The World Teleport Association (WTA) has released a new research report—From Teleport to Network Service Provider: The Search for Tomorrow’s Business Mode. This report examines how teleport operators are shifting from providing traditional uplink and downlink services to managed network services and the drivers, enablers, challenges and opportunities presented by that shift. The report is sponsored by Kratos.
The business of basic uplinking long ago lost most of its commercial value, and teleport operators moved into value-added services tailored to the unique needs of niche markets to ensure their future. Today the industry stands on the brink of a transformation every bit as big: from operating these technical facilities and niche-market services to becoming network service providers.
The two models are hardly exclusive. In fact, the biggest opportunities of the future will require the technology and business practices of network operators to integrate multi-orbit SATCOM in all its complexity with the multiple paths of terrestrial telecom in a seamless whole.
The open API standards emerging from the TM Forum and Metro Ethernet Forum will enable such integration to cross networks and power infrastructure sharing where it makes business sense. At the same time, new categories of customers will find benefit in satellite’s ability to connect without touching the terrestrial network, so that private networks for critical infrastructure can be truly safe from cyber threats. Ultimately, having the technology, structure and knowledge to adapt to these changing opportunities will become the greater competitive advantage of all.
This report captures a pivotal moment for the teleport industry as it evolves from infrastructure provider to integrated network service partner,” said WTA executive director Randall Barney. “The rise of LEO, virtualization, and managed services is reshaping what it means to be competitive, and operators are responding with innovation, collaboration, and a renewed focus on people. The future belongs to those who can blend infrastructure, partnerships, and talent into a seamless service offering.”
WTA members can access the report by signing into their accounts on the WTA website. The report is free for WTA Members and available for purchase by others.