The Power of Satellites in Emergency Alerting and Protecting Lives

Summary

This discussion explored the role of satellite technologies in enhancing early warning systems and protecting lives during disasters, with a particular focus on direct-to-device initiatives. The session was co-organized by the ITU and the Global Satellite Operator Association (GSOA), bringing together experts from various organizations including the European Space Agency, NextGen Space/Link Global, and Fleo Blue.

The panelists emphasized that satellite communications are essential for disaster response because they provide global coverage, resilience, and reliability when terrestrial networks fail or are unavailable. Current technology challenges were addressed, noting that while mobile networks cover 96% of the global population, this coverage is concentrated in only 20% of Earth’s land area, leaving millions in remote regions vulnerable during emergencies. Several innovative direct-to-device solutions were presented, including Link Global’s space-based cell towers that connect directly to standard mobile phones, SpaceX’s emergency alert capabilities demonstrated during recent hurricanes and wildfires, and Fleo Blue’s Bluetooth-based satellite messaging system.

The European Space Agency highlighted the importance of combining Earth observation data with connectivity solutions, using AI to process information on-board satellites for real-time disaster monitoring and response. Speakers stressed that technology alone is insufficient – successful implementation requires preparedness, training, proper protocols, and coordination between governments, industry, and local authorities. Key barriers identified include regulatory delays, customs duties, lack of awareness, and the need for fast-track frameworks during emergencies.

The discussion concluded that while the technology exists today and satellites are already in orbit capable of delivering life-saving alerts, the main challenge lies in ground-level implementation, ensuring different stakeholders collaborate effectively to transform these space-based tools into practical applications that can save lives and meet the UN’s early warning for all initiative target by 2027.

Keypoints

## Major Discussion Points:

– **Current State of Satellite-Based Emergency Communications**: Multiple panelists demonstrated that direct-to-device satellite technologies are already deployed and operational today, with companies like SpaceX, Link Global, and emerging solutions like Fleo Blue’s Bluetooth-based system already sending emergency alerts and SMS messages during real disasters like hurricanes and wildfires.

– **The Critical Role of Preparedness and Partnerships**: Beyond having the technology, success requires extensive preparation including training, clear protocols, regulatory frameworks, cross-border cooperation, and partnerships between satellite operators, mobile network operators, governments, and international organizations like ITU.

– **Integration of Earth Observation and Communication Systems**: The discussion highlighted the evolution toward combining satellite-based Earth observation (like ESA’s Copernicus program) with direct communication capabilities, enabling real-time disaster detection and immediate alerting to affected populations through AI-powered analysis.

– **Addressing the Global Connectivity Gap**: With 2.6 billion people still unconnected and mobile networks covering only 20% of Earth’s land area, satellite communications provide the only viable solution for reaching remote and disaster-prone areas where terrestrial infrastructure is inadequate or destroyed.

– **Implementation Challenges and Solutions**: Key barriers include regulatory delays, customs issues, lack of awareness, phone settings not enabled for emergency alerts, message duplication, and the need for localized content in appropriate languages and formats that communities can understand and trust.

## Overall Purpose:

The discussion aimed to explore how satellite technologies can enhance early warning systems to protect lives during disasters, with a specific focus on direct-to-device initiatives. The session was designed to showcase current capabilities, identify implementation challenges, and promote collaboration toward achieving the UN’s “Early Warnings for All” initiative by 2027.

## Overall Tone:

The tone was professional, urgent, and solution-oriented throughout. Speakers conveyed both optimism about technological capabilities and a sense of urgency about implementation needs. The discussion maintained a collaborative spirit, with panelists emphasizing partnerships and shared responsibility. There was a notable shift from technical presentations in the first half to more practical, action-oriented discussions about overcoming barriers and achieving real-world deployment in the second half.

Speakers

– **Alexandre Vallet** – Lead of the Space Services Department in the ITU Radio Communication Bureau, Session moderator

– **Isabelle Mauro** – Director General of the Global Satellite Operator Association (GSOA), Co-organizer of the session

– **Cosmas Zavazava** – Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau

– **Margo Deckard** – Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Special Projects at NextGen Space, Co-founder of Link Global (D2D company), Previously served as Chief Operating Officer at Link Global leading regulatory and government teams

– **Pierre Philippe Mathieu** – Implementation manager of the civil security from space program at the European Space Agency (ESA)

– **Philippe Lattes** – CEO and co-founder of Fleo Blue

**Additional speakers:**

None identified beyond the provided speakers names list.

# Comprehensive Summary: Satellite Technologies for Early Warning Systems and Disaster Response

## Introduction and Context

This discussion, moderated by Alexandre Vallet from the ITU Radio Communication Bureau and co-organised by the ITU and the Global Satellite Operator Association (GSOA), brought together leading experts to explore how satellite technologies can enhance early warning systems and protect lives during disasters. The session focused particularly on direct-to-device initiatives and their role in achieving the UN’s “Early Warnings for All” initiative by 2027.

The panel featured diverse expertise from international organisations, space agencies, and innovative technology companies, including Isabelle Mauro (GSOA Director General), Cosmas Zavazava (ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau Director), Margo Deckard (NextGen Space COO and Link Global co-founder), Pierre Philippe Mathieu (ESA Implementation Manager), and Philippe Lattes (Fleo Blue CEO and co-founder).

## Current Operational Capabilities

### The Critical Connectivity Gap

Isabelle Mauro established the fundamental framework by highlighting that while mobile networks cover 96% of the global population, this coverage exists in only 20% of Earth’s land area. Cosmas Zavazava noted that approximately 2.6 billion people remain unconnected, often in the most vulnerable regions during emergencies. As Mauro emphasized, “communications are not a luxury… they are a necessity,” particularly during disasters.

Zavazava reinforced this urgency by stating that “satellite communications are at the core of saving human lives during disasters for alerting and coordinating humanitarian action.” He shared a sobering example from early warning system testing: “We used it to send a siren and follow it with a message in English. And the young people, children, were dancing to the tune of the siren, not understanding that it’s actually an alert for them to go to higher ground if there is a tsunami.” This illustrated the critical gap between having technology and achieving effective communication.

### Direct-to-Device Solutions Already Operational

Contrary to perceptions of satellite emergency communications as futuristic technology, multiple speakers demonstrated that these systems are already operational. Margo Deckard provided compelling evidence that “direct-to-device technology is deployed today with thousands of emergency cell broadcasts tested in 40 countries.”

Deckard shared specific examples of recent deployments, noting that SpaceX has successfully sent emergency alerts during Hurricanes Helene and Milton, as well as during the Los Angeles wildfires. She mentioned that SpaceX currently has “over 600 direct-to-cell antennas on orbit” and highlighted practical applications like a UK Space Agency-funded project connecting 46 smallholder farmers in Kenya.

The development of Link Global’s space-based cell towers emerged from Deckard’s direct experience during the 2014 Ebola pandemic crisis response in Liberia and Sierra Leone, where she observed that existing terminals were primarily used for text messaging, leading to the realization that “the terminal is the problem.”

### Earth Observation and Monitoring Systems

Pierre Philippe Mathieu highlighted the operational status of ESA’s Copernicus system, which provides “weekly timescale global coverage at 10 meter resolution with open and free data access.” He emphasized that satellites offer “a unique perspective” with “globally consistent measurements across countries,” crucial for cross-border coordination since countries often measure variables like temperature differently.

Mathieu stressed that “AI processing on board satellites is needed to extract information and reduce latency in emergency response,” noting that such AI systems must be designed to “resist radiation” in the space environment.

