In layperson’s terms the bonded technology works by merging the combined throughputs of multiple access technologies into one session and sending the combined data stream to the nearest satellite in line of sight. The technology gives users in remote areas faster speeds and more reliability, even when one connection fails.
Bonding the terminals provided up to a blistering 1.3 Gbps downstream and 200 Mbps upstream, dramatically improving the staff’s ability to connect with loved ones at home. When the fire struck, these terminals were swiftly repurposed to support the mine’s entire operation, avoiding any disruption to essential communication.
The seamless integration of the service enabled Heathgate to remain operational without interruption, even amid chaos.
Ashley Neale, head of space and wireless operations at Vocus.
“If they hadn’t prepared for that eventuality, then trying to do it under pressure, through the course of the fire, would have taken many hours,” says Neale.
Neale says the feedback from early adopters has been “overwhelmingly positive”, with the technology “providing a fibre-like experience even in remote areas”.
The upgrade at Heathgate Resources is not an isolated case. Early adopters of space communications across different sectors, including mining, agribusiness, and community services, are reaping the benefits of this advanced technology.
“What they found was that the technology was so reliable that they could start running their whole business on this,” says Neale.
For many organisations, this shift has resulted in enhanced productivity and improved safety protocols.
SA Power Networks is another early adopter of satellite technology, prioritising safety and efficient service delivery to the community.
They chose a different method of access enhancement, combining a Vocus Satellite-Starlink with a cellular service using path selection technology rather than access bonding.
With the responsibility of providing electricity to over 1.7 million South Australians, the organisation understands the importance of staying connected, especially in remote areas where traditional communication networks often falter.
The company’s legacy satellite system, installed on vehicles in 2017, topped out at a glacial 0.5 Mbps, rendering it impractical for modern requirements. Team members dispatched to remote sites often struggled to find a location with adequate coverage or had to return to depots to upload data, which delayed assessments and hindered communication with headquarters during power outages.
The impending shutdown of the 3G network threatened to further compromise coverage for regional response vehicles, as 4G and 5G services had not yet been established in many areas.
Faced with these challenges, SA Power Networks turned to Vocus and installation experts Advanced Mobile IT (AMIT) for a solution that could revolutionise its operations.
“Our existing satellite connection had poor connectivity to service our current requirements,” says Mark Tate, technology operations manager at SA Power Networks.
Mark Tate, technology operations manager at SA Power Networks.
“Particularly with 3G decommissioning, we needed a solution that could deliver real-time communication for our field crews.”
Moreover, worker safety needed to be a top priority. Responding to emergencies in remote areas with limited connectivity could pose safety risks. SA Power Networks sought a reliable solution that would ensure continuous communication and enhance safety for its teams operating in the most challenging environments.
To find out more, please visit Vocus.
