The satellite and telecommunications industries are increasingly converging to create unified Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs). This convergence provides seamless global connectivity, helping bridge the digital divide, provide emergency communications services, and unlock a wide range of enterprise applications. ABI Research’s latest analysis underscores the pivotal role of cloudification and Software-Defined Satellites (SDSs) in this transformation. These technologies further virtualize network infrastructure and enable scalable networks to quickly adapt to dynamic demands.
The world of connectivity is evolving, and satellite Internet of Things (IoT) is at the forefront. Businesses today depend on satellite-enabled IoT to bridge gaps where terrestrial networks falter. Remote farms, ocean-bound cargo, and rugged industrial sites are just a few examples of operations that struggle to maintain uninterrupted connectivity with cellular-only solutions. Satellite-supported IoT devices can even extend beyond traditional enterprise applications, as evidenced by the use of Globalstar’s satellite transmitter chip for animal monitoring.
The year 2024 provided numerous technology trends shaping the future of nearly every industry. ABI Research analysts have been covering these developments for some time, and now it’s time to reflect upon our studies in our annual trends whitepaper. Before we dive into the list, here’s a statement from Stuart Carlaw, Chief Research Officer:
When Sputnik 1 successfully launched into space on October 4, 1957, it marked a Herculean moment in human history. After millennia of staring at the stars, we finally knew it was possible to launch continent-spanning communications and then mini-computer platforms into space to explore and provide vital intelligence about the Earth. The event also critically served as a launching pad for revolutionizing telecommunications and Earth Observation.
Satellite imagery is rapidly emerging as an essential technology for industries requiring precise, continuous, and real-time monitoring solutions. It enables organizations to track everything from agricultural fields to military assets with unparalleled accuracy. As covered in ABI Research’s Satellite Imaging Platforms Developments & Outlook presentation, the technology is rapidly evolving and expanding its use cases across diverse industries.
Working in a competitive industry demands that you become a data-driven organization. As a technology solution provider, effectively leveraging data can unlock significant advantages, such as driving market expansion and fostering innovation. Unfortunately, all too many companies lack an analytical approach to decision-making.
Laser satellite communication (also called lasercom) is a subset of free-space optical communication, presenting significant advantages over Radio Frequency (RF) signals. Laser satellite users can expect increased data rates (bandwidth), enabling them to send and receive far more information than traditional radio waves. With major satellite players like Starlink and Amazon Project Kuiper investing in the technology, there is broader attention being paid to Optical Inter-Satellite Links (OISLs).
Heavy industrial sectors like mining, forestry, construction, transportation, and manufacturing are on the verge of a major transformation. These industries face increasing challenges, such as stricter worksite safety requirements, the need to minimize downtime, and a shrinking workforce. Consequently, there's a pressing need for digital transformation that connects people, data, and equipment.
Picture yourself residing on a remote island with a small population. Given the limited business prospectson your island, the likelihood of any Communication Service Provider (CSP) investing in terrestrial telecommunication infrastructure on the island is extremely low. The absence of Internet broadband can lead to educational challenges, limited access to information, economic disadvantages, vital healthcare limitations, social isolation, reduced innovation, and many more issues, all of which would have a detrimental effect on your community. This scenario embodies the essence of the “digital divide.”
On September 19, 2023, AST SpaceMobile announced a historic milestone: the successful completion of the first-ever 5G connection for both voice and data transmission between an ordinary, unmodified smartphone and a space satellite. The company's engineers showcased this space-based 5G connectivity by initiating a call from Maui, Hawaii, United States, to a Vodafone engineer situated in Madrid, Spain. This remarkable feat was accomplished using AT&T's Band 5/850 Megahertz (MHz) spectrum and AST SpaceMobile's BlueWalker 3 (BW3) test satellite—the largest-ever commercial communications array deployed in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).