsat OneWeb. Let’s talk about it.

What does Intelsat offer that adds to a OneWeb LEO service offering?

Mike: Well, Todd, quite a lot. Intelsat offers a wide variety of service plans to our solution partners, enabling them to offer end users a plan that best fits their needs. Among these plans is one that combines FlexMaritime’s GEO service and the FlexMaritime Duo LEO service into a single monthly gigabyte pool.

Todd: Wow. A multi-orbit offering. What extra equipment is required to add a OneWeb service to FlexMaritime?

Mike: The minimum terminal required to add OneWeb service is the Intellian OW10. This also requires a mounting adapter and cabling to fit each ship’s installation requirements. But that’s it. As part of the terminal kit, a below-deck unit provides LAN and Wi-Fi access.

Todd: Wow, that’s exciting.

Can a service provider provide the mix of the FlexMaritime GEO service and the OneWeb service?

Mike: Yes. Both networks work independently. Our solution partners can customize a configuration and plan to meet every ship manager’s needs.

Todd: If I’m in an area, let’s say, where OneWeb service is not yet available, can I still use the FlexMaritime Duo service plan?

Mike: You sure can. All plans include both service networks, FlexMaritime GEO Service and FlexMaritime LEO Service, so ships are never out of coverage.

Todd: I’m sure our customers and their customers are excited about this solution. If I don’t want to add an extra antenna, do you offer an alternative that can give me a faster connection?

Mike: We also offer a FlexMaritime Vantage solution that adds up to a sixty megabit per second forward and a six megabit per second return MIR capability. And it adds that to the existing FlexMaritime service that is already on board. It utilizes the same VSAT GEO antenna and provides FlexMaritime GEO service. So, all that is required is a switch to select which network you want to use.

Todd:  Thank you, Mike, for today’s mobility brief on Intelsat’s FlexMaritime Duo, and thank you all for watching.

The post Five Things You Need to Know about FlexMaritime Duo appeared first on Intelsat.

In a recent Mobility Brief interview, Intelsat Senior Product Marketing Manager, Todd Cotts, spoke with Sumanth Dhananjaya, Senior Product Manager, to explore the benefits of the FlexMaritime Vantage service. This innovative solution complements Intelsat’s existing FlexMaritime GEO network. From enabling real-time data transmission to supporting critical communication needs, Intelsat’s solutions are delivering enhanced connectivity, unmatched reliability, and superior performance for maritime operators.

Hello, and thank you for taking a few minutes of your time today for Intelsat’s Mobility Brief, where we take a moment to provide an overview of Intelsat satellite solutions for connecting everything on the go: land, sea, and air.

I am Todd Cotts, Senior Product Marketing Manager for Intelsat’s Mobility Group. Joined by Intelsat’s Senior Product Manager for Maritime, Sumanth Dhananjaya.

Todd: Hi, Sumanth. Intelsat offers many new and exciting services for the commercial maritime industry today. One of those is FlexMaritime Vantage. Let’s talk about it.

What is FlexMaritime Vantage? And if a customer already has FlexMaritime, our flagship service, why would they be interested in this new service?

Sumanth: I’m very excited to be here and talk about our FlexMaritime Vantage service. FlexMaritime Vantage adds the choice of a second faster global satellite network to our existing FlexMaritime VNO service. Using the existing antenna on the vessel, the throughput speeds that are achievable are sixty by six megabits per second on a one-meter antenna.

Along with having reliable and consistent service with existing FlexMaritime network, data-hungry applications will now be able to access the second network via FlexMaritime Vantage, for high-speed applications, and crew welfare.

Todd: With FlexMaritime, you have the reliability and high-throughput network that we provide today. Now, we’re adding this new service that provides higher speeds in specific areas where that higher speed availability exists. This is great news for any customers using FlexMaritime today.

What extra equipment then is required to activate this faster service?

Sumanth: We have built an upgrade kit for two pieces of equipment. The first one is the satellite network arbitrator switch, SNAS in short.