### Emergency Response Infrastructure

Zavazava outlined the ITU’s current operational capabilities, explaining that the organization deploys emergency telecommunications and satellite terminals free of charge in disaster aftermath. He noted that companies like Iridium, Inmarsat, Vizada, and Thuraya provide free airtime during emergencies, and that ITU offers free support to member states for designing national emergency plans with standard operating procedures.

## Technology Approaches and Solutions

### Multiple Complementary Technologies

The discussion revealed that different satellite technologies serve complementary rather than competing roles:

**Direct-to-Cell Solutions**: Deckard’s Link Global approach uses space-based cell towers that connect directly to devices using existing cellular spectrum, addressing challenges like Doppler shift and extended range for emergency communications.

**Earth Observation Integration**: Mathieu’s ESA perspective emphasizes combining monitoring capabilities with communication systems, using AI to process information on-board satellites for real-time disaster detection and response.

**Bluetooth-Based Communication**: Philippe Lattes presented Fleo Blue’s innovative approach, leveraging Bluetooth as “the most widely standard in the ground,” making it “immediately compatible with all smartphones.” Lattes, whose company was “created last year,” outlined plans for deploying 330 satellites with Bluetooth modules by 2027-28, using existing satellite opportunities rather than building new constellations.

### Technical Demonstrations and Partnerships

During the session, Pierre Philippe demonstrated a “little antenna that uses a few milliwatts of power to talk to geostationary” satellites, developed by Turnwaves. This illustrated the practical miniaturization of satellite communication technology.

Mauro highlighted important industry collaborations, including agreements between GSOA and GSMA, and between GSOA and ESA, emphasizing the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. She noted that ITU maintains technology neutrality while recognizing satellite communications’ critical importance.

## Implementation Challenges and Barriers

### Regulatory Obstacles as Primary Barrier

Despite technological readiness, speakers identified regulatory barriers as the primary obstacle to widespread implementation. Mauro called for “fast-track regulatory frameworks and reduced legal barriers for emergency satellite service deployment,” highlighting that current regulatory delays significantly underutilize satellite resources during emergencies.

Zavazava reinforced this perspective, noting that “countries must have policies, regulations, and spectrum access in place for crisis-time satellite use.” He emphasized the need for strategic connectivity plans that integrate satellite capabilities into national emergency telecommunication frameworks.

### Cultural and Communication Barriers

Zavazava’s siren example demonstrated that cultural context, language, and local understanding are as important as technical infrastructure. He emphasized that “local content, language, and proper messaging are fundamental for effective emergency alerts.”

### Technical and Operational Challenges

Deckard identified several practical implementation challenges:

– Emergency alert functionality exists in phones but is not always activated by providers

– The need for formalized government approval processes for emergency alerts before disasters occur

– Integration challenges between satellite systems and existing emergency response protocols

– Addressing timeline constraints, as some solutions require up to 10 years for new spectrum compatibility in phones

## Partnerships and Collaboration Requirements

### Multi-Stakeholder Approach

The speakers unanimously agreed that no single entity can implement effective early warning systems alone. Mauro stressed that “partnerships between industry, governments, and local authorities are crucial for successful implementation” and emphasized the importance of cross-border cooperation while respecting national sovereignty.

Mathieu highlighted a specific need: “Collaboration between Earth observation and connectivity communities is needed to connect these capabilities,” pointing to the necessity of breaking down silos between different technical communities.

### Beyond Technology: Comprehensive Frameworks

Mauro emphasized that “technology alone is insufficient without training, coordination, protocols, and regulatory frameworks.” Zavazava reinforced this by highlighting the importance of “strategic connectivity plans integrating satellite capabilities and national emergency telecommunication plans.”

## Future Plans and Scaling

### Immediate Development Priorities

Deckard captured the shared sense of urgency, stating that “the future is now” and expressing her desire to “do the work right now… so that two months from now, wherever that disaster, earthquake is, or tsunami, we could save lives.”

Mathieu discussed European proposals for “resilience from space” including virtual constellations and AI-enabled autonomous satellite systems, pointing towards more sophisticated, automated emergency response capabilities.

### Specific Deployment Timelines

Lattes outlined specific scaling plans for Bluetooth-based solutions, targeting 330 satellites by 2027-28. His approach leverages existing satellite opportunities rather than requiring new constellation development, potentially reducing costs and deployment timelines.

## Action Items and Next Steps

### Immediate Implementation Actions

The discussion identified several immediate action items:

– Adopt temporary conventions to reduce legal barriers for emergency telecommunications deployment

– Establish fast-track regulatory frameworks for satellite services during emergencies

– Promote cross-border cooperation protocols for mutual assistance

– Integrate satellite capabilities into national emergency frameworks

### Capacity Building and Preparedness

Speakers emphasized the need for:

– Conducting simulation exercises and joint response scenarios with all stakeholders

– Creating readiness culture through training and coordination

– Formalizing government approval processes for emergency alerts before disasters occur

### Continued Collaboration

Zavazava specifically invited participants to the Global Symposium for Regulators in Riyadh (August 31 – September 3) to address regulatory barriers. The discussion highlighted ongoing collaboration needs between ITU, GSOA, ESA, and industry partners to scale solutions.

## Conclusion and Future Outlook

The discussion revealed a remarkable alignment between technological capability and implementation urgency. Satellite-based emergency communication technologies are not futuristic concepts but operational systems already saving lives during disasters. The primary challenge has shifted from technological development to implementation frameworks, regulatory coordination, and multi-stakeholder collaboration.

The speakers’ consensus on regulatory barriers as the primary obstacle, rather than technical limitations, suggests a clear path forward focused on policy development and coordination mechanisms. The diversity of technical approaches—from direct-to-cell to Bluetooth-based to Earth observation integration—indicates that comprehensive emergency communication coverage will require multiple complementary technologies rather than a single solution.

Alexandre Vallet’s closing emphasis on moving “from tools in space to real applications that save lives” encapsulated the session’s core message: the technology exists, satellites are in orbit, and the focus must now shift to ground-level implementation that transforms space-based capabilities into life-saving applications. The speakers’ shared sense of urgency and emphasis on immediate action suggests that the satellite industry and international community are positioned to make substantial progress towards universal early warning coverage in the near term.

Alexandre Vallet: My name is Alexandre Vallet. I lead the Space Services Department in the ITU Radio Communication Bureau. I will be the moderator of this session. I’m pleased to meet you all. Maybe a brief point of background and context, this session will try to explore the role of satellite technologies in enhancing early warning systems and therefore protecting lives during disasters and associated crises. Notably, we will focus this session by highlighting the progress in different direct-to-device initiatives. So, I am joined by a set of wonderful panelists that I will present later in the session, but I will start first with some opening remarks, and I propose that we start with Ms. Isabelle Mauro, who is Director General of the Global Satellite Operator Association, which, as you may know, under her leadership, lead the effort to showcase the benefits of satellite communications for a more inclusive, sustainable, and secure society. She has kindly accepted to co-organize this session with the ITU, so I think I will later introduce the topic from the viewpoint of the satellite industry.

