When considering 5G, one might inadvertently focus on user-oriented characteristics such as latency or throughput. However, the reality is that one area where 5G will be more disruptive is on the backend of networks
Authors: Christopher Baugh | Carlos Placido (independent adviser) The inter-play between telecom and satellite operators connecting remote points on Earth is a well-established, niche business. Telecom and satellite ecosystems have cooperated for decades as satellites adapted roles from serving international trunks, to jumpstarting Internet backbone connections in developing regions, to supporting domestic backhauling for wireless.
Several programs from the last two decades alone promised the use of stratospheric platforms for comms and observation, most of which fell through in the end. However, recent investments and subsequent mission successes from commercial players such as Alphabet and Airbus have injected a fresh wave of hope.
Flexible satellites have been around for some time, but the rate and scale of flexibility has increased exponentially over the last few years. Declining GEO capacity prices, rise in competition and the need for reduced time to orbit and are just a few factors that led to greater need for software-defined satellites.
Now, as the industry rolls the dice on Non-GEO HTS constellations, FPA manufacturers with a government focus maybe hitting the jackpot…