SA Power Networks Zaps Connectivity Woes With SpaceX Starlink
- By CDOTrends editors
- May 23, 2024
South Australian utility SA Power Networks has become the first in the country to use low-earth-orbit satellite technology for field worker connectivity.
SA Power Networks is utilizing the SpaceX Starlink system to provide internet connectivity for field crews working in regional and remote areas where the internet was previously unavailable.
“We’re already witnessing game-changing accessibility, performance and safety benefits,” said Paul Salter, head of powerline and electrical services at SA Power Networks.
“Regional crews can now access consistent high-speed internet from anywhere at any time, making it faster and safer to carry out restoration and maintenance tasks and to keep the business and customers informed of their progress.”
The system was piloted last year by fitting Starlink systems to 11 vehicles, including several elevated work platform trucks.
The utility reports moving to fit more than 150 vehicles with the technology by the end of 2024.
When completed, it will enable the crews to make and receive phone calls from wherever they are in South Australia and connect to the company's IT network to access information and business systems.
At around 1 million square kilometers, South Australia is around the size of France and Germany combined.
The Starlink network leverages a constellation of almost 6,000 low-earth orbit satellites about 550 kilometers from the Earth, delivering high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity.
With a Starlink antenna attached to their vehicles, all the crew members need is a clear view of the sky and Wi-Fi mode on their devices. They can connect up to 500 times faster than with the previous technology, with a round-trip latency of about 25ms.
With many remote areas in South Australia, Starlink connectivity is expected to improve performance for field workers and customers, such as faster restoration during an outage.
With network connectivity no longer constrained, crews will be better equipped to accomplish more digital tasks, access digital field switching, and make more on-site decisions.
Crews can also stay in constant contact with their leaders, ensuring real-time safety information is consistently available to everyone who needs it—particularly during emergency response situations such as storms or bushfires.
Another benefit is improved real-time data, which means SA Power Networks can provide customers with the most up-to-date information on which to make plans if their power is out while improving network reliability and support.
Image credit: iStockphoto/AdrianHancu