Satellite networks vital next step for Canada to reach connectivity goals: Terrestar

Recent advancements in the satellite communications ecosystem have made mobile connectivity via satellite a much more economical way to bridge Canada’s digital divide, according to Terrestar Solutions Inc. During the Canadian Telecom Summit last week, CEO Jacques Leduc and vice president of business development Jason Tremblay shared the satellite communications company’s vision for the development of a seamless national network. As the only Canadian-owned mobile satellite services (MSS) operator, the duo said that Terrestar is uniquely positioned to push Canada towards its universal connectivity goals. Preparing to launch its direct-to-mobile services as soon as next year, the company is calling on regulators, governments, carriers, and other industry stakeholders for support. “In Canada, we have reached a point where… building additional towers does not make sense,” said Leduc in an interview with The Wire Report. He argued that the expansion of terrestrial networks have reached their economic limit due to small rural populations providing little commercial incentive for telecom infrastructure to be built. “That's where we come in,” he said. “We will be the extension of the cellular network.” Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) recently announced it is looking into opening up certain bands of spectrum — currently allocated for terrestrial mobile networks — to satellite operators to enhance mobile connectivity. Leduc said the move was expected, because it would align Canada with recent regulatory changes in the United States for a similar framework. He also noted that the consultation was likely in response to a push from major telecoms with existing deals with satellite internet companies, including Telus Corp., Rogers Communications Inc., Lynk Global Inc., and Space Exploration Technologies Corp. The Terrestar CEO applauded the decision, saying it should drive further activity, investment, and competition in the satellite communications ecosystem. “Right now, we see as positive, because we wouldn’t be at our level without those guys,” explained Leduc, referring to companies like Starlink and Apple Inc. that helped generate more interest in the technology. Since the release of the iPhone 14, Apple has supported emergency SOS phone call via satellite features for its smartphones. Leduc noted that these features were made possible through the adoption of global standards requiring the integration of MSS technologies into smartphones. He added that the main reason MSS has been limited to emergency services is because of the limited capacity of the satellite ecosystem, but that capacity is growing as more satellites are launched and the technology improves. “It just showed that there’s a need today for people to stay connected and the full ecosystem moving and developing,” he said. “What we’re doing benefits them and what they’re doing benefits us, that’s the beauty of it.” “It’s like watering a plant,” said Leduc. “It will grow.” Establishing a collective voice Such developments also spurred the creation of the Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA) in February, of which Terrestar is a founding member. Comprised of global satellite operators including Viasat, Inc., Ligado, Omnispace, and Yahsat, the association serves as a collective voice in the MSS ecosystem to support the establishment of global interoperability standards for satellite and terrestrial networks, promoting seamless global connectivity. As its members are all spectrum licensees in their respective countries, the MSSA allows companies to offer services around the world without the need for additional mobile spectrum licenses. Leduc has previously said that this is the most economical way to build satellite communications services for a mass market. The MSSA will also facilitate Terrestar’s planned deployment of a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation in the future, which Leduc said will improve the MSS offerings via its existing geostationary satellite. Terrestar’s direct-to-mobile services will include SMS, basic email, and voice calling. Increased competition not a concern While they expect ISED to open up more spectrum to satellite operators following the consultation, which could benefit operators like Starlink that do not own dedicated spectrum, Leduc and Tremblay remain confident in their company’s strengths. Increased competition in the market will force Terrestar to be smart and innovate, they explained. “That’s how a company becomes better,” said Leduc. Unlike non-licensed operators, Terrestar already owns spectrum licenses that allow the company to complement existing cellular networks, which will prevent its operations from interfering with terrestrial networks. It also owns the Canadian capacity of geostationary satellite Echostar T1. These assets give the company a competitive advantage, said Tremblay. Terrestar already offers services to consumers under its Strigo brand, but Leduc said he believes “the best distribution channels” are through mobile network operators (MNOs). Carriers like Telus, Rogers, and Bell have extensive experience with customer service, a side of the telecom business that Leduc says will not bring any value to Terrestar if it were to get into it. In order to simplify connectivity and reduce the cost of the service, Terrestar aims to offer MSS as an add-on to existing mobile plans from carriers. “We are in discussions with all the MNOs, because we have an open infrastructure and will give access to everybody who wants to have access,” said Leduc, highlighting the company’s plan to maintain a neutral playing field for carriers on its network. – Reporting by Phalen Tynes-MacDonald at pcreed@thewirereport.ca

Satellite networks vital next step for Canada to reach connectivity goals: Terrestar

News | June 24, 2024

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Satellite networks vital next step for Canada to reach connectivity goals: Terrestar

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