Isabelle Mauro: Thank you. It’s a pleasure to be here at WSIS, and thank you for letting us co-host this session. Today’s discussion, I think, should really remind us that communications are not a luxury, and I think you’ve probably heard it if you attended WSIS yesterday. summit, but really they are a necessity, and in particular in times of, in the face of natural or man-made disasters. So I really want, given that we only have, I think, three minutes, I really want to focus on three key points for the discussion about emergency services and, you know, times of crisis. The first one is connectivity. You know, the solution starts long before a disaster strikes. It starts with ensuring access to connectivity. Without that, there is no communication, you know, within, without the time of crisis. But yet mobile networks cover 96% of the global population, which is a major achievement. However, this coverage is concentrated in just 20% of the earth land area. So the remaining 4% of unconnected people are really spread across vast and hard to reach regions. And it really represents millions of people in communities that still lack really the basic services. And that becomes critical in times of emergency and times of crisis. And satellites really offer a unique complementary solution here, because we have global coverage, we have resilience, and we have reliability. So remote monitoring, IoT, disaster detection, and early warning systems really all depend on robust, ubiquitous networks. And that’s really a key basic element. And countries really need to have strategic, inclusive connectivity plans that really integrate satellite capabilities from the outset so that we are ready to respond, you know, in terms of crisis. The second is preparedness. Having technology is not enough, we must also know how to use technology. So preparedness begins with connectivity, of course, but it also includes training, coordination, and readiness. And too often, satellite resources are really underutilized in emergencies due to the lack of awareness and clear protocols, but also regulatory delays. So essentially, we need simulation exercises, for instance, practicing joint response scenario with all stakeholders really helps create a culture of readiness. And it ensures that all actors know their role before a crisis occurs. And we also need to align national policies with ITU guidelines, with embedding satellite capabilities into emergency frameworks, and all of these will really dramatically improve the response capacity. And last but not least, is the response itself. So what happens when disaster strikes? You know, we have seen that satellite systems support early warning efforts in the face of impending disasters, they enable real time coordination of relief efforts, and the aid damage assessment. This rapid flow of data also helps communicate and economies because, sorry, become more resilient by enabling faster, more informed decision making. So in times of disaster, when over communication systems are all down and destroyed, satellite communication equipment really can be immediately used to support relief efforts. So we recommend three key actions to improve disaster response and overcome the red tape that sometimes exists because of customs duties and different barriers. First is to adopt the temporary convention to reduce legal barriers and facilitate emergency telecoms deployment. Second, to establish fast track regulatory frameworks for the use of satellite services during emergencies. And finally, to promote cross border cooperation, while respecting national sovereignty to enable mutual assistance and faster recovery. So in conclusion, we must really ensure that we innovate with purpose. and that digital inclusion remains at the forefront of government’s agenda so that nations are prepared in times of crisis. So let me remind you, connectivity saves lives, preparedness prevents chaos, and timely response builds resilience and response. Thank you.

Alexandre Vallet: Thank you very much. Thank you very much, Isabelle. Now I have the honor to introduce the director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, Dr. Cosmas Zavazava, who will also provide us with some improvements. Please, Dr. Zavazava.

Cosmas Zavazava: Yeah, thank you very much and good afternoon. It is a pleasure to be here. Very short remarks. Before I go to my prepared remarks, I just want to say that ITU is technology neutral, but satellite communications is at the core when it comes to saving human lives, whether it is for alerting or it is for coordinating humanitarian action, distribution of food, distribution of medication, provision of shelter, and rehabilitation of telecommunications networks. So it is very important. And we celebrate the fact that many operators are generously providing support to the work that we do. We also help the private sector member states by designing national emergency telecommunication plans to make sure that standard operating procedures are in place. We deploy the right technology at the right time. In 2010, when the 7.2 earthquake on the Richter scale hit Haiti, the subsea cable from Bermuda to Santo Domingo was cut, and that disrupted the connectivity. And it was very difficult for humanitarian actors. That triggered many non-governmental organizations. and Ms. Margo Deckard, Mr. Philippe Lattes, Ms. Margo Deckard, Mr. Philippe Lattes, Mr. It is important for us to recognize the importance of early warning. And of course, satellite communications provide that remote sensing is very important. Geographical information systems are very important. And we should be enhancing our approach by injecting, of course, a dose of artificial intelligence so that we can target those people who are at risk. But having said that, let me go to my statement. It is a privilege, as I have said, to be speaking on this topic that directly impacts the safety, dignity and resilience of communities around the world. The most needy countries are the least developed countries because they are very vulnerable. So infrastructure resilience, robustness, reliability are very important. And that we always focus on when we are deploying emergency telecommunications. Reliability is crucial. And I think top of the agenda for us should be in saving human life. Let me begin by sincerely thanking our co-organizers, GESOA, and our distinguished panelists from the European Space Agency, Leo Blue and Link Global. Their work continues to push the boundaries of satellite innovation for societal good. So we have much to learn from them. They are our partners. and Mr. Pierre. We are very proud to have them on board. We try to support their work through appropriate regulatory frameworks. On this note, I want to invite you to come to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from the 31st of August to the 3rd of September, where all the regulators will be assembling. We also invite the private sector and industry and academia to come because the day before GSR, we will be having a meeting of industry for industry also has got a role to play in expressing their concerns and the barriers brought by inappropriate or too much regulation. And we wanted to break those barriers today, more than ever, the world faces increasingly frequent devastating disasters, and most of them are driven by climate change. So climate change adaptation and mitigation are very critical. These are often driven by climate change, of course, but they are compounded by vulnerabilities in communication, infrastructure and coverage. Today we have 2.6 billion people who remain unconnected. The figure is going to change, I can tell you. We just released on the 30th of June, our latest figure on the ICT development index, and we’ll be releasing the facts and figures. We are making great progress and that will help us, for example, to reach out to people who live in a remote, neglected, marginalized areas. And we want universal coverage so that when disasters are impending, early warning systems can reach every living human person. And that’s why we deploy early warnings for all with a target to make sure that by 2027, every living person will be within reach. Satellite communications have proven to be a reliable and scalable means of ensuring the continuity of emergency services. And the timely delivery of life-saving alerts, particularly where terrestrial networks are unavailable or damaged. In cases where we have earthquakes and we have the tsunami, for example, the infrastructure is usually destroyed or disrupted. Sometimes disrupted or destroyed because of sabotage, and the satellite will still be looking at you. And then you are assured that you will connect, you will continue to be connected. At ITU, Telecommunication Development Bureau, we are deeply committed to helping countries build resilience. But that we can do, but we can’t do alone. We are taking the lead on pillar three of the UN Secretary General’s early warnings for all initiative, which concerns warning dissemination and communication. Our goal is to ensure that every person on earth is protected by an effective early warning systems, and that these warnings reach people at risk at the right time and in the right format and in the right way. And the local content is very important. We tested the deployment of emergency telecommunications, and in earlier days when we were doing early warning systems, we used it to send a siren and follow it with a message in English. And the young people, children, were dancing to the tune of the siren, not understanding that it’s actually an alert for them to go to higher ground if there is a tsunami. So local content, local language, proper messaging, capacity building are fundamental and very important. Now, in the aftermath of disasters, ITU also provides for your information for free. We deploy satellite terminals, broadband, and we set up telemedicine centers to make sure that communities that are disadvantaged continue to communicate, and we can save one or two lives. Arbace. I would like to say to you, this is also made possible thanks to some of the members of GSOA, because we have organizations like Iridium, Inmasat, Vizada, Turaya, and a few others that believe in our mission. They provide free air time for us to be able to support the efforts of local institutions, governments, and agencies that are responsible in saving lives. Today, emerging technologies like direct-to-device satellite communications are redefining what is possible. Soon, we’ll be able to send our latest directly to standard mobile phones, even in the most remote corners of the world, without any need of ground-based infrastructure. And that’s progress. This is a transformational step forward for inclusive, universal alerting system. Our partners here today are also demonstrating the powerful role of space technologies in supporting disaster management at all phases. Preparedness, response, recovery, rehabilitation of telecommunication networks. But innovation must be matched by readiness. Technology alone is not enough. Countries must have national strategies in place, including policies, regulations, and spectrum access, so that digital technologies, including satellites, can continue to be used in times of crisis. ITU continues to support our member states in developing these frameworks. Please call on us. It’s free. We are paid to do exactly that. Ladies and gentlemen, let me end with a call to action. Let us work together. Partnerships drive mountains or move mountains. We need to work together. Duplication of effort and resources does not get us very far. Governments, industry, international partners should be working with us to scale up satellite based solutions and deliver on the promise of early warnings for war and our dream and commitment and vision not to leave anyone behind. Thank you very much for this opportunity.

