Satellite cellular backhaul

Mobile phones and 4G LTE devices are everywhere but the mobile network and associated infrastructure is not, much like terrestrial broadband it is simply not feasible to run cables to every location. Satellite broadband enables mobile operators to expand their networks to areas previously not covered by terrestrial backhaul solutions allowing for remote businesses, communities, and infrastructure to connect to the internet and establish vital lines of communication.

Continued advancement in VSAT technology has enabled satellite backhaul to be considered a competitive technology to fibre and microwave, providing efficient and cost effective connectivity for remotely located cellular base stations. Satellite cellular backhaul allows for scalability with the ability to add capacity as the mobile operator’s subscriber base grows and, with a pooled dedicated capacity, mobile operators gain the ability to redistribute capacity amongst satellite-connected base stations, ensuring efficient use of resources.

Other uses for satellite cellular backhaul include temporary installations to add extra cellular coverage or capacity for emergency services, disaster recovery, and events such as festivals where terrestrial resources are saturated or not available. Satellite backhaul is an ideal option for redundancy; if terrestrial infrastructure is damaged or saturated, connectivity can be switched over to satellite using either standby capacity or occasional broadcast access.