Telecommunication

FDC has an in-depth knowledge of communication technologies,
supplemented by a perfect appraisal of governmental needs.

Satellite communications (SATCOM) are used in a wide range of civilian, governmental and military applications, seamlessly linking and extending terrestrial communication networks. They become a key asset whenever ground-based infrastructures are not available, damaged or not reliable. They are a major enabler for governmental security actors such as the police, border guards, fire fighters, crisis managers, who require global and highly reliable communication channels for their operations (e.g. GovSatCom). Moreover, they are crucial to guarantee trustworthy communication means to non-governmental end-users.

Driven by a steadily increasing demand, along with innovations in technology and services, satellite communication services and applications represent today the largest space sector, standing at the forefront of space activities development and democratisation. The emergence of smaller, lighter and cheaper satellites, as well as the recent advent of satellite mega-constellations are other factors contributing to the expected expansion of this market over the next decades.

Thanks to its in-depth knowledge of communication technologies and systems (terrestrial and satellite-based), FDC is able to provide its clients with a valuable blend of expertise in the domain – supplemented by longstanding competences in Security-related issues, particularly relevant for secure communication stakes.

Case Studies

Context & Objectives

The NAVISAT programme aimed at offering a set of aeronautical satellite communication and navigation services in the Middle East and African regions.

A company called “NAVISAT Middle East and Africa” was established in Egypt, fully owned by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Its primary mission was to carry out detailed Business and Technical studies (Phase 1) for the project following a feasibility study (Phase 0) performed by Thales Alenia Space.

FDC was contracted to assist NAVISAT Middle East and Africa to specify and launch Phase 1.

FDC’s Activities

In particular FDC’s activities consisted in:

  • Proposing a programme strategy
  • Drafting the technical specifications of the Phase 1 study
  • Assessing the proposal received
  • Contributing to the contract negotiation
  • Participating as expert to the kick-off meeting

Outcomes

FDC’s support has allowed the launch of Business & Technical detailed studies including:

  • Strategic Objectives & Detailed Planning
  • Business Plan & System Specifications
  • Sales, Marketing, Operating & Implementation Plans
  • Detailed specifications

Context & Objectives

Because of the ever-increasing GNSS and telecom threats, security actors are required to be aware of the last technological advances that could be used to enhance the GNSS and telecommunication security.

This is the reason why FDC has been mandated to provide the French Ministry of Defense with insights into both the existing and emerging security solutions for the radio-localisation and telecommunication technologies (3G and 4G).

FDC’s Activities

FDC used its deep expertise in radio navigation and telecommunication technologies to successfully contribute to the following studies:

  • Prior art and analysis of technologies and algorithms contributing to a secure and collaborative radio navigation capability. Market evolution forecasts
  • Market study of the telecom networks technologies and their adoptions worldwide. Prior art of the security measure implemented inside the 3G and 4G networks, analysis of the existing security solutions at smartphones level

Outcomes

Identification and market analysis of:

  • Mobile security technologies
  • Collaborative radio navigation applications