New Zealand telecommunications provider, Spark, has announced the successful delivery of a text message sent from space. Using satellites, Spark intends to extend mobile coverage in emergency situations. As Telecom Talk reports, future plans for Spark include creating a network of satellite linked cell towers that will ensure that help is always within digital reach.
“We want to leverage satellite technology to its fullest potential so that we can help our customers stay connected when they need it most,” noted Spark in a written statement. “This means getting satellite connectivity accessible on mobile phones, while also looking at satellite backhaul solutions, which are becoming more widely available and help us connect cell towers back into the network when fiber is damaged.”
Sparks’ connectivity plans include numerous ground-based initiatives that will work hand in glove with the expanding satellite components. Temporary cell towers are being built to provide immediate digital assistance when fiber lines are not available. In addition, better reserve batteries are also being developed to keep cell towers operating as effectively as possible, according to Telecom Talk.
“This is where satellite backhaul plays an important role in resilience – substituting fiber temporarily to allow for basic connectivity, such as texts and calls. During Cyclone Gabrielle we deployed satellite backhaul to get our towers back online, but we encountered significant access challenges when trying to get into impacted areas,” noted Spark.
Reader Interactions