Loud and Clear: ASX companies building remote ‘mission critical’ communications

Several ASX companies are developing and providing technologies for reliable communications in remote areas, including Harvest Technology.

ASX innovators are bringing communication to some of the world’s most remote areas. Pic: Getty Images

• Several ASX companies are building remote and critical communications globally

• Harvest Technology's Nodestream technology aims to revolutionise connectivity in demanding environments

• Spectur develops satellite communications equipment including satellite phones, devices and data terminals

Australia is a land defined by vast distances, harsh climates and remote locations, where maintaining reliable, critical communications is especially challenging. And communication systems that keep big cities abuzz doesn't always cut it.

Comms technology for remote areas, however, has come a long way over the past couple of decades, with tech developed to enable real-time connectivity in harsh and challenging environments, from the desert mining hubs of Western Australia to the North-West Shelf, one of the world’s most important and productive offshore oil and gas regions.

While Elon Musk's Space X Starlink network has become synonymous with remote communications, several ASX companies have also been stepping up.

Their secure, reliable technology for remote areas and "mission critical communications" is increasingly in demand as global sectors from mining to emergency services, energy to defence look for better ways to manage their remote assets and maintain contact with personnel.

Connection in the toughest of conditions

Harvest Technology Group (ASX:HTG) has developed Nodestream, a communications technology designed to improve and revolutionise connectivity in even the most demanding environments.

Currently used across sectors including defence, marine vessel management, remote telehealth and subsea operations, Nodestream enables secure transmission of video, audio, and data in areas with unstable connections and limited bandwidth.

The solution requires no complicated setup and consolidates media from multiple devices into a single, user-friendly platform.

By providing situational awareness, voice communication, bi-directional data transaction and remote asset control, Nodestream streamlines workflows and supports faster, more informed decision-making for operators.

With a background in network engineering, managing director and CEO Ilario Faenza, was appointed to the company's helm in January 2024 to ensure the company's technology reached its "game-changing" potential.

"It’s like a better, faster version of the internet’s standard protocol, TCP/IP, built right here in Australia," Faenza said.

He said Nodestream was being used in several sectors including modern defence, as it enabled seamless, secure, and real-time communication for unmanned assets.

"By providing resilient and low-latency connectivity, it ensures that autonomous systems – whether in the air, on land, or at sea – can operate effectively in complex and contested environments, giving defence forces a strategic edge in decision-making and mission execution," he said.

'Mission critical' radio solutions

Etherstack (ASX:ESK) is a wireless tech company that develops "mission-critical solutions" for sectors like public safety, defence, utilities and mining.

The company specialises in designing, developing and deploying wireless communications software and hardware. It is a global licensor of its wireless technologies across land, sea, air or space.

Etherstack is deploying its carrier grade mission critical InterWorking Function (MCPTX IWF) globally, a platform that bridges public safety land mobile radio networks with 4G/5G networks, including on behalf of AT&T FirstNet in the US.

Etherstack has previously announced a trial of its InterWorking Function with Telstra (ASX:TLS) in relation to the Australian government’s national public safety mobile broadband (PSMB) capability, which follows similar government backed initiatives underway in the UK and other markets across the EU, Middle East and the Americas.

The company recorded net positive operating cashflow of US$1 million for FY24, its seventh consecutive year of positive operating cashflows with customers including AT&T, Samsung and Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO), as well as US, Canadian and Australian public safety agencies.

Beam maintains communications via satellite

Beam Communications (ASX:BCC) develops satellite communications equipment including satellite phones, devices and data terminals.

Beam has developed several world-first innovations with its products and services adopted by some of the largest satellite and telecommunications companies globally, such as Iridium, Telstra, KDDI, Inmarsat and Thuraya.

The company's products work through the global Iridium and Inmarsat satellite networks, which ensures they are suitable for outback, maritime, military, and remote industries worldwide.

They also own Satphone Shop, which is Telstra's largest satellite dealer.

Keeping remote locations safe

Spectur (ASX:SP3) is an Australian-based innovator in solar-powered security, surveillance, environmental monitoring, and AI-driven solutions.

With a mission to lead Australia in solar-powered visual AI technology, Spectur serves sectors including government, utilities, construction and civil infrastructure.

The company provides solutions that operate independently of power and wired internet, which is ideal for remote or challenging environments.

Spectur’s core systems combine cameras, lighting, audible warnings, and a proprietary IoT platform, connected via 4G or satellite to a cloud-based management system.

The platform supports real-time monitoring, deterrence, safety warnings and data-driven insights powered by AI.

With nearly 3000 systems deployed and more than 600 active customers nationwide, Spectur is helping organisations proactively respond to security and safety risks, while supporting sustainability and operational efficiency.

The company recently announced the appointment of Anthony Schmidt as CEO. Schmidt joined Spectur as general manager – process & operations in January 2024 and has served as interim CEO for the past three months.

"I’m honoured to lead a company with such a powerful mission and real-world impact," Schmidt told Stockhead.

"Spectur’s technology empowers communities and organisations to act proactively in risk situations – whether for security, safety, or environmental challenges."

At Stockhead, we tell it like it is. While Harvest Technology Group is a Stockhead advertiser, the company did not sponsor this article.

Originally published as Loud and Clear: ASX companies building remote ‘mission critical’ communications