The New Normal in Satellite

When we look back on the year that is 2022 we will see a year that has been nothing short of seismic for the satellite industry. Huge pieces of consolidation, satellite technology front and center in Ukraine, and if that wasn’t enough, the satellite-to-cell market has now entered an exciting new phase. When looking at deals done this year, the deal between Globalstar and Apple has to be up there in terms of potentially game-changing deals for the industry.

In this edition of Via Satellite, we talk to one of the main architects behind this deal, David Kagan, the CEO of Globalstar about how this deal came about and why it could save hundreds of lives going forward. It is a deal that could also spark other potential deals. We have already seen T-Mobile and Starlink announce a link-up and we also have a feature looking in-depth about how the whole satellite-to-cell market might develop. It seems having long been sparring partners (satellite and telco) for many years, things are changing and satellite is becoming more part of the eco-system than ever before.

Speaking of ecosystems, regional operators have long played an important role in bringing vital services to communities within their regions. They are a vital part of the overall fabric of our industry. However, with huge constellations launching, or set to launch, their role in the new satellite world is open to question. We talk to a number of the world’s leading regional operators and discuss partnerships with LEO operators, and where their future growth may come from.

In many ways, things have returned to normal in 2022. There have been a number of successful trade shows, and we know the community has appreciated seeing one another again. However, ‘a new normal’ in the satellite industry has also seen huge deals, partnerships, the likes of which we haven’t really seen before. So, while it is a year of returning to normal, I wonder if what we have seen this year is the ‘New Normal’. Is the ‘New Normal’ all about disruption right now?

This is the last edition of Via Satellite for 2022. I would like to end by thanking my team at Via Satellite for another fantastic year. I would like to thank all of our advertisers, supporters and readers that play such a key role in making Via Satellite what it is today. We have some exciting plans for 2023 and we are already looking forward to what promises to be another exciting year. We wish you all a safe, happy and healthy end of year, and we look forward to sharing an exciting 2023 with you.