Using satellites to provide cellular coverage has attracted significant attention recently, with major carriers releasing high-profile announcements on the new service and satellite internet providers purchasing wireless spectrum. While satellite mobile service, sometimes referred to as “Direct-to-Device” (D2D) or “Supplemental Coverage from Space” (SCS), has many promising applications—particularly in the most remote regions of the country—this is still a developing technology. Ultimately, satellite-based services will be a complement to existing terrestrial networks that handle the vast majority of mobile traffic (see TMF White Paper on Satellite Direct-to-Device). In light of the increased attention to these services, below are the answers to some common questions consumers may have.
Will satellites replace the need for cell towers?
Terrestrial infrastructure, including towers and small cells, remains essential to meeting today’s expanding wireless demand. Distance to the end user (a couple of miles max vs hundreds of miles), the shared nature of a satellite beam across a wide geographic area, the amount of signal power required, and the amount of spectrum available are currently limiting factors for D2D. Terrestrial-based infrastructure continues to be essential for mobile connectivity.
Does D2D allow a mobile device to work anywhere?
D2D requires line of sight to the satellites meaning coverage will generally not work indoors or in crowded urban areas.
Does D2D provide a substitute for 5G coverage?
D2D currently supports basic texting capabilities with some providers delivering voice, but high-bandwidth applications like video and picture messaging and using internet-connected applications are not currently supported outside of laboratory conditions. U.S. mobile data consumption continues to rise on an exponential basis with terrestrial operators constantly deploying new infrastructure to meet the demand.
Is mobile satellite broadband service the same service as I can get to my home?
Despite any shared company names and even shared satellites, your mobile device cannot support the same level of connectivity as satellite broadband for homes. For some locations, fixed satellite broadband services achieve comparable speeds to other fixed broadband technologies through advanced on-premise equipment and engineering solutions that rely on a fixed location, presenting persistent barriers to achieving the same quality of service on the move.
What role does satellite play in the mobile communications ecosystem?
There will always be places where terrestrial networks are not viable for a number of reasons. D2D provides a great complimentary service allowing basic access to vital communications where it previously did not exist.
What does the EchoStar announcement that they will sell wireless spectrum to SpaceX’s mean?
While welcome news for overall connectivity, this future service will remain complimentary to terrestrial networks as inherent constraints will persist for non-terrestrial networks, such as reliance on line-of-sight to the satellite to connect and limited capacity. Even with additional spectrum, D2D will not replicate the terrestrial 5G user experience.
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