In March, I attended the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona and the Satellite Show in Washington D.C., only one week apart from each other. The rapid evolution of the telco ecosystem was on full display at both events, especially how Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) have really gained importance.
“The place where we belong” could have been the theme for Intelsat and other non-terrestrial specialists who turned out in force at MWC. It was not always this way, but we no longer need to spend our time preaching why cellular-satellite integration is beneficial. The cellular industry gets it. We cannot deny the role that low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellations and Direct-to-Device (D2D) technology have had in getting us here, and now we have an incredible opportunity to refine, scale, and innovate even further.
Here are three topics that stood out to me at both MWC and the Satellite Show and deserve our attention:
Deliver on Multi-orbit:
Some maintain the view that LEO constellations will solve all space communications problems going forward. But to get the right mix of reliability, latency, speed, and QoS, multiple orbits will be used, combining the values of each orbit to ensure each application is delivered with the right quality of experience. This needs to be transparent to the end user, and the introduction of the first flat panel multi-orbit terminals is encouraging. But these terminals must go mainstream. Within the next 18 months, the standard space communications terminal should be one that enables multi-orbit access.
Prove Direct-to-Device:
There is no doubt that it is possible to deliver cellular services direct to an unmodified cellular handset from a satellite. There have been many demonstrations of this. To go from zeroG to anyG for network “not-spots” will bring much value to MNOs and their customers. The next question to answer is “exactly what ‘G’ can we deliver direct to device?” Is it 2G, supporting voice and data, or is it 3G/4G supporting broadband? The space industry needs to be very clear about what is possible. Missing expectations will create challenges for everyone.
At the Satellite Show, Intelsat announced a strategic investment in Lynk Global, a company specializing in direct-to-device communications via LEO satellites. By working with innovative companies like Lynk, Intelsat will deliver on its vision of a hybrid communication solution that allows users to stay connected, whether via terrestrial or satellite, anywhere in the world with the convenience of one device and one account.
Make 5G Work in Space:
The goal of ubiquitous 5G services is within reach. The introduction of 5G NTN will require a new terminal, but with many new spectrum bands being made 5G-ready, the range of services will be vast. 3GPP releases 17 and 18 are already in place to support narrowband and broadband applications in the sub-6GHz and Ka-Bands respectively, and now the Ku-Band is being introduced in Release 19 for both sets of applications. A vibrant ecosystem of 5G terminals and services has the opportunity to create a new economy based on ubiquitous global connectivity, connecting users as they move between terrestrial cellular networks and the available non-terrestrial networks.
As we continue to innovate and overcome these challenges, the future of global connectivity looks promising. Let’s work together to make these advancements a reality.
The author, Jean-Phillippe Gillet, leads Intelsat’s global sales organization. In addition, he oversees Intelsat’s Networks and Media businesses, with responsibilities for developing and executing the company’s global broadband strategy and solutions.
