12 Feb 2024
As a global voice for millions of satellite solutions users for 30+ years, Mobile Satellite Users Association (MSUA) recently organised a webcast to discuss opportunities for digitalisation and the latest innovations in connectivity solutions. Nabil Ben Soussia, Group CCO, IEC Telecom, participated in MSUA’s Game Changers Live on February 8th, 2024, and focused on new generation satellite technologies and the current trend towards hybrid connectivity solutions, higher demand for bandwidth capacity and portability, and LEO technology.
Nabil Ben Soussia explained that with the significant acceleration in satellite deployment timelines in the past couple of years, it is anticipated that the satellite industry will undergo a transition analogous to the progression from 3G to 4G to 5G in terrestrial networks. It is vital today to embrace an adaptable and agile approach, expanding the reach of latest technologies. However, LEO and GEO technologies will continue to co-exist for 3-5 years until a new equilibrium is reached.
Hybrid connectivity, where businesses can choose to operate low latency LEO technology for video-streaming and live-time applications and utilise GEO networks for back-up and emergency communications, delivers flexibility in a rapidly evolving corporate landscape. Besides opening up new markets and helping to close the digital divide between and within countries, it is important to also keep in mind that access to new generation satellite technologies only works on pace with government licensing requirements, cybersecurity threats, and the bureaucratic process of getting a technology to the marketplace.
“A clear and direct correlation exists between the level of automation and the potential cyber risks involved. Satellite service providers must step up to complement existing cybersecurity infrastructure with digital measures to respond effectively to cyber threats. Especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses are increasingly strategising about how they are organised and investing in clear primary systems and back-up solutions,” he added.
Emphasising IEC Telecom’s commitment to innovations in satcom within the maritime, enterprise, and government sectors, Nabil Ben Soussia also discussed how key players in the satellite communications sector have observed a dramatic increase in the level of digitalisation and the surge in demand for bandwidth. Citing IEC Telecom’s focus on creating value-added services to ensure business continuity, sustainability, and cybersecurity, he added that a mix of LEO and GEO technologies as well as network management systems can help in maximising the user experience and help businesses gain a competitive edge.
“We work closely with our partners – Iridium, Inmarsat, Thuraya – in each region and try to align our offerings with those of the key players in the market – such as Starlink. Our specialised applications ease access to the latest satellite communication technologies – at a lower cost. IEC Telecom Group has been renowned for close to 30 years for delivering state-of-the-art solutions that are customised to how our customers want to do business – no matter where they operate,” shared Nabil Ben Soussia.
Follow the link below to watch the complete MSUA Game Changers Live discussion.