VSAT EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANS – Orhan Ener

People who know my knowledge and experience on VSAT usually ask me this question: “When there are easy and cheap solutions like fiber and DSL, why should I use Satellite Internet (VSAT)?”
My answer to this is: “There is no better solution when it comes to information security, and it is the ideal backup solution in emergencies.”
I usually continue with: “Give me electricity, and I can bring you the Internet anywhere you want — whether on top of a mountain, or nowadays on land, in the air, or at sea.” That is how I describe the essence of this business.

When you are traveling with a caravan and GSM networks do not work, when you need live broadcast communication, when you are obliged to switch off your own phone on an airplane but use the airplane’s onboard phone system, when a moving ship in the middle of the ocean requires Internet access, when a remote mining site in a place without GSM coverage, when a fish farm in the middle of the sea needs communication, or in the event of a disaster or when terrestrial communication may be damaged — in all these cases you are compelled to use satellite Internet/communication.

Two important issues were mentioned above: first, the electricity needed for electronic units to operate, and second, Internet access, which has become indispensable in today’s world. Wired, microwave, and 4G/5G modems are easier and comparatively cheaper ways to connect to the Internet. Satellite Internet (also known as VSAT), however, was a more expensive method, with more challenging access and installation conditions. Initially used only in compulsory situations and where other methods could not reach, this type of communication is now becoming more widespread due to its other advantages.

One of the most important advantages is information security. In other methods, intermediate connection (hub) points accessible to everyone pose a security risk. Simply put: in cable-based communication there are limits, and intermediate connection points are unavoidable. Data leaving Ankara must pass through Bolu, Düzce, Sakarya, and İzmit before reaching Istanbul. This makes information much more accessible due to open-source vulnerabilities. For instance, you pass through only one region, and suddenly your phone starts receiving dozens of spam messages. This is the result of an insufficiently protected (or deliberately unprotected) GSM network. Because you are constantly traveling, it is almost impossible to prove where this happened. Your number has fallen into the hands of someone unwanted, who can use it as they please. They may continuously send you messages or call you from ever-changing numbers. You can only try to control this by blocking each new number.

But when a branch communicates solely via satellite, connecting through the same satellite to the central system (Intranet), the system becomes far more secure. In this case, to access the information you either need to be inside the system, or have access to the satellite. Accessing the satellite requires certain device-specific information (such as MAC address — every device that accesses the Internet has its own unique, unchangeable MAC address, and access can be restricted to only those devices you allow). When data is encrypted and controlled in this way, no one else can access or use it. This creates an invaluable security network.

Today’s VSAT applications, like Starlink satellites (and others that followed), have become faster and as commonplace as “bread and butter.” Lighter, cheaper equipment and easier installation are among the reasons. The industry still has many shortcomings. Previously, companies were more competent in providing service and support. Starlink could have internet coverage but lacks sufficient installation service coverage all over the world. Another important point is that the company recently experienced a long service outage, and the reasons for it are still unexplained. Many users are cancelling their contracts for this reason. This reminded us once again of the importance of backup applications.

Now I would like to give a few examples.
You’ve been in the desert for two days, extremely thirsty. You reach a shop to buy water, but bottle is locked and only can opened when you pay for the purchase. Then you realize you don’t have your wallet — so you cannot buy it. Compare this to a wired system being down. You have your backup satellite system but no one to install or operate it.

You are in a vehicle meant to save the world. You have one hour left to reach your destination, but you run out of fuel. You find a backup tank, but it’s empty. Compare this to an earthquake where infrastructure has collapsed. You have a satellite system and a generator ready to provide power — but no fuel.

Recently I read (a true story): hackers accessed the network of a large shipping company. They changed passwords and demanded a large ransom for access to be restored. The company hesitated, wasted time, and things got out of control. Eventually, no solution was found, and the company had to file for bankruptcy. This clearly shows that without preventive measures against cyberattacks, you may destroy not only valuable data but an entire company.

Imagine you see a forest fire and want to call it in, but your phone battery is dead. You have no charger and no power source nearby. Similarly, if you are a live broadcast vehicle on the road and run out of fuel just before reaching the news scene, your generator fails, and you miss the most important story of the year.

Another case: you return home and urgently need to order products for a critical project. But there is no electricity, no modem working, and thus no Internet, including your necessary purchase software installed desktop. Later, you learn that a construction digger accidentally cut underground cables, leaving the whole neighborhood without electricity. Fortunately, you had foreseen this and had your computer connected to a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply). You used your phone’s hotspot to share Internet with your computer and placed the order on time.