Alexandre Vallet: Thank you very much Dr. Zavazava. Thank you very much both of you for this introductory remark. I will now turn to the panelists and start with Margo Deckard, who is the Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Special Projects at NextGen Space. She’s also a co-founder of Link Global. You probably know this is a famous D2D company. She served there as the Chief Operating Officer and led the regulatory and government teams. So she will have certainly some insights on these aspects as well. What is particularly interesting with her biography, I would say, is that she was led to funding Link Global because of her previous humanitarian work. So she really understands in depth the topic. Margo, could you briefly highlight your direct-to-device solution and the current development or deployment status of it and how you see this solution contributing to strengthening resilient communication in disaster-prone areas?

Margo Deckard: Thank you. Thank you and good afternoon. First of all, a brief thanks to the WSIS organizers for the opportunity to join this panel and to the attendees today for your time. As Alexander shared, actually Link was born out of my work in Liberia and Sierra Leone in the 2014 Ebola pandemic crisis response. I noticed that on these BGAN terminals, which are video set terminals, they were mostly used to text from. And if you imagine the amount of information you can contain in a text, infection rates, fatalities, supply requests, and you realize the time saved for responders to just grab the phone in their pocket in their go bags and respond to a crisis, then you realize the terminal is the problem. So together with my fellow co-founders at Link, we created cell towers in space that connect directly to the device already in your pocket. And Link created the category of direct-to-device, but we were quickly joined by others, including AST Space Mobile, and then a few years later in 2023 by SpaceX. Now all three of these providers partner with mobile network operators. They bring the spectrum and the customers, and we bring the satellite infrastructure to either extend their coverage, fill in a gap, or provide their network resiliency. We do this first by using spectrum that’s already in the phone today and solving for Doppler shift, because now your cell tower is moving relative to you, and the extended range time delay because instead of being 20 kilometers from your cell tower, you’re now 500. Now space-based cell towers are designed to be the weakest signal until a customer moves outside of terrestrial coverage, then it becomes stronger and they seamlessly roam onto the space network. Now there are other flavors of direct-to-device that you may have heard of. There’s Apple and Globalstar. Apple uses the Globalstar constellation by putting a chip in their new phones, and there’ll be new 3GPP compliant providers that use their MSS spectrum, C-band, L-band, S-band, and as soon as they build their constellations and as soon as that spectrum is in the phone, it will be available to users. But in unserved and underserved population, those phones will take a decade. So that’s why the category of the Lynx and the SpaceX and the AST space mobiles are so powerful, because we’re sending emergency alerts today. In fact, Lynx has sent over thousands, I mean, of emergency cell broadcasts. tests in 40 countries around the world today. SpaceX has sent hundreds of texts in actual emergency disaster response. In Hurricanes Helene and Milton and the LA wildfires, they successfully sent SMS texts and emergency cell broadcasts, alerting individuals outside of terrestrial coverage what their evacuation routes were and connecting them to 911 services. So if you think about, and I know for many people, they think about a satellite constellation and they think it’s expensive, but it is the only infrastructure that will solve emergency alerting on a global scale. So in 2023, when the US had a fire in Maui, and when, you know, Libya had those devastating floods, you know, it was hundreds of deaths in Maui and thousands of deaths in Libya. The only infrastructure that could have saved lives on opposite sides of the planets is satellite infrastructure. And with the link and SpaceX architectures, we don’t need ground infrastructure. We don’t need a ground station in sight because we take the terrestrial base station and we move it onto our satellites in low earth orbit. So whether your infrastructure is non-existent, whether your infrastructure was devastated by an earthquake, fire or flood, we can connect to your citizens and provide them with that timely information that they need. And I know time is short, so I will pass it along, but I know, I just want to leave with the audience, the understanding that this technology is deployed today. This category can save lives today. And we really don’t have 10 years to wait. You know, just this week in my country, we’ve had devastating floods in Texas that again, claim lives due to non-existent and poor emergency alerting. So thank you for your…

Alexandre Vallet: Thank you very much. Thank you very much, Margot. I will now turn to Pierre-Philippe. who is the implementation manager of the civil security from space program at the European Space Agency. And I will ask him a question that is more about the format, the information that the director previously alluded to. Could you highlight what kind of essential information in fact should be included in the messages, not only because the technology to transfer the message are important but also the content. So if you can elaborate a bit on what are the essential information and how do we get this information to transfer it to people.

Pierre Philippe Mathieu: Good afternoon everybody and thank you very much for the invitation. The director mentioned that during a disaster you need to have the right information at the right time and the right place. This is what we are trying to do with space technology. As you know you cannot manage what you cannot measure. So space offer really a unique perspective to do that because you can have a globally consistent way of measuring things across countries so that they can talk about the same variables because countries like just for temperature they would measure it in different way. So if you want to look at climate change for example this would give you a kind of long term consistent view and really measure the anomalies on top of it. So this is called Earth observation. It’s remote sensing. Europe has set up a system called Copernicus which is a public good. It creates routine monitoring of the planet. Like at weekly timescale you get global coverage at 10 meter resolution in optical and also in radar and this data is open and free. So you can use it for science but also for application. And during disaster, we need these data, but we also need enhanced resolutions from the new space like Planet Spire, ISAI in Radar, and Aurora Tech. So what we try to do at the agency is really to put all these data together with AI, and that’s why I’m here today, in fact, using also large language model as a way to interact with them to really extract the information. And one of the big issues we have in disaster is first to put all these data together in context with drone data, IoT, so the extraction that we call data fusion and extraction. The ability then to move these data to the people, and that’s the connectivity issue, in particular the last mile, and very key to do it in almost real time, so the latency aspects. And that latency aspect is something we focus a lot on because there is a huge gap today. When you get the data, you have to go to a long path and journey to a ground segment. So we try to process on board with AI because this is the emergence of AI in space that resists to radiation with computing, and that extracts information, and then we need on the same satellite, both the observing system and then the connectivity system, like a solution we heard today, to send then this information to the people in the field. So I’m coming here, I mean, I don’t have specific technology in mind. ESA has to create an industry in Europe with different technology, but I’m coming here to really connect these communities of the one observing with the one connecting. And I just present here solutions for a direct-to-device. This is really new out of the oven. This is a very disruptive field, so there are very few actors in Europe, and we are exploring this. It’s a low level of TRL, we call it technology level, but it was demonstrated last week. This is a little antenna that uses a few milliwatts of power to talk to geostationary. So this is an opposite paradigm to lower-orbit satellites. They are very far away, so it’s very difficult to reach them, but they are there. And the intelligence here in the software, they use part of this signal that exists already to use the noise to actually convey messages. And I find this extremely disruptive. A test was done last week, bidirectional, by a company called Turnwaves. And we are exploring now how to put this into a more sustainable application layer and do use cases. And I’ll stop here for the moment. Thanks.

