Space Data Corporation deploys Lemko DiMoWiNe broadband Internet solution in Alaska

Residents of the remote region of Atqasuk, Alaska can now access wireless broadband connectivity thanks to the new satellite-based commercial LTE network established by a collaboration between Space Data Corporation and Lemko Corporation. The first in the region, the DiMoWiNe-powered Space Data long term evolution (LTE) network will provide regional subscribers with high-speed mobile broadband.

Carrier company Space Data specializes in low-cost connectivity solutions for rural and remote areas where fiber or cell towers cannot be deployed due to terrain and costs. The Company leveraged the DiMoWiNe (Distributed Mobile Wireless Network) software solution by Lemko to create and deploy an affordable yet efficient LTE network.

The satellite Internet services of the LTE network are delivered by the high-altitude SkySite Network. Space Data designed its proprietary communications platforms to be operated by a single person and launched within a couple of minutes from any location on Earth.

Space Data's Alaskan LTE network is powered by Lemko's DiMoWiNe software solution. DiMoWiNe is a virtualized core software program collocated at the eNodeB that speeds up the network by reducing signaling traffic. Virtualizing the core moves switching and routing to the edge of the network. The result is an LTE solution that can tolerate greater amounts of latency and with the capability to deliver mobile broadband over satellite.

Satellite making internet-on-the-go possible

In our globalizing world, more and more people are clamoring for internet-on-the-go. The demand for Wi-Fi connection has increased also due partly to the rise of more powerful, and smarter mobile devices. Smartphones, tablets, and laptops, are rendered almost useless in places where there is no Internet connection.

Many industries, sectors, and organizations are looking at internet from satellite to provide wireless connection anytime, anywhere. Terrestrial networks may be the most favored technology for broadband distribution, but in places where geography makes it impossible to lay cables, satellite technology is the ideal solution.

Internet by satellite is also being used in the transport sector. Airlines and cruise ships are installing satellite terminals to provide in-flight and on-board Internet connection to passengers. Even train stations and trains are using the wireless technology to provide greater connection on-the-go. 

Business travelers, tourists, and commuters are welcoming the arrival of such technology. This means they can read the news, send emails, use mobile travel applications on their phones, and even make video calls before they board trains and planes, or while honeymooning in a cruise ship of the coast of Chile. 

Satellite internet may not completely replace fibre technology. But it is certainly the best solution and coverage for the last mile. 

ViaSat Exede considers bundling VoIP with Internet-by-satellite service

ViaSat is considering an expansion of its Exede Internet-by-satellite Ka-band service

by adding a VoIP satellite service to its Internet-only 12 Mbps offering.

According to Lisa Scalpone, Vice President of Exede, more than 100,000 have subscribed to the company's 12 Mbps Internet-by-satellite service. "We feel pretty good that people will make that trade for one, two, three megabits service,” she said. “For people who need to do things with speed, 12 Mbps is decisive."

Exede offers high-speed broadband service that can favorably compare with fixed wireless, 4G mobile, and stock copper-based DSL counterparts. According to various analytical models, around 35% to 40% of Exede's customer base selected the ViaSat satellite service despite the availability of DSL or cable wireline options in their location.

In addition, Exede is planning to release a competitively-priced bundle of broadband and voice services. "For the VoIP service,” Scalpone said on the challenges faced by the company's new offering, “the biggest issue is proving lag does not matter.”

According to VP Scalpone, VoIP calls can match or even improve upon the quality found in a typical narrowband cell phone call. Exede takes care to optimize and prioritize VoIP calls within the broadband network.

To prove its argument, ViaSat is building and turning over VoIP demonstration units to its retailers for testing by customers. "We have to demo everywhere," Scalpone said of Exede's planned VoIP satellite service. "If we can show people, I think it's going to be huge."

Exede's planned Internet and voice bundle will probably include home number portability, 911, and caller ID features. Its stand-alone Internet-by-satellite offering currently costs $50 per month.