Vodafone Ireland, in partnership with the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO), has successfully tested the integration of satellite technology for emergency and public service organisations.
Delivered under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the OGCIO, the technology would keep emergency services running during severe weather events or major outages, when mobile networks can be impacted by disruption to their power supply.
The trial, part of ongoing collaboration between Vodafone and the OGCIO on mission-critical communications (MCx), included a successful live test call on Clare Island, Co. Mayo — a first of its kind in Europe. The demonstration, carried out in partnership with Satellite Connect Europe, connecting to AST SpaceMobile’s satellite constellation, demonstrated how satellite connectivity on a standard smartphone could support voice and broadband data services for frontline responders when integrated with Ireland’s emergency communications environment and traditional coverage may be unavailable.
The satellite-enabled MCx group call was made by representatives of Vodafone and OGCIO to David Lund, Coordinator of the European Union Critical Communications Service (EUCCS) in the UK, marking a significant milestone not just for Ireland, but for the evolution of emergency communications across Europe.
Clare Island has played a central role in Vodafone Ireland’s satellite testing programme, including Ireland’s first mobile video call via satellite earlier this year. Its unique terrain makes it an ideal real-world environment for testing how satellite-enabled communications technologies can support rural communities and critical national infrastructure.
The trial showed how satellite connectivity can help maintain communications at all times, supporting access to 999 and 112 emergency services — regardless of mobile provider — as well as blue light organisations such as police, fire and ambulance services. Satellite technology provides an additional layer of connectivity alongside terrestrial networks, helping ensure that the public and emergency responders can stay connected when it matters most.
As Vodafone Ireland marks 25 years in the country, it continues to invest in strengthening national digital infrastructure, including a recent €360 million investment in network and digital capabilities.
Vodafone Ireland secured the country’s first test and trial licence for direct-to-device satellite technology and is working closely with ComReg on the necessary regulatory frameworks to support rollout to customers and emergency services.
Sheila Kavanagh, Network Director, Vodafone Ireland, said:
“Communication is critical for emergency services, particularly during extreme weather or in more remote parts of the country. Through our Memorandum of Understanding with Government and ongoing collaboration with key public sector partners, we’re focused on strengthening the resilience of Ireland’s communications infrastructure. By integrating satellite technology with next-generation systems like MCX, we are adding an additional layer to our network, helping to ensure frontline teams can stay connected and respond effectively in all scenarios. We’re now progressing further technical and regulatory engagement, with the ambition of bringing satellite broadband connectivity to customers as soon as possible.”
Meredith Sharples, Managing Director of Satellite Connect Europe (SatCo) added:
“We believe satellite connectivity will play a critical role for emergency services in Europe. D2D Satellite is unique in being able to meet universal coverage requirements and support the delivery of truly seamless critical communication and operational mobility across Europe. This technical demonstration by Vodafone Ireland is another step towards providing reliable, resilient coverage in areas traditional terrestrial infrastructure alone cannot reach.”
Jim Leahy, Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO), said:
“Strengthening the resilience of Ireland’s communications infrastructure is a key priority for Government. This collaboration with Vodafone Ireland shows how technologies like satellite can support continuity of service and improve coordination in challenging scenarios.”