The switch allows the user onboard to switch between the high-speed Vantage network or the resilient, always-available FlexMaritime network, the existing network. The second piece of equipment is the modem, which is used to connect to the FlexMaritime Vantage network. A bunch of cables help kickstart the connectivity between the ACU, the SNAS box, and the two modems.

Now, we expect most of the onboard crew to be able to handle the upgrade themselves. It is a very simple, straightforward process. We have included detailed instructions along with the upgrade kit, and they will be able to do that in a very short period.

Todd: That sounds great. When we discuss the installation of this upgrade kit, maybe we should go into a little more detail.

What is involved in the installation of this upgrade kit?

Sumanth:  Once the SNAS box is located close to the ACU and the existing modem, the installation, or the upgrade, involves removing the cables from the existing modem and connecting the SNAS box to the ACU and the two modems. Then, you’ve got the RF cables, which you need to connect between the modems, the ACU, etc. Data cables will be connected to the onboard equipment. Our NOC teams will be able to help do all the compression tests and bring the terminal online in a very short space of time.

Todd: Great. That sounds like a very simple installation process.

Did the customers get to keep the same terminal and the same antenna?

Sumanth:  Absolutely. They can use the same antenna. They don’t have to invest in a new antenna. There’s an existing antenna that they’re able to repurpose.

Todd: That’s great. It’s a competitive industry today. There are a lot of SATCOM solutions out there and a lot of opportunities for different services. So, the price always comes up. Let’s talk about this product’s service cost structure.

Sumanth:  We allow our solution partners to set the end-user pricing with any of our satellite connectivity products. And it is no different for FlexMaritime Vantage. The upgrade kit has a one-off cost, which has been priced very competitively. And the partner will be able to package for their end customers very economically. We have priced the FlexMaritime Vantage service based on a gigabyte or a volume consumption model. This is similar to what the competition is doing in the market today.

Todd: Well, I’m sure it’s good news for our solutions partners and their customers.

What are other options that Intelsat is offering today for higher speed connections?

Sumanth: We are introducing another solution, FlexMaritime Duo, which combines the LEO offering from OneWeb with our existing FlexMaritime GEO offering. So, what we bring to the market is ultra-low latency and higher throughput speeds coupled with high availability and consistency—a formidable combination.

Todd: Wow. FlexMaritime Vantage for higher speed service. FlexMaritime Duo is adding low-Earth orbit connectivity to the mix. We’re offering very exciting new solutions to the maritime industry today. Thank you to everybody who’s watching today.

More information about FlexMaritime Vantage and any of Intelsat’s mobility solutions.

The post Five Things You Need to Know About FlexMaritime Vantage appeared first on Intelsat.

When airlines purchase and install an inflight connectivity solution from Intelsat, they get that much-desired peace of mind with continuous access to non-stop support from the moment the service is switched on.

Comprised of a team of industry veterans and experts, Intelsat’s support team works behind the scenes, monitoring the performance of the equipment on the aircraft as well as the satellite network to ensure that whatever system is installed onboard – be it Air to Ground (ATG), 2Ku or the latest ESA antenna – works flawlessly and meets the expectations of its airline partners and their passengers.

Intelsat’s approach to support is multi-faceted and layered. Each airline partner has a dedicated customer operations manager who works directly with maintenance teams, program managers, and airline inflight connectivity teams to address emerging issues, and ensure optimized performance. If a failure occurs, the Intelsat customer manager interfaces and coordinates with the Network Operations Center and internal airline teams to identify the root cause of the issue and execute the needed fix.

Ongoing proactive and predictive maintenance is another critical aspect of support.  Intelsat support teams use sophisticated tools to monitor both the network and the airplane. When certain predefined thresholds, parameters, or trends are flagged, automated reports and tickets are generated, after which the issue is reviewed, monitored, and addressed. Intelsat’s approach to proactive monitoring preempts failures before passengers even recognize there might be an issue.

Intelsat also provides tools to give airline partners enhanced visibility into their own operations. Airline teams can review the performance of the inflight connectivity system on individual flights and query the system to gain critical insight on a wide range of service metrics.

