Satellite is an enduring theme at this year’s conference, as operators become more conscious of the threat, as well as opportunity, it poses – some notes on policy discussions
GSMA’s satellite policy roundtable
The GSMA held a roundtable at which it launched a new policy paper, Regulatory Preparedness for
Satellite Services – Direct-to-users LEO connectivity services. It asks regulators to set guidelines for device-to-user satellite services, that is, those not involving partnerships with telecoms operators. Michaela Angonius (Head of Policy and Regulation at GSMA) outlined five principles to guide regulation: transparency and predictability; regulatory parity; harmonisation; collaboration; and the balancing of innovation with regulation.
There was a request for early intervention, rather than waiting years “until it is too late”. It was clarified that operators don’t want to stop services being offered, but are instead asking for guardrails to protect everyone. It was remarked that regulation so far has been light touch – for example, some spectrum bands haven’t attracted licence fees.
Operators also questioned whether, given their workload, this was a big enough priority for policymakers. Without directly criticising regulators for moving too slowly, it was described as them “moving at their own speed”.
The risks of not intervening were set out. Could these services be a new frontier for scams? Do providers know their customers? Is lawful intercept possible? Recognising that there is currently no single best practice in terms of what regulation should look like, there are enough meaningful interventions in various countries from which one could pick and choose to make a coherent policy. For example, Brazil’s authorisation regime where licences are not awarded on a per-service basis.
It was stressed that any guidelines would need to respect what is technically feasible today using LEO services.
Space‑enabled mobility: Unlocking a competitive, resilient and sovereign future
Satellite was prominent on the Day 3 agenda, with one fireside chat framing direct-to-device (D2D) services as an inflection point in global mobile communications. Mark Dankberg (Chairman and CEO, Viasat) stated that this moment of opportunity for satellite has been amplified by D2D, indicating a significant addressable market for the technology.
However, he offered the surprising fact that the vast majority of D2D customers are currently in and around metropolitan areas, with providers delivering connectivity where mobile services cannot reach – for example because planning rules prevent a cell tower being built.
Adnan Al Mheiri (CTO, Space Services, Space42) discussed the challenge of navigating different regulatory and spectrum regimes around the world, stating that it would be “foolish” not to learn lessons from terrestrial networks. He considered that mobile infrastructure is more cost efficient when shared and that there was scope to do that with the Equatys constellation (the joint venture between Space42 and Viasat).
Dankberg underlined the attractiveness of such a shared approach, stating that mobile operators do not tend to own all of their towers and would not need to own all of their individual satellites either. Al Mheiri added that despite the global infrastructure model of Equatys and other constellations, solutions could easily be tailored (e.g. in respect of gateways or back-end systems) to provide customers with the necessary control, ensuring they meet growing sovereignty obligations.
The subsequent panel continued the focus on sovereignty, particularly regarding data, and the impact that it is having on the regulation of the satellite sector. John Janka (Chief Officer, Global Government Affairs & Regulatory, Viasat) complimented the past work of the ITU, stating that many of the rules around satellite were done thoughtfully, anticipating how the technology might evolve. Janka stated that the legal regimes that have enabled connectivity to traditional satellite phones are now providing a platform for innovation in D2D.
However, he added that ITU rules are based on the concept that everyone is going to play by them, but disruptors are entering the market and not looking to comply, posing risks to physical, data and economic security.
Foong Chee Kheong (Group Chief Regulatory Officer, Axiata) stated that regulators should welcome the integration of telecoms and satellite networks, especially in the context of universal service where D2D is a “potent tool” to deliver access for all. However, he urged more action from regulators on consumer protection in satellite, suggesting that telecoms operators are regulated more heavily in comparison, reflecting the call for parity in the GSMA’s new policy paper.
About the authors – Assembly Research
