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23/03/2026
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Reliable connectivity in areas suddenly hit by outages or low coverage, such as disaster zones or crowded events, is now within reach, thanks to a new purpose-built connectivity trailer that can be set up in minutes. The European Space Agency (ESA), UK-based and European tech companies Excelerate Technology, Eutelsat, and Livewire Digital, with support from the UK Space Agency, have teamed up to deliver NOMADLINK, an innovative project providing a rapid, resilient connectivity gateway.
Connectivity forms the basis of today’s digital world. With Wi-Fi, cellular and satellite networks, people enjoy fast, high-bandwidth connections almost anywhere – even on aeroplanes.
Yet, when natural disasters strike or at crowded venues such as music festivals or large public events, connectivity can fall short or become extremely limited.
NOMADLINK addresses this challenge by providing a flexible gateway wherever coverage is lost. The trailer can be set up in minutes, bringing cellular networks to major incidents, large public gatherings, and rural or isolated communities throughout the UK.
Existing solutions are often slow to set up and depend on unreliable terrestrial networks. NOMADLINK, however, can be operational within minutes and perform seamlessly even in the toughest conditions – regardless of weather or terrain – thanks to its hybrid and space-enabled technology.
Hybrid connectivity merges ground networks like 4G and 5G with satellite ones to create a seamless system, while space-enabled refers to connectivity delivered solely by satellite.
How does it work?
NOMADLINK delivers gigabit‑class connectivity through Excelerate’s Hybrid Edge connectivity, that is flexible enough to adapt to changing demand. Hybrid Edge incorporates Livewire Digital’s RazorLink technology, an intelligent layer that dynamically combines cellular, satellite, and Wi‑Fi networks to maintain resilient, uninterrupted communications even where ground coverage is weak or absent. Its adaptive design underpins NOMADLINK’s ‘always‑on’ performance, which ensures continuous data, access to the system’s internal status (e.g., battery levels and signal strength) and understanding of the environment in which it is operating (such as user demand and traffic levels).
The system also integrates advanced Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellite connectivity via vehicle‑mounted terminals operating on Eutelsat’s OneWeb constellation – extending high‑performance communications into the most challenging environments.
Running from March 2026 to February 2027 the project will raise awareness, build partnerships, and secure trials across key UK sectors including emergency services, agriculture, local government, events, and rural industries.
The programme is made possible by ESA’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) initiative, alongside UKSA.
Antonio Franchi, Head of the Space for 5G/6G & Sustainable Connectivity programme at the ESA, said: “A collaborative ecosystem is crucial to delivering on our commitment in the seamless integration of satellite with ground-based networks, and as we strive to connect everyone, everywhere and at all times. NOMADLINK marks another pivotal moment in strengthening Europe’s position in delivering top tier connectivity solutions, especially in very hard to reach places. By partnering with the very best expertise in the satellite communications sector, we’re striving to deliver fast and reliable connectivity when it’s needed most.”
Bethan Evans, Chief Operating Officer at Excelerate Technology, added: “We are extremely proud to lead the NOMADLINK consortium, bringing together world class expertise to deliver a truly transformative connectivity solution for the UK. By combining rapid deployment with resilient, high-performance communications, NOMADLINK will give frontline teams, event organisers and rural communities the confidence that they can stay connected when it matters most. This project represents an exciting step forward in our mission to drive innovation in intelligent, dependable and accessible communications infrastructure.”
Rebecca Irving, Telecommunications Lead at UKSA, said: “NOMADLINK is a compelling example of what becomes possible when British innovation, satellite technology and public-private collaboration come together. The UK Space Agency is proud to support a solution that puts cutting-edge space-enabled connectivity in the hands of emergency responders, rural communities and event organisers who need it most. This project demonstrates exactly the kind of real-world impact we want to see from the UK’s growing space sector – keeping people connected when and where it matters most.”
Tristan Wood, Chief Executive Officer and Founder at Livewire Digital, said: “Modern incident response and event operations depend on applications that simply cannot function without robust connectivity. NOMADLINK shows how a hybrid approach can deliver fast, stable and scalable communications in a single, rapidly deployable solution. Livewire Digital is excited to provide the RazorLink technology that intelligently manages satellite, cellular and WiFi to keep teams connected from the moment the trailer is on site.”
Steve Mills, Vice President for Global Government at Eutelsat, added: “Reliable connectivity is essential for emergency response, public safety and rural resilience. NOMADLINK demonstrates how our OneWeb LEO constellation can be deployed rapidly to deliver secure, high-speed connectivity in remote and challenging environments. We’re proud to support this collaboration and help strengthen the UK’s ability to stay connected when it matters most.”
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