Opportunities in Satellite Connectivity Solutions

This ADF decision seems indicative of several emerging market trends and technology inflections in the satellite sector that I will briefly characterize below: (1) It is vital that we recognize the emerging market demand for simultaneous, multi-network connectivity and the blending of historically independent network ecosystems.   This includes the convergence of:  - space with terrestrial networks  - diverse orbital regimes & infrastructures  - communications with earth observation constellations   - in-space processing with space-based crosslinks   - military with commercial networks to deliver ‘insights-at-the-edge’ that blend C5ISR with EW/IW/Cyber Network Operations in a JADC2 context that elevate coherent, cognitive networking to realize “ONE NETWORK”. (2)  Market leaders must transition from a ‘connectivity’ mindset that is equipment-centric to a ‘network-as-a-software’ mindset that efficiently empowers subscribers with intelligently-defined, tailored services. (3) There may soon be nothing called a “modem”, rather a virtual infrastructure that ‘instantiates’ the functionalities of a modem, specifically tailored for each individual subscriber need & duration ….  in a multi-purpose, multi-waveform, multi-orbit and multi-network context.   And, the infrastructure framework must be holistic, agnostic and independent. (4) New Space is largely LEO-dominate and the relatively short life of LEO satellite constellations will drive fundamental changes in New Space ecosystems, especially the companion ground infrastructures, which will be:  - Architected as software-centric and cloud-native such that capabilities continually evolve in a ‘network-as-a-software’ context   - Procured using ‘as-a-service’ business models that enable more comprehensive value creation than the traditional equipment procurement models of the past  - Established as collaborative partnerships (versus vendor relationships) that will include multi-network orchestration, data collection & analytics, and much more  - Intelligently Exploited to blueprint next generation performance envelops that continually enhance the user/subscriber experience while simultaneously constantly improving network efficiencies to steadily improve the service provider’s financial return. In summary, This is a highly dynamic technology sector and there is much to consider on this topic - and this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Deep-water drilling is often a $10 million a day, mission-critical operation. If a signal drops, and an oil rig engineer can’t track their machinery for more than a few seconds, they have to shut down operations — or risk the safety of their crew. Safety is a priority — but that’s a lot of money down the drain. With the importance of connectivity at the forefront, more and more oil, gas, and other industry players are relying on satellites to beam high-speed internet services to the job sites. Yet while satellite has been traditionally viewed as a backup to fiber, its role is starting to shift into a first line of defense. As such, satellite service providers like Houston-based Speedcast, one of the world’s largest global connectivity providers specializing in managed communications for business and enterprise networks, are unveiling service offerings that blend signals from multiple orbits across Low-Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium-Earth Orbit (MEO), and Geostationary Orbit (GEO), as well as terrestrial networks. The company says this is the best way to ensure connectivity is truly seamless when dollars are at stake. The rollout of multi-orbit satellite networks seems to have happened overnight, but the process actually happened gradually in response to increasing demand for high-speed, low-latency, reliable satellite connectivity. Today, operators and service providers are looking for ways to differentiate themselves, while evaluating the ground equipment partnerships that will enable them to truly support connectivity across multiple orbits. NSR, an Analysys Mason company, estimates that the non-GEO share of total high-throughput capacity demand will grow from approximately 21 percent in 2022 to about 52 percent in 2032. Valour Consultancy expects global shipments of communications on the move (COTM) flat panel antennas to grow from a very low base of just below 3,000 to approximately 100,000 units by 2030, at a CAGR of 57 percent. The importance of ground equipment and integration cannot be overemphasized to enable multi-orbit connectivity. A handful of equipment manufacturers are making news for rolling out technology that supports hybrid networks. Anuvu, for example, recently tapped Telesat to provide antennas and ground station infrastructure to support its multi-orbit network, as enterprise customer needs evolve beyond GEO and LEO connectivity. Anuvu has ordered eight MicroGEO satellites from Astranis, which are smaller than a traditional GEO satellite. Anuvu also has an agreement with Telesat to utilize its Lightspeed LEO constellation in the future. Pigott says the company strongly believes multi-orbit solutions will be the global norm in the next five to 10 years. #MultiOrbitServices #SATNetworks #Connectivity

How Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell Service is Disrupting Telecommunications—and What’s Next for AI-Driven Innovation Imagine a world where your smartphone works anywhere—from the top of a mountain to the middle of the ocean. Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell service is making this a reality, eliminating dead zones by connecting unmodified phones directly to low-Earth orbit satellites. No cell towers. No extra hardware. Just seamless connectivity. Why This is Game-Changing: 1. Global Coverage: Say goodbye to connectivity gaps. Starlink ensures calls, texts, and eventually data—even in the most remote areas. 2. Empowering Emergency Response: Free global emergency connectivity ensures help is just a call away, regardless of location or affordability. 3. T-Mobile Partnership: The first step in a bold vision to make universal satellite coverage a standard, starting with U.S. beta testing in 2025. But this disruption goes beyond telecommunications. It’s a glimpse into how AI and satellite technology can revolutionize other industries: • Healthcare: Imagine real-time consultations with doctors in remote regions via satellite-enabled devices. • Education: AI-powered remote learning platforms that work anywhere, ensuring no child is left behind. • Agriculture: AI-driven insights sent directly to farmers in the field, optimizing yields and addressing climate challenges. The Future of Disruption Starlink’s approach shows how AI can combine with cutting-edge technology to break barriers and redefine industries. As we step into this new era, the question is: What’s next? 👉 What industries do you think are ripe for disruption by AI and innovative tech? Share your thoughts below. #Innovation #Starlink #AI #Disruption #FutureOfWork #Connectivity #DigitalTransformation #Leadership