Today’s telecom news includes announcements on Amazon Leo Satellite, MetTel, Orange, Automatic Mobile Backup, among others.
Amazon Leo Satellite Network Delivers More Than 400 Mbps in US Army Connectivity Test
Amazon has completed a satellite broadband demonstration with the US Army’s C5ISR Center at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. The test used Amazon Leo’s phased-array Leo Pro antenna to establish connectivity through operational low-Earth-orbit satellites. Peak download speeds exceeded 400 Mbps during the demonstration. Amazon reports that it has manufactured more than 1,000 satellites, with nearly 400 already in orbit. The satellite network combines orbital communications infrastructure, optical inter-satellite links, terrestrial gateways and fiber connections. More than 30 US Army representatives attended the test. Future evaluations will examine higher-speed connectivity, mobile operating conditions and integration with existing military communications networks. No commercial deployment contract was announced.
MetTel Expands Global Private Network Backbone to 20 Nodes
MetTel has expanded its private network backbone to 20 nodes distributed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin America. The infrastructure supports international managed-network services, enterprise mobility and connectivity for distributed business operations. MetTel also reported that its legacy telephone-network replacement platform now serves more than 1,000 business and government customers, connecting hundreds of thousands of locations. The company is expanding its New York operations and developing a logistics facility near Salt Lake City that will double its supply-chain capacity. More than 100 additional technology positions are planned across network operations, engineering and AI. MetTel did not disclose the backbone expansion investment, aggregate bandwidth or number of newly activated nodes.
Orange Deploys Automatic Mobile Backup for Fiber Broadband Customers in France
Orange has introduced an automated broadband continuity service using technology supplied by SoftAtHome. The new Reconnexion Flash capability allows compatible Orange Livebox equipment to redirect household internet traffic through a customer’s smartphone hotspot when the primary fiber connection fails. The arrangement maintains connectivity for existing household devices without requiring users to reconfigure individual Wi-Fi connections or install additional network equipment. The system operates through SoftAtHome’s Always’ON software integrated into the broadband gateway. It is designed for interruptions caused by fiber faults and planned maintenance. Orange has not disclosed the number of compatible Livebox installations, expected nationwide adoption, commercial investment or measured average restoration time.