Dams and hydropower facilities have long been attack targets, with a history that spans wartime conflicts. During World War II, the British Royal Air Force formed a group of pilots known as the Dambusters. Their mission: to destroy critical dams in Germany; considered ideal targets due to the significant disruption they could inflict on both water and power supplies.

In 2023 however, the landscape has somewhat shifted. The global cost of cybercrime is projected to soar to $8 trillion. Due to the immense value of data and the potential for widespread disruption, energy and utility companies continue to be prime targets.

Today, the hydropower and dam industries, like many others, stand at a crossroads where innovation and cybersecurity converge. Even a seemingly minor misstep, for instance, untimely dam operations, can unleash havoc upon nearby towns, significantly hampering supply chains and inflicting widespread destruction upon adjacent regions.

Types of cyber threats: State-sponsored and hobby

Cyber threats can be split into two main types. The first is state-sponsored cyber attacks. Those that are planned and funded by governments or nation-states. Kevin Curran, professor of cyber security at Ulster University, recently described cyberattacks by the UK’s enemies as becoming “relentless”. As an example, the Cozy Bear and LockBit hacker groups are believed to be associated with one or more intelligence agencies of Russia, the latter having known links to Russian nationals.

Secondly, hobby-hacker attacks. These hackers are usually motivated by either monetary gain or a wish to cause mischief. One of the most notorious examples is the Colonial Pipeline attack. The company paid the hacker group known as DarkSide 75 bitcoin ($4.4 million) to obtain a decryption key which enabled the company’s IT staff to regain control of its systems.

Growing intricacies of infrastructure create more vulnerabilities

The rising integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and sensors within the hydropower and dam sector has brought greater infrastructure complexity, creating more vulnerabilities for several reasons:

  • Increasing number of attack surfaces: Every device connected to the network becomes a potential target for attackers. The more IoT devices, sensors and so on that are introduced, the further the range for potential attacks is increased.
  • Device security: The substantial volume and often remote location of IoT devices increases the difficulty of keeping firmware and software up-to-date. Moreover, their physical dispersion can expose them to theft and tampering.
  • Lack of standardisation: Different manufacturers exercise varying levels of security. The lack of standardisation can make it challenging to implement consistent security practices across all devices.
  • Legacy systems: Many critical infrastructure systems still rely on older, legacy technology that may not have been designed with modern cybersecurity standards in mind. These systems are often more vulnerable to attacks.
  • Interoperability challenges: Ensuring that different IoT devices and systems work together can be challenging. This can lead to security compromises to enable connectivity, potentially weakening overall security.
  • Network visibility: Depending on the network’s connectivity and device location, a 360 view can be difficult to achieve and maintain, making it more difficult to detect and respond to cyber attacks.
  • Data privacy: IoT devices often collect and transmit sensitive data. Inadequate data protection measures can lead to data breaches, compromising privacy and potentially providing valuable information to attackers.

 

The convergence of operation and information technology

Traditionally operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) data streams remained distinct, which had the benefit of keeping OT systems ‘air gapped’ from the internet, and therefore at limited risk from hacking. As technology unifies OT and IT, it brings both efficiencies and risks. The efficiencies are numerous: by combining SCADA data with the systems that manage physical infrastructure, you can autonomously optimise performance.

But because OT systems haven’t been targets in the past, they’re not always built with security in mind. Passwords are often left at the default character string; remote monitoring for suspicious behaviour hasn’t been implemented; patches are not implemented as frequently as they should be.

In this evolving landscape, it’s critical that security teams are aware of these vulnerabilities and take steps to address them, safeguarding critical infrastructure in the hydropower and dam sector.

 

Lessons from successful cyber attacks

A successful cyber attack involved Queensland’s Sunwater, a water supplier targeted in a nine-month-long breach. The breach, occurring between August 2020 and May 2021, exploited vulnerabilities in an older system version, granting unauthorised access to customer information stored on their web server. While the hackers didn’t compromise financial or customer data, they left behind suspicious files, redirecting visitor traffic to an online platform.

The subsequent Water 2021 report underscored the importance of immediate action to rectify ongoing security weaknesses, emphasising software updates, stronger passwords, and vigilant network traffic monitoring as crucial safeguards.

Sunwater owns and manages 19 dams across regional Queensland, including Fairbairn Dam in Central Queensland.(ABC Rural Meg Bolton)

In another notable case, the LockerGoga ransomware group inflicted significant damage upon Norsk Hydro. Norsk Hydro was forced to shut down multiple production facilities, impacting 35,000 employees, across 40 countries and resulting in approximately $71 million in financial losses. The cyberattack stemmed from an employee unknowingly opening an infected email three months prior.

Norsk Hydro’s response, however, garnered accolades. The company chose not to pay the ransom, instead engaging with Microsoft’s cybersecurity team to restore operations and remained committed to transparency throughout the ordeal. As Torstein Gimnes, Corporate Information Security Officer emphasised – “You need to rebuild your infrastructure to be safe and be sure that the attacker is not still part of it.”

An immediate IT shutdown was implemented to prevent further spread and only trusted backups facilitated by Microsoft’s team were used. Following the attack, a commitment to employee training, multi-factor authentication, regular updates, and resilient backup solutions were introduced to bolster security.

These cyber attacks underscore the importance of proactive measures and resilience in the face of evolving threats and crucially, they highlight the importance of engaging and sharing knowledge between peers. As Eric Doerr, General Manager of the Microsoft Security Response Center puts it – “When companies do this, it makes us all better and makes the attackers work harder.”
 

Ensuring the security of critical components in hydropower and dam facilities

Assess cyber risks

  1. Identify critical assets: Which assets are most important within the facility/network?
  2. Assess potential risks: What are the potential threats to the identified critical assets? Data breaches, malware attacks, etc.
  3. Prioritise risks: Which potential risks are more likely to occur and which would have the most significant impact? By prioritising risks, companies can focus resources accordingly.

Mitigate cyber risks

1. Safeguard data

Ensuring data security encompasses data encryption and authentication protocols, coupled with monitoring and restricting physical access to facilities. While firewalls and VPNs serve as effective safeguards when data traverses public internet infrastructure, companies can mitigate these risks entirely with the deployment of private lines or a secure private satellite network like TSAT – designed specifically for SCADA data.

In addition, as mentioned above, recent trends show organisations gravitating toward a unified data stream for both IT and OT. Companies wishing to do this must ensure they have appropriate control system boundary protection to prevent unauthorised access, for example, SD-WAN coupled with a next generation firewall.

Safeguarding-data-diagram
Enhance physical security

2. Secure physical access

Physical security measures not only deter potential threats but also serve as the first line of defence against cyberattacks. By strictly limiting and monitoring who can physically access a facility, organisations can significantly reduce the risk of malicious actors gaining direct entry to sensitive systems and data.

Further, when physical access is under surveillance, companies can identify unauthorised access or unusual activity, allowing them to swiftly intervene and halt a hacker’s progress.

3. Prioritise firmware and software updates

Software and firmware updates are essential tools in addressing known vulnerabilities, strengthening system resilience, and ensuring the integrity of critical software components. By regularly applying updates, organisations stay ahead of cyber threats that often exploit outdated software to breach systems and steal sensitive information.

Firmware updates for hardware devices, on the other hand, enhance device functionality and bolster security by patching potential vulnerabilities. Emphasising the importance of prompt updates and establishing a structured update management process is key. If your dam or hydropower facility is in a remote, unmanned location, ensure that you have the ability to remotely protect your infrastructure with over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates.

Prioritise-firmware-updates
Staff training for cyber security

4. Staff training

Human errors often open the door to cyber incidents, so it’s crucial organisations equip their employees with the latest cybersecurity knowledge. Early detection and response, facilitated by well-informed and vigilant employees, can prove instrumental in preventing breaches. A prime example is a vigilant staff member who thwarted an attempt to tamper with sodium hydroxide levels in Florida’s water supply last year.

Moreover, robust incident response plans are essential. Employees must know how to contain incidents, restore systems, and investigate root causes. Ultimately organisations need to be confident that if their facility does experience a cyber attack, staff can react efficiently and effectively. Bolstered by continuous training, workshops, webinars, and the cultivation of a security-conscious culture, enhances cybersecurity resilience. It also promotes information sharing among peers, strengthening collective efforts to combat cyber threats.

