Transatel SA

04/07/2024 | News release | Archived content

Satellite to Cellular connectivity: Bridging the gap between Terrestrial and Non-Terrestrial IoT networks

[Link]

Satellite Connectivity has been around for a long time. Yet, two thirds of the world is not covered by cellular service and the market for satellites has long been a wide area. Let us take a look at how the fusion of satellite and cellular networks is transforming global connectivity, providing continuous services, and closing long-standing gaps.

[Link]

Cellular handsets can now connect to satellites:

Mobile telecommunications standard 3GPP release 17 has brought a new set of capabilities: enabling off-the-shelf cellular devices to connect directly to satellites!

These satellites act as reflectors of cellular signals. The devices see them as Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) antennas.

The first modules on the market now connect to LEO/MEO/GEO satellites and terrestrial networks, with no need for a separate modem or antenna.

This opens opportunities for continuity of services between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, combining the ease of access of cellular with the global coverage satellites offer.

Various types of players provide a combination of satellite and cellular services

Some of them do it by merging satellite and cellular technologies using the 3GPP release 17 standard, offering a unique modem to attach both radio access types. Others integrate two types of modems in a single box to offer a seamless experience.

[Link]

Satellite Direct-to-cellular (release 17) hardware is still in its infancy, with the first modules being made available.

[Link]

Multi-sourcing Non-Terrestrial Networks are crucial for success

How many of these NTN players will be successful in the years to come? Which ones are the best bet? IoT service providers cannot be sure. Diversifying risk is the key to success. Choosing a cellular IoT connectivity provider that partners with several satellite-direct-to-cellular providers is crucial to ensuring you place your bet on the right partner.

Numerous cellular IoT connectivity providers have claimed partnership with satellite-direct-to-cellular providers, as illustrated in the table below.

[Link]

Transatel was the first operator to announce multiple satellite partners for hybrid terrestrial + non terrestrial cellular connectivity service.

Each Non-Terrestrial Network provider is different and comes with implications for the service capabilities, timeline, or sometimes hardware design.

We are witnessing the birth of a new technology

Though it comes with a strong promise, satellite-to-cellular is still in its infancy.

Release 18 and 19 are set to improve upon this new tech with 3 major advances:

[Link]

Release 18 and 19: expanding connectivity horizons:

  • 3GPP Release 17 (March 2022): the foundation for NTN
    Integrating 5G New Radio with satellite-based systems, effectively delivering narrowband IoT (NB-IoT and eMTC support) direct communications between satellites and cellular-enabled devices. This is the groundwork for global service continuity.
  • 3GPP Release 18 (June 2024): NTN enhancements
    The normative stage has been completed in June 2023. Release 18 shall enable NTN deployments in high bands (above 10Ghz) and improve latency and signal propagation.
  • 3GPP Release 19 (Expected end of 2024 or early 2025): higher through-out
    Potential areas of normalization include:
    • Increased downlink coverage,
    • Lower latency, stronger reliability, higher data transfer rates,
    • Moving antennas support such as aircraft and UAVs.

Keep Up with technological advancements

With its recent partnership with OQ, Transatel has further bolstered its global connectivity initiatives. This is in addition to existing support from three other satellite partnerships; Stellar, Skylo, and Sateliot.

Click here to learn more about Transatel's IoT solutions and how those can help your business stay ahead with the new technological advancements.