UTC Survey Shows that 60% of Utilities Currently Use Satellite Communications

HERNDON, Va., April 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- VT iDirect, Inc. (iDirect), a company of VT Systems, Inc. (VT Systems), and the Utilities Telecom Council (UTC) today released the results of a new study on satellite communications in the utility industry. The study, Strategic Assessment of Satellite Usage in the Utility Industry, was conducted to gain a better understanding of how satellite communications is currently used in the utility industry and to better articulate the benefits of modern VSAT systems. iDirect is a world leader in satellite-based IP communications technology.

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Among the key findings were that 60% of utilities surveyed are already using some form of satellite communications technology. Of those not currently using satellite, 22% are planning to integrate the technology in the next two years. The study also revealed some misconceptions about satellite communications based on outdated technology, as well as a growing desire among utilities to learn more about advances in satellite technology.

The study, which was sponsored by iDirect, measured perceptions and usage trends relating to satellite communications through a focus group of top industry telecommunications technologists and through a survey of UTC's utility members, which comprised 100 completed responses from top communications decision-making technologists at 71 utilities.

Key Findings

• The top benefit of satellite technology was cited as ubiquitous coverage. This was also the top benefit for commercial wireless services, but for security and management reasons, many utilities prefer the private networking capabilities of satellite over using a public wireless network.
• Satellite is most frequently used for back-up voice communications with SCADA and substation automation a close second.
• Misconceptions around high latency and high cost are two barriers to implementation for satellite communications, but these perceptions are likely based on experiences with legacy satellite technology. The study showed that the vast majority (78%) of utilities are interested in learning more about modern VSAT systems.

"Utilities are coping with ever-increasing demands on their communications infrastructures, particularly as they work to modernize and implement the new smart grid. UTC is proud to work with iDirect on this important study, which offers a wealth of useful information for utility operators on the benefits of satellite as a communications solution and the essential role that satellite will play in the future of the utility industry."

~Connie DURCSAK
President and CEO, UTC

"With the majority of utilities already invested in some form of satellite technology, and a significant percentage planning to add satellite in the next two years, this study reveals a huge opportunity for VSAT solutions to help shape the future of the utility industry. The findings also reveal that satellite providers need to take the lead in educating utilities about the benefits of modern satellite technology and how they support back-up communications, SCADA, substation automation and other critical applications."

~Toni Lee RUDNICKI
Chief Marketing Officer, iDirect

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Utilities Telecom Council (UTC), is an international trade association representing the information and communications technology (ICT) interests of electric, gas and water utilities.  UTC is widely recognized as a global expert on utility communications policy and technologies, conducting complex public and private research projects on behalf of our membership and clients. UTC's 500+ members include investor, government, and cooperatively owned utilities and their technology partners.  UTC has a proven track record of issuing timely information bulletins, hosting important webinars and mounting national, regional and local events aimed at translating critical technical information into practical how-to guidance for utility technologists.  We also produce high-profile and timely research studies and analysis that tackle the top issues facing utilities as they revamp communications networks to manage 21st Century energy and critical infrastructure challenges. 

iDirect, a subsidiary of VT Systems, is a global leader in IP-based satellite communications providing technology that enables our 350+partners to optimize their networks, differentiate and expand their businesses. The iDirect Intelligent Platform™ allows our partners to run their entire business operations more efficiently via a single, unified IP-based satellite architecture, whether it's providing core IP applications to the enterprise or specialized services to any number of diverse vertical markets. iDirect is the #1 name in global satellite communications in key industries including maritime, military/government, and oil and gas, with a 62% hub market share and more than a quarter million remotes installed worldwide. In 2007, iDirect Government Technologies (iGT) was formed to drive adoption of its IP-based solutions in the U.S. government market. In 2008, iDirect Asia Pte Ltd was established in Singapore to enhance its value-add and responsiveness to customers in the Asia Pacific region. For more information please visit www.idirect.net.

VT Systems is an engineering company providing integrated solutions to the commercial and government markets in the aerospace, electronics, land systems and marine sectors.  VT Systems' innovative solutions, products and services include aircraft maintenance, repair and modification; software solutions in training and simulation; satellite-based IP communications technology; network solutions that integrate data, voice and video; rugged computers and computer peripheral equipment; specialized truck bodies and trailers; weapons and munitions systems; road construction equipment; and ship design and shipbuilding. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., VT Systems operates globally and is a wholly owned subsidiary of ST Engineering. Please visit www.vt-systems.com.

SOURCE iDirect