Replies to post #10298 on Digital Locations Inc (DLOC)

[DTGoody]

I Agree he Rocks and knows his shit! :) Happy 4th of July to you as well!

[oldstocks]

Understanding Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites
In light of the limitations of traditional public safety communication systems, forward-thinking companies like Starlink and OneWeb are charting a new path through the cosmos. Their answer to the inherent shortcomings of legacy systems is a groundbreaking form of satellite system known as low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, which promises to deliver high-speed, low-latency connectivity to all.

Low earth orbit refers to a satellite’s path that operates relatively close to Earth. Unlike their geostationary counterparts, LEO satellites circle the planet at much lower altitudes—between 100 to 1,000 miles. This proximity to Earth enables them to provide lower latency communication.

And, to make them even more reliable, Starlink and OneWeb have begun building large groups of satellite “constellations,” which work together to ensure that there’s coverage anywhere, anytime.

The Role of LEO Satellites in Public Safety Communications
Naturally, LEO satellites are poised to completely overhaul the way public safety communications operate. Just consider some of the ways LEO could improve emergency responses:

Enhancing coverage and connectivity in remote and disaster-stricken areas – Unlike terrestrial technologies that falter in challenging terrains or when a disaster sends systems offline, LEO satellites provide unwavering communication coverage.
Enabling real-time data transfer and situational awareness – The low latency, high bandwidth characteristic of LEO satellites supports real-time data exchange, which is necessary for coordinating an efficient emergency response while maintaining personnel accountability.
Supporting mission-critical applications and emergency response – LEO satellites offer robust, reliable connectivity and interoperability essential for supporting mission-critical applications that modern emergency responders rely on to communicate and manage their response effort.
Improving communication resilience and redundancy – Thanks to satellite constellations, LEO systems provide much greater redundancy, thus enhancing the resilience of public safety communications while making them less susceptible to single-point failures.
Benefits of LEO Satellites for Public Safety Agencies
What are the arguments in favor of public safety agencies switching from GEO reliance to LEO mobile connectivity? There are four, in particular, that stand out:

Rapid deployment and scalability of communications infrastructure – When it comes to LEO satellites, speed is the name of the game. For instance, first responders in Washington state reported that setting up a traditional satellite connection in remote areas could take up to an hour. In contrast, Starlink—a LEO satellite provider—can be set up and operational within 5-10 minutes. This ability to rapidly deploy and scale up communications infrastructure could prove to be a game-changer during emergencies.
Increased reliability and reduced downtime during emergencies – As noted above, LEO satellites rely on a cluster of satellites to ensure network redundancy. This design improves reliability and reduces downtime during emergencies, allowing the systems to remain operational even if a single satellite fails.
Cost-effective solutions for resource-constrained agencies – Despite the additional convenience, connectivity, and bandwidth offered by GEO satellite systems, the pricing for service is comparable. Additionally, the ground equipment required for LEO systems is often smaller and more portable, reducing costs further and making it a more economical choice.
Seamless integration with existing communication systems – LEO satellites were designed with an eye toward interoperability. They can seamlessly communicate with practically any system, allowing for a smoother adoption as agencies retire legacy systems in favor of new ones.