MegaFon and Bureau 1440, a subsidiary of ICS Holding, have conducted the first test of hybrid communication using a Russian low-Earth orbit satellite constellation. The demonstration took place at the Digital Solutions forum in Moscow, featuring a live broadcast from the Krasnoyarsk region.
The technical setup involved transmitting data from an end-user device through a Yadro base station and a satellite link, bypassing the need for terrestrial transport lines. This integration allows for high-speed mobile coverage in remote areas, including industrial sites and emergency zones.
MegaFon CEO Khachatur Pombukhchan noted that the company signed a contract with Bureau 1440 in 2024. Previously, the operator developed a satellite complex for the rapid deployment of 4G and 5G networks. This hybrid architecture is now a priority for expanding coverage where ground infrastructure is absent.
Alexey Shelobkov, CEO of ICS Holding, highlighted that the project represents the integration of proprietary technologies into a unified communication system. The companies aim to utilize low-Earth orbit satellite infrastructure to provide high-speed connectivity across Russia's vast geography.