5. Redundancy and backup

Redundancy and backup systems serve as critical safeguards against unforeseen vulnerabilities and disruptions within network infrastructure. By creating duplicate or alternative pathways for data transmission and network operations, redundancy measures ensure that even if a primary system or connection fails, there’s an immediate and seamless switch to a secondary, secure option. This not only mitigates the risk of single points of failure but also enhances the overall reliability of the system.

One of our largest clients has satellite implemented as their third connectivity failover (cellular first, fibre second). Their satellite setup hasn’t failed once in 27 years and is the system they consider the most reliable. With the hydropower and dam sector increasingly reliant on interconnected digital systems, redundancy and backup solutions stand as formidable defences, ensuring continuous operations and protecting against potential cyber threats and disruptions.

Redundancy-and-backup

The above list is by no means exhaustive, but it does highlight a fundamental truth: In the constantly evolving landscape of cybersecurity, proactive measures are a necessity. Anticipating and addressing vulnerabilities before they become threats is pivotal to achieving and maintaining robust cybersecurity practices. If you would like to explore your connectivity and/or data security options with our experienced team, don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing hello@groundcontrol.com.

Secure Your Infrastructure

Our team are experts in getting data from hard-to-reach places - so you don’t have to be.

To talk to the team about your connectivity options, challenges and associated data security, simply fill in the form.

First responders – firefighters, paramedics, police, all public safety agencies – must have communication certainty. Why?

  1. Timely instructions reaching field teams can mean the difference between a life saved and a life lost.
  2. In distress situations, personnel staying connected is essential.

But 81% of emergency managers have experienced communication failures. During an emergency, traditional infrastructure may be unavailable, destroyed or overloaded. This is why satellites play such an important role in public safety operations. In just one example, the FBI and other emergency response teams relied on satellite phones throughout the Boston Marathon Bombing aftermath because cellular service was unreliable due to congestion.

SATCOM products and services provide reliable and resilient connectivity, enabling critical communication links when LTE and radios are down. With the ability to provide connectivity in remote, disaster-stricken, or otherwise challenging environments, SATCOM has already revolutionized how first response agencies operate.
 

How SATCOM has transformed public safety operations

Situational
awareness

Leveraging satellites, incident commanders have a reliable means of communicating with personnel in the field. This ensures real-time dissemination of information, so commanders’ can maintain situational awareness – vital for shaping a timely, appropriate response.

Emergency response planning

Ground personnel rely on vital information regarding population density, infrastructure, and environmental conditions. Satellite connectivity enables efficient data collection, analysis, and modeling, aiding effective response strategies and resource allocation.

Asset tracking and management

Real-time satellite-based asset tracking systems provide constant updates on the location and status of vehicles, equipment, and personnel. This optimizes resource management, boosts operational efficiency, and improves the safety of field team members.

Video and data transmission

Satellites facilitate seamless transmission of HD video and vital data from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and sensors, plus access to extensive reports, images and maps. Allowing real-time collaboration, swift decision-making, and remote guidance for on-site personnel.

Today, SATCOM aids tactical operators with natural disaster response both as a primary and failover means of communication. It empowers wildfire response teams operating in remote forests with real-time communication, data analysis, and information retrieval. It enables field hospitals to access medical histories, transmit imagery, and provide telemedicine services on-site.

However, in a competitive market with a growing number of players, choosing the right SATCOM service and equipment can be difficult. Using our 20+ years experience supporting first responders, we’ve outlined key considerations to help guide public safety agencies define their SATCOM requirements.
 

Navigating the world of SATCOM: Important factors to consider

COVERAGE & AVAILABILITY

As SATCOM systems leverage specific satellite constellations and services, it’s crucial to assess your agency’s operational zone to determine coverage and availability needs.

Coverage will depend on factors like satellite orbit position, antenna pointing accuracy, frequency used, and potential signal obstacles such as tall buildings or valleys. Key players like Iridium, Starlink, and Inmarsat offer global coverage (the latter excluding polar regions).

However, Starlink can suffer congestion-related slowdowns, while newer constellation OneWeb consistently covers the 35th parallel north, encompassing Canada, southern Europe, and northern USA, without speed fluctuations.

OneWeb satellite in orbit above Earth

BANDWIDTH & LATENCY

Effective communication for first responders often extends beyond voice calls. Thus, teams must assess whether their SATCOM devices require capabilities like live video transmission. In such cases, prioritizing sufficient potential bandwidth and, where needed, low latency becomes essential.

Both Iridium and OneWeb constellations operate within Low Earth Orbit (LEO), resulting in reduced ping times due to closer satellite proximity to Earth’s surface. With latency as low as 70ms, emergency responders experience near real-time collaboration.

Inmarsat, SES and Intelsat support high bandwidth applications like video calling, but with constellations situated in geostationary orbit, there is a slight impact on latency.

Control room

RUGGEDNESS & MOBILITY

First responders often navigate challenging and unpredictable environments. Fortunately, SATCOM equipment can be ruggedized to endure demanding and rapidly changing conditions. Look for robust IP (ingress protection) ratings, and operating temperatures to ensure steadfast performance during critical moments.

If you need extremely swift deployment and setup, consider a case-based device like the MCD-4800, which allows responders to establish communications within seconds during emergencies.

The Kymeta Hawk u8 LEO, which attaches to vehicles, offers Satcom-on-the-move capabilities—an essential feature given that a recent survey showed 37% of first responders consider connected vehicles a top priority within the next five years.

Search-and-rescue-team-fitting-Kymeta-LEO-device-to-vehicle

COST

Emergency response agencies need to assess both up-front and long-term costs; including equipment, airtime, training and support.

One thing to consider are dual-mode satellite and cellular devices like the Kymeta Hawk u8 LEO LTE, as these generally offer a more cost-effective airtime package.

Further, investigate discounts and flexibility in various data packages. At Ground Control, we provide exceptional, flexible rates for emergency responders, recognizing that airtime needs might be intermittent throughout the year.

Cellular tower

INTEROPERABILITY

Seamless communication between different agencies remains a top concern for our public safety officials, with 47% of surveyed first responders recognizing the significance of interoperability. Coordinated communication among federal, state, and local agencies is essential to prevent duplication and delays in rescue efforts.

With SATCOM systems, agencies can achieve interoperability in two main ways: 1. Employing an “interoperability gateway” or crossband repeater. 2. Utilizing Mission-Critical Push-to-Talk (MCPTT) devices. Planning the “how” is essential from the outset.

Local police in full riot gear

SECURITY

The transmission of sensitive data is a crucial aspect of first responder operations. To safeguard this information, the chosen SATCOM service should prioritize network security and provide robust encryption features, to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the transmitted information.

Look for systems and services that offer end-to-end encryption, secure communication channels, and authentication mechanisms to protect data from unauthorized access. For instance, OneWeb’s service boasts military-grade network security, and some ground stations are even located within military installations.

OneWeb ground station

Survey referenced above: Frontline Public Safety Communications

SATCOM equipment is a tool; selecting the right tool can make a substantial difference. And with first response teams expecting their job to require even more connected devices in the next five years, the better agencies understand their needs, the better companies like Ground Control can match agencies with the best possible tool (SATCOM equipment).

For more detailed comparisons of our popular portable and mobile satellite communication equipment, refer to – Comparing SATCOM solutions for public safety agencies. Likewise if you would prefer to discuss your requirements with one of our experienced team, email us at sales@groundcontrol.com.

Ready to take the next step?

With Ground Control, our customers have access to individuals who have not only been working in SATCOMS for over 20 years, but those who have been working alongside first responders for over 20 years. Some of us were even first responders in a previous life.

So if you are reviewing satellite communication equipment and would like some objective advice, simply fill in the form and one of our expert team will get back to you.

Sadly, the frequency and severity of disasters in the United States is severity of disasters in the United States is increasing. Most recently, the nation’s deadliest wildfire in more than a century tore through Maui with devastating affect. As Scott Bowman, acting deputy CIO for FEMA, explains “multiple factors — including type, size and scope of the disaster — drive the use of specific communication methods.” So while SATCOM systems won’t be required for every emergency situation, speedy communications and strong connectivity will be. Whether you’re considering a SATCOMS solution as a primary communication tool or as an indispensable backup, our dedicated team is here to provide you with the information needed to make a well-informed and strategic choice.
 

Exploring in-demand portable SATCOM solutions

Portable SATCOM systems offer the flexibility necessary for dynamic environments. Designed to be easily transported and deployed, portable SATCOM systems enable first responders to establish vital communication links wherever they are needed most.