Intelsat’s strong relationships and regular engagements with its airline partners, combined with technology that allows for real-time monitoring, troubleshooting, and tracking, give airlines the comfort of knowing their inflight connectivity system will function as expected and any interruptions to service will be minimal.

The Intelsat support team communicates with our counterparts every day, reporting on reliability metrics, coordinating with maintenance teams, and catching problems before they become apparent to our customers and their passengers. For Intelsat, it’s never just about switching boxes or throwing more hardware at a problem. We have the expertise to fix things the right way the first time and the tools to be proactive.

This flexibility and nimbleness were on full display following the recent loss of a critical satellite positioned over parts of Africa and Asia. Within the first 24 hours, Intelsat was able to restore service in most of the area by repositioning satellite beams and refocusing assets to where connectivity for commercial airlines needed to be.

The rapid response and restoration of connectivity for airlines flying through the impacted areas demonstrated our ability to respond to unforeseen circumstances. The Intelsat team jumped into action and adapted to fix the problem, communicating with our partners all along the way. Moreover, the satellite loss and resulting response also further underscored the importance of working with an IFC provider that has a fully redundant and agile satellite network.

It’s this unwavering commitment to non-stop support that sets Intelsat apart and ensures that its airline partners can always deliver exceptional inflight experiences everywhere they fly.

The post Intelsat’s Non-stop Support Helps Airlines Offer Exceptional Experiences in the Skies appeared first on Intelsat.

In its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of partners and customers and responding to expanding demands for capacity, Intelsat is constantly working to elevate the speed, scale, and reliability of its network. 

While Intelsat may be an owner and operator of satellites, currently managing more than 55 satellites in orbit, the company’s ability to deliver value-added connectivity solutions to a widening range of users is just as dependent on the strength and quality of its terrestrial network. 

For the terrestrial network to operate with maximum effectiveness, Intelsat’s teleports and PoPs must be connected at all times. All ground-based assets located around the world must be able to transmit large volumes of data with speed, reliability, and without interruption.  

In this new video, Intelsat executives explain how leveraging fiber networking solutions from Lumen Technologies, a telecommunications provider of network services, cloud solutions, and security, has strengthened and modernized the company’s ground-based network, enabling Intelsat to increase capacity, reduce costs, and optimize network resources. 

Today, Intelsat transmits an average of 650 terabytes of traffic across more than 200,000 miles of fiber. In working with Lumen, Intelsat is able to extract maximum value from its satellites in orbit and ultimately deliver a range of high value connectivity solutions to customers without any compromise in service quality. 

The post Optimizing Intelsat’s Ground Network Capacity and Reliability with Fiber appeared first on Intelsat.

• For his overall vision and industry leadership, emphasis on humanitarian and charitable causes, and commitment to innovation, all culminating in the industry’s “Biggest Deal of 2024” according to Via Satellite, CEO Dave Wajsgras was selected for inclusion in Virginia Magazine’s 500 Power List and awarded GovCon Executive of the Year by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce and Professional Services Council.

• In recognition of the innovative and uniquely creative strategies Intelsat has developed and executed under his leadership to protect its satellite and ground networks from nefarious actors and also fortify its partners and customers from hostile actors, Intelsat’s Vinit Duggal was named Cybersecurity Executive of the Year by WashingtonExec. 

• In leading efforts to drive greater interoperability between satellite and terrestrial networks, launching multi-orbit connectivity solutions, and virtualizing the company’s space and ground network, Intelsat extended its position as a leading innovator in 2024. These and other initiatives prompted WashingtonExec to name Bruno Fromont Chief Technology Officer of the Year. 

• Intelsat has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability in space, as evidenced by initiatives to extend the life of satellites in space and launch satellites using reusable rockets. For these and other reasons, Intelsat earned sustainability awards from the Satcom Innovation Group and the Mobile Satellite Users Association.

• Intelsat’s continued efforts to connect the unconnected and support the underserved in the most remote and, in some cases, hostile regions of the world did not go unnoticed. The Financial Times and the World Bank recognized Intelsat with an award for bringing life-changing connectivity to Burkina Faso. 

