NSR’s 5G via Satellite: Impacts, Demand and Revenue Potential to 2029 report, just released, forecasts deep 5G impact in the satellite ecosystem with close to 10 Million active units by 2029.
Beyond the obvious use cases, such as Cellular Backhaul and Trunking, a wide spectrum of applications will experience accelerated demand from 5G, including IoT, Private 5G for Corporate Networks, Mobility or even more conservative users like Gov/Mil.
This standardized service orchestration will disrupt how the different steps of the value chain relate to each other, including mainstream Communications Service Providers. With satellite networks now being managed from a 5G core, satellite becomes seamlessly integrable with the mainstream Telco ecosystem, eliminating barriers for satellite adoption and unlocking uncountable opportunities.
Non-Terrestrial Networks were part of the definition of 5G from the beginning. In fact, the new access technology (5G NR) is modified to allow direct connectivity from mainstream devices to satellites. While performance levels might have limitations for some use cases, this is a game changer for applications like IoT and consumer devices via Satellite that now will have access to a vast addressable market counted in Billions.
“While 5G use cases generate a lot of hype, one must not underestimate the transformative power of 5G in how satellite networks are designed,” said Lluc Palerm, NSR Senior Analyst and report author. “Incorporating and standardizing technologies like SDN/NFV or Cloud, 5G Network Management System will be at the core of how future satellite networks are built, offering the scale and flexibility to optimally operate future VHTS, constellations and software defined satellites under standardized service orchestration.”
