Europe’s digital infrastructure is poised for significant advancements with the integration of satellite communication. Antje Williams, Vice President at Deutsche Telekom AG, highlights the role of satellites in enhancing network resilience and bridging coverage gaps where terrestrial networks fall short.
Currently, approximately 13,000 active satellites orbit Earth, offering various services depending on their altitude and technology. Geostationary satellites (GEO) cover large areas like Europe from a fixed position relative to the Earth’s surface. In contrast, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites operate closer to Earth, providing lower latency but requiring more satellites for comprehensive coverage.
Satellite communication complements ground-based infrastructures by extending connectivity to underserved regions. This hybrid approach enables two primary use cases: fixed broadband and direct-to-handset services. Fixed satellite broadband uses rooftop antennas to deliver stable internet connections in areas lacking mobile or fixed-line coverage. Direct-to-handset services are still developing but already allow basic communication such as text messaging without additional hardware.
Deutsche Telekom has partnered with Google and Skylo to achieve a milestone in this field by sending Europe’s first satellite SMS using a commercial smartphone via a GEO satellite.
In enterprise sectors like IoT, industries such as energy and logistics benefit from combined cellular and satellite links for reliable global coverage. Vehicles are also expected to integrate satellite-based data services soon.
Frequency regulation is crucial for wireless communication, including satellite services. While some frequency bands are allocated explicitly for satellites, others require permission from existing holders like mobile network operators. The U.S. has frameworks allowing secondary satellite use on mobile frequencies; Europe has yet to adopt similar measures.
Comparatively, the U.S., with its vast geography and lower network coverage, relies more heavily on satellite communication than Europe does. T-Mobile US offers commercial direct-to-handset services powered by Starlink, focusing initially on text messages with plans to expand into voice and data capabilities.
Deutsche Telekom views satellite communication not merely as a backup but as an extension of existing services. Integrating non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) into current infrastructure aims to provide seamless connectivity even in remote locations.
The EU’s IRIS² initiative seeks to establish a secure European satellite network promoting digital sovereignty. Deutsche Telekom contributes expertise in ground infrastructure during the project’s design phase.
Looking ahead, the convergence of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks promises robust global communication services across diverse environments. Deutsche Telekom is investing in technologies like airborne base stations alongside mobile networks to advance Europe’s digital transformation.
Antje Williams emphasizes that these efforts aim not to replace existing networks but to enhance them intelligently for future telecommunications needs.
