Work to combine satellites and mobile networks gathers pace

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plans a regulatory framework to make it easier for satellite operators and mobile network operators to connect remote users and better support under-served areas. Freelance global business technology journalist, Antony Savvas says the move is welcome as satellite services become cheaper and collaboration between the two sets of operators gathers pace.

“Numerous such collaborations have launched recently, and the FCC seeks to establish clear and transparent processes to support supplemental coverage from space,” says the regulator. “Connecting consumers to essential wireless services where no terrestrial mobile service is available can be life-saving in remote locations, and can open up innovative opportunities for consumers and businesses.”

Flexible-use spectrum

The planned framework would allow satellite operators collaborating with terrestrial service providers to be able to obtain FCC authorisation to operate space stations on certain currently licensed, flexible-use spectrum allocated to terrestrial services.

A lease from terrestrial licensees within a specified geographic area could be awarded to a satellite operator as part of the new rules. Such a move would make sense considering that mobile operators commonly hold spectrum bands that they are either not using, or which in some cases is not suitable to serve their entire user base in different areas over their mobile networks, for instance.

As part of its proposals, the FCC will also consider how to better support access to emergency response systems like 911 and Wireless Emergency Alerts, when a consumer is connected via supplemental coverage from space.

Comtech collaboration

Demonstrating the “collaborations” that the FCC mentions, Comtech, in alliance with Cloud Signals, Hellas Sat, and a “leading mobile network operator” (MNO), announced last week that the companies had successfully tested and validated 5G connectivity over a satellite network in Greece.

During the trial, a commercial 5G node was connected to the MNO’s 5G testbed network and relayed over a satellite link provided by Hellas Sat.

“This showcased our ability to easily blend satellite and terrestrial technologies to deliver 5G capabilities to remote areas that are unconnected or under-served by traditional terrestrial and wireless infrastructures,” says Ken Peterman, president and CEO of Comtech. “We are able to deliver a wide range of 5G satellite-enabled services, which can create incredible value for customers across Greece and bridge the digital divide in disconnected parts of the world.”

“Satellites play an essential role in helping MNOs serve customers in remote and hard-to-reach areas, being a flexible, cost-efficient, scalable, and reliable solution for delivering communication services, adds Christodoulos Protopapas, CEO of Hellas Sat. “We have demonstrated the substantial impact of satellite communications in the advancement of the 5G infrastructure.”

Orange and OneWeb

In addition, as part of other efforts to fill in “not spots”, OneWeb and Orange signed a distribution agreement earlier this month, to expand connectivity services across Europe, Africa, Latin America and other regions.

Orange will offer OneWeb’s low earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology to enterprise customers and telco operators, complementing existing services and enabling connections in difficult to reach areas.

“The partnership will help bridge digital divides, and will ensure access to efficient, high-quality and reliable broadband internet is available to customers in locations across the world,” says Neil Masterson, OneWeb chief executive officer.

Jean-Louis Le Roux, executive vice president of Orange international network infrastructure and services, adds: “We believe satellite is a promising and complementary technology showcasing many recent innovations, that will benefit enterprises around the world and which will accelerate the digital inclusion of populations.”

Other alliances

Orange isn’t the only MNO climbing into bed with OneWeb either, as OneWeb has struck similar deals with BT, AT&T, Telefonica and Bharti Airtel too.

OneWeb currently has about 540 satellites in orbit and will soon reach global coverage when it hits the 590 satellite mark later this year. And SpaceX, which is busy making its own CSP (communications service provider) alliances, has almost 3,600 devices in orbit already, further illustrating the direction of travel for the connectivity services industry.

Developed markets

Such developments should come as no surprise when considering a number of mature markets in the satellite/IoT space.

Last week, Wialon, the global telematics and Internet of Things (IoT) platform created by Lithuania-headquartered software developer Gurtam, said it had reached a record 3.5 million vehicles and other bits of machinery connected, across over 150 countries. Wialon claims to be the largest fleet management platform in the world when it comes to the number of connected vehicles and other assets.

Working through a network of more than 2,400 partners, which include telematics service providers and solutions developers, Wialon connects and tracks vehicles and assets ranging from cargo and passenger vehicle fleets to specialist machinery, generators and fuel storage units.

Antony Savvas

The Wialon unit has developed integrations with nearly 2,900 types of GPS (global positioning system) tracking devices from 700 manufacturers, including vehicle controllers, personal trackers and software-based trackers installed as mobile apps on smartphones.

“Telematics and IoT applications are now ubiquitous for fleet management, and we are very proud of Wialon’s contribution to the growth of the ecosystem of global partners, developers and clients,” says Aliaksandr Kuushynau, head of the Wialon unit at Gurtam.

With initiatives from regulators like the FCC, and the industry ecosystem that is developing among satellite operators and MNOs, the market for such connectivity will clearly get much bigger.

The author is Antony Savvas, a global freelance business technology journalist.

Comment on this article below or via Twitter: @VanillaPlus OR @jcvplus


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