Around the world, millions of consumer and business mobile network subscribers spend hours each day engaging with smartphones and connected devices. It’s reasonable to assume that few consider the mechanics of how connectivity is delivered to the devices on which they have all become so reliant. It’s certainly safe to say most would be surprised to learn of the pivotal role satellite networks play in making connectivity possible.
Satellite technology has sometimes been viewed as niche with narrow applications for governments, militaries, high-net-worth individuals, and a handful of industries with unique connectivity needs. Most people probably have never made a phone call using a satellite phone or accessed the internet via a satellite-powered terminal.
But as demand for constant, high-quality connectivity continues to surge among consumers and enterprises, satellite operators are taking on an increasingly vital role in helping MNOs keep their subscribers connected. From remote locations with dispersed populations to highly dense cities and communities, MNOs are relying on satellite networks with greater frequency to fill coverage gaps and ensure continuity of communications in emergencies. These are some examples:
Powering Connectivity-Challenged Countries:
In countries where the local terrestrial infrastructure is absent, unreliable, or unable to scale to meet bandwidth and capacity needs, MNOs partner with satellite operators to enhance networks and uplevel an entire country’s telecom resilience. In Burkina Faso, for example, Intelsat worked with the in-country MNO, among other partners, to deploy a satellite solution that has reinforced and expanded the country’s vulnerable fiber network and minimized the impact of connectivity disruptions.
Expanding Cellular’s Reach with Satellite Backhaul:
Satellite-powered backhaul solutions enable MNOs to cost-effectively transmit data between remote towers and terrestrial networks and extend cellular service into areas where terrestrial cannot reach. Backhaul also provides MNOs with network redundancy to ensure continued delivery of critical services during outages.
Revenue-Generating IoT Solutions:
MNOs eager to monetize 5G investments and move beyond connectivity as the sole source of revenue will rely on satellite as they roll out new revenue-generating services, like IoT solutions. By combining satellite capacity alongside an existing terrestrial footprint, satellite connectivity allows MNOs to provide coverage in remote areas where IoT sensors are often situated, ensuring that enterprises in need of remote monitoring, data collection, or enhanced situational awareness are never in the dark.
Disaster and Emergency Response:
In the aftermath of natural disasters, such as the consecutive hurricanes that battered parts of the U.S. Southeast this fall, or manmade calamities caused by conflict and political unrest, MNOs lean on satellite providers to restore connectivity as quickly as possible. MNOs also leverage the reliable nature of satellites to establish temporary communications used by first responders to accelerate response and recovery efforts.
Direct-to-Handset and SOS
Finally, with device manufacturers embedding satellite chips directly into smartphones, including the iPhone, MNOs can provide subscribers with satellite-powered emergency calling using the same handset. In situations where terrestrial connectivity is unavailable, subscribers can access potentially life-saving basic connectivity without switching to a separate device.
Satellite networks connect 50,000 cell towers and provide some level of connectivity to tens of millions of MNO subscribers today. However, until recently, there has been little true integration between satellite and terrestrial. Historically, each network has operated in separate siloes using distinct technologies and frequency bands and working within their own partner ecosystems.
This is about to change. The new space world is leading the rapid convergence of satellite and terrestrial telecommunications that will ultimately give MNOs new opportunities to benefit from space more deeply.
Partnerships like those between Intelsat and Softbank are closing silos between satellite and terrestrial to create a ubiquitous 5G network. By adopting common standards, aligning around technologies, and utilizing a combination of satellite orbits, a future where any user – from the everyday consumer to the operator of complex connected machinery – can access uninterrupted and robust 5G connectivity while seamlessly roaming between satellite and cellular is in view.
