Sweet FM has improved its outside broadcast capabilities with the acquisition of new satellite technology.
Previously, the station would rely on mobile phone networks to broadcast from locations outside of the Home Hill studio.
“Typically, we’ve always used mobile phone coverage,” said Station Manager Charlie Scuderi.
“In this one particular location, the mobile phone system let us down.
“We were all set up to connect back to the studio and all of a sudden, we didn’t have enough bandwidth.
“Other people at this location said, ‘Why aren’t you using Starlink?’”
Starlink is a network of low earth orbit satellites launched by American spacecraft manufacturer and satellite communications company SpaceX intended to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband connectivity across the globe.
Starlink’s low earth orbit satellites orbit the planet at around 550km above Earth, while traditional satellites generally orbit at over 30,000km.
“Traditional satellites, while they’re fast, they have what’s called latency or response time, so by the time the signal gets out there and comes back to Earth, it makes it almost unusable for communications,” Mr Scuderi said.
“These low earth orbit satellites are brilliant because they’ve only got a relatively short distance to travel.
“It’s affordable and the speed is terrific.”
The new technology will allow Sweet FM to continue their dedicated history of broadcasting from locations and events throughout the region.
“Sweet FM has always been doing outside broadcasts and the gear keeps getting better making it easier to do,” Mr Scuderi said.
“This will give us the opportunity to do more outside broadcasts in more remote places.”
Sweet FM’s next outside broadcast will be on December 1 from the Christmas Lights party on the corner of Edwards and Darwin Streets, Ayr.
Email admin@sweetfm.com.au if you’re interested in Sweet FM broadcasting from your next event.
Sweet FM Station Manager Charlie Scuderi. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