• Angela Galyean’s human resources team continued to successfully recruit, invest in, and nurture the young talent that will keep the company at the forefront of the satellite industry for years to come. Her achievements in 2024 earned her WashingtonExec’s Top HR Executive to Watch award while Harley Clarke, one of the Intelsat stars on the rise, took home Satcom Innovation Group’s Young Engineer of the Year award.

The post Intelsat’s Banner 2024 Marked by Multiple Awards and Recognition appeared first on Intelsat.

A vote for cooperation

In June 2024, at a technical industry event in Shanghai, the 3^rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Radio Access Network (RAN) plenary approved (led by Intelsat) the “Ku-band Work Package” for standardization.

The 3GPP RAN group focuses on the standards for how User Equipment (or “UE” – phones, connected cars, and other cellular devices) and the network work together, referred to as the Radio Access Network, or “RAN.” Since the approval of Release 17 of the 3GPP standards a few years ago, the RAN group has explored how to expand 5G standards to include handoffs between Terrestrial Networks (“TN,” traditional ground-based networks) and Non-Terrestrial Networks (“NTN,” flying or space-based technologies). In the Shanghai meeting, the RAN group decided that Release 19 would include a standard for using Ku-band satellite frequencies for 5G NTN.

The new standard is important because it opens the door for a single band of wireless spectrum, with multiple gigahertz of capacity, to be used across every cellular region, and virtually eliminating connectivity dead spots. This will enable concepts like large-scale smart agriculture operations, continuous source-to-consumer monitoring and control of renewable energy grids, and always-on broadband-connected cars. With a single user subscription taking advantage of a global blanket of standards-based broadband connectivity, it will help the industry move beyond currently offerings.

Looking beyond today’s direct-to-device

Recently, the relationship between the satellite industry and the cellular industry has made news with imminent offerings directly connecting satellite constellations to standard cellular phones. There are services being developed and deployed by satellite companies like SpaceX, AST SpaceMobile, and Lynk Global. These services will use existing cellular spectrum set aside by mobile network operators for the purpose of enabling the satellite connection. These plans create a whole new level of dialogue between two industries that have often behaved as though the other did not exist. The dream of eliminating dead spots for land networks now looks within grasp and is a welcome development.

However, this should be seen as a first step in what the collaboration between space and cellular can deliver. Connecting to unmodified cellular smartphones may seem to offer the ability to expand services for a lot of MNOs and users, but these services work using only whatever existing terrestrial spectrum can be set aside in whatever region is being serviced. For the most part, that spectrum is an extremely scarce resource. This means that a specific arrangement between a satellite company and MNO may only be useful for a particular geographic area, requiring numerous bilateral agreements to reach a global scale. Additionally – as seen with the current sat-to-unmodified-phone offerings – services are likely to be limited to voice and text services for most subscribers.

In addition to services using MNO spectrum, some smartphone manufactures have created “SOS” services that use later-model phone hardware to send messages using satellite-based spectrum. Apple iPhones using Globalstar and Google phones using Skylo are two examples of this type of service. These services are limited to low throughputs because of the specific spectrum being used, making them good for emergency connections but not for broadband connections.

Enter Ku band

Which brings us back to the 3GPP vote in June. The designation of Ku band as a frequency for 5G NTN (5G via satellite) changes the situation significantly. Firstly, the Ku-band spectrum (operating roughly between 10GHz and 14GHz) is already used today by telecommunication satellite networks to provide all types of services. It’s used to support broadband use cases around the world, from internet access to regional cellular connectivity to consistent connectivity for planes, ships, and ground vehicles.

Secondly, the Ku band is defined globally – the same spectrum is defined across all regions – which means that devices operating in Ku band can rely on consistent access to the same spectrum anywhere in the world. In addition to the benefit of global coverage, Ku operates across more than 3GHz of spectrum meaning that broadband throughput and applications are easily supported and services are not limited to text and voice.

