[Stooky Bill]

In regards to satellite trucks I'd have thought fewer are needed these days, compared to years gone by. I'd have thought 4G/5G connections would be used at many counts. Potentially using an any network sim, to reduce the chance of being in a dead spot. The satellite trucks being reserved for counts at party leader's constituencies, and maybe a few other 'key seats'.

When using cellular the they use SIMs of several mobile networks to spread the load and reliability, the systems also allow WiFi or ethernet connections too, again to increase bandwidth and reliability. Hence it's called bonded cellular - the systems bond together multiple connections

As discussed above, at a count it's unlikely they'd rely on cellular totally as there'll often be some sort of Internet connectivity on site.

The big problem with cellular, and to a lesser extent a non exclusive wired Internet connection is you share it with everyone else. If the BBC, Sky, ITN and GB News are all at a site all using IP to send back video they're all competing for the bandwidth alongside everyone else at the event - those counting, staff at the venue, candidates and their entourage, and other media - radio, newspapers etc*

Often you'll see a bonded cellular system using satellite for its IP path, or in the mix alongside the SIMs as its just more reliable and can offer a steady bandwidth.



*in the early days a lot of people were caught out by this because they'd recce an event in advance and find plenty of good mobile reception and good data rates. Then they'd turn up on the day and find a few thousand people have also turned up with their phones too

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As it now looks like were heading for the October or later Election, I take it the next formal rehearsal will be 2nd May elections? since there will be alot of stuff going on?

The May elections are a seperate thing in themselves, not a rehearsal for the general. Different types of election, different locations, different timescale, different story to be told

The broadcasters will almost certainly try stuff out and use what they've learnt or discovered at the general, but it's by no means a formal rehearsal. Those will take place in the days leading up to the thing itself