HomeMy WebLinkAboutStarlink_Communications_Redundancy_Seal_Beach_Council_Feb9_2026Starlink Communications Redundancy
Pilot Program & Five-Year Implementation Plan
Information Item
Seal Beach City Council
Presenter:Emergency Services Sergeant Brian Gray
Date:February 9, 2026
Goal: Ensure the City can maintain voice + data communications during outages by adding satellite internet
as a resilient backup.
Why we are doing this
City of Seal Beach February 9, 2026
Traditional connectivity can fail in emergencies.
• Cell towers, fiber lines, and power can be disrupted, damaged,
or overloaded.
• Congestion can limit voice, data, and access to critical
applications when demand spikes.
• A satellite-based backup adds a separate, independent path for
internet connectivity.
• The goal is continuity of operations for public safety, City
services, and emergency response.
Communications Paths
Primary
Landline + Cellular
Backup
Satellite Internet
What Starlink is and how it works
City of Seal Beach February 9, 2026
Starlink uses a constellation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites to provide internet access.
1) Satellites
A network of LEO satellites provides
coverage with low latency.
2) User terminal
A dish (Mini or Standard) connects
to the satellites and creates a local
Wi-Fi network.
3) Internet access
Devices connect via Wi-Fi for voice,
data, video, and mission-critical
applications.
Intended use cases for the City
City of Seal Beach February 9, 2026
What this enables during an outage:
• Wi-Fi calling / VoIP on City phones when cellular service is unavailable.
• Access to vital emergency software and cloud tools from impacted or remote areas.
• A backup communications plan for City operations if infrastructure fails.
• Support for field command posts, EOC functions, and continuity of public-facing services.
Near-term focus: evaluate performance, reliability, coverage, and practical deployment needs across City sites and mobile
operations.
Hardware options: Mini vs Standard
City of Seal Beach February 9, 2026
Starlink Mini
Best for vehicles and rapid deployment
Starlink Standard
Best for fixed sites / facilities
• Compact, portable kit
• Built-in router
• Runs on DC power
• Rated for in-motion use (up to ~100 mph)
• Wi-Fi range ~1,200 sq ft
• Larger dish, slightly better performance
• Typically paired with a router
• Strong option for facilities
• Suitable for everyday internet applications
• Supports stable fixed-site connectivity
Five-year implementation plan and total estimated costs
City of Seal Beach February 9, 2026
Phased rollout (hardware + installation + data)
Year 1
Pilot (Testing)
3 Starlink Mini units for
mobile testing in multiple
City areas.
Year 2
Key Buildings
Standard dishes at City
Hall, PD, Lifeguard HQ, Fire
Station #44 and #48;
training.
Year 3
Additional Facilities
Expand to Tennis Center,
Marina Community Center,
North Community Center.
Year 4
Vehicles (7)
Equip 7 priority
police/emergency vehicles
with Minis; field testing and
training.
Year 5
Vehicles (8)
Equip remaining 8 vehicles
with Minis; full fleet
coverage.
Year 1 is underway now: three Starlink Mini units are being tested by IT
Manager Kevin Edwards for performance and deployment practicality.
Thank You!
Email:bgray@sealbeachca.gov
Phone:(562) 799-4100 ext. 1145
QUESTIONS?