An early autumn evening in London was the setting for a new awards ceremony to the satellite industry calendar. Unlocking the Future: Strategies in Satellite Ground Segment brought together industry experts to discuss the evolution of the industry and how innovation is shaping the future of ground infrastructure. Spanning two days, the event covered burning issues such as digitization, virtualization, AI, interoperability, collaboration and security.
The event also saw the inaugural SSGS Awards which recognized advances in ground segment innovation. Judged by an independent panel of experts comprising media, consultants and analysts, the awards honor the companies that are pivotal to the rapidly evolving satellite ground segment as it keeps pace with advancements in on-orbit technology.
ST Engineering iDirect and sister company iDirect Government were both recognized during the event.
Verizon and ST Engineering iDirect: Restoring Connectivity in Disaster Situations
ST Engineering iDirect and longstanding partner Verizon were the recipients of the Collaboration of the Year Award, of which we’re exceptionally proud. The award honored successful partnerships that have led to a significant impact in field operations and our partnership with the Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Teams (VFCRT) is certainly a great example of this.
For many years, satellite has been an integral part of Verizon’s emergency connectivity mix, with more than 100 iDirect satellite-enabled units in its disaster recovery fleet. These are stationed across the US to be able to quickly respond to any situation. We’ve supported Verizon’s disaster deployments since 2010 in response to the aftermath of hurricanes and wildfires.
This year, members of the iDirect team attended INTEROP, a disaster response exercise between federal, state and local government departments and agencies, to provide ongoing support to Verizon and its customers.
The Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team (VFCRT) provides on-demand emergency assistance to government agencies, first responders, frontline workers and communities – to help maintain mission-critical communications improve situational awareness, make decisions and respond effectively during nearly every kind of emergency situation.
Collaboration in action
A recent example of this partnership happened in May, when Arkansas and Oklahoma were both hit by tornadoes. While the weather event was taking place, two Verizon STEER (Satellite Trailer Emitting Equipment Remote) trailers, powered by Dialog modems, were deployed to Arkansas and Oklahoma to restore the cell network. The town of Barnsdall, Oklahoma, was hit by an EF-4 tornado with 165-170 mph winds and a path almost one mile wide, but thanks to the efforts of Verizon and iDirect, they were able to restore service and ensure the community could reconnect.
We’d like to thank Verizon, the judging panel and organizers of SSGS and to congratulate the other award winners. It’s great to see the sheer amount of innovation within our industry!
CISR™: Stand-Out Government Solution
CISR™: Stand-Out Government SolutioniDirect Government was awarded Government Solution of the Year for its leading Communication Signal Interference Removal™, also known as CSIR™ technology.
CSIR supports secure satellite-based voice, video and data applications that warfighters and government rely upon. The technology thwarts bad actors and unintentional interference to SATCOM signals in turn protecting mission-critical communications.
New this year, iDirectGov integrated CSIR for use on UHF and HF radios. Additionally, iDirectGov introduced CSIR on its 450mp, the first in its 4-Series suite of software defined radio (SDR) modems, bringing the power of signal excision technology to a multi-orbit satellite solution.
CSIR anti-jam technology with signal excision gives defense, homeland security, first responders, government and other SATCOM users reliable and secure communications to support their critical missions, allowing them to counter electronic warfare challenges. CSIR meets the specialized needs of the U.S. Department of Defense, government agencies and Allies.
This award win builds momentum for iDirectGov’s high-performance, scalable and resilient product portfolio and enhancements that bring flexibility, agility, transmission security and efficiency to warfighters.