The first practical concept of satellite communication was proposed by 27-year-old Royal Air Force officer, Arthur C. Clarke, in a paper entitled “Extra-Terrestrial Relays: Can Rocket Stations Give World-wide Radio Coverage?” and was published in the October 1945 issue of Wireless World, according to Britannica.
Clarke envisioned a satellite positioned 35,786 km (22,236 miles) above Earth’s surface that would remain in a fixed position relative to a point on Earth. This position, now known as the "geostationary orbit," is ideal for satellite communications. It allows ground antennas to be directed at the satellite continuously, 24 hours a day, without needing to track its movement.
However, no single satellite network type can meet the unique and disparate needs of each satellite application. As such, multi-orbit satellite connectivity has emerged as the next innovation in the burgeoning satellite communications industry.
Today’s mobile operators navigate a tough competitive market to remain profitable and relevant. One of the most challenging limitations that operators face is the reach of their network coverage, including seamless service delivery to all their customers. As such, technologically advanced satellites, lower costs and easing adoption policies present many opportunities for telecom operators to integrate satellite services into their portfolios.
Satellite internet is a wireless network that covers satellite dishes in space and on Earth. It connects people in remote locations worldwide and provides access to up-to-date information. Satellite internet is accessed via high-speed network connectivity provided by satellites circling the Earth. It is faster than standard internet service and distinct from land-based broadband services such as digital subscriber line (DSL) and cable. Satellite communication provides a land-based interface with voice, video, and information that can be accessed anywhere on the planet.
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5G Goes to Space
The telecom industry is enthusiastic about placing 5G in orbit to expand global connectivity and enhance communication capabilities. As such, traditional cellular mobile operators and their satellite counterparts, along with technology vendors and equipment manufacturers are aligning their strategies with space-enabled connectivity as an alternative to terrestrial networks.
In addition, the inclusion of non-terrestrial networks (NTN) in 3GPP’s Release 17 standards has provided distinct options for satellite 5G connectivity. These options include whether the satellite payload comes equipped with gNodeB/base station functionality or is used solely as a repeater to connect with user equipment. The regenerative or transparent options for 5G satellites each present their pros and cons which operators must consider carefully as part of their broader NTN 5G strategies.
Telcos are playing a pivotal role in the rapidly evolving global space industry, expanding their reach beyond traditional telecommunications into the realms of satellite communication and space exploration. Omantel's foray into the space industry exemplifies this trend, signaling a shift toward leveraging space technology for broader connectivity initiatives. Meanwhile, SpaceX's Starlink satellites are revolutionizing communication by enabling direct texting from Earth, showcasing the transformative potential of satellite networks in bridging global communication gaps.
Moreover, telcos are actively contributing to space exploration efforts, as seen with NASA's collaboration with the UAE on the Lunar Gateway Station project. This partnership highlights the collaborative nature of space endeavors, where telcos are instrumental in providing essential communication infrastructure for ambitious space missions. Additionally, initiatives like the SCIT GROUP's investment in global connectivity and space communication underscore the growing importance of space-based technologies in shaping the future of telecommunications.
Furthermore, advancements in space communication technology, such as AST SpaceMobile's successful space-based voice call to unmodified smartphones, demonstrates the tangible progress made in bringing space-based services to everyday consumers. Companies like e& and E-Space are pushing boundaries by developing sustainable low Earth orbit (LEO) networks to support advanced global IoT applications, showcasing telcos' commitment to driving innovation and connectivity in the space industry. As telcos continue to invest in and collaborate on space initiatives, they are poised to play an increasingly integral role in shaping the future of space exploration and communication on a global scale.
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Benefits and Challenges
Satellite 5G connectivity offers a range of exciting new possibilities for telcos in terms of operational and cost-saving efficiencies, however, satellite 5G connectivity faces challenges compared to traditional terrestrial 5G connectivity.
One particular area where non-terrestrial 5G solutions hit a roadblock is with testing. The high cost and risks associated with launching satellites into space means that testing needs to be extremely exhaustive.
Once in orbit, factors such as orbital speed, distance from Earth, and other dynamics come into play. These factors influence the satellite's ability to maintain its designated position and perform its intended functions effectively. The sheer complexity of considering the physical layer of 5G for non-terrestrial applications presents a unique set of challenges when compared to terrestrial networks. However, having said that, the radio channel itself may be simpler in a non-terrestrial environment when compared to terrestrial 5G. It is free from reflections and typically operates with a single-input and single-output (SISO) configuration.
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Testing the 5G physical layer for non-terrestrial applications is a critical and indispensable step in creating a robust and reliable satellite solution. While the radio channel may be simpler in some respects, the wide variability of parameters, high link delays and specific requirements for PRACH formats presents formidable challenges.
Hence, it becomes imperative for telcos to invest in exploring the capabilities of SATCOM architecture and the benefits and challenges they bring before they decide on selecting the best option for deployment.
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Fostering Economic Growth
5G connectivity can bring further economic growth to remote locations and drive higher speeds in rural areas, reducing the divide between urban and rural areas. Satellite communication technology, which requires minimal terrestrial infrastructure, makes it an ideal technology to connect remote and underserved regions globally.
At the end of November 2023, 23 mobile operators in nine markets across MENA had launched commercial 5G services. With 5G adoption surpassing 20% in six of these countries (Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE), the focus is shifting towards 5G monetization as operators seek returns on significant strategic investments.
The satellite industry’s star player—the low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite—is at the forefront of advancing worldwide communication and fostering economic expansion. It is becoming an integral component in the infrastructure for bridging the digital divide, enabling advanced real-time data applications, fostering collaborative innovation and strengthening economic resilience across industries such as aerospace and defense, telecom, agriculture, and oil and gas, and so on.
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Paving the Way for a 5G Satellite Future
According to the GSMA, six operators in the MENA region have already rolled out 5G SA networks, contributing to 15% of the global total of 5G SA networks. 5G SA deployments have been concentrated in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) states, specifically Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The next stage of 5G SA expansion will include Oman and Qatar. Additionally, the technology is making inroads beyond the GCC states, extending its reach to other regions. 5G SA brings a host of new capabilities that will be crucial to monetizing 5G investments, including improved support for network slicing.
Aligned with the telecom industry’s 5G monetization goals, the global satellite internet market size was valued at USD 8,231.47 million in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.6% from 2023 to 2030. Governments across the globe have been investing in satellite broadband technology to provide broadband services in every region of their nations. They are relying on cutting-edge technology to connect rural areas to the broadband network, ensuring that even remote communities have access to high-speed internet.
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As providers of digital connectivity, telcos uphold the responsibility of shaping the socio-economic landscape of the region. Recently, telco operators in the GCC and Middle East region have been providing various VSAT services to their customers. Moreover, the introduction of advanced networking infrastructure, enabled by SATCOM services, will act as a catalyst for accelerating the digital transformation journey in the region, specifically in sectors such as commercial maritime, commercial airlines, government and defense, oil and gas, among others.
Despite setbacks such as the scarcity of commercial testing equipment, which further compounds the complexity of space 5G deployment, telcos are determined to bring solutions to market as the satellite internet market matures. The successful and efficient future of 5G satellite technology in the region will hinge on telcos' ability to navigate these challenges and deliver on their promises.
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