The advent of non-geostationary satellites (NGSOs) has raised the issue of convergence with land-based networks. The question centres on how to provide users with services across different networks efficiently and reliably. Until now, satellites offer distinct service model defined in its own silo. With a converged land-space Internet, services could extend across multiple networks to leverage the one most suited for a certain use case. Applications that drive this convergence will have to offer mutual value to both land and space-based network operators. This will require new business models between land and space network ecosystems. We are indeed at the cusp of a new era of Internet services!
The Current State
We are at an early stage of developing and launching NGSO networks (LEO and MEO satellites). Satellite and terrestrial network operators have kept to their own silos so far. But this appears to be changing as both ecosystems see value in some form of collaboration. For instance, starting in 2017, satellite operators joined 3GPP standard activities to define the integration between land and space-based networks. 3GPP Release 17 will include specifications to accommodate satellite networks into the 5G architecture. Just a few days ago, 3GPP made the decision to delay the protocol code freeze until June, 2022.
Space Intersect with Terrestrial Networks
The activities at 3GPP are only one facet of a complex web of integration that includes multiple aspects. Much more work remains ahead of the two ecosystems to work out business, operational and financial models for instance. To start, some of the applications that drive convergence are yet to prove their value. I have addressed this issue in a prior post [see here].
The underpinnings of convergence are the business models between land and space network operators. Value creation drives convergence. While we work on validating the value proposition, the ecosystem needs to also find ways to share the value. The business models governing this relationship are yet to be defined. In this, new opportunities could develop from the synergies between the two ecosystems.
Today, both land and space ecosystems are working towards defining their own technologies and business models for their respective services. For mobile operators, 5G enables enterprise uses cases and that are under validation on both technical and business feasibility. On the other hand, LEO operators are in early stages of launch and deployments. Much work is ahead of them to validate their value proposition and ensure a positive business case for consumer access and enterprise backhaul; aviation and maritime; and other use cases.
To achieve land-space Internet convergence both terrestrial and space network operators will need to find synergies that result in revenue creation to both sides. We are yet to validate exactly how and what these opportunities are. [See here for analysis of enterprise networks with satellite backhaul as one use case we analyzed.]
Intersection with Cloud Technologies
Network function virtualization and software defined networking is part of the digital transformation of both land and space-based networks. This transformation is necessary for the integration into the wider Internet ecosystem. Here, I see providers of mobile and fixed access services are ahead of their satellite counterparts in adopting cloud-based technologies. Land-based networks are larger and support more users than their satellite counterparts. Perhaps this was the catalyst for faster adoption of Cloud technologies as more is at stake than in satellite networks; aside from issues related to accessibility and lifecycle.
But change is happening now on the satellite side as well: operators have started to embrace cloud-based technologies. For example, SES and Microsoft are collaborating to host satellite management and control functions in Azure data centres, and to offer end-customers direct connectivity to these data centres. SpaceX is also partnering with Microsoft to leverage data centres for ground station services. This model was initiated earlier by Amazon who are building their own satellite constellation – Kuiper – and leveraging their web-scale infrastructure to streamline satellite network operations.
The Challenges
The land and space ecosystems are starting from two far-apart points. A large divide governs their relationships. There are still many points of confrontation, such as spectrum rights. But there are also many opportunities for collaboration. To start, satellite networks need the terrestrial backbone infrastructure to connect ground stations with PoPs and customers. Land networks which are thin on the edges and in low-density areas could benefit from satellite services. The evolving paradigm governing cloud services represented by security requirements and regulations for data privacy is yet another factor to consider in this convergence. Hence, the building trust between the different industries is the first order of business.
Concluding Thoughts
I was pleasantly surprised to learn by reviewing 3GPP activities that some of the issues that I thought would be difficult to address turn out to have viable solutions. For instance, delay and propagation impairments could be solved without relative difficulty. Aside from radio aspects, such as architecture, and signalling for control and management could be developed further to incorporate satellites. This enforces my conviction that different aspects other than technical ones will be the real challenge to address in the future to achieve land-space Internet convergence.