Rivada Space Networks recently announced that the ITU’s Radio Regulations Board has waived the requirement that Rivada place 10% of its constellation into orbit this year.
The ITU waiver process seeks clear evidence of funding, manufacturing and launch contracts as well as coordination with other systems. Having reviewed the submission made by Liechtenstein’s telecommunications regulator and filing administration (the “Amt für Kommunikation”), the ITU Radio Regulations Board determined that Rivada can proceed to its second deployment milestones of placing 144 satellites (plus six on-orbit spares) by June of 2026 and an additional 144 satellites (plus six on-orbit spares) by September of 2026.
“The Office for Communications has put its trust in the ITU process and is delighted about the positive decision of the RRB. These filings were secured at a very early stage in the development of NGSO constellations for global connectivity and are an important asset – not only for Liechtenstein. A shortage of launch capacity and delays in technology development have been significant challenges to overcome in order to deploy these constellations in the stipulated timeframe. The perseverance of Rivada and ITU’s positive decision mean that the deployment of the constellations can move forward for the benefit of all the stakeholders.” — Dr. Rainer Schnepfleitner, Director of the AK of Liechtenstein
“Rivada has the manufacturing and launch contracts in place to complete the constellations and launch 600 satellites by 2028, within the timeframe allowed by the ITU. We are working very closely with the regulator to make sure that all the conditions attached to these filings are satisfied and to ensure the success of these ground-breaking satellite constellations. We are building something unique, which we call the OuterNET: the first truly private global network, on which data travels through space alone and not over terrestrial networks to provide ultra secure communications anywhere on the globe.” — Declan Ganley, CEO, Rivada
Additionally, Rivada Space Networks and IEC Telecom have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enable innovative connectivity solutions for land and maritime communications.
IEC Telecom is an international satellite service operator offering satellite communication solutions to governments, public institutions, and enterprises across the world. IEC Telecom specializes in digitalization for the maritime industry as well as providing remote communications on land where GSM coverage is not available as well as delivering dependable communication for humanitarian operations and special missions. For urban networks, the company provides a powerful, satellite back-up to ensure business continuity.
The communications landscape is developing rapidly with providers now able to offer first-generation, LEO satellite connectivity. However, not all LEO networks are created equal — what Rivada is now providing is the first, true “OuterNET”, a global, low latency, point-to-point, connectivity network of LEO satellites. What sets Rivada apart is the nexgen unique architecture combining inter-satellite laser links with advanced onboard data routers to create an optical mesh network in space.
This approach to “orbital networking,” where data stays in space, enables access to an ultra-secure satellite network with pole-to-pole reach, offering end-to-end latencies similar to or better than terrestrial fiber. By routing traffic on a physically separated network, Rivada provides a layer of defence for any organization that needs to securely share data over long distances.
For the humanitarian sector, IEC Telecom will leverage Rivada’s OuterNET to provide leading NGO agencies with enhanced connectivity for the coordination of humanitarian efforts, the safety of remote workers, the security of NGO assets, and the sustainability of long-term operations. From housing and food distribution to education and medicine, all field requirements will be supported to allow humanitarian missions to expand their reach and multiply their scope of services.
In addition to land connectivity services, IEC Telecom will use Rivada’s OuterNET to provide enhanced ICT infrastructure for the maritime environment, further expanding digitalization at sea. IEC Telecom offers cyber-secure network solutions optimized for the maritime sector.
Powered by Rivada’s OuterNET, these technologies will support digital decarbonization globally by helping vessels improve onboard operations, leading to reduced fuel consumption.
“This partnership supports IEC Telecom’s commitment to pursue innovation for the best customer experience. Rivada’s service will allow us to expand our network’s SLA and offer high-throughput data connectivity ‘Fiber-like’ in the sky versus DSL-like today. We are excited to explore cost-effective packages for the humanitarian sector and test the resilience of maritime connectivity in the open sea. We are confident that Rivada is on its way to becoming a key market player in the SATCOM world.” — Erwan Emilian, CEO & Partner, IEC Telecom Group
“We are delighted to be working with IEC Telecom to support their high throughput voice and data services. We are moving full speed ahead to deploy the first true OuterNET, with its unique data-connectivity capabilities. Both of our companies see the importance of providing ultra-secure, highly reliable low latency communications anywhere on the globe.” — Declan Ganley, CEO, Rivada Space Networks
Rivada Space Networks is set to deploy and operate the first true “OuterNET”: a global, low latency, point-to-point, connectivity network of LEO satellites. By connecting its satellites with lasers, Rivada Space Networks will provide resellers and B2B customers with the ability to securely connect any two points on the globe with low latency and high bandwidth. The constellations, comprising 600 low-earth-orbit communications satellites, will represent a fundamental change in the availability of secure, global, end-to-end enterprise-grade connectivity for Telecom, Enterprise, Maritime, Energy and Government Services markets. Rivada Space Networks is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rivada Networks, Inc.
