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Highlights
- The resilience of communication infrastructure has become essential to disaster survival and recovery. When terrestrial networks collapse under the strain of floods, earthquakes, or hurricanes, satellite-based communication systems (SATCOM) emerge as the only viable lifeline to maintain critical connectivity.
- This white paper explores the paradigm of Disaster recovery via SATCOM, positioning satellite networks as the backbone of a new disaster-resilient communication architecture.
- Disaster recovery
- A comprehensive, forward-looking framework for disaster recovery using SATCOM bridges technological innovation, regulatory evolution, industry dynamics, and human-centric design to deliver intelligent, scalable, and equitable disaster resilience solutions for a future increasingly defined by uncertainty.
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Resilient Connectivity Disaster recovery
Why terrestrial networks fall short during disasters.
Natural disasters can instantly cripple terrestrial communication infrastructure, cutting off critical services and connectivity. In such scenarios, SATCOM provides a fail-safe communication channel that remains unaffected by ground-level disruptions. This section outlines the vulnerability of fiber, cellular, and microwave systems and highlights why disaster response strategies must include satellite-based contingency plans.
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SatCom for Disaster Relief Connectivity
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SATCOM Architecture
How satellite systems integrate into existing networks
This section explains the architecture of SATCOM in disaster recovery—covering geostationary (GEO), medium earth orbit (MEO), and low earth orbit (LEO) satellites. It shows how SATCOM serves as a backup path layered into hybrid networks, ensuring data and voice continuity when terrestrial links fail. Core architecture components
- Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN): Satellite-based connectivity for global reach, supported by GEO, MEO, and LEO satellites, along with High-Altitude Platforms (HAPS) for regional coverage.
- 5G Core Network: Utilizes network slicing to cater to dedicated services such as healthcare and emergency response.
- Edge computing: On-site edge nodes for real-time data processing.
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SATCOM Integrated 5G Private Network
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- Compliance with industry standards: The architecture adheres to key standards, including TMF 622 (Product Ordering), TMF 620 (Product Catalog), TMF 640 (Service Activation), TMF633 (Service Catalog Management), TMF 637 (Product Inventory Management), TMF 641 (Service Order Management), and 3GPP standards for NTN integration.
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Order to activate use case
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Use cases
Real-world scenarios where SATCOM shines.
In early 2025, a Category 5 hurricane—classified as a rare 100-year event—struck a large region in Southern California in the U.S. When cellular networks were overwhelmed or downed, satellite phones and other satellite-based communication systems became essential for first responders to coordinate efforts, communicate with the public, and maintain contact with loved ones.
To support recovery efforts, a satellite communication provider, in collaboration with its satellite operator partner, responded within hours to a request from a regional wireless communication network. They quickly provisioned additional satellite bandwidth and deployed resources to establish reliable and resilient connectivity for mission-critical services.
This rapid response enabled emergency personnel, utility crews, and public safety teams to remain connected in the field, ensuring coordinated response and accelerated service restoration efforts. The ability to deploy satellite communication in real time proved essential in maintaining operational continuity during and after the disaster.
Use cases
From emergency healthcare response in remote areas to restoring public safety communications, SATCOM use cases are vast. Utilities, defense, telecom, and transportation sectors leverage SATCOM to maintain mission-critical communication in the face of outages. This section explores specific examples and measurable outcomes from past deployments.
- Remote and rural connectivity Bringing internet to underserved areas—villages, islands, forests—unlocking education, telemedicine, and digital services.
- Disaster recovery and emergency comms Ensures resilient communication when terrestrial networks fail—vital for first responders and relief agencies.
- Maritime connectivity Connects vessels and offshore platforms—boosting crew welfare, navigation, and safety across oceans.
- In-Flight wi-fi (Aviation) Keeps passengers and flight crews connected—powering real-time services and inflight entertainment.
- Defense and military operations Delivers secure, mobile communication for mission-critical applications—anywhere, anytime.