A side note about another piece of “K” spectrum: Ka band. Although this 2 GHz of spectrum was previously identified as a 5G NTN frequency band in Release 18 of the 3GPP standard, the existing ecosystem and scale of the Ku-band industry introduces a larger infrastructure to be leveraged for satellite-to-cellular interoperability. Indeed, a future can be envisaged whereby 5G can be deployed using the combined 5GHz of Ku and Ka bands together.

Getting costs down through standards-based interoperability

It is possible today to, for example, enable a vehicle to be continuously connected through both cellular and Ku-band satellite networks – but you need both a device with a cellular antenna and separate Ku-band antenna and mode devices. Those separate antennas and modems add weight, take up more space, and add costs. This is where interoperability through common standards comes into play.

By establishing the standards through which cellular terrestrial networks can use the global Ku-band non-terrestrial network, the telecoms industry as a whole can design next-generation devices that add satellite access while leveraging the volume-driven lower costs of cellular devices. The availability of lower-priced, interoperable cellular and satellite connectivity will create the potential for new use cases and apps.

The future global broadband network

Aligning on standards to address the challenge of interoperable cellular networks and NTNs paves the way for the practical work of implementing hybrid devices and commercial services. We’re inviting all players in the wireless-connectivity marketplace to join us in moving forward with the work begun with 3GPP. Building on these standards, our work will help deliver a future where geography is no longer a barrier to quality modern connectivity.

The post Explaining Why You Might Care About Something Called “5G NTN in Ku Band” appeared first on Intelsat.

However, the benefits of Intelsat’s capabilities extend well beyond the passenger experience. With increased reliability, robust speeds, and uninterrupted coverage anywhere a plane might fly, including over polar regions and in some of the most congested airspace in the world, Intelsat can deliver non-stop service that pilots, flight attendants, and airline operations teams rely upon to optimize routing, increase efficiency, and maximize safety.

Here is how Intelsat’s inflight connectivity solutions – the same systems already delivering superior passenger connectivity – can be leveraged and extended to enhance all aspects of flight operations: 

Connecting the Pilot’s Digital Briefcase:

The briefcases full of charts and other assorted paperwork pilots once brought into the cockpit have long since been replaced by electronic flight bags (EFBs). Pilots use connected devices loaded with a range of applications for optimizing flight routes, monitoring changing weather conditions, and enhancing overall situational awareness in the air. These applications all require internet connectivity and access to aircraft systems, such as positioning, in real time. Intelsat’s inflight connectivity solutions ensure that pilots have a private, secure network for sending and receiving valuable information in flight, leading to enhanced efficiency, reduced fuel burn, and a smoother flight for passengers.  

Empowering Flight Attendants:

Like pilots, flight attendants rely on in-cabin technology, including tablets and mobile devices, to process credit and debit card payments at the point of sale, retrieve information for passengers related to connecting flights and baggage, report any cabin defects, along with any number of additional functions that accelerate speed and quality of service. Intelsat’s inflight connectivity solutions allow flight attendants to access information in real time, minimizing the impacts of credit card fraud for the airline, and providing a more personalized experience for passengers.

Accessing Real-time Flight Data: A Veritable Gold Mine for Airlines

Not long ago, flight performance data had to be manually retrieved from avionics systems while the aircraft was on the ground. Often, by the time the USB drives or floppy disks could be accessed, the data contained within was outdated, destroyed, corrupted, or lost. By accessing aircraft systems data in flight, Intelsat makes real-time data streaming possible without the need for additional hardware, such as Aircraft Interface Devices. These data feeds allow airline operations teams on the ground to fully understand how a plane is functioning and capture potential maintenance issues before they become major problems that take an aircraft out of service. The data transfer enabled by Intelsat’s inflight connectivity service increases safety and reduces costs by helping airlines make on-the-fly route adjustments to optimize fuel efficiency or avoid areas of turbulence, all without impacting the safety of flight systems.

Given the extent to which all aspects of airline operations today rely on data and technology, the availability of reliable high-speed connectivity is non-negotiable. The traditional low bandwidth satellite connectivity services of the past, while still valuable for certain tasks, are unable to meet the demand. By installing and leveraging Intelsat’s multi-orbit IFC solution, the same service many airlines are already using to provide a superior and competitively differentiating inflight experience for passengers, airlines can enhance operations, from the cockpit to the cabin to the ground.