Service provider:
Physical Dimensions:
Main Case (LxWxH): 61.25″ x 21.75″ x 16″ | 149 lbs / 160 lbs
(LxWxH): 17″ x 13.75″ x 6.75″ | 25.3 lbs
(LxWxH): 20.66″ x 17.20″ x 8.40″ | 36.4lbs
(HxWxD): 7.8″ x 7.8″ x 1.6″ | 3.1lbs
Power:
Mains / Car Battery
Battery 5 hours
Battery 6 hours
Battery 3.5 hours
Antennae:
Portable auto-pointing VSAT antenna
Class 11 Antenna (autopointing)
HGA-2 Antenna (autopointing)
Dual band: GNSS & BGAN
Connectivity Speed:
20Mbps x 5Mbps
Up to 464 Kbps down, 448 Kbps up
Up to 700Kbps down, 352Kbps up
Up to 464Kbps down, 448Kbps up
Average Setup Time:
3.5 minutes | 5/10 minutes setup on ground with/without bracketing
1 minute
1 minute
>5 minutes

Key Features:

Wireless Network up to 100-foot
Wireless Security: WPA (TKIP) WPA2 (AES) + WEP 64 and 128bit
Latency: 500-650ms, ideal for VoIP
Operating Temperatures: -20°F to 140°F at 100% humidity
Wind speeds: 20MPH without added weight (.98m dish)
Streaming Services: Available on demand
Integrated wireless 4 port router
SAFECOM-compliant
Universal “Fly-And-Drive” bracketing

WiFi hotspot up to 100 meters
Wireless Security: WPA2 and MAC address whitelist
Operating Temperatures: -25°C to +70°C (-13°F to 158°F)
Humidity: 95% RH at +40°C
Streaming Services: 32Kbps, 64Kbps, 128Kbps
External Ports: 1 x RJ45 LAN / PoE, 1 x RJ11 Phone, 1 x AC/DC external power, optional 3 x RJ11 for Fax group support
Ingress Protection: IP67
Operates stationary or in-motion
Includes standard analog phone

WiFi hotspot up to 300 meters
Wireless Security: WPA2 and MAC address whitelist
Operating Temperatures: -30°C to +55°C (-22°F to +131°F)
Humidity: 95% RH at +40°C
Streaming Capability: 256 Kbps
External Ports: 2 x RJ45 LAN / PoE, 1 x RJ45 WAN, 1 x RJ14 Phone, 1 x AC/DC external power
Ingress Protection: IP66
Certifications: MIL-STD-810G
Operates stationary or in-motion
Includes standard analog phone

WiFi hotspot up to 100 meters
Operating Temperatures: -25°C to +55°C (-13°F to +131°F)
Humidity: 95% non-condensing at +40°C (+104°F)
Streaming IP Data: 32, 64, 128 kbps
External Ports: USB port for Ethernet, or recharging port for other devices
Ingress Protection: IP66
EXPLORER Connect App: convert smart device into satellite phone, terminal access and pointing assistance

Service provider:

Popular SOTM (Satellite-On-The-Move) equipment

SOTM systems maintain uninterrupted communication while in motion, ideal for vehicles, aircraft and even marine vessels. There has been some really exciting developments here of late, particularly with the Kymeta u8 LEO. Leveraging the OneWeb network, this innovative device is making global mobile connectivity a reality. No lag, no dropouts, no experience of slowed speeds during busy periods – just consistent, high throughput connectivity.

Service provider:
Physical Dimensions:
(LxWxH): 35.2" × 35.2" × 5.5"
| ~68 lbs
Terminal (HxWxD): 2.3″ x 12″ x 9″ | 7.5 lbs
Antenna (HxØ): 4.1″ x 14.5″ | 6.2 lbs
Transceiver (HxWxD): 1.8″ x 11″ x 9.2″ | 5.1 lbs
Antenna: (HxØ) 6″ x 18.8″ | 12.1 lbs
Transceiver: 1.67″ x 9.72″ x 10.63″ | 5.5lbs
Antenna: (HxØ) 6.3″ x 18.76" | 13.2lbs
Power:
Integrated ACU and power supply | 12 VDC to 36 VDC
10–32 VDC OR AC/DC supply with 12 VDC
12 or 24VDC vehicle power
10.5-32VDC input 150W max
Antennae:
Electronically scanned array
Electronically steered phased array
C10 Antenna
Mechanical tracking antenna
Connectivity Speed:
Up to 150Mbps x 30Mbps in-motion / parked
Up to 704kbps down, 352kbps up
Up to 492Kbps
Up to 492 kbps
Install Difficulty:
Easy
Easy
Moderate
Easy

Key Features:

No moving parts
Less than 100W nominal power consumption
Operating Temperatures: -40°C to +70°C with shroud; equivalent to +55°C + solar loading
Scan Angles: Az 360°, El +15° to +90°
Ingress Protection: IP66
Low-Profile Design: Mount high-speed internet on vehicles/trucks/RVs that need speed
LTE configuration offers cellular and WiFi connection options

WiFi range up to 300 meters
Wireless Security: WPA2 with MAC address whitelisting
Operating Temperatures: -30°C to +55°C (-22°F to +131°F)
Streaming Capability: 256 Kbps
LAN: 3 RJ-45 Ethernet Ports with PoE (Power over Ethernet Class 2)
Ingress Protection: IP66 (Antenna), IP31 (Terminal)
Certifications: MIL-STD-810G

Wireless Security: Port forwarding, MAC filtering, Firewall tasks
Operating Temperature: -13°F to 131°F (-25°C to 55°C)
Humidity: 95% RH at +40° C
Streaming CIR 1:1: 32, 64, 128, and 256 Kbps (both directions)
Global Voice via RJ11 phone port

Operating Temperatures: -25°C to +55°C (-13°F to +131°F)
Streaming CIR 1:1: 32, 64, 128 and 256Kbps up to 450Kbps BGAN X-Stream when stationary
Voice/Premium Voice : 4 kbps AMBE +2 / 3.1 kHz audio, 64Kbps
LAN Interface: 4 x RJ45 10/100 Mbps ethernet connections
Ingress Protection: IP56 (Antenna), IP30 (Transceiver)
4 RJ-45 Ethernet ports for multiple device connections
Includes IP handset

Service provider:

Hopefully the tables above give you some idea of the types and scope of SATCOM systems available. At Ground Control our expertise spans over 20 years in satellite communications, and more than two decades supporting and collaborating with first responders. Some of us have even served as first responders in our previous roles. So if you’re evaluating satellite communication equipment and seeking unbiased advice, feel free to reach out to us at sales@groundcontrol.com, or click to view our entire product collection.

Further, even with the comprehensive information provided above, we always emphasize the importance of practical testing. Our team has hands-on experience with various SATCOM models, and we subject all devices to rigorous internal assessments. However, the real-world operational landscape is multifaceted, with diverse environmental factors and geographic conditions that require careful consideration. So in all cases, we strongly recommend agencies test equipment on site, with their people, under conditions closely mirroring those encountered in the field. Effective preparedness demands a comprehensive approach aligned with the dynamic nature of emergency operations.

Maintaining satellite communications equipment

Finally, regular maintenance, proactive troubleshooting, and proper training are key to maximizing the performance and longevity of your satellite communications equipment. These systems can be expensive, we’d argue not as expensive as you think, but we understand how important it is for equipment to uphold effective performance. So with that in mind, below are some simple maintenance tips to ensure you get the most out of your devices.

1. Regularly inspect and test equipment

  • Conduct routine inspections of your satellite communications equipment to identify any signs of wear and tear, loose connections, or physical damage
  • Test network connectivity checking signal strength and quality, data transfer rates and satellite alignment

 
2. Check and apply new software and hardware updates to ensure optimal performance and security.
 
3. Monitor battery performance

  • Follow manufacturer guidelines for charging, storage and replacement of batteries
  • Conduct periodic battery tests and quickly replace aging or faulty batteries

 
4. Train team members on the proper operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of all communications equipment. Encourage prompt reporting of issues and/or abnormalities.
 
5. Implement backup and/or redundant systems, mitigating risks associated with equipment failure and/or service disruption. Ensure these are also included in regular inspections and tests.

Ready to take the next step?

With Ground Control, you're not only in capable hands backed by over 20 years of SATCOMS expertise, but you also have access to flexible and discounted packages tailored specifically for first responders.

For more information on any of our products or available airtime packages, fill in the form and our experienced team will get back to you.

