Network Innovations delivers solutions to meet unique customer requirements. In this instance, that meant assisting Alberta-based broadcaster, CKUA Radio, in replacing and modernizing their satellite infrastructure.
CKUA Radio is a donor-supported broadcaster that inspires and connects through the power of music, arts, and story. Each year, hosts will spin more than 1,000 Albertan musicians and a further 3,000 Canadian artists, providing a platform for independent, emerging, and established artists not found elsewhere in Canada.
Part of what makes CKUA special is that it’s able to serve a large and diverse community thanks to the wide reach of its signal – an essential quality that must remain uncompromised.
Their technical team was aware for some time that their broadcasting satellite was nearing the end of its operational life. This development meant the complete overhaul of satellite communications equipment across all transmitter sites.
🗨️ “We are committed to providing our listeners with a reliable listening experience at all times. Operating in Alberta’s rural markets comes with its challenges, particularly when it comes to ensuring connectivity,” commented CKUA CEO, Marc Carnes. “When we faced the challenge of needing to update our satellite communications equipment, we knew we had a big job, not to mention expense, on our hands to future-proof our organization.”
Andrew Burdall, the Executive Vice President of Strategic Development at Network Innovations, is a dedicated listener and supporter of CKUA. He joined the board of directors to bring his technical expertise, helping to guide the organization’s strategic decisions and ensuring its continued success.
During this time, he recognized the potential for modernizing CKUA’s satellite infrastructure.
In January 2024, Network Innovations announced a gift-in-kind sponsorship agreement with CKUA – donating future-proof satellite communications to ensure a more reliable signal and crisp sound for listeners.
Initially, a new satellite was chosen to provide the station with sufficient bandwidth to meet its broadcasting requirements. Following this, CKUA’s antenna transmitters were re-aligned. In this process, the team recognized an opportunity to improve their setup further by upgrading their technology from Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) to a more sophisticated IP-based solution.
🗨️ “It felt great to leverage that technical capacity that we have, to fix a specific problem that was occurring,” said Andrew Burdall. “I really felt we were adding value and helping put CKUA into a position where it can move forward into the future and with more flexibility, technologically.”
Modern satellites provide a stronger signal over larger geographical areas, enabling broadcasters to reach remote and underserved regions. CKUA Radio is now positioned to further enhance its listeners' experience, with the upgrade in technology contributing to enhanced clarity and reduced downtime.
🗨️ “It was a challenge but also an opportunity,” stated Marc Carnes. “Our listeners expect CKUA to be there without fail. These upgrades have not only enhanced our ability to provide that but we’re also better able to serve our community moving forward. I can’t thank our friends at Network Innovations enough for helping us take a tricky situation and turn it into a strength.”
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