Intelsat, US Army Successfully Completes 1st Satellite Managed Service Pilot

Intelsat, operator of one of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial networks, provided the U.S Army with new, flexible, and fully managed multi-orbit satellite communications (SATCOM) support, following the completion of the Army’s first-ever multi-vendor SATCOM as a Managed Service (SATaaMS) Pilot contract.   

“The government understands the need for new, more efficient approaches – and we understand that industry must step up to provide them,” said David Broadbent, President, Intelsat’s Government Solutions. “This 12-month pilot program demonstrated how a commercially managed SATCOM model can deliver the latest equipment and highest level of customer service with efficiency and effectiveness for mission-critical rapid deployment.”

Intelsat’s turn-key solution provided a comprehensive offering including a terrestrial network, terminals and capacity. Unlike legacy government-operated solutions, the model required Intelsat to take full accountability for the end-to-end solution’s performance.

Intelsat’s solution includes Intelsat Flex services for geostationary (GEO) connections and provides commercial low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite service for a LEO option. Intelsat delivered worldwide coverage via leased satellite terminals and services with 24×7 support. The scope of the Army’s SATaaMS Pilot included end-to-end managed subscription services to support connections with commercial teleports and internet services.

As part of the 12-month trial, Intelsat and the Army:

• Conducted pilots at 10 global locations.
• Ensured that the Intelsat managed service and equipment was in use for nine months.
• Conducted the program in a wide range of conditions and terrain, including severe cold weather, high-humidity climates, as well as dry and wet conditions.

“The Intelsat system enables the Army to re-deploy turnkey SATCOM solutions, where and when they’re needed. This program demonstrates that we can create the flexibility to quickly respond to different types of missions and operations around the globe. We’re able to help the customer maintain a technological edge without constantly investing in network infrastructure,” Broadbent added.