Image: Artists impression of JETstre&M SADG development.
Proposal to see phased development of satellite antenna network across FIDC-owned land at Beckside Farm
Newly registered local company JETstreaM is looking to build ground stations and provide commercial relay services, and is now seeking approval from relevant government departments after recently visiting the Falkland Islands to speak with stakeholders.
The South Atlantic Digital Gateway (SADG) – a satellite communications and digital infrastructure project – is being developed by JETstreaM, positioning the Falkland Islands as a strategically important hub for secure space-ground connectivity in the South Atlantic.
The project brings together satellite communications and tracking services, secure data centre infrastructure, multi-layer backhauls, and on-site engineering support. Its planned services include uplink and downlink, telemetry, tracking and control, among other commercial activities. The facility, which is expected to be located in the FIDC-owned land at Beckside Farm, is being designed to meet strict physical and cybersecurity requirements, supporting mission assurance for customers that require reliable and trusted connectivity.
“FIDC is looking to fundamentally develop the area at Beckside Farm,” said Sam Cockwell, strategic projects manager for FIDC. “And we hope to start that with the proposal from JETstreaM.”
At full development, the site is expected to accommodate a significant antenna network, with capacity for 50 to 120 antennas and apertures ranging from 2.4 metres to 16.1 metres. The initial data centre facility is planned at approximately 750 square metres, with a modular and scalable design to support future growth.
Power resilience will also be central to the model, with diesel generators and uninterruptible power supply planned for backup, alongside later phases incorporating on-site wind-power generation and flow batteries.
“We’re not trying to take away employment from the Falkland Islands,” said Jill Arrasmith, executive vice president of JETstreaM. “There will be a few targeted areas for people, especially if they’re interested in upskilling in technology, that they will be able to work with us on that.”
JETstreaM is implementing a resilient three-tier satellite backhaul architecture using Low Earth Orbit, Medium Earth Orbit and Geostationary Orbit services. This approach is intended to reduce operational risk, improve performance, and provide continuity in challenging conditions. It is anticipated that for the Falkland Islands, the SADG will represent an opportunity to strengthen digital resilience, attract specialist infrastructure investment and increase the Islands’ role in global communications, research and space-sector operations