Offshore wind is growing. Pioneered by countries bordering the North Sea – the UK, Germany and the Netherlands – China now leads the world in offshore wind energy production, with 23.9GW of capacity. The United States has started to take an interest, with President Biden committing to building 30 gigawatts of offshore wind projects by 2030 – which will power more than 10 million homes with clean energy. And Brazil has an ambitious programme to build 72.2GW of capacity, dwarfed only by the UK’s planned additional 78.5GW.

The benefits of offshore wind are clear: higher and more consistent wind speeds, unhampered by mountains or buildings, ensures consistent and high energy output. But the costs are substantial. The harsh marine environment means that the turbines are at far higher risk of damage from corrosion and oxidation. Plus, making repairs is harder, more expensive, and more dangerous than onshore wind. As a result, the cost of offshore wind production is far higher than solar or onshore wind: $133 per MegaWatt hour for floating turbines and $78 for fixed-bottom turbines, compared to $34 per MegaWatt hour for onshore wind (source).

We believe satellite IoT has a role to play in both lowering the cost of production, and improving the safety of workers. Here’s how.

Why is offshore wind production relatively expensive?

A chunky 38% of the operating costs of offshore wind farms is allocated to maintenance. What’s contributing to that cost?

  • Equipment failure: on average, each turbine will experience 8.3 failures every year, comprising 6.2 minor repairs, 1.1 major repairs, and 0.3 major replacements
  • Manpower: on average, it takes 116 days and 9 technicians to undertake a major replacement, and 7 days and 3 technicians for a minor repair. Delays are frequent, due to ‘no access days’ caused by bad weather
  • Ageing equipment: some analysts project that opex costs increase from £184,000 per MegaWatt per year when the turbine is new, to £426,000 per MW/Year when the turbine is 15 years old.
Offshore-wind-farm-OPEX

What can be done to reduce these costs?

The best answer is predictive maintenance. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems allow operators to monitor and act upon failures or poor performance, and more advanced data collection and analysis allows maintenance tasks to be predicted.

Predictive technologies include Condition Monitoring Systems (CMS). These capture and analyse as much as 250 physical data points, including torque and force measurements, acoustic emissions, electrical strain gauges, oil particle counters and main bearing damage. Sensors capture the data, then AI or machine learning is used to improve the accuracy of the predictions and reduce false alarms as the system is embedded, and the installation base grows.

The benefits for utilising CMS are clear to see, with one monitoring system provider claiming that 90% of developing faults are detected 5 months before failure, driving 175% annual ROI from greater uptime, and reducing emergency maintenance trips by up to 50%.

Predictive maintenance drives 175% annual ROI for offshore wind farms

Further, improving quality control reduces the risk of accidents, which could then reduce insurance premiums.

A key part of this process is the transmission of the sensor data to the cloud, and from there to the client’s IT system, where the data is collected, stored and analysed.

Sensor data is often transmitted through underwater cables, which offers many benefits: it’s fast, secure, and can carry a large amount of data cost-effectively. However wired communication does have drawbacks that can be resolved by co-locating a wireless solution.

Wired vs. wireless or wired plus wireless?

If you already have a wired connection to your wind farm, it’s worth considering a wireless system to complement it, because the ease of adding new sensors to a wireless network is far greater than trying to wire in additional points into a legacy system. You simply need to place your sensors where they need to be to capture the required data, and switch them on. With no need to run cabling, you’re saving time and money, and benefitting from the additional sensor data faster.

Further, because you’re creating a dedicated wireless network for your SCADA data, its findings can be transmitted independently of other data sources. This provides both resilience in the event that your wired connection is disrupted, and allows you, if you choose, to put bespoke security measures around your OT data stream.

In addition to which, you can speed up the rate of data transmission from the industry standard of every 10 minutes, to virtually real time. In turn, this ensures that your maintenance teams get close to real-time information to help inform decisions on what issue to address, when. In fact, Turbit estimates that you can increase output by up to 5% by applying corrective measures faster.

If you were building a new offshore wind farm and decided to use only wireless connectivity to connect your assets, it can cost as little as 10% of the wired alternative, as well as being faster to implement. That said, while the cost of installation is far less, satellite and cellular connections generally come with a monthly usage fee, and they’re only suitable for relatively small amounts of data. For this reason, in our experience, most operators are exploring hybrid wired and wireless setups.

But adding a wireless network isn’t always straightforward for offshore wind farms, as they may fall outside the reach of cellular networks. 4G/LTE services typically extend to around 12 nautical miles from the coast, and wind farms can be built up to 43 miles offshore, which leaves a gap.

That gap can be bridged with a private cellular network, which offers great throughput and tight data security, but this is expensive and time consuming to set up.

Wireless connectivity options for transmitting IoT data from offshore wind farms

LoRaWAN coupled with satellite connectivity is getting an increasing amount of attention for this application. LoRa networks are very easy to set up, and have a wireless range of approximately 16km. They’re specifically designed for IoT data so LoRa-enabled sensors have very long battery lives, but very small data-throughput.

Aggregate each turbine’s sensor data in a LoRaWAN gateway, and then use a single satellite transceiver to transmit the data into the cloud. This is easily achieved with technology that’s widely available today. For example, a device like the RockREMOTE Rugged can be placed almost anywhere on a turbine, as its omni-directional antenna connects with the Iridium satellite network: if the turbine moves, there’s no loss of connection.

This combination of a Wide Area Network and satellite means that most turbines don’t need a specific piece of hardware to communicate to the satellite network: only one, the ‘master’ turbine, needs this, along with the gateway. The gateway can help to lower the cost of data transmission by providing edge computing capabilities: reporting on exception, for example, ensures that only data points falling out of agreed parameters is transmitted.

Various-connectivity-options-for-transmitting-IoT-data-from-offshore-wind-farms

Is satellite data transmission expensive?

Because of the recent proliferation of satellite network operators, including Starlink and the soon-to-be-launched Amazon Kuiper Project, the cost of sending your data via satellite has substantially decreased. Existing network operators who have proven their reliability over many years have diversified their product offering to ensure that they can remain competitive with the new entrants (read more about satellite connectivity costs).

As an aside, another great benefit of working with established network operators like Iridium and Inmarsat is that their data transfer mechanisms are trusted by governments and militaries worldwide. As wind farms can be considered critical national infrastructure, and are expected to become more attractive targets for cyber-crime in the near future, knowing that you have access to highly secure data transfer options is very important.

Who else benefits from wireless sensor data transmission?

In addition to the operations team receiving, interpreting and actioning the CMS’ recommendations, another ‘customer’ of wireless sensor data and analysis are the maintenance crews. Frequently located onboard offshore support vessels (OSVs), these people are indispensable for the smooth running of offshore projects.

The same data being captured from sensors and transmitted via satellite to the cloud can also be transmitted to the OSVs. By receiving the data directly, they’ll benefit from being able to effectively triage tasks, without having to wait for instructions from an on-shore team. Real-time wind, humidity, wave height and weather pattern measurements are also essential for maintenance workers’ safety. This sensor data doesn’t need to travel through a fibre connection, as the main requirement comes from the maintenance teams for whom this is critical information.

Recommended OSV satellite IoT hardware

While OSVs usually have a heavyweight VSAT system for crew communication, we’d recommend a separate, lighter-weight system for the transmission of IoT and tracking data, both as a failsafe and to use the bandwidth more efficiently.

The Thales VesseLINK is an ideal for solution for this purpose. It utilises the Iridium satellite network which has 100% global coverage, and the antennas are omni-directional, meaning there’s no need to re-point the device when the OSV moves. Because the network is in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), the latency is low – less than one second. Coupled with the fact that it uses the L-band frequency to transmit data, which is unaffected by weather conditions, Iridium-enabled devices are ideal for mission-critical data.

The Thales VesseLINK is available in two versions: the VesseLINK 200 and VesseLINK 700. The difference between them is the data speeds: the former is designed for IoT data and basic voice / internet access, with data speeds of 176 Kbps. The latter delivers high-speed internet with speeds of 700 Kbps, and creates a WiFi hotspot for any device within a 300 metre range. So it’s capable of far more than transmitting IoT data, but will do so under any conditions.

Offshore-Support-Vessel-Satellite-Communication

Another satellite transceiver we’d suggest exploring is the RockSTAR. This handheld device can connect to wearables sensors like heart rate and body temperature monitors. It also features two-way messaging and an SOS feature. Again using the Iridium satellite network, this data can be transmitted to safety teams to allow for timely inventions, where needed.

