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Inmarsat and Harvest Technology Group launch high-definition livestreaming solution for commercial UAVs

Aviation

Harvest joins Inmarsat’s Velaris Partner Network, providing highly reliable, ultra-low bandwidth C2 data and HD livestream capabilities for unmanned aerial vehicles.

Inmarsat, the world leader in global, mobile satellite communications, today expanded the partner network for its ground-breaking Velaris connectivity solution with the addition of Harvest Technology Group (Harvest), an Australia-based specialist in ultra-low bandwidth livestreaming technology.

The combination of Inmarsat’s Velaris connectivity solution and Harvest’s Network Optimised Livestreaming technology will allow commercial operators of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to securely stream high-definition (HD) video, images, voice and data in real-time to decision makers across the world, while utilising just a fraction of existing bandwidth resources.

The ability to stream aerial footage and important sensory data allows UAV operations to be managed remotely, with an 80% reduction in data usage on existing networks. In addition to enhancing critical decision-making, this will also limit the risk of placing personnel in dangerous or costly environments, both in industry settings and in supporting emergency rescue, disaster relief and crisis response efforts.

With Harvest’s solution, the entire remote inspection or response team, clients and any necessary third-party can securely join live UAV operations. Whether in a control room back at base, in their offices watching on their laptops, or even working from home, the team can see developments happening in real-time to offer resolutions, operational direction, and control like never before. Harvest’s UAV inspection solution enables safe and efficient Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations over Inmarsat’s Velaris satellite connectivity that set new standards for the industry.

Anthony Spouncer, Inmarsat’s Senior Director of UAVs & Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM), said: “Inmarsat’s Velaris Partner Network is focused on unlocking ground-breaking innovation and capabilities for the commercial UAV market. We are delighted to welcome Harvest Technology Group as the latest member. Its rugged and reliable HD livestream video and command and control (C2) data technology with advanced security and encryption, will play a key role as part of our vision for a world-class UAV ecosystem. This is a major step forward in the programme and reinforces Inmarsat’s position as a catalyst in this fast-growing industry.”

Paul Guilfoyle, Harvest Technology Group’s Group CEO, said: “We are excited about bringing together the unique individual strengths of Harvest Technology Group and Inmarsat to benefit customers in the commercial UAV market. As part of the Velaris Partner Network, we will deliver an innovative, world-class solution that combines our top-tier security, encryption and data transfer with the seamless global connectivity offered by Inmarsat’s Velaris. And together, we will also continue to develop additional game-changing capabilities to support the rapid growth expected in this industry over the coming years.”

Inmarsat’s Velaris Partner Network was launched in October 2021, with leading UTM technology provider Altitude Angel as the inaugural member, followed now by Harvest. Harvest also recently joined Inmarsat’s Application and Solution Provider (ASP) Programme, an ecosystem for providers of software and hardware solutions and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in commercial land markets.

Velaris is powered by Inmarsat’s ELERA global satellite network, which delivers the world’s most reliable and flexible global connectivity, with full global redundancy and unique resilience in all conditions. ELERA capabilities will be enhanced further with the upcoming addition of Inmarsat-6 satellites, the largest and most sophisticated commercial communications satellites ever built, the first of which (I-6 F1) was launched successfully in December 2021. The L-band capacity on each I-6 satellite will be substantially greater than Inmarsat’s 4th generation spacecraft and, among other enhancements, delivers 50% more capacity per beam in addition to unlimited beam routing flexibility. This builds on the launch of new possibilities through ELERA in L-band that, together with Global Xpress and forthcoming low earth orbit and terrestrial networks, comprise Inmarsat’s multi-dimensional network ORCHESTRA.

Further information

Notes to Editors

A case study about Inmarsat and Harvest Technology Group’s partnership is available here.

About Inmarsat

Inmarsat is the world leader in global, mobile satellite communications. It owns and operates the world’s most diverse global portfolio of mobile telecommunications satellite networks, and holds a multi-layered, global spectrum portfolio, covering L-band, Ka-band and S-band, enabling unparalleled breadth and diversity in the solutions it provides. Inmarsat’s long-established global distribution network includes not only the world’s leading channel partners but also its own strong direct retail capabilities, enabling end to end customer service assurance.

The company has an unrivalled track record of operating the world’s most reliable global mobile satellite telecommunications networks, sustaining business and mission critical safety & operational applications for more than 40 years. It is also a major driving force behind technological innovation in mobile satellite communications, sustaining its leadership through a substantial investment and a powerful network of technology and manufacturing partners.

Inmarsat operates across a diversified portfolio of sectors with the financial resources to fund its business strategy and holds leading positions in the Maritime, Government, Aviation and Enterprise satcoms markets, operating consistently as a trusted, responsive and high-quality partner to its customers across the globe.

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Contacts for media enquiries

Jonathan Sinnatt/Matthew Knowles
Corporate Communications
Tel: +44 (0) 7889 605 272 / +44 (0) 7725 475 507
[email protected]

Alex Holt
Marketing Business Partner, Inmarsat Aviation
Tel: +44 (0)20 7728 1000
[email protected]

About Harvest Technology Group

Harvest Technology Group Limited (ASX: HTG) is a global leader in network optimised remote operations that deliver real-time remote control, communication, automation and monitoring capabilities for the energy, resources, and renewables sectors.

Based in Perth, Australia, the group of companies is revolutionising remote field services with ultra-low bandwidth Network Optimised Livestreaming solutions that enable customers to stay connected to operations and personnel anywhere in the world while utilising just a fraction of existing bandwidth resources.

To learn more please visit: www.harvest.technology