Rivada Space Networks aims to deliver gigabit-speed internet globally bypassing the public internet and third-party infrastructure, including on the ground. The project rests on a constellation of 600 LEO satellites, test launches for which will begin next year. With full delivery expected by the end of 2027, it has already secured $16bn in contracts, most recently from the US Navy.

“The most important thing we’re doing is providing governments and enterprises with a truly sovereign alternative to legacy infrastructure — not just more encryption, but a physical network they can control. What we call the Outernet is a mesh of satellites with inter-satellite links and ground stations that gives entities complete command over how and where their data travels. That’s become massively important — especially in the Middle East.”

As data sovereignty, infrastructure resilience and trusted communications take centre stage in the Middle East at CABSAT, CCO Ronald van der Breggen speaks about how the company’s Outernet architecture fits into the regional landscape, where it differs from consumer LEO constellations, and why it sees itself not as a competitor to terrestrial telcos, but their most resilient ally.

As geopolitical tensions rise and sabotage of undersea communications cables becomes a critical issue, telecommunication companies and major globally dispersed enterprise businesses are seeking a secure, fail proof communications infrastructure, and that's driving them to the Outernet.