5G may open the door to a new generation of satellite communications, bringing it from its traditional deployments in rural areas to new areas, analysts have claimed.
A report from GlobalData said upgraded satellite technology is likely to coincide with the advent of 5G.
Previously, widespread satellite deployment was held back by its slow speeds, high latency and unreliability when compared to fixed or DSL options.
GlobalData said this meant the technology was only seen as a “provider of last resort” and used in the likes of highly isolated rural areas.
However Glen Hunt, Principal Analyst Telecom Technology and Software Analyst at GlobalData, said capacity and performance requirements are being addressed. He predicted 5G would be a much more “satellite friendly” technology than LTE or 3G.
Hunt said: “The next generations of satellites – high throughput satellites (HTS) – are being built on open architectures. They are much more flexible and easier to integrate into 5G networks. With HTS, satellite operators can expand beyond rural broadband and become an integral part of the 5G ecosystem.
“HTS deployments are going to be dramatically less expensive than prior generations of satellite due to a combination of factors including new advances in launch vehicles, miniaturization of components and correspondingly lower power consumption.”
Earlier this month Orange became the latest operator to announce satellite connectivity plans to connect rural areas and airplanes.
Deutsche Telekom is set to launch its satellite-powered European Aviation Network this summer.