The UK Space Agency is launching a £3.5 million funding initiative aimed at testing hybrid connectivity solutions in some of Britain’s most isolated locations.

Despite significant advances in superfast and gigabit-capable broadband infrastructure across the country, many remote and rural areas continue to struggle with reliable connectivity. The agency is collaborating with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the European Space Agency (ESA) to bridge this digital divide through advanced satellite technology.

Three projects are set to receive funding, each targeting different aspects of rural connectivity challenges. The first will develop portable gigabit-capable internet terminals designed for vehicle mounting, primarily benefiting local authorities, farmers, emergency services, and the events sector.

Telecoms Minister Chris Bryant emphasised the initiative’s importance: “Digital infrastructure is essential for our modern way of life. But for too long, many businesses and communities have felt left behind. This is why we must do whatever it takes to ensure we harness technological innovation to enrich people’s lives and tackle exclusion, rather than entrench existing inequalities.”

The Rathlin Island project, allocated £2 million, aims to transform connectivity for its 141 residents and ~40,000 annual visitors. Situated just seven miles off Northern Ireland’s mainland, the island’s current network quality is inconsistent—relying on mainland mobile signals and various patchwork broadband solutions.

Fleur Anderson, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Northern Ireland Office, commented: “It’s fantastic that residents and people visiting Rathlin Island will be able to benefit from enhanced digital connectivity thanks to this funding. Reliable connectivity is a necessity which can open up opportunities and transform services, and this initiative will have a positive impact on business and the entire community.”

Michael Cecil, Chair of the Rathlin Development & Community Association, added: “Rathlin’s East Lighthouse was the location from which Marconi’s team made the first commercial radio broadcast and it is exciting to think this initiative may again put Rathlin at the forefront of piloting developments that can benefit not only the island community but many beyond our shores.”

The Papa Stour project in the Shetland Islands, supported by £1 million in funding, will test a hybrid satellite-wireless solution designed to operate with minimal on-site maintenance. The island, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, has faced challenges in maintaining its community due to infrastructure limitations.

Ian Murray, Secretary of State for Scotland, commented: “This project on Papa Stour, which will test a hybrid satellite-wireless solution for the residents, is a vital research project which could be used as a blueprint in the future for our many islands and other very hard to reach communities in Scotland.”

The technology behind these initiatives combines Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellite terminals with advanced wireless technologies, including potential 5G/6G integration. This hybrid approach is designed to provide robust, flexible, and high-speed communication systems while minimising environmental impact.

Industry experts have also recognised the significance of this latest UK Space Agency initiative.

Paul Bullock, Chief Product Officer at Wireless Logic, explained: “Combining cellular and satellite connectivity offers the best of both worlds, with each technology delivering distinct advantages. While cellular remains a cornerstone for many applications, the addition of satellite connectivity is a game-changer—especially in challenging cross-border environments and areas of weak coverage.”

The success of these pilots could provide a blueprint for addressing connectivity challenges in remote communities across the UK and potentially worldwide, helping to close the digital divide.

(Photo by Jamie Haughton)

See also: UK armed forces expand capabilities with Juno satellite

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Tags: cellular, connectivity, europe, hybrid, Networks, rural, satellites, space, uk, uk space agency, wireless