These examples can be multiplied endlessly. During a natural disaster, all these scenarios may occur simultaneously. We must anticipate and prepare for them. Both in natural disasters and operational disruptions, to ensure uninterrupted communication in workplaces, an action plan using Satellite Internet can be applied. Below is a list of actions to be taken.

EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN

• Training programs / Seminars / Courses must be prepared.
  Our sector is still in its early stages, and there is a significant shortage of trained personnel. This is not just a problem for the companies purchasing the systems, but also a major risk when unqualified individuals attempt the work. I once saw a sign at a stationery shop saying “SATELLITES INSTALLED.” This work must be done by certified, competent professionals. Satellite Internet requires combined knowledge of satellites, networking, computers, and cabling — a rare combination. Therefore, training programs covering all aspects would be of great benefit.
• Safety is critical.
  This job is classified as “High Risk.” For example, the cable between the modem and the satellite carries 48V DC voltage, which can be more dangerous than 220V AC depending on conditions. Work often requires climbing ladders. Without knowledge of safe ladder use, one could injure themselves, even fatally, or cause material damage to installation site. Training is therefore essential.
• Business continuity through backup communication.
  Companies need uninterrupted communication and operational continuity. In cases of landline cable cuts, floods, earthquakes, fires, or sabotage, an independent satellite Internet system ensures uninterrupted continuation of central and field operations. In business continuity plans, under the title “Backup Communication Line,” satellite systems provide secure redundancy.
• Emergency coordination.
  During disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, power plant failures, mining accidents, or uncontrolled forest fires, local infrastructure may collapse. Even if GSM and cable networks fail, high-bandwidth data, voice, and video can still be transmitted via satellite. Sharing real-time information between the crisis center and field teams helps make faster and better decisions.
• Centralized management of multiple operations.
  Companies often have multiple branches in different cities or countries. Local services are not always reliable. By connecting all remote sites via a single satellite, homogeneous communication quality is achieved. This also ensures centralized management, data integrity, and simultaneous uninterrupted communication with all branches during emergencies. With no third-party hubs in between, security is also guaranteed. This method is already used widely by franchise businesses abroad, especially in the U.S.
• Backup and disaster recovery.
  This is critical for data security. If a data center’s Internet connection fails, VSAT satellite links can automatically take over. Work can continue through a backup site in a safer location. Critical applications such as ERP (finance, HR, sales, production, supply chain), customer service management, and SCADA systems can run uninterrupted, preventing data loss or production downtime.
• Rapid deployment in temporary operations.
  When temporary Internet or communication service is needed — for a new project site, a disaster area, or a remote rural location — portable (fly-away) or vehicle-mounted VSAT systems can establish communication infrastructure within hours, even where no other infrastructure exists.
• Cybersecurity and encrypted communication.
  When terrestrial lines are compromised or data traffic is at risk of surveillance, encrypted satellite links ensure secure, independent communication. During crises, this prevents data leaks and allows decisions to be made in a safe environment.
• Sectors where communication cannot fail.
  In industries such as banking, energy, and healthcare, regulations require legally “Backup Communication.” Satellite links meet these legal requirements, prevent penalties, and avoid operational losses. Regular drills should be carried out to test the readiness of satellite infrastructure.
• Power redundancy.
  As I mentioned earlier, “Give me electricity and I’ll give you Internet anywhere.” In emergencies like natural disasters, electricity infrastructure itself may fail too. Having a satellite system alone is useless without power. Therefore, backup power plans must also include UPS systems, generators, and sufficient fuel.
• Customized company checklists.
  Just as in other areas, a company-specific VSAT-supported emergency solution plan should include a checklist tailored to the organization. This ensures smooth operation and a clear step-by-step procedure for crisis moments.

 

Conclusion

When implemented correctly, VSAT satellite solutions guarantee the “communication and data continuity” aspect of emergency action plans.
The greatest communication advantage for companies is that it provides an independent solution that can be activated quickly, requiring no infrastructure other than power.

In the face of natural disasters, infrastructure failures, cyberattacks, or operational crises, a VSAT-based emergency communication plan enables companies to:

• Continue operations without interruption,
• Minimize losses and damages,
• Accelerate decision-making processes.

 

ORHAN ENER

25/08/2025

 

Contact: koc@hedefkoc.com