- Oil, gas and mining operations Connect remote industrial sites for logistics, monitoring, and real-time control.
- Cellular backhaul and coverage extension Bridges the digital divide by backhauling 5G / 6G traffic in rural and hard-to-reach regions.
- IoT in remote environments Supports smart agriculture, environmental monitoring, and remote asset tracking with low-latency data links.
- Broadcast and media distribution Enables real-time delivery of news and content where terrestrial networks don’t reach.
- Education and digital inclusion Empowers remote learners with e-learning, online resources, and global connectivity.
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Global Impact, Market Opportunities and Value Propositions across Industries
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Deployment strategy
Steps to integrate SATCOM into disaster response plans.
Disaster recovery demands agility. SATCOM solutions can be pre-deployed or mobilized rapidly through ground terminals, portable VSATs, or aerial platforms. This section details the modular deployment strategy for urban and rural zones, including portable and vehicle-mounted SATCOM units.
In our disaster relief solution, we've ingeniously combined SATCOM technology with a 5G private network to ensure seamless communication in areas with disrupted backhaul connectivity. Our innovative approach involves deploying a 'cell on wheels' concept, incorporating both RAN and core functionalities within a portable black box deployed on-site. This setup is crucial as it enables connectivity for end-user devices in disaster areas.
To establish backhaul connectivity and link our network core with the data network, we utilize satellite technology. These signals are relayed through non-terrestrial network (NTN) pop-up ground stations, ensuring robust connectivity. The integrated 5G modem and router within our 'cell on wheels' unit receive these signals, further enhanced by pre-configured SIM cards for immediate device connectivity.
This setup not only activates essential services through the N6 interface but also radiates connectivity via the 5G RAN for SIM-enabled devices. Moreover, our centralized Network Operation Centres (NOCs) manage service assurance efficiently, providing comprehensive oversight for disaster site deployments. This holistic approach guarantees reliable communication infrastructure in critical situations, aiding emergency response and relief efforts effectively.
- Enhancements in 3GPP Release 19 for disaster recovery
a. Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) integration 3GPP Release 19 continues to advance the integration of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs), including satellite communications, into the 5G ecosystem. This integration is pivotal for disaster scenarios where terrestrial infrastructure is compromised. Key developments include:
- Regenerative Payload Architecture: Introduction of regenerative, or packet-processing, payloads, enabling satellites to perform functions akin to terrestrial base stations, thereby reducing latency and improving reliability.
- System Information Block 19 (SIB19): Enhancements in SIB19 facilitate user equipment (UE) access to NTNs, ensuring seamless connectivity during disasters.
b. Public safety and emergency services support Release 19 emphasizes features that bolster public safety communications:
- Gateway UE functionality: Allows non-3GPP devices to connect to mission-critical applications, ensuring broader device interoperability during emergencies.
- Vehicle-mounted relays: Enhancements support the deployment of mobile relays, extending network coverage in disaster-stricken areas.
c. Network sharing and disaster roaming To ensure service continuity during disasters, Release 19 introduces:
- Indirect Network Sharing (INS): Pre-configured network sharing agreements enable operators to provide mutual support during emergencies.
- Disaster roaming use cases: Defined scenarios in TS 22.261 (clause 6.31) address minimizing service interruptions through roaming solutions tailored for disaster situations.
Technological Enablers
From LEO constellations to AI-enabled bandwidth optimization.
Emerging tech has made SATCOM more accessible and efficient. LEO constellations (like Starlink) reduce latency, while AI/ML tools optimize bandwidth based on dynamic demand. This section also highlights SD-WAN, edge computing, and antenna innovations accelerating SATCOM integration.
Security and compliance: ensuring encrypted and trusted links
Addressing data security, regulatory, and compliance concerns.
SATCOM must maintain high security standards for sensitive data. This section addresses encryption protocols, end-to-end data privacy, redundancy against jamming, and compliance with telecom and defense regulations. Secure key exchange, firewall policies, and cloud security alignment are also covered.