Primary, secondary or failover communication

A final note regarding satellite connectivity for your offshore wind farm: it’s highly effective as a back-up communications mechanism should anything happen to your primary means of connecting with the turbines. Underwater cables can be damaged by trawlers, the environment or even malicious intent. With satellite as a back-up, you can still shut down or kickstart your turbines as needed, and communicate with your workers. It’s instant infrastructure that isn’t affected by weather, has no dependency on terrestrial networks, and is highly secure.

Talk to the experts

We’ve worked with renewables companies and instrumentation manufacturers for decades, and have seen satellite IoT transform over the years; but never more rapidly than it is right now.

We can help you make sense of a changing ecosystem and make choices that will continue to deliver for you well into the next decade. Get in touch, and we’ll provide you with objective, expert advice.

Remote ‘off-grid’ utilities sites play a crucial role in bringing reliable power to remote and challenging regions. But ensuring seamless communication at these remote power utility sites is no easy task. While traditional mobile and fiber connections are a great solution in cities, they fall short when it comes to the unique communication challenges of off-grid locations such national parks, mountainous regions, and permanent, poorly inhabited, grasslands.

Most power utility and water management companies have around 10% of their sites located in ‘off-grid’ areas. These sites often lack reliable access to mobile networks and terrestrial fibre infrastructure, making it impractical and costly to use conventional connectivity solutions. To make matters more challenging, these remote sites might be in environmentally sensitive areas or rough terrains, making it even harder to set up extensive communication networks.

In such situations, getting customer data back from these sites requires innovative solutions that go beyond the typical terrestrial and cellular options. It’s also crucial to distinguish between customer data backhaul and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) and telemetry data backhaul. Mixing the two could lead to serious cybersecurity issues, which is why a specialized solution designed exclusively for SCADA and telemetry data is essential.

In this blog, we’ll delve into the main data connectivity and backhaul challenges faced by remote power utility providers. Additionally, we’ll discuss how TSAT offers a reliable and robust communication solution specifically tailored to meet the unique requirements of these remote power utility sites.

How TSAT overcomes the key data challenges for power utilities

1. Instant communication infrastructure

Remote areas often lack reliable communication infrastructure, such as wired internet or cellular networks. TSAT utilizes satellite communication to overcome this limitation, ensuring that data can be transmitted to and from the remote sites even in areas with no or limited terrestrial connectivity.

2. Real-time monitoring and control

Remote power utility sites might be unmanned or difficult to access regularly due to their remote site situation, but any downtime or loss of energy production can be costly. TSAT enables real-time monitoring and control of critical assets, such as generators, switchgear, and substations, from a central control center, allowing operators to respond quickly to any issues or anomalies, optimising power output and maximizing power generation.

3. Enhanced grid reliability

By continuously monitoring the remote power sites, TSAT helps identify potential problems and weaknesses in the grid, as they occur in real-time, enabling proactive maintenance and repairs. This proactive approach enhances overall grid reliability and minimises the risk of large-scale outages. Satellite is also highly reliable and unlike terrestrial and fiber, is unaffected by coverage, weather events and ground infrastructure.

4. Robustness against extreme weather events

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction reports that over the last 20 years, there has been a “staggering rise” in the number of extreme weather events. Floods, fires, storms and earthquakes, all risk the stability, reliability and telemetry data delivery of sites reliant on cellular and fiber. As TSAT is satellite-based, connectivity is much more reliable and stable.

5. Highly secure

Cyber-attacks are on the rise around the world and utility powerhouses have been targets. TSAT ensures encrypted and authenticated data transmission between remote power sites and the central control center. The dedicated satellite network provides a private and isolated communication channel, safeguarding against cyber threats and unauthorized access; making for a trusted and effective solution for power utilities’ communication needs in remote locations.

SCADASat-by-TSAT

A detailed look at TSAT

TSAT offers a narrowband private satellite network that provides an ideal solution for monitoring and controlling smart power grids in even the most remote locations. Power utilities in the UK can now benefit from this cost-effective and reliable platform, connecting distant assets to crucial utility applications like SCADA transmission, telemetry, and M2M, all within a secure network.

Designed to accommodate the needs of both small and medium-sized networks, TSAT boasts scalability with lower operating costs compared to installing and maintaining fiber connectivity. It supports both IP and legacy serial devices and operates independently from terrestrial communication systems. This not only complements existing terrestrial networks but also offers an alternative solution, ensuring continuous transmission at all times.

The hardware is purpose-built to withstand harsh environments, providing years of reliable operation, making it the most robust choice in adverse weather conditions, unlike mobile and fiber alternatives. Additionally, TSAT adheres to the IEC-61850 global standard for utility and industrial communication and automation, ensuring seamless integration with existing systems.

Through rigorous testing, Ground Control solutions have received certifications in the Worldwide Industrial Telemetry Standards (WITS) DNP3 protocol, setting the global standard for utility industry telemetry control and monitoring requirements. This ensures interoperability between equipment from different manufacturers, guaranteeing a smooth and efficient power utility system.

Private-Satellite

Save costs and be secure

The equivalent statistic for Euros regarding the average cost of laying fiber can be found in the United States Department of Transportation’s “Fiber Optic Installation Cost Survey” report. According to the report, the average cost of laying fiber is estimated to be around €23,000 per kilometer. Additionally, there’s the ongoing expense of sending experienced Field Engineers to manage installations and maintenance. Over a 10-year hardware lifespan, this this total is significant.

TSAT offers a practical solution to mitigate these costs almost entirely, as its terminal can be remotely managed. This means no more costly truck rolls, and with TSAT being always-on and relaying data in real-time, prompt and guaranteed servicing is assured.

The TSAT HUB stands out as the most cost-effective VSAT HUB available. By efficiently utilizing the satellite spectrum and tailoring satellite bandwidth to meet specific application needs, annual communication expenses are significantly reduced. This makes TSAT an ideal primary or backup option for existing terrestrial communications, providing reliable and affordable connectivity for remote utility sites.

SCADASat by TSAT
TSAT Desktop Version

Unlock the potential of your data

With over 40 years of combined knowledge of satellite experience, the Ground Control team is well placed to help keep you connected when it matters the most with complete satellite connectivity solutions for any situation and application.

Whatever your communication or connectivity needs, we can help.

While the Mining industry has been applying advanced analytics and AI to its operational technology for some time, Forestry has lagged behind in terms of digital data capture, automated operations and optimised decision-making made possible through advanced analytics. But the times are changing.

As McKinsey identified in a 2018 article, the increasing technical sophistication of Forestry’s main customers – pulp, paper, transportation, sawmills, timber traders etc. – has driven the adoption of precision farming technologies. Further, early adopters have used their greater yields and reduced costs as a competitive advantage.

An example of the value of real-time data capture is seen in the mechanised harvesting cut-to-length (CTL) system, evolving in Scandinavia. Traditionally, tree felling and log manufacture are carried out by an operator with a chainsaw; tree trunks are extracted with wheeled skidders or cable systems to the roadside, and then sawn, in situ, into logs. Trunks are connected to cable systems by operators, navigating debris and potential runaway trunks; a manual, dangerous job. Decisions on what log grades to make from each tree trunk are made by the chainsaw operators, guided by a few basic log specifications and prices. There is little automation.

New CTL technology is fully mechanised with a harvester that fells trees and makes logs in one process, paired with a forwarder that moves these logs roadside. The system relies on digital data: cutting instructions are relayed in real-time to the harvesters, where onboard computers optimise the mix of log grades made from each tree, using sensors mounted on the harvester to measure trunk shape and quality. Production data, together with data on machine productivity, and other performance indicators such as fuel efficiency, can be visualised in real-time.

This level of automation and digitalisation increases operational safety while speeding up precision felling and productivity. It gives greater management control, an optimised supply chain, fast value recovery and planning for the next crop. Data on grade outturn from a specific site can inform decisions on what tree species to plant for the next crop, what fertiliser regimen to employ, and at what age to best harvest a crop. Effectively, optimised decision-making via advanced analytics and insight.

CTL System

Connectivity: why it’s holding Forestry back

The problem with utilising smart industrial equipment is that it’s not that smart without a means of passing data between machines, people, or back-to-base. According to FPInnovations, 60% of forestry operations have no cellular coverage, which “prevents the timely flow of information between the forest and the data centre… we cannot use the productivity tracking technology that’s being used in other sections, such as agriculture.”