The post Transforming Airline Operations with Non-stop Connectivity and Reliability appeared first on Intelsat.

Passengers are more discerning and increasingly focused on quality, reliability and the experience offered by the brands with which they align themselves. They not only expect their airline of choice to have inflight connectivity, but they also expect to be able to video stream, browse the internet with speed, access a myriad of entertainment options, engage across multiple social media channels, and even video conference. Essentially, today’s air traveler wants and expects to have the same experiences as they do on the ground, but at 30,000 feet in the air, going 600 miles an hour.

Commercial airlines are experts in planning routes, managing capacity, and moving people from one point to another. They also understand the importance of delivering an exceptional inflight experience that evolves with the changes in demand and technology. While airlines are pretty savvy about keeping on top of the latest developments in inflight connectivity technology, they also depend on establishing long-term partnerships with IFC solution providers, like Intelsat, to communicate the latest research and technology roadmap, especially as inflight experience has become a key driver of passenger loyalty.

By partnering with Intelsat, airlines can deliver an industry-differentiating connectivity experience while simultaneously monetizing investments in IFC technology to enhance business operations and generate new revenue streams.

Intelsat works closely with each airline partner and listens intently to understand their needs and deliver the right customized solution. By taking a consultative approach and working together on an ongoing basis, we learn what is most valuable and develop a connectivity strategy that helps airlines meet their respective goals.

Innovation moves at a blistering pace.  Any consumer who has recently purchased a technology product knows that it doesn’t take long for that product to become outdated. The same applies to IFC technology.

Airlines that invest in off-the-shelf connectivity solutions will soon find themselves missing opportunities to increase engagement with their customers, unable to deliver personalized offers that make customers feel special, neglecting ways to unlock new revenues through advertising or partnership campaigns, and falling behind technologically as new multi-orbit connectivity options enhance quality and ubiquity of coverage in the most congested routes and across the pole.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to an inflight connectivity strategy. Every airline is a unique brand, with different passenger compositions, business strategies, and therefore unique technology and connectivity requirements.

Larger carriers may want to offer connectivity services free of charge to their elite guests as a way of retaining loyal customers. Smaller, regional airlines may choose to charge a fee for different levels of access to generate incremental revenue. Others may see inflight connectivity as an opportunity to offer complementary products and services to their customers or to streamline other areas of the business, such as flight crew coordination, baggage handling, or inflight payments.

No matter the size of the airline, their connectivity ambitions, or whether they are just beginning their inflight connectivity journey or have established offerings, Intelsat’s long-term partnership approach means airlines are working with a team of experts that have been designing and delivering innovative IFC solutions since day one.  As market conditions change, business priorities emerge, and technologies evolve, we work side-by-side with each airline customer, helping to extract maximum value from inflight connectivity investments today and into the future.

The post Intelsat’s Partnership Approach Empowers Airlines with Customized, Industry-leading Connectivity Solutions appeared first on Intelsat.

“Intelsat has long been an innovator in delivering unrivalled network performance,” said Mark Rasmussen, Intelsat’s SVP of Business Development. “Introducing these higher speeds for business and government aircraft is a prime example of how we continuously work with SD to meet and exceed market expectations. Our Flex network, designed exclusively for business and government aviation, is now even more capable of delivering the high-speed, secure connectivity that our customers require.”

The improved services are now available to customers following recent trials that confirmed the SD Plane Simple Ku-band antenna system reliably delivers speeds as fast as 50 Mbps. The enhancements have been achieved ahead of schedule and will be followed by further network modifications.

“Keeping pace with the needs of our customers means we need to innovate with our service partners constantly. It’s even more impressive that these higher speeds are being made available to the global business and government aviation fleets sooner than anticipated and without any hardware or software changes,” said Chris Moore, President of Satcom Direct. “Customers are not required to book maintenance slots for equipment changes; there is no need for aircraft downtime, and most importantly, no extra investment is required to receive the improved service. We designed our hardware to keep pace with satellite network changes to streamline the connectivity ownership experience, and this demonstrates the value this brings.”

