Telecom Lead America: 60 percent of utilities surveyed of
the utility industry are already using some form of satellite communications
technology. Whilst, 22 percent doesn’t use satellite and are planning to
integrate the technology in the next two years, according to a Utilities
Telecom Council (UTC) study.
The study revealed that Satellite is most frequently used
for back-up voice communications with SCADA and substation automation a close
second.
The top benefit of satellite technology was cited as
ubiquitous coverage. This was also the top benefit for commercial wireless
services, but for security and management reasons, many utilities prefer the
private networking capabilities of satellite over using a public wireless
network.
Furthermore, the study claimed that misconceptions around
high latency and high cost are two barriers to implementation for satellite
communications, but these perceptions are likely based on experiences with
legacy satellite technology.
The study showed that the 78 percent of utilities are
interested in learning more about modern VSAT systems.
“Utilities are coping with ever-increasing demands
on their communications infrastructures, particularly as they work to modernize
and implement the new smart grid,” said Connie DURCSAK, president and CEO, UTC.
Sponsored by iDirect, the study was conducted to gain a
better understanding of how satellite communications is currently used in the
utility industry and to better articulate the benefits of modern VSAT systems.
iDirect is a world leader in satellite-based IP communications technology.
“The findings also reveal that satellite providers
need to take the lead in educating utilities about the benefits of modern
satellite technology and how they support back-up communications, SCADA,
substation automation and other critical applications,” said Toni Lee RUDNICKI,
chief marketing officer, iDirect.
