How will innovation change our approach to security telecoms?

Mark Hawkins, Senior Humanitarian Technology Consultant with IEC Telecom Group, shares insights on how technological change is impacting the safety of aid workers.

Telecoms in the humanitarian sector

Many NGOs require that staff have access to at least two reliable means of communication, in case of an emergency or unfolding crisis, which is often enforced through the organisation’s policy or minimum security requirements.

When I began my aid work in 1999, communication options were limited to short-range very high frequency (VHF) radio, long-range high frequency (HF) radio, and satellite telephones. Mobile phones were mostly confined to large cities.

From the early 2000s, mobile networks began to spread rapidly across countries which previously had limited infrastructure, particularly in remote communities. Even so, many organisations retained radios and satellite telecoms as their main backups. However, over time, staff started leaving their VHF walkie-talkie radios in the office, opting to rely entirely on mobile phones for voice calls and text messaging. Radio room teams transitioned to managing fleet movements via text messages instead of using radios.

An over-reliance on mobile phones in the sector

In insecure contexts, relying on a single mobile phone raises significant risks and breaks the longstanding practice of having access to backup options. The need to maintain multiple means of communication is just as relevant today as it was in 1999. In many countries, mobile networks often face shutdowns due to power failures, cable damage, vandalism, or deliberate closure by governments, especially during disputed elections and protests. Mobile networks often fail with little notice, leaving staff with no alternative telecoms.

Organisational complacency extends to funding of satellite telecommunications. In some organisations, budget holders have cancelled satellite telephone subscriptions, resulting in consequences such as complete loss of telecoms when the operational context changes.  A rapid onset crisis, such as a disputed election or military invasion, can often result in mobile networks going offline for long periods. Organisations that have sought to save money would then rush to source new satellite technologies to restore communications – by which time, it’s often too late to get new equipment into the country.

Reliance on mobile networks has also led to issues with older, long-distance HF radio networks, which used to be the backbone of voice communications. As a result, the skills to set up and run radio networks are being lost. In recent years, most NGO vehicles I have travelled in that have been fitted with HF radios were either broken, improperly installed, or not programmed. Even when functioning correctly, HF radios require skill and patience. Many people have neither and the radios are often unused.

TESS: a way forward for telecoms in the sector?

In 2018, UN agencies recognised there was an issue with the way “security telecoms” were being used. They therefore formed a working group called “Telecommunications Security Standards” (TESS) to investigate and find solutions. NGOs, via the Emergency Telecoms Cluster, were also represented in TESS. Initially funded for two years, the group was made permanent and renamed TESS+ as technologies evolved rapidly.

TESS+ reviewed the use of security telecoms in 2018 and completed a robust review and testing of new technologies in many countries by 2020. Their goal was to make security telecommunications simpler, more reliable, and, where possible, less expensive to operate.

Recognising the emerging skills gap, the TESS+ community began offering training for the UN/NGO community, ranging from radio programming to running a security operations centre (replacing traditional radio rooms).

In 2020, TESS+ defined new technical standards for short-range VHF radios while phasing out longer-range HF radio systems, although individual organisations may retain HF Radios.

What technologies are available today?

While technology has changed since 1999, the world is still very unsettled and the old practice of providing multiple means to communicate is still relevant. So, what does this mean in the more modern context of today? Let’s take a look at new technologies available now and some which are in the pipeline.

Push to talk communications (PTT)

In a nutshell, PTT is an old and simple method for people in a group to communicate and has a long history in radio communications. PTT enables one person to transmit messages to multiple people at the same time. PTT is great for transport and security management. It is still used widely for local communications via VHF radio. PTT is also available for greater distances via satellite telecoms.

The Iridium PTT service has been a great success in many countries as the ICOM-SAT100 model looks like a traditional VHF walkie-talkie radio. Many organisations are replacing their old HF radios with Iridium PTT.

Compared to HF radio, Iridium is simpler to set up and operate. Over time, the total costs of ownership (initial investment, plus operational costs) is significantly less than HF radio technologies.

Tracking devices and systems

In any insecure context, security managers may need to track personnel and vehicles. The tracking industry is a mature market with plenty of technologies to choose from. Where tracking devices are deployed, a system will also be needed so security managers can monitor their teams.

Some tracking systems are closed, meaning they only support technology from a single manufacturer. Opting for a future-ready solution like Traksat offers greater flexibility, as it can track a wide range of devices. This includes the widely popular Garmin InReach, particularly Garmin InReach Mini, known for its compact size. The Traksat platform is technology-agnostic, enabling seamless integration with various trackers, satcom devices, and third-party applications, ensuring adaptability to evolving operational needs.

In addition to GPS monitoring, many modern tracking devices offer critical emergency communication features, such as dedicated SOS buttons and automated check-ins via SMS. These capabilities provide an additional layer of security, allowing personnel to signal distress or confirm their safety in real time.

Satellite Smartphones

Unlike cellular phones, satellite handsets remained largely unchanged for decades, with their bulky robust design focused on emergency functionality, and long battery life. The launch of the Thuraya One smartphone marked a significant leap forward, setting a new benchmark for seamless connectivity in remote and challenging environments. Designed to operate beyond the reach of conventional networks, this cutting-edge device enables direct communication via Thuraya’s satellite network, eliminating dependency on terrestrial infrastructure. Looking very similar to a conventional smartphone, the Thuraya One also offers a discrete alternative for security telecoms, especially in environments where satellite communication use is more restricted.

Looking ahead, the future of Thuraya One is even more promising with the introduction of the new T4 satellite. Set to replace the aging T2 satellite, T4 will address many user concerns by ensuring enhanced reliability, improved coverage, and long-term service continuity.