Customers already using the Plane Simple Ku-band terminal are equally enthusiastic. Henrik Thorsell, Director of Maintenance at Planet 9, said, “Since installing the Plane Simple Ku-band antenna, the connectivity has consistently been top-notch, no matter where we are flying. I really appreciate how Intelsat stays ahead of demand by increasing speeds and continuously advancing the network. It gives me confidence that my system will remain reliable and future-proof for years to come.”

The post Intelsat Flex Network Upgrade Delivers Faster Speeds to Business, Government Aviation appeared first on Intelsat.

That’s exactly what airlines get from Intelsat’s “Non-stop” inflight connectivity solutions. Intelsat delivers the flexibility that allows airlines to deliver a premium connectivity and entertainment experience to all passengers, from the first-class cabin to the last rows of economy.

The quality of the inflight connectivity experience is directly linked to passenger satisfaction. Passengers demonstrate loyalty to airlines that can provide high-speed, uninterrupted connectivity in the air from gate to gate. Airlines using Intelsat’s network can meet these demands while simultaneously delivering unique offers and customized services to different passenger segments.

With a long history of serving airlines and understanding business goals and challenges, Intelsat delivers inflight connectivity experiences that enhance loyalty from business and leisure travelers and encourage repurchase decisions. The company’s solutions are developed based on years of experience and are designed to benefit airlines and passengers alike. By taking a consultative approach, Intelsat listens to their airline customers’ goals and delivers a customized solution that can serve every use case in the connectivity space.

Within a single flight, for example, an airline could provide their most valued and loyal frequent fliers with great streaming experiences and the same premium high-speed connectivity they would have on the ground at no charge. At the same time, new customers could be enticed to join the airlines’ loyalty program with offers of free Wi-Fi for the duration or a segment of the flight. For other passengers, airlines can generate revenue by charging incrementally for general access or different levels of connectivity speed. 

The flexibility of Intelsat’s solution also makes it easy for airlines to form partnerships and co-marketing arrangements with third-party service providers, such as mobile carriers who can subsidize service costs as a reward to existing subscribers or to market to potential new customers.

As airlines continue to explore ways to attract customers and drive revenues, the flexibility of Intelsat’s inflight connectivity platform allows airlines to leverage inflight connectivity and entertainment as a competitive differentiator, driving growth and enhanced customer loyalty.

The post Intelsat Flexibility Means Airlines Can Deliver Unique and Differentiated Inflight Connectivity Services for All Passengers appeared first on Intelsat.

With approximately 90% of the world’s goods transported by more than 54,000 cargo ships, the merchant shipping industry remains an integral part of a globally interconnected economy and serves as the backbone for global trade. In the past two decades, demand has consistently increased with the volume of cargo transported by ships doubling between 1990 and 2021. Future forecasts point to continued growth across the shipping and container fleet industry.

However, growth and escalating demand have not come without costs. Merchant shipping owners have been forced to confront and overcome a host of challenges including:

• Port Congestion occurs when a cargo ship cannot access a port and offload cargo in a timely fashion, resulting in diminished productivity, frustrated customers, and revenue loss.
  
  
• Rampant Labor Shortages: While shipping fleets and the number of voyages have increased, the availability of skilled and qualified maritime professionals who can fill critical roles has shrunk. Labor shortages reached a 17-year high in 2023, and future shortfalls are expected.
  
  
• Environmental Pressures: With merchant ships guzzling through approximately 300 million metric tons of fuel each year and accounting for about 3% of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions, government regulators continue to impose new requirements, and more onerous penalties, intended to reduce the industry’s impact on the environment.

• Continuous Threats: Merchant shippers face multiple ongoing threats including physical attacks from hostile elements to state-linked cybercriminals attempting to penetrate data systems, steal sensitive information, and disrupt the global supply chain.

• Aging Fleets: Most commercial cargo ships at sea today have been in operation for more than 20 years and are increasingly costly to maintain and more susceptible to breakdowns and failures that can cripple business operations and reputation.

