Integrating SatNets with terrestrial 5G networks: A path to global connectivity

Source: This post is based on the article “A path to global connectivity” published in The Hindu on 27th July 2022.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Awareness in the fields of IT and Space.

Relevance: About integrating SatNets with terrestrial 5G networks.

News: As terrestrial 5G mobile networks are being rolled out across countries, there is an interest in integrating Non-Terrestrial Networks, such as low latency Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks (SatNets).

Wireless communications through LEO satellites over long distances are proven to be 1.47 times faster than communication over the same distance through terrestrial optic fibre.

What is the present status of SatNets?

Starlink operated by SpaceX, and OneWeb promoted by Bharti Global, have launched about 2,500 and 648 LEO satellites respectively at an altitude of about 1,200 km with the objective of promoting global broadband connectivity.

There are other players such as Reliance Jio in a joint venture with Luxembourg-based SES and Amazon’s Project Kuiper.

Why does integrating SatNets with terrestrial 5G networks is essential?

Recent research on Starlink and OneWeb suggests that the standalone LEO SatNets have a distinct cost advantage only if the density is less than 0.1 person per square km compared to terrestrial broadband networks. Hence it is to the advantage of LEO SatNet providers to integrate their networks with terrestrial 5G networks to improve the cost economies.

How SatNets are integrating with terrestrial 5G networks?

Satellites and terrestrial networks have always been considered two independent ecosystems, and their standardisation efforts also are independent of each other.

But now standard-setting organisations such as the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) started integrating SatNets in the standardisation process.

What are the applications of integrating SatNets with terrestrial 5G networks?

There are three main use cases,  1) Service continuity: Integration will provide a seamless transition between terrestrial networks and SatNets in case of public safety, disaster management and emergency situations; 2) Service ubiquity: Integration can provide 5G services in unserved and underserved areas of the world; 3) Service scalability: This utilises the unique capabilities of SatNets in multicasting and broadcasting similar content over a large geographical area. The LEO SatNets can provide service not only to stationary but also to in-motion users.

What are the challenges faced while integrating SatNets with terrestrial 5G networks?

These include 1) Frequencies allocated for satellite broadband, 2) The methodology of allocation, 3) The relatively higher cost of consumer equipment, 4) The placement and interconnections of SatNets with terrestrial public landline/mobile networks at the ground stations, and 5) Increased cost of the user terminal and access charges to the end users.

How does the government is promoting integrating SatNets with terrestrial 5G networks?

National Digital Communications Policy 2018: The policy indicated a number of areas including a) The development of an ecosystem for local manufacturing of satellite communication systems and b) Promoting the participation of private players for the strengthening of satellite communication infrastructure in the country.

New Space India Limited (NSIL): This aims to re-orient space activities from a ‘supply driven’ model to a ‘demand driven’ model, thereby ensuring optimum utilisation of the space assets.

Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe): It is intended to provide a level playing field for private companies to use Indian space infrastructure and to promote and guide the private industries in space activities through encouraging policies and a friendly regulatory environment.

The proposed revisions to Satellite Communications Policy will provide the required fillip to LEO SatNets to become an integral part of the communication infrastructure of the country.