Service providers are partnering with satellite service providers to offer satellite network connectivity to their customers. Motive is leading the charge with support for Direct-to-Cell connectivity over satellite networks on consumer devices. This innovation will significantly enhance user experience, providing mobile connectivity even in areas that traditional cellular networks could not reach.
Expanding Connectivity Beyond Terrestrial Networks
While terrestrial network coverage has improved over the years, a large segment of the global population still lacks reliable mobile and internet access. Individuals living in remote or underserved regions, where network infrastructure is limited or non-existent, are affected the most. According to recent estimates, approximately 570 million people, representing 8.7% of the adult population, are either living outside of network coverage areas or are on the fringes, receiving only limited or weak signals. This lack of connectivity isn't limited to individuals; numerous businesses, especially those in industries like automotive and manufacturing, also operate in locations where traditional mobile and internet access is not feasible.
The challenges of extending conventional mobile networks to these areas are both economic and geographic. Building and maintaining network infrastructure in remote or difficult-to-access locations can be prohibitively expensive and logistically challenging. Moreover, the topographical obstacles, such as mountains and dense forests, often make it impractical to lay down the necessary infrastructure.
The Rise of LEO Satellites in Mobile Connectivity
LEO satellites are gaining traction in mobile connectivity, offering lower latency and higher data transfer rates. Being closer to Earth, LEO satellites can communicate with ground stations more quickly, reducing data travel time. They are particularly valuable for real-time applications, such as voice calls, video streaming, and other high-bandwidth services.
The smaller size and lower cost of LEO satellites allow for the deployment of large constellations, spanning the globe. Companies like SpaceX with Starlink, Amazon's Project Kuiper, and OneWeb are leading the charge in deploying LEO satellite constellations to provide broadband internet access to underserved and remote regions.
Enhancing the User Experience with LEO Satellites
- Global Coverage: LEO constellations provide consistent global mobile connectivity, including remote and rural areas that are traditionally difficult to reach with terrestrial networks. This bridges the digital divide, offering internet access to millions of people who are currently underserved.
- Low Latency Communication: The proximity of LEO satellites to the Earth's surface ensures low-latency communication, making them ideal for applications that require real-time interaction, such as online gaming, video conferencing, and autonomous vehicle operations.
- Cost-Effective Deployment: The reduced cost of launching and maintaining LEO satellites make it an economically viable option of scaling up and deploying extensive networks.
The Role of Satellite Service Providers
Collaboration between traditional service providers and satellite service providers is paramount to this success. Together, these entities can extend the reach of mobile networks to previously inaccessible areas, creating a more inclusive digital environment. Satellite service providers play a critical role in this ecosystem, offering the necessary infrastructure to support Direct-to-Cell connectivity. This partnership model offers new revenue streams and opportunities for service providers, while simultaneously addressing the longstanding issue of limited network coverage.
How IMPACT Entitlement Servers Facilitate D2C Connectivity
Entitlement Servers (ES) manage the authorization and provisioning of mobile devices that connect to networks. In the context of D2C satellite connectivity, the Entitlement Server checks if a device is eligible to connect to the satellite network based on specific criteria set by the CSPs.
IMPACT Entitlement Server (ES) plays a pivotal role in this process. When a mobile phone device attempts to connect to a D2C satellite, the Entitlement Server verifies whether the device has the appropriate Satellite Mode (Satmode) enabled. SatMode is a configuration that allows devices to communicate over satellite networks instead of terrestrial networks. If SatMode is enabled and the device meets the necessary requirements defined in TS-43 standards from GSMA, the Entitlement Server provisions the device to operate within the CSP’s network via satellite connectivity.
Motive’s IMPACT Mobile Entitlement Server offers comprehensive functionalities that enable CSPs to meet evolving business needs while ensuring a reliable and customizable user experience for primary and secondary devices using ACME, TS.43, and automobile AiD.02 specifications. It supports eSIM-enabled devices, allowing multiple devices to connect to the same network and phone number, and facilitates eSIM profile transfers. The server also supports multi-SIM, plan transfer, geo-fencing, 5G performance boosting, Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) and On Device Service Activation (ODSA). Integrating various systems for seamless operation and policy enforcement and secures connections using authentication procedures, enhance user experience. It supports a wide range of applications, including voice calls, RCS messaging, VoWiFi, VoLTE, Satellite D2C/ D2D, and data plans. Optional cloud hosting in Motive’s environment simplifies operations with managed upgrades and quick setup.
Motive's Direct-to-Cell support for consumer devices in the IMPACT Entitlement Server product marks a significant advancement in the TS-43 stack. By leveraging satellite networks, Motive bridges the gap between traditional network coverage and the growing demand for ubiquitous connectivity. As the partnership between service providers and satellite companies continues to grow, the dream of a fully connected world becomes more attainable, offering enhanced experiences and opportunities for everyone, everywhere.