In Disaster Recovery, High Speed Multi-Orbit Satellite Backhaul Delivers Connectivity Responders Demand

The growing threat to terrestrial networks

Intense hurricanes, raging wildfires, and devastating floods, along with military conflict and political unrest continue to pose grave threats to terrestrial communications networks, including those in the most developed and modernized countries. When connectivity is lost or interrupted in the aftermath of a disaster, first responders and emergency personnel cannot adequately coordinate relief efforts among themselves and with the citizens they are helping. 

Traditional satellite backhaul and the pressure to modernize

Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have long relied on satellite networks and satellite backhaul technologies to restore connectivity for responders, aid organizations, governments, and those affected by the disaster. Many have portable trucks or trailers called Cells on Wheels, or COWs, outfitted with a collection of satellite terminals, towers, radios, and antennas that can be deployed in emergencies to deliver basic voice and some degree of data connectivity. 

Today, as the frequency and severity of natural and manmade calamities increase, MNOs face greater pressure to not only restore connectivity in affected areas as quickly as possible but to deliver superior capacity and 5G-comparable speeds to support heavy bandwidth applications. In some cases, government mandates requiring MNOs to restore high-speed, reliable connectivity within a prescribed timeframe have further elevated the importance of disaster preparedness to new heights. 

Next-generation satellite backhaul: Intelsat’s MOO COW solution

To meet today’s demands for speed and bandwidth, MNOs need an advanced backhaul solution powered by next-generation multi-orbit satellite technology. The COWs and legacy satellite backhaul solutions used in the past for basic voice or low throughput applications are no longer sufficient. Intelsat is meeting this need with its all-in-one Multi-Orbit Operations Cell on Wheels, or MOO COW. 

By bringing together the global reach and reliability of geostationary (GEO) networks with the low-latency attributes of low Earth orbit (LEO) into a unified solution, the MOO COW enables any MNO to quickly deploy robust, high-quality connectivity wherever coverage outages or interruptions may occur. Access to both networks enables MNOs to meet demands for capacity and speed by utilizing multiple satellites and routing traffic to the appropriate orbit based on the applications being used. 

Rapid deployment and fully integrated design

Intelsat’s MOO COW can be deployed quickly, moved from one location to another, and provisioned as needed to meet demands. MNOs can generate WIFI hotspots to amplify coverage or add cellular coverage to areas where it doesn’t exist, providing ample high-speed connectivity for first responders and the general population. The MOO COW is an all-in-one solution from Intelsat that includes the trailer, radio, mast for RF antenna, GEO &, LEO satellite connectivity, and SD-WAN. The solution provides MNOs with a full network without the hassle of having to procure capacity from multiple providers or manipulate disparate equipment types. 

Backed by new platforms, upgrades to teleport technology, and advanced modems, the Intelsat MOO COW today supports much higher speeds and lower latency requirements than previous backhaul solutions. And the forthcoming launch of Intelsat’s software-defined satellite network will increase network speed and efficiency even further by dynamically allocating capacity to where it is needed most. With the very same hardware, emergency responders and other users will be able to access 5G connectivity anywhere it is needed. 

Simplifying management for MNOs

In addition to an all-inclusive, one-stop-shop of GEO and LEO services and equipment, MNOs that deploy the MOO COW can also rely on Intelsat’s value-added services experts to design the backhaul solution and manage the satellite network. MNOs can then focus entirely on managing their networks and serving their own customers without having to retrofit existing COWs to meet escalating expectations for speed and reliability.  

Multi-orbit satellite backhaul for a more connected future

Satellite backhaul has always played a critical role in helping MNOs close coverage gaps and deliver connectivity in challenging environments. With emergency responders requiring greater bandwidth and mobile subscribers expecting the connected experience to which they have become accustomed in their daily lives, Intelsat is leveraging the power of multi-orbit satellite technology to help MNOs meet these ever-evolving demands.