Engineered for ultimate reliability, the Thuraya One is equipped with an additional nano-SIM card slot, allowing users to switch between satellite and cellular networks effortlessly. This dual-mode functionality ensures uninterrupted communication for NGOs, first responders, and professionals operating in the field, no matter how remote their mission.

In satellite mode, the smartphone provides secure and reliable voice calls and SMS, making it an essential tool for mission-critical communications. When connected to GSM networks, it functions like a high-performance Android smartphone, supporting a broad ecosystem of applications to enhance productivity, navigation, and collaboration.

Direct to Device (D2D)

We are seeing new technologies emerge where standard mobile phones can access satellites directly. Apple iPhone 14 and later models support SOS text messaging in Canada and the USA via the Globalstar network. Globalstar has limited coverage in the global south. The expense of an iPhone and lack of coverage may not be attractive to NGOs.

AST Space Mobile and SpaceX/Starlink have entered the D2D space and starting up new services in the USA, Europe and New Zealand. Both networks will allow standard mobile phones to access the D2D services, but not as direct customers. Services will be sold via established terrestrial mobile networks such as T-Mobile and Vodafone. Customers will be able to sign up to a D2D add on services where phones will roam onto the satellite network when the handset is out of the range of cell tower cover.

ViaSat also plans to establish D2D services. More details should emerge in the future. Other companies may similarly enter the D2D market, but for now, the best practice is to retain dedicated satellite handsets. The D2D market still has a long way to go before it becomes a service NGOs can rely upon.

Internet Solutions for First Responders: Portable Terminals

Internet connectivity in the field today extends far beyond simple file transfers. It is a critical enabler of operational efficiency, supporting real-time reporting and remote coordination of field activities. Traditionally, portable satcom terminals have played a key role in meeting these demands, with Go-Anywhere Pro (formerly known as BGAN) and Thuraya IP+ among the most widely used solutions. Powered by geostationary (GEO) satellite operators, these terminals provide reliable data speeds of 440-460 Kbps, sufficient for email communication, messaging apps, and controlled web access.

The value of these terminals can be further enhanced through optimised applications. IEC Telecom, for instance, offers a suite of services—including videoconferencing and telemedicine—designed to operate efficiently on bandwidth as low as 100 Kbps, ensuring seamless connectivity in even the most remote locations.

With low earth orbit (LEO) satellite services gaining momentum, traditional GEO providers are under pressure to evolve their market offerings swiftly to stay competitive. Viasat has responded by introducing Go-Anywhere Pro Max plans, significantly reducing the cost per MB compared to previous BGAN subscriptions. A brief look at history: Inmarsat was acquired by Viasat in 2023, and BGAN has since been rebranded as Go-Anywhere Pro. The Explorer 510 remains a portable and trusted solution, particularly in the aid sector. However, concerns persisted regarding potential “bill shock” due to high standard airtime rates. The new Go-Anywhere Pro Max plan addresses this issue by offering airtime at a fraction of the standard BGAN rates and, most essentially, applicable worldwide.

Meanwhile, Thuraya has introduced IP NEO, an upgraded version of IP+. In addition to enhanced technical specifications—such as extended battery life (both in standby and transmission) and dual Ethernet ports—the new terminal is designed to be compatible with the recently deployed Thuraya T4 satellite. Once fully operational, this network will enable airtime speeds up to 1 Mbps, representing a major advancement in mobile satcom capabilities.

Internet Solutions for First Responders: Rapid Deployment Kit

With ongoing cuts in NGO funding, cost optimisation has become crucial to ensuring the sustainable delivery of humanitarian aid. This challenge extends beyond procurement—it is essential to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of remote missions. The solution lies in digitalisation. With reliable high-speed internet access, NGOs can significantly expand their operational capabilities in the field. From accessing corporate applications to conducting remote maintenance and even delivering first aid via video call, connectivity is transforming the reach and impact of humanitarian efforts.

As Starlink’s high-speed, low-latency networks secure licensing in an increasing number of countries, the digitalisation of the aid sector is no longer a question of if—but when. However, Starlink alone is only part of the solution. To truly address the unique challenges of humanitarian missions, next-generation networks must be tailored to the sector’s specific requirements.

At GISF’s Global Security Risk & Policy Conference, IEC Telecom presented its vision for maximising Starlink’s potential for NGOs. The solution? A carry-on-sized kit featuring the Starlink Mini at its core—an intelligent system equipped with advanced network management tools and an off-grid power supply. Designed to enhance the capabilities of aid operations, this system also incorporates cost-saving measures.

The RDK 2.0 kit offers centralised management, enabling credit redistribution across active subscriptions. Any remaining balance can be rolled over to the next month, ensuring task-specific, resilient communications while keeping operational costs in check.

It is true that geopolitical turbulence raises questions about the long-term demand for Starlink’s services. However, the technical realities cannot be ignored. At present, many African nations—where humanitarian support is critical—lack alternative high-speed LEO services. As a result, humanitarian missions looking to accelerate digitalisation must make decisions based on service availability. Should they take this path, comprehensive managed solutions like RDK 2.0 might be a way forward.

Looking ahead

The world today remains as restless and unpredictable as it was in 1999. The ability to establish fast, reliable communication remains a critical necessity for those operating in hostile or insecure environments. In parallel, NGOs are embracing technological advances, and the role of data-driven solutions will only continue to grow. The future of humanitarian aid is digital, and the time to prepare is now.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not necessarily represent the views or position of GISF or the author’s employers.

About the author

Mark Hawkins is a Senior Humanitarian Technology Consultant with IEC Telecom Group. He previously worked in the humanitarian sector, including over 10 years at Save the Children International.

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