LEO satellite networks to connect emergency cellular towers

Goals

One of the most critical activities carried out by Telefónica is the operation of cellular coverage units, whose most important mission is to guarantee communications for emergency teams when operating in areas without coverage.

The challenge, when deploying coverage with mobile cellular units in remote locations, is usually: How do I connect this to the rest of the world? The mobile unit deploys coverage in an area, but that voice and data traffic must be carried to the rest of the mobile network and the internet somehow. Traditionally, the solution has been to use GEO orbit satellites (36,000 km high), with limited capacities and high latencies.

The objective of this project has been to use the new low-orbit or LEO satellite networks, with greater availability, bandwidth and lower latencies, to interconnect mobile coverage units and observe the results.

Results

In this Innovation Trial, and through the satellite services provided by Telefónica Global Solutions across Telefónica’s entire footprint and with the support of Telefónica Servicios Audiovisuales, we have successfully connected a mobile cellular coverage unit to Starlink’s LEO satellite network, achieving download speeds of over 300 Mbps and latencies of around 40 ms.

During the tests, we implemented use cases such as critical emergency communications and remotely deploying and controlling a drone for reconnaissance work. This scenario will allow Telefónica to deploy rapid action units that ensure mobile coverage in the shortest possible time in emergency situations, with bandwidth and low latency capabilities that will enable the effective coordination of rescue and aid teams.