Alexandre Vallet: Pierre Philippe Mathieu Yes, thank you very much, Pierre Philippe, and for showing live that we are really speaking of today’s technology. We are not really speaking of futuristic applications. Technologies are here. And I will now turn to Philippe Lattes, the CEO and co-founder of Fleo Blue, who will present us another technology for delivering this kind of solutions. So again, if you could describe your technology, its status, and what it can bring to this emergency, early warning forward systems. Philippe Lattes

Philippe Lattes: Thank you, Alexandre. So, the starting point of Fleo Blue was how we can send vital information to everyone in the world, of a maximum of people in the world, with a lower cost, for lower complexity of system. And when we make this analysis, we make the analysis that the most widely standard in the ground is the Bluetooth standard. So, we made the assumption that it will be possible to send messages directly from satellites to any smartphone or any object equipped with a Bluetooth chip directly from the satellites to this object. And we have shown this is possible. We have found a way to do that. So we have patented this technology. And now we are a very younger startups were just created last year. And we have just recently made some tests under stratospheric balloon to validate our technology. And the interest of using Bluetooth, it’s because we are immediately compatible with all the smartphone, 8 billion of smartphone in the world, 30 billion of objects that could receive this directly. And one another interest is that the number of satellites that we need to make our acting system, etc, is very quite low, because the field of senior stand by the satellites very large, meaning you’re covering 800 kilometer for the ground. So this mean even number of satellites is low, this mean that cost of a system will be low as well. And the last point is that Bluetooth is using free frequency. So, of course, there are some discussions with regulation, but it’s something which could be a real added value for our acting system in the world. So now we are under development of our first satellites that will be launched normally next year to make real test. of Otherworld. Thank you.

Alexandre Vallet: Thank you. So during this first round of questions, our panelists have given to you an overview, a panorama of the technology and the, I would say, the data that are needed to, that are currently available also. What I would like now, during a kind of second round, is to focus more on the future and what remains to be done. And maybe I will change the order of speakers for the second round. So maybe I will start with Pierre-Philippe. If you could explain us how does ESA envision the evolution of the space-based services, notably Copernicus that you mentioned in your first answer. In order to strengthen the situational awareness, notably in terms of real-time disaster, you mentioned having satellites connect, well, assembling both the remote observation and the connectivity on the same bus. Will it be something that is envisaged for Copernicus, or how do you see it in the future?

Pierre Philippe Mathieu: Okay. So Copernicus has already a roadmap. So if you want, you have a backbone information that is operational and will be there, hopefully, for several decades. So you would have consistency on measurements. On top of that, there are a few missions coming up that we call expansion mission that will bring new capability, like monitoring carbon or methane, that are also important for emissions and climate change, etc. And in parallel to that, which is a public service, in fact, a public good, there is the whole ecosystem of new space and companies that we also stimulate through industrial contract, creating innovation, etc. And they have, let’s say, a very large number of companies that are already working on that. specific flavors, to use the term. Some of them are high resolution optical, like a planet. Others are thermal infrared, like looking at fires, looking at radar at very high resolution. So the idea is to put them together almost as a virtual constellation, so that you could trigger them and have the synergy between them. And this is a kind of contractual framework that we plan to do that. And also building a new generation of mission of high resolution, which would be very agile. And that’s where the AI on board comes in, in order to introduce autonomy in the system and having things like what we call tip and cue. So you would have one satellite that observed something of interest, but at some resolution, and then it would trigger another satellite to look at there and zoom in if you want. So the system would be more clever. So it’s, and then there is the whole aspects of honors to bring all these data together through PKI factory, where you have different algorithm created by industry, and then operated possibly by the people who have needs, like the National Center for Disaster. So these are different elements of a proposal called the European resilience from space that we are currently exploring.

Alexandre Vallet: Thank you very much. So back to Philippe. in terms of the future, so you mentioned the first satellite, the prototype launched next year, but could you share with us your, I would say your desired framework, timeframe for ensuring global accessibility of alert messaging via Bluetooth? And yeah, a bit of what are the next steps after the first satellites?

Philippe Lattes: First, our strategy is not to develop our own satellites, but rather to develop a small module, a small emitter that could be put on existing satellites. The idea is not to create another constellation, but to use all the existing opportunities of satellites to put our system. So this means once we will realize the in-orbit test, we will be able to make a very quick deployment, because there are a lot of satellites in which you can find some places to put additional payload. So the idea is in 2027 and 28 to have around 330 satellites in orbit. I mean, not my satellite, but satellites that are embedded in a Bluetooth module. So this is for, we can say, a communication system. And so this allows to have a revisit frequency, I mean, to be up to any point of the Earth each 30 minutes, roughly. So it’s not permanent view of that. So we are doing something like the SMS of space to be, to summarize. And but in parallel, to complement what Pierre-Philippe said, we are working on the fact that we can put this emitter on Earth observation satellites, because if you have a satellite who is taking images, and who is able to make a real time analysis of a situation, for example, to detect a forest fire beginning, I don’t know, any kind of subject, the interest is to be able to send the information directly on the ground to the potential concerned people, I mean, for example, for the firemen of the area. And so the idea is, in the next step, it’s to make a coupling with all connectivity with Earth Observation Satellites with IA Embedded to make a real-time analysis of the situation and real-time information of good people on the ground. Thank you very much.

Alexandre Vallet: So let me now turn to Margo. You explained in your first answer that in fact we are speaking about current technologies, things that are currently deployed. But could you also, I would say, give us a bit of information on how the next steps in the deployment of this constellation will also enhance the capabilities that are currently demonstrated, either in terms of coverage or in terms of flow of capacities, so that we can better understand how the current development and the future deployments can help in this objective of having an early warning system?

Margo Deckard: Thank you. So even though these technologies are currently deployed, there are of course engineering challenges that need to be met. So both SpaceX and Link, when we have sent these emergency cell broadcasts, we have noticed that there are times when the same cell broadcast is sent to the same phone, so they get duplicate warnings. In countries where you get emergency cell broadcast, your citizens may have already experienced fatigue, right? You don’t want to give them any more emergency warnings than they need to have, or they begin to ignore them, even when they live in the most disastrous prone areas. So in the very near term, because in reality, SpaceX has over 600 direct-to-cell antennas on orbit today. You’ve got one or two of their satellites at any given time with one of these cell towers in your field of view. You could really do emergency alerts from them right now on an almost global scale. They don’t cover the poles, Link covers the poles because of the way our satellites were deployed. But you need to be able to meet those really pragmatic challenges of how people receive that information on their phone. All the phones in the marketplace today have the ability to receive emergency cell broadcasts, but what we found in these some 40 countries that we’ve tested them is that not all populations have them turned on. So maybe when you go in Indonesia to buy your cell phone, they don’t have alerting so that functionality which is in the phone is not turned on. So there’s that educational component of getting the providers to spend a minute turning that on as well as the education component to the citizens so that they understand the information being provided to them. Now cell towers in space have a distinct advantage over terrestrial towers when it comes to sending emergency alerts. As I mentioned, you have to solve for Doppler shift and the extended range time delay where those two pieces of data intersect. I get very precise information about where an individual is. This means I can almost give you a bespoke emergency alert. So in California, what we can do a lot of times when they have these wildfires, they take down cell towers because they don’t want the power going to these sites because that’s a large part of wi-fi or spread in California. So what we can do is we can give targeted emergency alerts. We can draw any shape we want to and we can tell individuals you need to head north on this highway. We can tell other individuals you need to head south. In countries where you may have a diverse population with different speak different languages, I can actually give you a customized language emergency alert. First it’s read in English and then it’s read in the native tongue. And a lot of this is already pre-programmed in the 3GPP protocol. So it’s so very, very powerful. And the session before us, which I wasn’t able to attend, was on agriculture. So, LINC actually did a grant that was funded by the UK Space Agency with 46 smallholder farmers in Kenya. And what we did was we sent them emergency cell broadcasts, and it had weather information and planting advice. And we were originally only supposed to have 10, but we had a really very eager female farmer who went out and recruited 36 more individuals for the project. And we got immense feedback on, you know, the iconography, like what they understand, what they want to see, how it needs to be presented. So to me, the next steps, because the technology is on orbit when it comes to SpaceX, and of course LINC and AST can send intermittent emergency alerts, is really engaging with the population. So first they can receive them, their phones are turned on so they can get the alert, but also so that they’re not shocked, that they don’t mistrust it. How do you integrate with that government system? You know, in the United States and many countries like the United States, there’s a protocol by which emergency alerts enter the telecom system. And we need that kind of supervision from the government that we’re sending alerts in to make sure that the message is indeed approved by the government. We have done it in an ad hoc way today, but those processes need to be formalized, and before, hopefully, the natural disaster hits, so that these things run very smoothly. Because honestly, it’s just an orbit to upload an emergency alert and get it on the satellites. Even for LINC with SpaceX, it’s almost near, with their inter-satellite links, it’s almost near real time. So that’s where I, the future is now. I’d like to do the work right now, Alexander, so that two months from now, wherever that disaster, earthquake is, or tsunami, we could save lives.