Cellular coverage in remote locations, especially covering woodland, mine pits or agricultural fields is often patchy or unavailable and this leaves remote teams and machines disconnected. Recent forestry development has overcome this, to some extent, using geostationary (GEO) satellite technology.

In their 2021 trial project, FPInnovations and partners tested the use of a mobile, private LTE (cellular) network in the forest. An LTE base station was set up at the edge of a cut block, utilising a 30-metre portable cell tower, omnidirectional antenna and tower-mounted amplifier (TMA) to increase signal strength for extended coverage. A satellite terminal was then used to connect the LTE system to the internet.

In this trial, one cell tower covered a 10-kilometre radius. Devices within this radius, including cell phones, tablets and telematics, communicated with the cell tower even while in motion. The GEO satellite service provided the essential backhaul of data. You can read more about the trial here, where the learnings from the project are available.

But this type of solution comes with high initial investment costs, and the use of geostationary satellites can create limitations over more rugged terrain, where a view of the sky is restricted. Devices that connect with geostationary satellites – in orbit 35,786 km above Earth – need to have a clear line of sight to their satellite, which can prove difficult in mountainous and wooded areas. The evolution of the project is to use a satellite transceiver that speaks to satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

The role of LEO satellites in bridging the gaps

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks benefit from lower latency (because of their relative proximity to Earth), and can provide more reliable coverage if there are line-of-sight challenges, or the operation is mobile.

Iridium utilises a mesh of LEO satellites able to communicate with one another, passing data from one satellite to another, until the final destination is reached. Antennas communicating with the mesh network don’t need to be ‘pointed’ towards a single satellite, as data can be picked up by any satellite within the constellation and passed through the network, to the ground station.

This makes this network ideal for mobile IoT applications, and perfect for heavy machinery, or operations that shift in location, such as transitory logger camps. Iridium Certus 100 service can provide ubiquitous connectivity in very remote, forest areas.

Iridium-Global-Coverage-Map-2023

Implications for developing precision forestry technologies

Reliable satellite connectivity, be that as the primary form of data connectivity or as a data backhaul for cellular or LoRa networks, creates the foundations for smart precision forestry technology, bringing several exciting digital operational capabilities.

The guaranteed connectivity is essential to the constant stream of data that passes between high-precision heavy machinery and the controller. It may be simple sensory data, such as sudden movements, or hazardous objects detected in the logging zone; a block in the workflow or a major mechanical malfunction. Remote heavy machine monitoring, diagnostics and troubleshooting can also provide advance warning on machine maintenance, saving downtime and redundancy, creating operational efficiency and reducing costs.

Steps towards Forestry digitisation

One obvious consideration for implementing precision forestry technology is the scale of investment relative to the size of the logger operation. For a forestry operation curious to see if the benefits of automation can be realised, satellite IoT devices present a very rapid and low cost means of backhauling data from individual machines, and can be rapidly scaled up or down. They can help logging operations evolve from analogue to digital in incremental ways, depending on the volume of data that needs to be transferred, and the critical nature of what’s being communicated back to base, or between man and machinery.

Automated machinery requires constant data connectivity for safety and autonomous decision-making, whereas maintenance alerts may only be necessary on a report-by-exception basis. For each use case, our technical team is able to advise on the best satellite service to support the operational needs and budget.

The RockREMOTE Rugged provides a fertile opportunity for trialling the benefits of satellite connectivity in a forestry setting. It’s aluminium cased, and built to withstand the roughest of environments. Fixed to a remote asset, like a Forester or Harvester, the device enables satellite data transfer of predictive and preventative maintenance analytics, for example.

Customers with small to moderate-sized Industrial IoT data requirements can utilise Iridium’s IMT message-based service for cost-effective data transfer. For more data-heavy applications and real-time monitoring, the device connects TCP/IP-related data, via the Iridium Certus 100 Airtime service. Certus 100 enables data transfer of up to 200 MB per month with speeds of 22 Kbps up and 88 Kbps down.

RockREMOTE-Rugged-Satellite-IoT-Device

As mentioned earlier, it will maintain a reliable connection on the move, and transmit from anywhere with a clear view of the sky. If your devices and assets are already connected to an LTE Cat 1 or Cat 4 cellular network, the Rock Remote Rugged device also offers automatic WAN to satellite failover.

Digitising Forestry offers more opportunities for data insight and application: from advanced forest mapping, sensor-controlled environments and forest nurseries, to the use of drones/UAVs for fire monitoring and precision forestry inventory. Satellite provides the instant infrastructure needed to test and scale projects like these.

Unlock the potential of your data

If you would like help unlocking the potential of data for your next precision forestry project, get in touch. Our technical team would be happy to assist, no matter how big the project or whatever the question…

Satellite IoT is exploding right now, with new entrants left, right and centre, and some huge names throwing their hats into the ring: Starlink for one, and Amazon’s Kuiper for another. This incredible proliferation of satellite network operators is driving innovation at an unprecedented speed, but there’s also a lot of hype. In this post, aimed at sensor manufacturers supporting the water and waste water industry, we’re going to explore what’s currently available, what’s coming soon, and what we think the next five to 10 years looks like – with some myth-busting along the way.

Satellite networks launched between 1965 and 2011

Satellite networks 1965 to 2011

This timeline shows the launch dates of the “old guard” of satellite network operators; and while they’re unquestionably well established, don’t take old as meaning redundant here. These companies have stood the test of time; their services are highly reliable, and they’ve repeatedly updated their networks over the decades. Between them they serve the gamut of satellite internet applications, from Iridium’s Short Burst Data, designed for tiny amounts of IoT data, through to Viasat’s broadband internet service with speeds of up to 100 Mbps.

Satellite networks launched between 2018 and 2024

Satellite networks 2018 to 2023-4

As mentioned, in recent years, more and more companies have started to build satellite networks; all are in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), and almost all are using what are called “SmallSats”. Here we’re using the term for any satellite weighing less than 180 kg and measuring between the size of a kitchen fridge and a Rubik’s cube. It’s this smaller size that has, in part, allowed for this growth – it’s much cheaper to put a SmallSat into Low Earth Orbit than it is to put a large satellite (over 1,000 kg) into Geostationary orbit.

Coupled with the trend for SmallSats and Low Earth Orbit, the other major reason for the increased number of new entrants is the lowered cost of putting satellites into space. From $85,000 per KG in the 1980s, to just $1,000 per KG in 2020 (source); for that you can largely thank SpaceX.

About satellite orbit heights

A quick explanation about the significance of orbit heights in satellite connectivity. Satellites in Low Earth Orbit (or LEO) are much closer to Earth than Geostationary satellites, which means that the time it takes to send data to the satellite and back to Earth is reduced – usually less than 1 second.

If you need real-time data transmission for your systems to operate smoothly, this is a welcome and necessary benefit. However, for this to be realized in practice, there needs to be a satellite overhead at the point at which you transmit; we’ll touch on the challenges new entrants have in this respect shortly.

GEO, LEO, MEO satellite orbit heights

What are the implications for water sensor manufacturers?

1. Lower cost

Firstly, cost: these networks cost less to establish, so the operators have less costs to recoup! That in turn has forced the established players to diversify their services to compete. This is great news as the relatively high cost of sending data over satellite previously made some use cases non-viable – but no longer. If you need to capture data from your remotely deployed sensors, cost is rarely, if ever, a prohibiting factor now.

Reservoirs

Water levels, precipitation, air and water temperature, relative humidity

Pipelines

Leak detection, Third Party Intrusion, broken wires, storm water ingress

Treatment Plants

Water levels and flows, energy consumption, water quality, equipment status

2. Smaller antenna size

Secondly, antenna size and power. This has always been variable depending on the amount of data needing to be transmitted: a large amount needs a large antenna and a decent amount of power. Small amounts of sensor data, however, can be sent to satellites in Low Earth Orbit using absolutely tiny antennas such as the patch antenna included with the RockBLOCK 9603.

This connects to the Iridium network, which was one of the first LEO networks launched. This low-power-by-design modem can be powered by a battery for many years, and the same is true for many of the devices which connect to the new space entrants.

