The Use Case for Satellite Connectivity

By harnessing satellite connectivity alongside cellular and trackside networks, SureWAN helps address the connectivity challenges faced in different geographic locations. This ensures that moving vehicles have access to the fastest and most reliable connection possible, improving overall service performance.

Satellite networks are particularly valuable in scenarios where vehicles traverse long stretches of rural or remote areas with no existing cellular or fibre infrastructure. These regions, often referred to as "not-spots," pose challenges for uninterrupted connectivity. By leveraging satellite technology, not-spots can be effectively covered, providing seamless connectivity throughout the journey. This approach enhances service performance by expanding coverage and capacity, overcoming the limitations of ground-based infrastructure.

Furthermore, satellite technology can serve as a crucial redundancy option in areas with limited cellular or fibre infrastructure, reinforcing connection reliability. With a backup satellite link, transport operators can mitigate service disruptions and maintain continuous connectivity during outages or failures in ground-based communications infrastructure. The integration of satellite technology with existing cellular and trackside technologies empowers operators to deliver robust, reliable, and uninterrupted connectivity to passengers. However, it is important to acknowledge that ground-based network infrastructure, such as cellular and trackside, often offers data transmission with a lower cost base compared to satellite technology. In many urban environments, the aggregation of 5G and LTE-A networks using Icomera SureWAN provides sufficient connectivity . Additionally, dedicated private trackside networks offer enhanced data throughput in rural locations, or in challenging environments such as tunnels.

Lastly, it's crucial to recognise the inherent risks of relying solely on a single Communications Service Provider (CSP). Aggregating all available connectivity across multiple CSPs, especially when these providers are wellestablished and local to the transport operator, offers clear benefits in terms of network reliability and availability.