Alexandre Vallet: Yes, thank you, and I think you have been very persuasive and convincing enough that the future is now, indeed. I will turn to Isabelle to conclude this panel and maybe to share with us some further views on the means to achieve this implementation of early warnings for all, because we have, I hope that you have noted that technology is not the problem, technology is here, technology is even in orbit, so we have that. But the objective is to have an early warning system for all by 2027, which is now quite close. And so I will ask Isabelle, maybe for Gisoire, how are partnerships leveraging satellite capabilities, different satellite capabilities, able to ensure that we can meet this target of 2027? And your views on your thoughts?

Isabelle Mauro: Well, I think that there’s so much that has been said, and you know, very insightful for the colleagues on the panel. I believe for us, there are two things that are essential, one really, but from two front, and this is partnerships. The first one is partnership and collaboration in within the industry. And one of the, you know, we’ve seen so much evolution in the satellite industry in the last five years, I think it’s been it’s been striking. It’s continuing. And that is going to be as well to be put to the benefits of the citizens and in particular in terms of crisis. But I think one of the big evolution that we are seeing as well is this really integration of terrestrial and non terrestrial networks. And I think this is going to be essential in this area of, you know, this collaboration that we have with the cell, as you say, in the US, we say mobile on this side of the pond. But this is essential, but this is essential, we ourselves signed a cooperation agreement with the GSMA, and not just for emergencies, but really to see how best we can integrate because this is going to be crucial to reach out the 2.6 billion people that are not connected. And as we saw in times of disasters, you know, the most affected are those people who didn’t have economic and the other area that is critical as well is IOT and IOT delivered by satellite because that is going to be crucial for monitoring as well. And so, you know, this is really the areas where those partnerships, collaboration is important. The second one, of course, is collaboration between industry, governments, local authorities. And we mentioned several areas there, which is one is really preparedness, training, capacity building. We really need and local content as well that you mentioned. We really need to make sure that we work with governments to have the right protocols in place that you were mentioning, Margo, that, you know, if there are some sort of ecosystems that need to be changed, you know, they have, we have to work together to understand, you know, that this is going to be put in place in the best manner. And also, of course, with the local authorities to ensure that we provide training, we provide preparedness for citizens, for users to be alerted when disaster strikes. So I think a lot of good work, the early warning for all initiative that we work with with the ITU, those for us are really critical initiatives when we need each other, you know, nobody’s going to implement this successfully if we work on our own. So collaboration is crucial. And I guess events, you know, like this week are also crucial to bring all the relevant stakeholders together. So as you saw, anyway, and our partners, we know, members, you know, I want to mention also Kuiper that I see here because, you know, like they’ll heard a lot about SpaceX and others, but there are a lot of new players that are coming as well to the table. And I think everybody will have Jussot, Mr. Vaillet, and Mr. Gisaud. We stand committed, as you saw, to continue our work with the ITU, with other relevant organizations, with our members of course, and with ESA. We also signed a cooperation agreement with ESA. So I think all of these are really important for us to ensure that, you know, everybody will be able to reserve an alert when disasters strike and can be saved. Thank you.

Alexandre Vallet: Thank you very much, Isabelle. Unfortunately, we don’t have time for questions from the audience, but our panelists are here and you may quite grab them during the break. I would like to thank Gisaud for having co-organized with us this session. I hope that you will take from this session that technology is available. Satellites are in orbit that can deliver the solutions. Now the question of the implementation is on the ground, making sure that the different actors speak together, work together and deliver for the benefit of our fellow citizens in our different countries. And I hope that you will also leave this room with a sense of responsibility, each of you, to make sure that we can make this happen and make sure that we can move this technology from a simple tool in space to a real application that will save lives. Thank you very much and I wish you a nice rest of the week.

Agreement points

Technology alone is insufficient without proper implementation frameworks

Speakers

– Isabelle Mauro
– Cosmas Zavazava
– Margo Deckard

Arguments

Technology alone is insufficient without training, coordination, protocols, and regulatory frameworks

Countries must have policies, regulations, and spectrum access in place for crisis-time satellite use

Government supervision and formal protocols are needed to integrate satellite alerts with existing emergency systems

Summary

All speakers agree that having advanced satellite technology is not enough – successful emergency warning systems require comprehensive frameworks including training, protocols, regulatory support, and government integration

Topics

Legal and regulatory | Development

Partnerships and collaboration are essential for successful implementation

Speakers

– Isabelle Mauro
– Cosmas Zavazava
– Pierre Philippe Mathieu

Arguments

Partnerships between industry, governments, and local authorities are crucial for successful implementation

ITU works with private sector members and helps design national emergency plans with standard operating procedures

Collaboration between Earth observation and connectivity communities is needed to connect these capabilities

Summary

Speakers unanimously emphasize that no single entity can implement effective early warning systems alone – success requires collaboration between industry, government, international organizations, and technical communities

Topics

Development | Legal and regulatory

Current satellite technology is operational and ready for emergency deployment

Speakers

– Margo Deckard
– Philippe Lattes
– Pierre Philippe Mathieu

Arguments

Direct-to-device technology is deployed today with thousands of emergency cell broadcasts tested in 40 countries

Stratospheric balloon tests have validated Bluetooth satellite communication technology

Copernicus system provides routine global monitoring at 10-meter resolution with open and free data access

Summary

All technical speakers confirm that satellite-based emergency communication technologies are not futuristic concepts but are currently operational and have been successfully tested

Topics

Infrastructure | Development

Local content and cultural adaptation are critical for effective emergency alerts

Speakers

– Cosmas Zavazava
– Margo Deckard

Arguments

Local content, language, and proper messaging are fundamental for effective emergency alerts

Emergency alert functionality exists in phones but is not always activated by providers or understood by citizens

Summary

Both speakers recognize that technical capability must be matched with culturally appropriate messaging and local language support to ensure emergency alerts are understood and acted upon

Topics

Sociocultural | Development

Similar viewpoints

Both speakers advocate for seamless integration between satellite and terrestrial networks, emphasizing that satellite solutions should complement existing mobile infrastructure rather than replace it

Speakers

– Isabelle Mauro
– Margo Deckard

Arguments

Integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks is essential for reaching unconnected populations

Space-based cell towers can connect directly to devices in pockets, solving the terminal problem in emergency response

Topics

Infrastructure | Development

Both speakers emphasize the unique global perspective and reliability that satellite systems provide for disaster management, offering capabilities that terrestrial systems cannot match