To navigate these pervasive challenges, merchant shipping companies are more readily tapping into new technologies and deploying a range of purpose-built industry digital solutions across their business operations and fleets of cargo ships. These data-driven connected applications enable fleet owners and ship operators to:

• Enhance Route Planning: Intelligent planning and routing can maximize and optimize fuel usage, avoid weather and hostile areas, and ultimately reduce time at sea, all of which save money and lead to more efficient overall operations.

• Comply with Standards: Applications that track emissions and monitor fuel efficiency can accelerate decarbonization efforts in the maritime shipping industry and help operators remain in good standing with regulatory authorities, governmental bodies, and climate activist organizations.

• Maintain The Fleet: By capturing, transmitting, and analyzing ship performance data while the vessel is out at sea, maintenance crews on shore can more easily identify and address potential issues, preempting larger problems that could potentially remove a vessel from service and cause delivery backlogs.

• Enhance Crew Welfare: With competition for skilled workers intensifying, shipping companies need to provide crews with premium connectivity for accessing entertainment and remaining in contact with friends and loved ones back home.

Satellite Connectivity the Backbone of Maritime Digital Adoption

Data-driven digital solutions and connected applications have the potential to dramatically enhance any shipping operator’s business and accelerate revenue growth. However, the ability for these solutions to function and deliver value as intended is dependent on access to robust, enterprise-grade connectivity that is present and available no matter where a cargo ship’s voyage may lead. As applications, solutions, and platforms become more commonly used, transmitting greater volumes of data, demand for ubiquitous and resilient connectivity that only satellite-powered solutions can deliver will accelerate.

FlexMaritime Portfolio of Solutions Powering Maritime Shipping’s Digital Age

Intelsat’s FlexMaritime portfolio of solutions is designed to meet the communications and connectivity needs of the merchant shipping industry. With FlexMaritime’s variety of reliable and secure global network services, maritime vessel owners and operators can have flexible satellite-powered connectivity solutions to address the connectivity needs of today and tomorrow.

Intelsat’s portfolio of services purpose-built for merchant ship owners and operators includes FlexMaritime, FlexMaritime Vantage, and FlexMaritime LEO.

FlexMaritime, Intelsat’s award-winning flagship global maritime connectivity service, delivers enterprise-grade and robust coverage that ensures ships at sea are always connected. A global, fully managed connectivity solution, FlexMaritime enables reliable, high-throughput connectivity everywhere at sea, ensuring consistent, high-performing ship-to-shore and shore-to-ship communications for merchant ships and their crews. FlexMaritime is also designed to help ship operators comply with always-evolving sustainability and emissions-reducing requirements.

For vessel operators with greater bandwidth needs, FlexMaritime Vantage offers an additional layer of higher speed coverage in high-traffic areas as a complement to the core FlexMaritime service. With FlexMaritime Vantage, ship operators can access the connectivity speeds required to support any number of real-time, data-hungry applications including those used for predictive maintenance, emissions tracking, and real-time route optimization. By integrating FlexMaritime Vantage with FlexMaritime, merchant ships can have the situational awareness needed to avoid bottlenecks and downtime while providing crews with enhanced onboard connectivity experiences, as well as remote training, health and safety services, and education. 

Finally, FlexMaritime LEO introduces low Earth orbit connectivity to Intelsat’s portfolio of maritime shipping solutions. Designed for ship operators using applications that require ultra-require high speeds combined with ultra-low latency, FlexMaritime LEO combines the coverage and strength of geostationary satellite with the robust low latency of LEO to power remote or autonomous operations. FlexMaritime LEO delivers another layer of reliability, scalability, speed, coverage, and security, enabling ships to stay connected everywhere at sea, including within the busiest shipping routes.

In the coming years, ports and shipping routes are expected to become congested, environmental compliance requirements more numerous, and labor shortages more pronounced. Merchant shipping operators that deploy satellite-powered connectivity services across their fleets, like Intelsat’s portfolio of FlexMaritime solutions, can leverage today’s maritime digital solutions to improve the efficiency of operations and accelerate revenue growth.

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