The satellite industry’s progress mirrors that of telecommunications, as innovation drives the growth of scalable, adaptable network infrastructure. Notable advancements include terabit-capable satellite constellations, dynamic beam switching, and the shift from custom-built to standardized, software-defined payloads.
In telecommunications, the sector is advancing toward a comprehensive 5G platform. 5G supports a wide range of applications across industries, including IoT, remote healthcare, and autonomous vehicles. Within 5G, automation, virtualization, and orchestration are critical as they transform network operations — not only making it faster but also creating a versatile, intelligent platform that can accommodate complex, demanding applications.
The satellite industry is on the road to convergence with the telecommunications sector, aligning with their direction. Satellite ground infrastructure will play a significant role in this transition by enabling software-defined networks, integrating ecosystems, and moving from manual setups to orchestrated service delivery.
As satellite technology is increasingly recognized as a complementary access solution within the 5G ecosystem, adopting standards from the telecom and IT sectors, such as 3GPP and MEF, the satellite industry will accelerate innovation and achieve greater interoperability that leads to seamless user service. But integration involves more than standards — it requires optimizing technology across hubs, terminals, and satellites to enable service continuity across diverse networks and platforms. The use of 3GPP standards enables seamless integration between satellite and terrestrial mobile networks, allowing users in rural or remote locations to transition between satellite and ground coverage without experiencing interruptions or changes in service quality.
Traditionally, satellite operators had to choose between vertical integration, which offered end-to-end control but limited flexibility, and horizontal models, which fostered partnerships but sometimes constrained revenue potential. “Diagonal integration” is a hybrid approach that marries the benefits of vertical and horizontal business models by fostering collaborations across the telecom and cloud ecosystems. The right ground segment, based on this approach, must support multi-orbit and hybrid network strategies that enable operators to integrate GEO, MEO, and LEO systems and scale offerings in step with demand. Leveraging virtualization and software-defined networking will reduce dependency on proprietary hardware, delivering operational flexibility on standardized infrastructure.
Collaboration among ecosystem partners to drive industry-wide standardization and interoperability will be essential as we advance next-generation satellite constellations and software-defined satellites, ultimately empowering operators to deliver robust services with reduced complexity and cost.
The satellite ground segment is essential for realizing global ubiquitous connectivity. To succeed, ground infrastructure must meet several non-negotiable criteria: it needs to be based on virtualized, cloud-enabled, and standards-driven architecture, with end-to-end orchestration that integrates not only the satellite component but also seamlessly extends into other telecom networks. Additionally, software functionality must be abstracted from hardware to allow deployment on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) infrastructure. By leveraging cloud services for orchestration, service providers can create scalable, flexible satellite networks that adapt to evolving market and customer needs.
As we look toward 2025 and beyond, we expect the continued evolution of hybrid, multi-orbit networks, where LEO, MEO, and GEO systems are integrated to provide comprehensive global coverage. This trend will be pivotal in supporting 5G expansion, especially in underserved areas, and in advancing the convergence of satellite and terrestrial networks. Mega-constellations, multi-orbit strategies, and standardization together represent a transformative opportunity for our industry to redefine global communications. The satellite industry must transform itself from the inside out to lead the future of connectivity. Those who embrace this shift will redefine what’s possible.