Speakers

– Cosmas Zavazava
– Pierre Philippe Mathieu

Arguments

Satellite communications are at the core of saving human lives during disasters for alerting and coordinating humanitarian action

Earth observation satellites provide globally consistent measurements and real-time disaster monitoring capabilities

Topics

Infrastructure | Development

Both speakers focus on leveraging existing device capabilities (Bluetooth, cellular) to enable immediate satellite communication without requiring new hardware or infrastructure

Speakers

– Philippe Lattes
– Margo Deckard

Arguments

Bluetooth-based satellite communication can reach 8 billion smartphones and 30 billion objects worldwide with lower system costs

SpaceX has successfully sent emergency alerts during Hurricanes Helene and Milton and LA wildfires

Topics

Infrastructure | Economic

Unexpected consensus

Regulatory barriers as primary implementation challenge rather than technical limitations

Speakers

– Isabelle Mauro
– Cosmas Zavazava
– Margo Deckard

Arguments

Fast-track regulatory frameworks and reduced legal barriers are needed for emergency satellite service deployment

Countries must have policies, regulations, and spectrum access in place for crisis-time satellite use

Government supervision and formal protocols are needed to integrate satellite alerts with existing emergency systems

Explanation

Unexpectedly, all speakers identified regulatory and policy barriers rather than technical challenges as the primary obstacles to implementing satellite-based emergency systems, despite representing different technical approaches and organizations

Topics

Legal and regulatory

Immediate readiness of satellite technology for global emergency deployment

Speakers

– Margo Deckard
– Philippe Lattes
– Pierre Philippe Mathieu

Arguments

SpaceX has successfully sent emergency alerts during Hurricanes Helene and Milton and LA wildfires

Plans for 330 satellites with Bluetooth modules by 2027-28 using existing satellite opportunities rather than new constellations

European resilience from space proposal includes virtual constellations and AI-enabled autonomous satellite systems

Explanation

Despite representing different technical approaches (direct-to-cell, Bluetooth, Earth observation), all technical speakers agreed that their technologies are ready for immediate deployment, suggesting the satellite industry has reached a maturity level for emergency applications

Topics

Infrastructure

Overall assessment

Summary

Speakers demonstrated remarkable consensus on key implementation challenges and solutions for satellite-based emergency warning systems. Main areas of agreement include: the operational readiness of current satellite technologies, the critical importance of partnerships and collaboration, the need for comprehensive regulatory frameworks, and the requirement for culturally appropriate local content.

Consensus level

High level of consensus with significant implications for rapid implementation. The agreement suggests that the satellite industry and international organizations are aligned on both technical capabilities and implementation strategies, potentially accelerating the achievement of the 2027 early warnings for all target. The consensus on regulatory barriers as the primary challenge indicates a clear path forward focused on policy development rather than technology development.

Different viewpoints

Deployment strategy for satellite emergency systems

Speakers

– Margo Deckard
– Philippe Lattes

Arguments

Direct-to-device technology is deployed today with thousands of emergency cell broadcasts tested in 40 countries

Plans for 330 satellites with Bluetooth modules by 2027-28 using existing satellite opportunities rather than new constellations

Summary

Deckard emphasizes that direct-to-device technology is already operational and deployed today, while Lattes focuses on future deployment plans for 2027-28 using a different approach of integrating modules into existing satellites rather than building new constellations

Topics

Infrastructure | Development

Technical approach to satellite-to-device communication

Speakers

– Margo Deckard
– Philippe Lattes
– Pierre Philippe Mathieu

Arguments

Space-based cell towers can connect directly to devices in pockets, solving the terminal problem in emergency response

Bluetooth-based satellite communication can reach 8 billion smartphones and 30 billion objects worldwide with lower system costs

AI processing on board satellites is needed to extract information and reduce latency in emergency response

Summary

Each speaker advocates for different technical approaches: Deckard promotes space-based cell towers using existing cellular spectrum, Lattes advocates for Bluetooth-based communication using free frequencies, and Mathieu emphasizes AI processing on satellites with geostationary solutions

Topics

Infrastructure

Unexpected differences

Spectrum and frequency approach for emergency communications

Speakers

– Margo Deckard
– Philippe Lattes

Arguments

Space-based cell towers can connect directly to devices in pockets, solving the terminal problem in emergency response

Bluetooth-based satellite communication can reach 8 billion smartphones and 30 billion objects worldwide with lower system costs

Explanation

While both speakers advocate for direct-to-device communication, they propose fundamentally different spectrum approaches. Deckard’s solution uses existing cellular spectrum that requires solving for Doppler shift and extended range, while Lattes proposes using free Bluetooth frequencies. This represents an unexpected technical disagreement on the optimal frequency band for emergency satellite communications

Topics

Infrastructure | Legal and regulatory

Overall assessment

Summary

The discussion shows remarkable consensus on the importance of satellite technology for emergency communications, with disagreements primarily focused on technical implementation approaches and deployment timelines rather than fundamental goals

Disagreement level

Low to moderate disagreement level. The speakers share common objectives of saving lives through satellite-based emergency communications but differ on technical solutions and implementation strategies. This level of disagreement is constructive and reflects the diversity of technological approaches available, rather than fundamental conflicts that would impede progress toward the 2027 early warning for all target

Partial agreements

Similar viewpoints

Both speakers advocate for seamless integration between satellite and terrestrial networks, emphasizing that satellite solutions should complement existing mobile infrastructure rather than replace it

Speakers

– Isabelle Mauro
– Margo Deckard

Arguments

Integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks is essential for reaching unconnected populations

Space-based cell towers can connect directly to devices in pockets, solving the terminal problem in emergency response

Topics

Infrastructure | Development

Both speakers emphasize the unique global perspective and reliability that satellite systems provide for disaster management, offering capabilities that terrestrial systems cannot match

Speakers

– Cosmas Zavazava
– Pierre Philippe Mathieu

Arguments

Satellite communications are at the core of saving human lives during disasters for alerting and coordinating humanitarian action

Earth observation satellites provide globally consistent measurements and real-time disaster monitoring capabilities

Topics

Infrastructure | Development

Both speakers focus on leveraging existing device capabilities (Bluetooth, cellular) to enable immediate satellite communication without requiring new hardware or infrastructure

Speakers

– Philippe Lattes
– Margo Deckard

Arguments

Bluetooth-based satellite communication can reach 8 billion smartphones and 30 billion objects worldwide with lower system costs

SpaceX has successfully sent emergency alerts during Hurricanes Helene and Milton and LA wildfires

Topics

Infrastructure | Economic

Key takeaways

Satellite technology for emergency communications is already deployed and operational, not futuristic – direct-to-device solutions are currently sending emergency alerts in real disasters

The main challenge is not technological but implementation-focused: ensuring proper protocols, training, regulatory frameworks, and partnerships are in place

Multiple complementary satellite technologies exist: direct-to-device (Link, SpaceX), Earth observation (Copernicus), and emerging Bluetooth-based solutions

Connectivity must be established before disasters strike – 4% of unconnected people in remote areas are most vulnerable during emergencies

Early warning systems require integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, with local content and language considerations being critical

Partnerships between industry, governments, and international organizations are essential for scaling solutions to meet the 2027 ‘early warnings for all’ target

Resolutions and action items

Adopt the temporary convention to reduce legal barriers for emergency telecommunications deployment

Establish fast-track regulatory frameworks for satellite services during emergencies

Promote cross-border cooperation while respecting national sovereignty for mutual assistance

Integrate satellite capabilities into national emergency frameworks and align policies with ITU guidelines

