Traditional Space Technology in a New Space Era
Utilising Traditional VSAT and Low-Bandwidth Satellite Connectivity in a High-Throughput Satellite World
In recent years, the satellite communications (satcom) industry has been revolutionized by the advent of High-Throughput Satellites (HTS), such as Starlink, Oneweb and soon to be Kuiper. With their unprecedented capacity and ability to deliver significantly higher data rates at lower costs, HTS has become the backbone of connectivity for a wide range of industries, from maritime to aviation. However, in a world increasingly dominated by everyone wanting more information as soon as possible, traditional VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) and low-bandwidth satellite solutions remain vital for those specialist, specific use cases.
The Rise of High-Throughput Satellites
High Throughput Satellite technology, characterized by its use of multiple spot beams and frequency reuse, has set new expectations and standards for satellite connectivity. These satellites offer throughput measured in gigabits per second (Gbps), enabling applications that were previously unimaginable, such as seamless in-flight Wi-Fi, streaming video in remote areas, and high-speed broadband for those in the remotest of places. The cost-per-bit for HTS airtime and hardware has plummeted compared to traditional satellites, making it the ‘go-to’ for bandwidth-intensive applications.
The world of communications is not a one-size-fits-all environment. Many use cases still require the simplicity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness that traditional VSAT and low-bandwidth satellite systems can provide.
Why Traditional VSAT and Low-Bandwidth Solutions Still Matter
Cost-Effective for Low-Data Applications Not all industries require the high bandwidth offered by HTS. For example, many remote monitoring systems, telemetry applications, and voice communication setups require only a few kilobits per second (kbps). Traditional VSAT and low-bandwidth solutions, when designed and optimised for each application, are often more cost-effective for such use cases, avoiding the overkill of HTS-level capacity.
Ease of Deployment and Maintenance The new HTS hardware is considered easy to install, not requiring specialised equipment or expertise. However equipment for low bandwidth solutions can be even simpler to setup. Small tracking/ messaging devices from Iridium and Globalstar require very little physical space, with an almost ‘Slap and Track’ approach. In locations where discretion is key, a low profile device that is not easily recognised requiring no external cables or devices, an ‘old fashioned’ low bandwidth network can meet all the expectations.
Global Coverage While HTS offers high-capacity connectivity, its coverage is often focused on high-demand areas such as urban centers, shipping lanes, and aviation corridors. Conversely, traditional satellites provide broader, more uniform coverage. This makes them indispensable for industries operating in sparsely populated regions or areas not yet prioritized by HTS providers.
Resilience and Redundancy In critical applications, redundancy is essential. Traditional VSAT and low-bandwidth solutions can serve as a backup to HTS systems, ensuring continuous connectivity in case of a primary system failure. This is particularly important for mission-critical industries such as defense, emergency response, and energy.
Applications Where Traditional VSAT Shines
Disaster Response During natural disasters, when terrestrial infrastructure is often destroyed or overwhelmed, traditional VSAT provides a lifeline for emergency responders. The portability and quick deployment of these systems make them ideal for establishing temporary communication networks.
Remote Sensing and IoT Industries like agriculture, mining, and environmental monitoring rely on low-bandwidth satellite connectivity for remote sensing and IoT applications. These systems typically transmit small packets of data at regular intervals, making traditional satellite connectivity the most cost-effective option.
Maritime and Small-Scale Operations While large shipping fleets increasingly adopt HTS for broadband internet, smaller vessels and fishing boats often rely on low-bandwidth VSAT systems for essential and regulatory driven communication monitoring such as weather updates and GPS tracking. The affordability and reliability of these systems are unmatched for small-scale operations.
Rural and Underserved Areas In many developing regions, where terrestrial networks are either nonexistent or unreliable, traditional VSAT systems provide affordable connectivity for schools, clinics, and local businesses. These systems help bridge the digital divide without requiring significant infrastructure investments.
Integrating Traditional and HTS Systems: A Hybrid Approach
Rather than viewing traditional VSAT and HTS as competitors, a hybrid approach can leverage the strengths of both technologies. For instance, enterprises can use HTS for high-bandwidth applications like video conferencing and data transfer while relying on traditional VSAT for low-bandwidth needs such as backup connectivity or telemetry.
The hybrid model is particularly appealing for industries that operate across diverse geographies. For example, a global logistics company might use HTS to provide high-speed internet at regional hubs while deploying traditional VSAT to maintain connectivity in remote locations.
Conclusion
The arrival of HTS has undoubtedly transformed the satellite communications landscape, offering game-changing bandwidth and cost-efficiency. However, traditional VSAT and low-bandwidth satellite solutions remain integral to a wide range of applications. Their affordability, reliability, and global reach ensure they continue to play a vital role, particularly in scenarios where high throughput is unnecessary or unavailable.
As the satcom industry evolves, the key to maximizing connectivity lies in embracing the strengths of both traditional and modern technologies. By doing so, industries can achieve a resilient and cost-effective communication infrastructure that meets the diverse needs of a connected world.
