RathlinConnex to connect remote UK island
Image courtesy Excelerate Technology
Rathlin Island (above), home to around 170 residents and accessible only by ferry, has long faced the challenges typical of remote island communities: weather‑dependent transport, limited terrestrial infrastructure and chronic digital exclusion. RathlinConnex will address these barriers by deploying a modular, hybrid connectivity system that integrates Eutelsat’s OneWeb LEO along with GEO satellite services, private 5G, and terrestrial cellular into a unified, intelligent communications platform.
Designed specifically for hard‑to‑reach environments, the system will be installed as fixed infrastructure on the island, delivering reliable broadband access for residents, small businesses, essential services, and community facilities. The deployment will also support Internet of Things (IoT) telemetry for environmental monitoring, remote diagnostics, and future digital services that depend on stable, high‑quality connectivity.
Rathlin currently has no resident GP, meaning that even routine medical consultations require residents to travel to the mainland — a journey that can be delayed or cancelled entirely during poor weather. Improved connectivity will enable telemedicine, giving islanders faster access to healthcare professionals and reducing the burden of travel for vulnerable residents.
The island also has no on‑island veterinary service, requiring farmers, crofters and pet owners to arrange costly off‑island visits for even basic assessments. With high‑quality video connectivity, veterinary telemedicine becomes viable for the first time, enabling remote diagnosis, triage and real‑time 'eyes‑on' support for animal health issues that previously demanded a physical visit. This will provide meaningful support to the island’s agricultural and wildlife‑focused community.
Bethan Evans, Chief Operating Officer at Excelerate Technology, said: “We are extremely proud to lead the consortium, bringing together world‑class expertise to deliver a truly transformative connectivity solution for the UK. RathlinConnex is about more than technology — it is about ensuring that remote communities have the same digital opportunities as everywhere else. This project represents a major step forward in closing the digital divide for island residents who have historically been underserved.”
Antonio Franchi, Head of ESA’s Space for 5G/6G & Sustainable Connectivity programme, said: “RathlinConnex demonstrates how satellite and terrestrial technologies can work seamlessly together to bring meaningful connectivity to even the most remote communities. This project reflects our commitment to enabling secure, resilient communications that support everyday life, public services and economic opportunity. By collaborating with leading partners, we continue to advance Europe’s capability to connect everyone, everywhere and at all times.”
Steve Mills, Vice President for Global Government at Eutelsat, said: “Reliable connectivity is essential for community resilience, public services and local economies, especially in hard-to-reach places like Rathlin Island. Through our OneWeb LEO constellation, we are proud to help deliver secure, high-speed connectivity that supports residents, healthcare access and local businesses. This collaboration shows how satellite technology can make a real difference where it is needed most.”
Tristan Wood, Managing Director, Livewire Digital, said: “RathlinConnex highlights the power of a hybrid approach to deliver fast, stable and intelligent connectivity in locations where traditional networks fall short. RazorLink technology ensures seamless integration of LEO & GEO satellite with terrestrial networks, giving the island a fast and resilient digital backbone. We are excited to support a project that brings tangible benefits to residents, services and the wider community.”
A scalable model for remote communities
The RathlinConnex system includes the Hybrid Edge appliance running RazorLink, edge compute, IoT integration, and remote management tools. RazorLink intelligently bonds the satellite & terrestrial WAN services, to realise optimised 5G cellular backhaul and internet breakout. The platform delivers continuous service even in environments with minimal or unreliable infrastructure.
A single instance of the system will provide island‑wide baseline coverage, comfortably supporting the needs of the permanent population of 170 residents. While the island can see up to 20,000 visitors during peak tourist periods, the project’s primary objective is to deliver long‑term digital inclusion for residents, enabling access to public services, education, remote healthcare, veterinary support, and economic development.
The architecture is designed to scale, allowing additional nodes, temporary capacity, or integration with mobile assets such as the NOMADLINK trailer if future demand or funding opportunities arise.
A reference site for the UK and beyond
RathlinConnex will serve as a real‑world demonstrator for hybrid satellite‑cellular connectivity in remote regions, providing a blueprint for similar deployments across the UK and internationally. The project will validate the system’s ability to:
- Deliver uninterrupted internet and IP services in areas with little to no existing infrastructure
- Seamlessly integrate OneWeb LEO, GEO, and terrestrial cellular connectivity
- Support emergency services, community broadband, IoT telemetry, and small business operations
- Enable long‑term remote management, diagnostics, and performance optimisation
- Provide a scalable, environmentally sensitive model for rural and island connectivity
Installation will be carried out in close consultation with the Rathlin Island community to ensure minimal environmental impact and alignment with local expectations.