Conduct simulation exercises and joint response scenarios with all stakeholders to create readiness culture

Work on formalizing government approval processes for emergency alerts before disasters occur

Continue collaboration between ITU, GSOA, ESA and industry partners to scale satellite-based solutions

Attend the Global Symposium for Regulators in Riyadh (August 31 – September 3) to address regulatory barriers

Unresolved issues

How to prevent emergency alert fatigue when duplicate warnings are sent to the same device

Ensuring emergency alert functionality is activated by mobile providers in all countries

Standardizing protocols for government supervision and approval of satellite-based emergency alerts

Addressing the 10-year timeline for new spectrum compatibility in phones for some direct-to-device solutions

Resolving regulatory discussions around using free frequency bands like Bluetooth for satellite communications

Bridging the gap between Earth observation and connectivity communities for integrated solutions

Suggested compromises

Use existing satellite opportunities rather than building new constellations (embedding modules in existing satellites)

Leverage multiple complementary technologies rather than relying on a single solution

Focus on immediate deployment with current phone compatibility while developing future spectrum solutions in parallel

Balance global standardization with local content and language requirements

Integrate public services (like Copernicus) with commercial new space capabilities for comprehensive coverage

Communications are not a luxury… they are a necessity, and in particular in times of, in the face of natural or man-made disasters… mobile networks cover 96% of the global population, which is a major achievement. However, this coverage is concentrated in just 20% of the earth land area. So the remaining 4% of unconnected people are really spread across vast and hard to reach regions.

Speaker

Isabelle Mauro

Reason

This comment reframes the entire discussion by establishing the fundamental paradox of connectivity – high population coverage but low geographic coverage. It shifts the conversation from viewing satellite technology as an enhancement to positioning it as essential infrastructure for the most vulnerable populations.

Impact

This opening statement set the foundational framework for the entire discussion, establishing that satellite technology isn’t just about improving existing systems but about reaching the unreachable. It influenced subsequent speakers to focus on global accessibility and equity rather than just technological capabilities.

Link was born out of my work in Liberia and Sierra Leone in the 2014 Ebola pandemic crisis response. I noticed that on these BGAN terminals… they were mostly used to text from. And if you imagine the amount of information you can contain in a text… you realize the terminal is the problem.

Speaker

Margo Deckard

Reason

This personal anecdote provides a powerful real-world origin story that transforms abstract technology discussion into human-centered problem-solving. It demonstrates how field experience directly drives innovation and reveals the gap between available technology and practical usability.

Impact

This comment shifted the discussion from theoretical capabilities to practical implementation challenges. It humanized the technology discussion and influenced other speakers to focus more on user experience and real-world deployment rather than just technical specifications.

We tested the deployment of emergency telecommunications, and in earlier days when we were doing early warning systems, we used it to send a siren and follow it with a message in English. And the young people, children, were dancing to the tune of the siren, not understanding that it’s actually an alert for them to go to higher ground if there is a tsunami.

Speaker

Cosmas Zavazava

Reason

This vivid example illustrates the critical gap between having technology and effective communication. It highlights how cultural context, language, and local understanding are as important as the technical infrastructure itself.

Impact

This story fundamentally changed the conversation’s focus from technical deployment to cultural adaptation and user comprehension. It influenced subsequent speakers to emphasize localization, user education, and the importance of appropriate messaging formats.

You cannot manage what you cannot measure… space offer really a unique perspective to do that because you can have a globally consistent way of measuring things across countries so that they can talk about the same variables because countries like just for temperature they would measure it in different way.

Speaker

Pierre Philippe Mathieu

Reason

This comment introduces a crucial systems thinking perspective, emphasizing that effective disaster response requires standardized, consistent data across borders. It highlights the coordination challenges beyond just connectivity.

Impact

This shifted the discussion toward the importance of data standardization and international cooperation. It broadened the conversation from individual country solutions to global coordination frameworks and influenced the focus on cross-border collaboration.

The future is now. I’d like to do the work right now, Alexander, so that two months from now, wherever that disaster, earthquake is, or tsunami, we could save lives.

Speaker

Margo Deckard

Reason

This urgent call to action challenges the typical technology development timeline and emphasizes the immediate life-saving potential of existing technology. It transforms the discussion from future possibilities to present responsibilities.

Impact

This comment created a sense of urgency that influenced the final portions of the discussion, pushing speakers to focus on immediate implementation barriers rather than long-term development. It reinforced the moderator’s closing emphasis on moving from ‘tools in space to real applications that save lives.’

The most widely standard in the ground is the Bluetooth standard… we are immediately compatible with all the smartphone, 8 billion of smartphone in the world, 30 billion of objects that could receive this directly.

Speaker

Philippe Lattes

Reason

This comment introduces a completely different technological approach that leverages existing ubiquitous infrastructure rather than requiring new hardware or spectrum. It demonstrates innovative thinking about working within existing constraints.

Impact

This alternative approach added technological diversity to the discussion and showed how different solutions can address the same problem through different pathways. It reinforced the theme that multiple complementary technologies will be needed for comprehensive coverage.

Overall assessment

These key comments fundamentally shaped the discussion by establishing three critical dimensions: the human imperative (communications as necessity, not luxury), the implementation reality (technology exists but deployment faces practical barriers), and the urgency of action (lives can be saved now, not just in the future). The most impactful comments were those that provided concrete, real-world examples – from children dancing to tsunami sirens to texting during Ebola outbreaks – which grounded the technical discussion in human consequences. The conversation evolved from a technology showcase to a call for immediate coordinated action, with speakers increasingly emphasizing partnerships, standardization, and the need to move beyond technical capabilities to practical implementation. The discussion’s trajectory moved from ‘what’s possible’ to ‘what’s necessary’ to ‘what must be done now.’

How to establish fast track regulatory frameworks for the use of satellite services during emergencies

Speaker

Isabelle Mauro

Explanation

This is critical for overcoming regulatory delays that currently underutilize satellite resources in emergencies

How to solve duplicate emergency cell broadcast warnings being sent to the same phone

Speaker

Margo Deckard

Explanation

This engineering challenge needs to be addressed to prevent emergency alert fatigue among citizens

How to ensure emergency cell broadcast functionality is turned on in all phones globally

Speaker

Margo Deckard

Explanation

Many populations have phones capable of receiving emergency alerts but the functionality is not activated by providers

How to formalize government approval processes for emergency alerts before disasters strike

Speaker

Margo Deckard

Explanation

Current ad hoc processes need to be systematized to ensure smooth operation during actual emergencies

How to integrate direct-to-device technology with existing Earth observation satellites for real-time disaster response

Speaker

Philippe Lattes

Explanation

Coupling connectivity with Earth observation satellites with embedded AI could enable real-time analysis and immediate alerts to relevant personnel

How to develop sustainable application layers for geostationary direct-to-device solutions

Speaker

Pierre Philippe Mathieu

Explanation

The disruptive technology demonstrated by Turnwaves needs to be developed into practical use cases

How to effectively integrate terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks for emergency communications

Speaker

Isabelle Mauro

Explanation

This integration is essential for reaching the 2.6 billion unconnected people and improving disaster response capabilities

How to implement the temporary convention to reduce legal barriers for emergency telecoms deployment

Speaker

Isabelle Mauro

Explanation

Legal barriers and customs duties currently hinder rapid deployment of satellite communication equipment during disasters

How to ensure proper local content, language, and messaging in emergency alerts

Speaker

Cosmas Zavazava

Explanation

Early warning systems failed when messages were sent in English with sirens that children didn’t understand as alerts, highlighting the need for culturally appropriate messaging