Intelsat powers private mobile networks via satellite using Microsoft Azure

Satellite network operator Intelsat has successfully demonstrated a private cellular network running on its network infrastructure and Microsoft Azure. The demonstration will be used as a reference architecture for the deployment of private LTE, 5G networks and other cloud services over satellite connections globally.

This private cellular network was described as “one of a kind”, and combines Microsoft Azure Private Multi-Access Edge Compute and FlexEnterprise, Intelsat’s satellite-based global connectivity service.

The demonstration, held at Intelsat’s McLean, Virginia office, showcased how customers can create a private LTE service using Azure Private 5G Core deployed on an Azure Stack Edge device, with Intelsat’s FlexiEnterprise facilitating the connection between satellite internet and Microsoft Azure. Users can then access local or remote resources through SIM-authenticated connections. The LTE network can also be fed through a Wi-Fi access point and IoT applications.

“At Microsoft, we are committed to enabling an ecosystem of satellite operators through collaborations such as this one with Intelsat. As the world continues to move to 5G, Microsoft’s Azure Orbital platform, together with our Azure hyper-scale computing platform, allows operators to deploy and maintain faster, easier, and more cost-effective solutions anytime and anywhere,” said Tom Keane, corporate vice president, Microsoft Mission Engineering.

A private cellular network gives the operating organization granular control over the network’s security, performance, and coverage than commercial providers. It’s ideal for security-sensitive settings such as academia, government, and healthcare and manufacturing. Through it, the operator can deploy its own towers to where it needs coverage, and easily segment the network based on compliance requirements.

Would you recommend this article?

Share

Thanks for taking the time to let us know what you think of this article!
We'd love to hear your opinion about this or any other story you read in our publication.


Jim Love, Chief Content Officer, IT World Canada

Featured Download

Tom Li
Tom Li
Telecommunication and consumer hardware are Tom's main beats at IT World Canada. He loves to talk about Canada's network infrastructure, semiconductor products, and of course, anything hot and new in the consumer technology space. You'll also occasionally see his name appended to articles on cloud, security, and SaaS-related news. If you're ever up for a lengthy discussion about the nuances of each of the above sectors or have an upcoming product that people will love, feel free to drop him a line at tli@itwc.ca.

Featured Articles

Cybersecurity in 2024: Priorities and challenges for Canadian organizations 

By Derek Manky As predictions for 2024 point to the continued expansion...

Survey shows generative AI is a top priority for Canadian corporate leaders.

Leaders are devoting significant budget to generative AI for 2024 Canadian corporate...

Related Tech News

Tech Jobs

Our experienced team of journalists and bloggers bring you engaging in-depth interviews, videos and content targeted to IT professionals and line-of-business executives.

Tech Companies Hiring Right Now