NIST help prevent interception, As data is transmitted to the satellite, Transmission Security (TRANSEC) guidelines outlined by NIST help prevent interception, disruption of reception, communications deception, or derivation of intelligence to and from our satellites.

An additional safety measure is for satellites to adhere to the U.S. Space Force’s Commercial Satellite Communications Office’s (CSCO) Infrastructure Asset Pre-Approval Program (IA-Pre), which affirms satellites are suitable for mission-critical military use.

As data returns from the satellite to the ground infrastructure, data security should remain a key focus from the point where teleports receive it until it is handed off to a customer data center. Once again, the security standards in place for the ground infrastructure network safeguard information all the way to the customer.

Enabling mission-critical satellite connectivity

These rigorous security standards, practices, and precautions are why mission-critical connectivity can be provided when people and organizations need it most.

On the ground, it allows operators to deploy connectivity solutions in parts of the world where terrestrial infrastructure isn’t an option, helping to connect some of the most remote and hard-to-reach areas around the world, from rural parts of the U.S. to South Africa.

Satellite technology also plays a critical role when disaster strikes. In August 2021, when a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck southern Haiti, terrestrial communication networks in the country suffered severe damage. Terminals were sent to the impacted areas immediately to provide reliable, easy-to-use, high-speed connectivity.

When disaster struck in the U.S. this year with Hurricane Ian, terminals sent to the Ft. Myers area provided Floridians with the network they needed for critical early recovery efforts.

Partnerships with MNOs help service the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) to remote areas of the U.S., focused on providing high-speed secured broadband connectivity to first responders and emergency services, ensuring they get the most up-to-date information when they need it most.

In the skies, satellite networks help keep air travelers connected to what’s important to them. Satellites power seamless in-flight connectivity no matter where passengers are going, whether flying private or commercial.

At sea, maritime operators rely on satellite connectivity to optimize their operations and improve the passenger experience. Advanced, high-bandwidth applications can be incorporated into the operations of vessels of all types, whether commercial or recreational, allowing them to stay connected while navigating the globe with those onshore at all times.

Powering the future of satellite connectivity

For commercial ships, satellite networks combine the needs of professional shipping companies and the people on board into an efficient solution.

End-to-end solutions such as Intelsat FlexMaritime integrate global fleets with their on-shore operations for 24-hour location tracking, remote monitoring, ship performance diagnostics, software upgrades, and management of cargo deliveries. But the future of connectivity at sea includes connecting everyone on board a ship throughout a cargo ship's journey. Crews get access to unparalleled communication and entertainment on board.

Crews are now able to use high-speed connectivity for document transmission and applications like telemedicine, video conferencing, web browsing, streaming, and social media.

Since the launch of FlexMaritime in 2017, we have become the leading provider of broadband connectivity for maritime passengers and crew. With more than 10,000 ships on our network, Intelsat has proven that we can connect vessels across the globe. Even a sailing adventure to the most remote parts of the world won’t mean a sacrifice in coverage or quality.

Whether on land, in the sky, or at sea, satellite operators are prepared to usher in the next generation of mobile connectivity with 5G. Just as in today’s networks, space-based systems will facilitate 5G broadband connectivity to underserved areas where terrestrial infrastructure isn’t feasible. The same goes for 5G infrastructure at sea or onboard aircraft.