Leo connectivity for hospital communications

San Francisco General, one of Northern California’s busiest public hospitals, must remain operational through power outages, disasters, and network disruptions. To strengthen emergency readiness, Eutelsat Distribution Partner IP Access International and Remote Satellite Systems International integrated a blended satellite solution that ensures hospital communications stay online when traditional networks fail.

THE Challenge: 

Maintaining Critical Communications

Emergency readiness requires uninterrupted voice and data connectivity—even when traditional networks fail. Power outages, disasters, or damaged fibre lines can leave hospitals without the communications they depend on. Congested cellular networks add further risk. San Francisco General needed a solution that would remain operational regardless of conditions on the ground and resilient enough to support large-scale clinical coordination during crises.

THE Need: 

Unified Satellite-Backed Network

The hospital required a shared, seamless communications system that provided instant redundancy and simplified operations. Key requirements included:

• Faster data transfer with lower latency for critical applications
• Streamlined, intuitive operations suitable for non-technical staff
• Trusted, tested hardware with minimal maintenance needs

This network would need to support teams across departments, buildings, and partner agencies without increasing complexity.

The Solution: 

Blended LEO and Terrestrial Paths

The system integrates advanced satellite and terrestrial components into one unified operational network:

• A Hughes 1120W LEO Terminal for fast, low‑maintenance satellite access
• A Dejero GateWay M6E6 using Smart Blending Technology™ to manage and blend multiple network paths intelligently
• SuperGIG™, delivered and supported by IP Access International, providing the orchestration layer that combines satellite and terrestrial connections into a single, resilient service

Both hospital buildings connect through a shared satellite gateway, creating a unified hub that supports continuous communication between departments, multiple campuses, and external emergency agencies—even during severe disruption.
The outcome:

Continuous connectivity even if any single path is congested or unavailable

• Lower latency and improved responsiveness compared to GEO-only systems
• Support for simultaneous voice, video, and clinical data flows
• Priority access across Verizon, T‑Mobile Priority, and FirstNet for emergency coordination

Impact: Reliability That Saves Lives

Hospitals, emergency services, and public safety agencies need systems they can depend on without hesitation. The blended satellite and fibre solution ensures that critical environments stay connected when it matters most. By integrating multiple technologies into one shared, resilient network, San Francisco General now benefits from:

• Communications continuity across crises and outages
• Rapid response capability backed by intelligent path selection
• A future-ready infrastructure designed for resilience in every emergency situation