RockBLOCK 9603 with zoom on patch antenna

3. The convergence of satellite and 5G

The next step in the evolution of Satellite IoT is the convergence of cellular and satellite networks. The telecommunications industry is working on several ideas that will enable seamless data transfer between these networks. A key application of this convergence is to extend the reach of 5G which in comparison to its predecessors, provides limited coverage. If satellites can function as “cell towers” in space, it would unlock the full potential of 5G, providing global coverage from anywhere on the planet. 3GPP’s latest release – Release 17 – included technical specifications for direct-to-device 5G over satellite. This release also extended interoperability, Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB), and network slicing to support Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs). Read more about 5G and satellite technology.

Things to be aware of

It’s not all good news, though. It takes time and money to build a reliable satellite constellation, and every one of the new entrants is still in the process of establishing their network – including Starlink and Swarm.

That means that you can suffer from high latency – i.e. there simply isn’t a satellite overhead for your device to send data to, so you will need to wait until there is. To give you a real-life example, if you connect your sensor to the Swarm network from North America, it can take from 2 minutes to 2 hours for your data to be intercepted by a satellite, and then delivered back to Earth. For Iridium, those parameters are 10 seconds to 15 minutes. And bear in mind Swarm is one of the best established of the new entrants; newer and less well funded companies will have much longer delays.

Similarly coverage can be spotty; there is still only one satellite company that delivers 100% global coverage, and that’s Iridium. The established geostationary satellite operators usually have great coverage, and just miss out the polar regions.

The new networks also suffer from congestion: demand can outstrip supply, leading to failed transmissions and higher costs as data packets are re-sent; plus slower speeds when the network is busy. That’s plaguing Starlink right now – they’ll fix it, for sure, but just now it could be problematic.

However, if your instruments or sensors are within the coverage of one of these networks, and you can cope with receiving data once or twice a day, with the promise that this will speed up as they launch more satellites, then there is a huge amount of choice available to you, and the cost is really very low.

Our recommendations for water sensor satellite connectivity

For critical national infrastructure like water utilities, we continue to recommend established networks like Eutelsat, Iridium and Inmarsat with millions of subscribers, who’ve proven they can manage spikes in demand; who’ve got redundancy services baked in; who have very high levels of coverage and still benefit from very low latency.

  • Low Earth Orbit
  • 100% global coverage
  • Network optimization and redundancy

  • Geostationary Orbit
  • 99.9% service availability
  • Merged with Viasat: huge scale

  • Geostationary Orbit
  • 1,200 employees
  • 40 years experience

What about data security?

“Water utilities are the third most targeted sector for hackers in the United States”
– Journal of Environmental Engineering

Water terrorism is on the rise and is likely to get worse as clean, safe water becomes an increasingly scarce resource. In 2022, hackers claimed to have access to the SCADA data of Thames Water (oddly, while they thought they’d hacked Thames Water, they’d actually hacked South Staffordshire Water; and in neither case were they actually able to access SCADA systems).

The hackers claimed to have the ability to tamper with the safety of drinking water, a terrifying prospect for the general public (source). While this incident blew over with basically no harm done, there are state-sponsored cyber warfare units who will be vastly more capable, should they be tasked with targeting national infrastructure.

To be clear, sending your data via satellite isn’t risk-free. But it is much harder to intercept data going from a sensor to a satellite, then back to a ground station, than it is to intercept data that’s using public infrastructure like the internet. And if that ground station is physically on your premises – that’s an air-gapped solution that’s about as secure as data transfer gets. This private satellite network is called TSAT and we don’t know of any more secure way to transmit mission critical data.

Private satellite networks

And while TSAT represents the highest tier of security capabilities within satellite IoT, by default, satellite data traffic is relatively secure, meeting most military and government security standards.

Further, at Ground Control, we’ve built Cloudloop, a delivery network for Iridium and Inmarsat traffic, which allows us to have full control over our certified, cutting-edge data paths, while securely delivering traffic.

We built this because we wanted to deliver additional security for our customers’ data, and offer optional public static IPs and completely configurable firewalls to assist in securely moving your data from A to B.

To summarize: satellite IoT has transformed in the last five years: prices have come down, transceivers are smaller, power requirements have lessened, and security has improved. And with Amazon’s Kuiper satellite network scheduled for launch in 2024, the pace of change is not going to slow.

We’re here to help you make sense of all of this. We keep on top of all of these developments so we can make expert recommendations to you, and ensure that a system you implement today will remain viable 5, 10 or 15 years into the future.

Would you like to know more?

We partner with sensor / instrumentation manufacturers to deliver end to end solutions for water companies across the world. If you design and build sensors, we'd love to hear from you to talk about working together. If you're a water utilities company and looking for a connectivity bridge for your remote sites, we can help!

Call or email us, or complete the online form, and we'll come back to you within one working day.
Call or Email Us

Did you know that 81% of emergency managers have experienced communication failures during emergencies?

Whether a major incident is caused by a natural disaster, accident or malicious intent, first responders have to contend with a constantly evolving situation where priorities can change from minute to minute. Adding to the complexity is communication, which is made particularly challenging when multiple agencies need to communicate in order to respond effectively; when an incident takes place in a remote area, or if bandwidth gets constrained.

None of these issues are easy to resolve, but we’ve written this blog post to outline some potentially overlooked, affordable and easy-to-deploy solutions which can help tackle the three core issues of interoperability, network congestion, and coverage in remote areas.

1. Interoperability

“During incidents like 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, cell phone towers were destroyed and overloaded, and first responders’ radios were incompatible, making life-saving communications almost nonexistent when they were needed most.” – United States Army

“The inability of responders from different departments and jurisdictions to communicate over their various radio systems during the event… was determined to have been a factor in the inability to evacuate 343 firefighters from the World Trade Center buildings, who all perished as a result.” – Dereck Orr, NIST

Why were the radios incompatible? Because public safety departments across the US are free to choose their own radio systems from different manufacturers, which sometimes operate on different radio bands. But forced standardization of radio systems isn’t the answer, as allowing agencies to select their providers encourages competition, driving innovation and lowering costs.

Two options present themselves: firstly, using an “interoperability gateway” otherwise known as a crossband repeater – technology designed to transmit and receive on different parts of the radio spectrum. These devices can be quickly deployed to allow agencies using different radio systems to talk to each other, in addition to other frequently used devices like satellite phones and VoIP desk phones.

Secondly, using Mission-Critical Push-to-Talk (MCPTT) enabled devices. This is a newly developed protocol that several telecommunication companies are building into their applications, including Ericsson, Qualcomm, ESChat and Motarola. If you’re using software built to the MCPTT specification, irrespective of the network or handset being used, you can communicate with other agencies using MCPTT. Currently this technology isn’t interoperable with LMR, but this is a known requirement that’s being worked on (source).

2. Network congestion

For people caught up in an emergency, it’s a natural reaction to try and reach friends and family, but this can, and frequently does, lead to network congestion. And that can have catastrophic consequences for emergency responders and the people they’re trying to save.

Cognizant of this, two communications companies took the initiative to create networks exclusively for the use of first responders: AT&T’s FirstNet, and Verizon’s Frontline. Both provide a choice of different phones, tablets, laptops and routers compatible with the service, and cover up to 2.71 million square miles. This helpful article provides a more detailed comparison and pricing.

It’s not a perfect solution: users of FirstNet have reported poor signal coverage, while users of Frontline report frustration with saturated networks. One workaround is to use an app like ESChat, which supports multiple terrestrial networks, but also offers a satellite option, Iridium Certus, which provides 100% global coverage. That’s a highly valuable failsafe if cell phone towers are damaged or congested, or terrestrial infrastructure is wilfully targeted, as was seen at the Nashville bombing in 2020.

ESChat partnered with Thales to make this satellite solution available. If you’re a first responder with a MissionLINK 200, MissionLINK 700 or MCD-MissionLINK device, or its maritime equivalent, the VesseLINK 200 or VesseLINK 700 (the differences are the data speeds available), you’ll be able to subscribe to the ESChat service and benefit from low-latency PTT from your smartphone or tablet.

Satellite systems in general are a great failsafe should terrestrial networks be damaged, destroyed or overloaded; and the proliferation of new satellite constellations over the last few years has created more choice and lower prices for users.

Do satellite networks suffer from network congestion too?

As satellite grows in popularity thanks to companies like Starlink, congestion on satellite networks needs to be considered. Like terrestrial networks, some satellite network operators provide dedicated bandwidth for emergency response traffic, whereas with others, you’re sharing the network with commercial users. Starlink for example has grown its user base so quickly that the demand is outpacing the capacity of the network, causing speeds to slow right down when many customers try to connect at the same time.

The best advice is to do your research, and ideally speak to someone who understands the satellite industry very well before deciding on a satellite partner.

