Satellite communications evolved slowly for decades. The industry was cautious about rapid innovation – systems launched into orbit were meant to last for years, sometimes decades. However, as new players, technologies, and use cases reshape how satellite networks fit into the broader communications ecosystem, that reality is rapidly changing.
Jean-Philippe Gillet, President Fixed Vertical at SES, described this shift as a fundamental transformation in how space-based connectivity is positioned. Satellites are increasingly being integrated into the global network architecture rather than only serving remote areas that lack terrestrial infrastructure.
From multi-orbit networks to direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity, the industry is moving toward a more adaptable and collaborative model that works alongside terrestrial systems as an integrated extension of network infrastructure.
From Edge Connectivity to Ecosystem Integration
In the past, satellite connectivity was primarily used as a last resort. When terrestrial networks could not reach remote locations, satellites offered a backup.
Now that model is evolving. Instead of replacing terrestrial infrastructure, operators are increasingly viewing satellites as part of a broader ecosystem that extends terrestrial networks’ reach.
“The reality is we were serving the edge when nothing else was available. We were using satellite to complement terrestrial solutions,” said Gillet.
Today, however, satellite operators are working more closely with mobile network providers and standard organizations to integrate non-terrestrial networks directly into telecommunications architectures. This reflects a broader industry goal: building networks that operate seamlessly across terrestrial and space-based infrastructure.
Multi-Orbit Enables Flexibility
The rise of multi-orbit architectures is one of the most important developments in satellite connectivity. To support a wide range of applications and performance requirements, operators can combine satellites in different orbits rather than relying on a single orbital layer.
Gillet stressed multi-orbit capabilities give operators a larger toolkit for network design. Depending on the use case, different orbital layers can provide different latency, coverage, and capacity characteristics, allowing providers to optimize services.
“We are a great believer in the ability to serve solutions with multi-orbit and multi-support,” said Gillet.
The goal is to enhance the existing infrastructure rather than replace it. Operators can create more resilient and flexible connectivity solutions that better meet the diverse needs of businesses, governments, and consumers by combining multiple orbital layers with terrestrial networks.
Complementing Terrestrial Networks
Gillet emphasized that satellite systems should not be viewed as competing with terrestrial networks, despite rapid innovation in the industry. Rather, the two networks are designed to work together. While satellites can extend coverage to remote areas, provide backup connectivity, or support mobility across wide geographic areas, terrestrial towers provide high-capacity coverage in dense areas.
In practice, the long-term goal is a network environment where users can seamlessly move between terrestrial and satellite coverage without worrying about the underlying infrastructure.
The Evolution of D2D Connectivity
The telecommunications industry has paid close attention to D2D satellite connectivity. The ability for smartphones or other devices to connect directly to satellites promises to expand coverage and create entirely new services. However, he noted that the concept goes far beyond smartphones, extending to IoT and automotive applications.
In other words, connecting a variety of industries and devices, like vehicles, sensors, and industrial systems, presents a long-term opportunity. These applications could extend satellite connectivity into areas like logistics, remote monitoring, and autonomous operations.
Partnerships and the Rise of Hybrid Networks
Collaboration throughout the telecommunications ecosystem is becoming increasingly important for satellite connectivity. No single company can deliver every component needed to support modern connectivity as networks become more and more complex. Building resilient, scalable solutions requires collaboration between satellite providers, mobile network operators, and technology vendors. Gillet emphasized that satellite providers are focused on extending and strengthening terrestrial capabilities rather than competing with mobile operators.
What was once considered an optional capability is now becoming a crucial component of network strategy. The future of connectivity will likely be defined by hybrid networks that integrate terrestrial infrastructure with multi-orbit architecture, creating more resilient and ubiquitous coverage, as satellites are increasingly integrated into telecommunications architectures.
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