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The GSM Association claims that by the end of the decade, over 90% of the Earth's population will be covered by mobile networks. However, to keep capital and operating costs down, new and innovative ways must be proposed to meet this goal in current and new regional markets. The fast pace of cellular network roll-out and take-up around the world is creating mounting coverage challenges for mobile operators, which is why satellite links are now considered for expanding the reach of mobile networks.
When an operator plans to enter markets beyond large city limits and needs to blanket large regions with cellular services quickly, satellite backhaul can be used to extend reach efficiently. Satellite backhaul covers a broad range of customer solutions for new and existing networks, but traditional voice and narrowband data services (such as SMS and GPRS) are prime applications that represent the most significant short-term growth opportunities for operators.
To tap into new customer markets with tight and often regulated timeframes, mobile incumbents and new operators can build networks with satellite infrastructure, an already available resource that beats many fiber, cable or wireline deployment schedules by weeks or even months.
For the cellular players, backhaul over satellite is primarily seen as a temporary, albeit very responsive, short-to-medium term tool. The issue for the satellite industry is then to gain a foothold over the long-term as a key infrastructure with the main drivers being its robustness and the relatively low bandwidth cost of satellite.
Thanks to advances such as compression techniques, IP-over-satellite delivery and optimized network topologies, there are now more catalysts to fuel the market for cellular backhaul via satellite. Recent build-outs and the expected continued growth of mobile cellular networks provide ample opportunities for satellite companies to play an active role in this area. However, awareness and promotion of the value of satellite services in this market is sure to test the motivations of the industry players in the face of competing solutions.
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