Rivada Space Networks announces Asia-Pacific partnerships

Rivada Space Networks has unveiled a series of new partnerships in the Asia Pacific region, aiming to bolster its revolutionary low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation network. The announcement was made during the AsiaTechX 2024 event held in Singapore.

The network, named Rivada's Outernet, will consist of 600 LEO satellites, offering secure global connectivity for both governments and enterprises. The deployment of this satellite constellation will commence in 2025, with worldwide coverage anticipated by 2026 and full deployment by mid-2028. The network is set to provide ultra-low latency, high-speed, and highly secure communications services.

Notably, the Outernet combines satellite and terrestrial capabilities to form a ubiquitous optical mesh network in space. This advanced infrastructure uses inter-satellite laser links and onboard processing to ensure that data remains in space from origin to destination. This design significantly lowers latency compared to terrestrial fibre over long distances and provides a robust layer of security for data transmissions.

Rivada has touted the network as transformative, particularly for sectors requiring high-bandwidth and secure data transmission, such as telecoms, maritime, energy, and government services. The company announced that it has already secured over USD $9 billion in global business for the Outernet, underscoring its commercial viability and demand.

In Korea, KT SAT, the national satellite communications provider, will utilise Rivada's Outernet to offer ultra-secure connectivity solutions to enterprise, government, and maritime sectors. This partnership is particularly timely as geopolitical tensions increase the need for resilient communication infrastructures in the region.

In the Philippines, Connecto Network Systems Inc. (CNSI) plans to enhance connectivity for enterprise and government customers. The move aims to support seamless coverage even in remote provinces and is aligned with Connecto’s vision of transforming communities into smart cities by leveraging cutting-edge technologies.

Brunei's NiAT, a key connectivity service provider for the oil and gas sector, has also joined forces with Rivada. NiAT will use the Outernet to meet the high-bandwidth demands of its customers with secure and high-availability communications solutions underpinned by guaranteed Service-Level Agreements.

AT Communications in Japan will deploy the network to improve the security and efficiency of communications for national agencies across the country. This is particularly significant for sectors requiring low latency and secure data, such as local government and defence.

In Taiwan, Teleport Access Services (TAS) will integrate Rivada’s network to upgrade its connectivity infrastructure. The deployment aims to cover underserved areas and promote technological innovation, benefiting telecom service providers, government agencies, and media companies alike.

Declan Ganley, CEO of Rivada Space Networks, commented on the partnerships, highlighting the rapid uptake in Asia. He noted that the Outernet’s capabilities in terms of security, latency, capacity, and coverage make it a game-changer for the region. Ganley emphasised that the new LEO constellation will provide transformative next-generation infrastructure for secure and resilient communications across Asia.

Donald Chew, Rivada’s Vice President of Sales for the Asia Pacific, will further explore opportunities for Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit (NGSO) networks at the Satellite Industry Forum and AsiaTechX. Chew highlighted the Outernet's potential to unlock new business models and end-user services by complementing traditional Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites, enhancing data sovereignty, and supporting enterprise connectivity in the Asia Pacific.

These advancements aim to address the increasing demand for secure, low-latency connectivity in an interconnected world, particularly across the diverse and markets in Asia.