Rivada signs MoU with Network Innovations
May 11, 2023
By Chris Forrester
Rivada Space Networks (RSN), which plans on launching a 300-craft mega-constellation of satellites, has signed an MoU with Canada-based Network Innovations “to work together to bring innovative connectivity solutions to the government and enterprise markets”.
Network Innovations is a global technology integrator that keeps people, places and things connected anywhere in the world with always-available communications and networking solutions. Its customers operate in industries including government and defence, public safety, oil and gas, media, mining, utilities, recreation and maritime.
RSN has ordered its initial fleet of 300 satellites from Terran Orbital. However, the pressure is certainly on Terran given that Rivada must populate its constellation to deploy half of the overall fleet of 576 satellites by mid-2026, and to complete the constellation by mid-2028.
Rivada’s claimed “first-of-its-kind” LEO constellation will offer access to a secure satellite network with pole-to-pole reach, offering end-to-end latencies similar to or better than terrestrial fibre. The RSN satellite architecture combines inter-satellite laser links with advanced onboard data routers to create an optical mesh network in space. This approach to ‘orbital networking’ delivers a highly secure data network by routing traffic on a physically separated network, providing a layer of defence for any organisation that needs to securely share data over long distances. It is a unique capability for business operations in the telecom, enterprise, maritime, energy and government services markets.
Network Innovations’ initial cooperation with RSN will include the formation of an advisory board to exchange information on technical support and explore joint marketing and promotional initiatives. Network Innovations aims to become a key reseller of RSN’s unique connectivity for the government and enterprise sectors.
“Early on, Rivada has positioned itself as a disruptive leader in the global satellite industry, and we are thrilled to sign this MoU agreement with them,” said Frank Czulo, president of Network Innovations Advanced Networks division. “Moreover, we see this as a symbol of two great companies cooperating to bring the best possible solutions to our customers.”
Declan Ganley, founder and CEO, Rivada Space Networks, said: “With our manufacturing and launch-services agreements in place, we are moving ahead at full speed with our partners to deliver our ground-breaking constellation. Network providers are now seeing the unique opportunities our constellations provide and we are delighted to be working with Network Innovations, a leading global technology integrator for the government and enterprise sectors. Both of our companies see the importance of providing ultra secure, highly reliable low latency communications anywhere on the globe.”