You are here: / / telemedicine

Tag Archive for: telemedicine

Hungarian investment Axiom Space boosts Hungary’s role in LEO

Ernest Pozzoni — article author

(Image credit: Axiom Space)

Hungarian investment Axiom Space marks a step for Hungary’s role in commercial space and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) infrastructure. Hungarian company 4iG Space and Defence has signed an agreement to take a stake in Axiom Space, a United States-based firm developing one of the first commercial space stations while also operating crewed missions to the International Space Station.

4iG Space and Defence is a subsidiary of telecoms and IT group 4iG, and the deal represents the first time a Hungarian company becomes an equity partner in a major U.S. spaceflight operator. The move is being presented in Budapest as a landmark for the national space ecosystem, reinforcing closer technological and industrial ties between Hungary and the United States.

Axiom Space has been steadily building its profile as a commercial partner to national space agencies, flying private and governmental crews to the ISS and preparing modular elements for Axiom Station, planned to operate initially as an attached segment of the ISS before serving as a standalone platform in LEO. Such stations are expected to host research, manufacturing and in-orbit services that support sectors from Aviation and Telemedicine to Disaster Recovery and Smart Agriculture, through enhanced observation and resilient global connectivity.

For 4iG, the partnership aligns its telecommunications and IT experience with a growing interest in space-based infrastructure, positioning the company within future constellations of commercial stations, satellites and ground systems. The company’s leadership has framed the move as both a symbolic and practical signal that Hungarian industry intends to participate directly in the next wave of space commercialisation, rather than solely as a customer of foreign platforms.

Axiom Space said the agreement is the beginning of a long-term relationship with a European partner that brings industrial capabilities, regional networks and a commitment to building sustainable space services. Earlier this year, the company also carried the second Hungarian astronaut, Tibor Kapu, on a mission to the ISS, underscoring an existing operational link between the two parties. With Hungarian investment Axiom Space aims to broaden its international shareholder base and further deepen collaboration with Central and Eastern Europe in the evolving LEO economy.

Ofcom approves UK direct-to-device satellite framework

Ernest Pozzoni — article author

(Image generated with DeepAI)

The United Kingdom communications regulator Ofcom has set out a new UK D2D regulatory framework that will allow satellite direct-to-device services to operate using existing mobile spectrum bands. The move opens the door for mobile network operators to partner with satellite providers so that ordinary handsets can stay connected in areas with little or no terrestrial coverage. This is significant for sectors such as Maritime operations, Energy & Offshore projects and Disaster Recovery work, where reliable links are often difficult to maintain.

Published on 9 December 2025, the framework explains how mobile network operators can request changes to their licences in order to add direct-to-device capability. Ofcom has also detailed technical conditions designed to prevent harmful interference, including measures to protect air traffic control systems and to avoid disruption to mobile services in neighbouring countries. The regulator describes the framework as an important step towards extending connectivity without extensive new ground infrastructure.

Ofcom notes that mobile operators are already working to bring commercial services to market. The regulator highlighted initiatives that aim to make the United Kingdom the first country in Western Europe with broad access to satellite direct-to-device connectivity. By combining terrestrial and space-based networks, operators hope to offer more resilient communications for communities, businesses and public services, including those supporting Telemedicine, remote logistics and critical Infrastructure and IoT assets.

Internationally, the United States Federal Communications Commission adopted a similar framework in 2024, followed by Canada. Regulators in other regions, including parts of Europe, Africa and Asia, are now developing their own approaches. Ukraine has already launched nationwide services, with mobile operator Kyivstar collaborating with Starlink to support users in hard-to-reach locations.

In the British market, Virgin Media O2 plans to work with Starlink under its O2 Satellite initiative, while Vodafone has a commercial agreement with AST SpaceMobile that includes the U.K. At the same time, certain Apple smartphones already allow customers to send emergency texts and share locations via satellite outside this framework. The UK D2D regulatory framework is therefore intended to provide a clear basis for future services as satellite direct-to-device technology becomes more integrated into everyday communications.

Satellite Mobile Connectivity Expands with July Service Launch

Ernest Pozzoni — article author

Image generate with DeepAI

A new era of mobile communication is arriving as a major telecom operator prepares to launch its nationwide satellite-to-mobile service on 23 July. This breakthrough service will enable direct satellite connectivity for most smartphones manufactured in the last four years—no additional hardware or configuration needed.

The rollout follows several months of beta testing and marks a turning point in mobile accessibility and resilience. Initially, the satellite service will support SMS, MMS, picture messaging, and short audio clips, providing vital coverage for users in remote or signal-deprived areas. Text-to-911 functionality will also be available at launch, expanding emergency communication capabilities.

Later in October, the service will extend to support full data usage, unlocking a new range of application experiences over satellite. Select application providers—including global tech brands and navigation tools—are already working to deliver satellite-optimised experiences, ensuring users can access weather updates, maps, messaging, and social platforms even without traditional cellular coverage.

Unlike conventional satellite phones, this new approach seamlessly integrates satellite signals into standard smartphones. It removes longstanding entry barriers by enabling users to benefit from space-based communication without altering their device or usage habits.

From disaster recovery and maritime navigation to remote work and telemedicine, this innovation promises significant value across industries. Satellite-to-mobile communication stands to empower sectors like infrastructure and IoT, aviation, and smart agriculture, where consistent connectivity is often a challenge.

As satellite coverage becomes more deeply embedded into everyday life, the line between terrestrial and space-based networks is blurring. Businesses and public institutions alike will benefit from a more resilient communication framework—one that reaches the unreached and strengthens continuity in critical conditions.

This launch also reflects a growing trend: the merging of mobile networks and satellite constellations to create global, device-agnostic connectivity. It’s not only a technological milestone—it’s a step toward a more inclusive, always-connected world.

logo Link Communications Systems specialises in VSAT network design

Link Communications Systems is a London based telecommunications service provider and technology integrator that specialises in VSAT network design, integration and services in remote regions throughout the world. LCS provides Internet via Satellite, Private Networks, Maritime, Television broadcasting and other services.

Get Free Quote

Solutions

Support

Follow us…

© 2025 Link Communications Systems. All Rights Reserved | Privacy and cookies policy