3. Coverage in remote areas

While FirstNet and Frontline cover 77% of the landmass of the United States, that still leaves 800,000 square miles where there is no cellular coverage. These dead zones are naturally removed from population centers but are no less at risk from wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes, landslides or flooding, which can cause huge damage to critical infrastructure like oil, gas and water utilities, plus farms, forestry and mining operations.

Sending emergency responders into areas like this presents a new set of challenges around communication, as neither cellular nor radio networks are likely to be consistently available. Satellite systems perform highly effectively in these circumstances, providing instant infrastructure that’s independent of terrestrial networks.

Portable, battery-operated devices like the MCD-4800 “The Football” or the MCD-MissionLINK create a WiFi hotspot of up to 1,000ft, providing broadband internet for up to 12 connected devices.

This delivers reliable access to email, text messages, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and mapping. It enables the tracking of manpower and equipment, and access to GIS data; as well as the ability to upload drone data and to monitor local TV news coverage.

Even a simple handheld device like the RockSTAR can save lives. This highly ruggedized equipment provides real-time tracking of your personnel, and can transmit IoT data such as their temperature and heart-rate.

Two-way text messaging is possible both via the device and via a Bluetooth-connected smartphone, and there are alert features if the device is dropped, or the person moves out of a pre-agreed trajectory.

MCD-4800-BGAN-Terminal-in-Use

Effective communication during major incidents is a tough nut to crack, but the technology exists today to overcome interoperability challenges, and the emerging MCPTT protocol holds great promise to banish this issue altogether. But it remains important to have options, like satellite, that don’t rely on terrestrial infrastructure. Terrestrial infrastructure – including that which supports LMR – will always be the default, but that makes it a high priority target for terrorist attacks. Plus, it remains vulnerable to natural disasters, and is absent from 23% of the US’ landmass.

Objective, expert advice

Ground Control is a satellite communications expert, having supplied emergency responders with solutions for over 20 years.

We work with multiple satellite network operators and partner with companies like Thales, Hughes, Cobham and Starlink to make sure you get the best possible solution for your circumstances. We’re here to help with objective, expert advice when you need it.

Satellite communications have revolutionized the way police forces operate. Not only has satellite communication technology transformed the reach, reliability and robustness of global connectivity, but it has also provided law enforcement agencies with a powerful tool to enhance their capabilities and improve citizen safety.

In this blog post, we will explore the crucial role and key benefits of satellite-based communication in modern policing and law enforcement practices.

5 benefits of satellite communication for modern policing

1. Seamless connectivity

Satellite communications have the unrivaled ability to establish connectivity even in the world’s most remote and underserved areas. Traditional terrestrial communication networks are often unable to provide reliable coverage in rural regions, national parks, or disaster-stricken areas.

Unlike traditional terrestrial communication systems that often suffer from limitations such as range restrictions, network congestion, and vulnerability to natural disasters or deliberate disruptions, satellite provides a reliable and resilient communication infrastructure that can overcome these challenges. This capability enables law enforcement personnel to remain connected, allowing them to communicate and access critical information, regardless of location.

2. Rapid deployment and flexibility

Satellite communication systems offer rapid deployment capabilities, making them ideal for law enforcement operations that require immediate connectivity. Whether it’s establishing a temporary policing command post, setting up communication networks in disaster-stricken areas, or deploying resources to remote locations, satellite solutions can provide the required flexibility.

A mobile VSAT system could be mounted on the ground, on top of a vehicle, truck, trailer, or even transported in the back of an SUV. Deployment is rapid and suitable for any location – providing a robust, high-speed internet and communications solution. Police forces can subsequently reliably achieve quick, uninterrupted connectivity and operational effectiveness in dynamic and evolving situations.

3. Improved inter-agency collaboration

US law enforcement agencies need to collaborate with multiple agencies during joint policing operations, cross-border investigations, and when combining interagency task forces. Satellite communications enable the facilitation of seamless, secure communication and data sharing between these different agencies, regardless of their geographical location.

In rural areas, satellite-based connectivity can be the only way to achieve this as traditional communication systems like cellular and LMR are typically, much more limited. Satellite enabled messaging devices support rural-based police officers by providing reliable tracking and messaging anywhere in the world, powering collaboration across multiple regions, enhancing policing coordination, and strengthening the overall effectiveness of law enforcement efforts.

4. Real-time surveillance and intelligence gathering

Real-time surveillance monitors high-risk areas, tracks suspects, and shares data with other police forces and agencies for more coordinated operations and successful crime combating. Satellites equipped with high-resolution imaging sensors can provide real-time or near-real-time imagery of vast areas, enabling law enforcement agencies to monitor critical locations, track multiple suspects, or identify potential threats to life. This advanced surveillance capability helps to serve better public safety in the US and the world.

5. Coordinated disaster management and emergency response

During natural disasters, satellite communications play a crucial role in maintaining communication lines when terrestrial infrastructure is damaged, overloaded, or otherwise fails. When this happens, satellite serves as a lifeline for law enforcement agencies to coordinate response efforts, share critical information, and request additional resources. Furthermore, satellite connectivity enables mobile command centers to be established quickly so police can set up communication hubs out in the field during emergency and critical situations. This enables efficient coordination, resource allocation, and decision-making in real time. In the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings, police and the FBI relied on satellites as cellphones were unreliable in the bombing aftermath.

Powering Policing with Satellite Communication Solutions

MCD-4800

For seamless connectivity in policing operations, the MCD-4800 provides instant infrastructure independent of terrestrial networks. Within a minute the MCD-4800 becomes a powerful WiFi hotspot accessible by any wireless device within a 300ft range for up to 5 hours on internal battery power alone. This capability enables law enforcement personnel to remain connected, allowing them to communicate and access critical information, regardless of location.

MCD-4800 – “The Football”

Toughsat Flyaway

The Toughsat Flyaway is designed to mount in all locations where a mobile VSAT system could be mounted, such as on the ground, on top of a vehicle, truck, trailer, or even transported in the back of an SUV. Deployment is rapid and suitable for any location - providing a robust, high-speed internet and communications solution. Police forces benefit from reliable connectivity and operational effectiveness in dynamic and evolving situations.

Toughsat Flyaway

RockSTAR

RockSTAR is a handheld tracking and messaging device which transmits from anywhere in the world. Ruggedized, and with an astonishing 12 month battery life. RockSTAR makes sure that officers' location is monitored, with alerts if the device is dropped, or moves out of the intended route / location. It can also transmit wearables' data such as heart rate and blood pressure, making it a valuable health and safety addition for remote policing.

RockSTAR Handheld Tracker

RockREMOTE

RockREMOTE is an IoT device utilizing the Iridium Certus network; this means it's cost-effective to send relatively large amounts of IoT data, including compressed images. Forces around the world use RockREMOTE as part of camera traps, remote security checks and alarm systems. It's also deployed on unmanned vehicles, including drones, to allow commands to be sent, and data received, from wherever the vehicle travels.

RockREMOTE Rugged

MCD-MissionLINK

The MCD-MissionLINK is a portable, easy-to-operate satellite terminal which provides a powerful Wi-Fi hotspot (up to 1,000 feet), providing satellite broadband for up to 12 devices. This device differs from the MCD-4800 in three key areas: it doesn't require pointing, so may work better in forested or mountainous areas; it delivers faster internet speeds, and it will work anywhere on the globe, including the polar regions.

MCD-MissionLINK

Closing thoughts…

Satellite communication technology offers numerous benefits to law enforcement agencies. From seamless connectivity in remote areas to enhanced surveillance capabilities, satellite technology has become an invaluable tool for improving operational efficiency and public safety. The ability to establish reliable communication during emergencies, support inter-agency collaboration, and provide global reach strengthens the overall effectiveness of law enforcement efforts all over the world.

By harnessing the power of satellite communications, law enforcement and policing agencies can adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of modern crime and ensure safer and more secure communities. As satellite grows in popularity, so too do the service options, and the competitiveness of the pricing. It’s anticipated that in the next few years, satellite and cellular networks will effectively merge, which will open up more possibilities to support policing and law enforcers.

Harness the Power of Satellite Communications

Satellite communication technology transformed what law enforcement agencies and police forces can achieve to enhance crime combating capabilities and improve citizen safety. See what Ground Control can achieve for you, your teams and your agency.

Contact us today. We'll be able to help and offer impartial advice on the best solutions to improve your operational and connectivity challenges.