IEC Telecom, Rivada Space Networks partner for land, maritime connectivity
Rivada Space Networks and IEC Telecom have announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding to enable connectivity solutions for land and maritime communications. IEC Telecom is an international satellite service operator offering satellite communication solutions to governments, public institutions, and enterprises across the world.
IEC Telecom focuses in digitalisation for the maritime industry as well as providing remote communications on land where GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) coverage is not available and delivering dependable communication for humanitarian operations and missions. For urban networks, the company provides a satellite back-up to ensure business continuity.
The communications landscape is developing with providers now able to offer first-generation low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity. Rivada is now providing with ‘OuterNET’: a global low latency point-to-point connectivity network of LEO satellites. This next-generation architecture is combining inter-satellite laser links with advanced onboard data routers to create an optical mesh network in space.
This approach to “orbital networking,” where data stays in space, enables access to an ultra-secure satellite network with pole-to-pole reach, offering end-to-end latencies similar to or better than terrestrial fibre. By routing traffic on a physically separated network, Rivada provides a layer of defence for any organisation that needs to securely share data over long distances.
For the humanitarian sector, IEC Telecom will leverage Rivada’s OuterNET to provide NGO (non-governmental organisation) agencies with enhanced connectivity for the coordination of humanitarian efforts, the safety of remote workers, the security of NGO assets, and the sustainability of long-term operations. From housing and food distribution to education and medicine, all field requirements will be supported to allow humanitarian missions to expand their reach and multiply their scope of services.
In addition to land connectivity services, IEC Telecom will use Rivada’s OuterNET to provide enhanced ICT infrastructure for the maritime environment, further expanding digitalisation at sea. IEC Telecom offers cyber-secure network solutions optimised for the maritime sector. Powered by Rivada’s OuterNET, these technologies will support digital decarbonisation globally by helping vessels improve onboard operations, leading to reduced fuel consumption.
“This partnership supports IEC Telecom’s commitment to pursue innovation for the best customer experience. Rivada’s service will allow us to expand our network’s SLA and offer high-throughput data connectivity ‘fibre-like’ in the sky versus DSL-like today,” says Erwan Emilian, CEO and partner at IEC Telecom Group. He adds “We are excited to explore cost-effective packages for the humanitarian sector and test the resilience of maritime connectivity in the open sea. We are confident that Rivada is on its way to becoming a key market player in the satcom world.”
Declan Ganley, Rivada Space Networks CEO, says “We are delighted to be working with IEC Telecom to support their high throughput voice and data services.” Ganley adds “We are moving full speed ahead to deploy the first true OuterNET, with its unique data-connectivity capabilities. Both of our companies see the importance of providing ultra-secure, highly reliable low latency communications anywhere on the globe.”
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