2026 Issue Two

Expanding 5G Networks to Space – The Road towards Ubiquitous Connectivity

Yaron Nachman, Product Line Manager 5G & Cloud, Gilat Satellite Networks

Executive Summary

5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) extend terrestrial 5G into space, enabling a unified global connectivity fabric that integrates satellite and cellular ecosystems. Based on 3GPP standards, 5G NTN ensures multi-vendor interoperability, reduces integration risks, and supports diverse use cases such as direct-to-device, IoT, mobility, and cellular backhaul. A multi-orbit approach across LEO, MEO, and GEO enhances flexibility, resilience, and performance by dynamically optimizing resources. The evolution toward cloud-native platforms, multi-waveform architectures, and satcom-grade capabilities transforms 5G NTN into a carrier-grade solution, enabling scalability, agility, and faster time-to-market while preserving legacy investments such as DVB-S2X. Advanced capabilities, including traffic optimization, security, unified management, and end-to-end integration across satellite, 5G, and cloud domains, ensure reliable service delivery and position operators for future growth.

The benefits for 5G NTN

5G NTN brings forth a wide range of advantages that contribute to the progression and enhancement of global satellite communication systems. Some of these advantages include:

Ubiquitous Connectivity: Extending text, voice, video, and broadband 5G services to underserved areas (TN-NTN)

Standard Interoperability: Eco-system of standard-based hardware and software products allows multi-vendor interoperability and cost reduction

Service Monetization: Satellite operators can leverage 5G TN monetization systems, allowing quick onboarding of new customers, services, and revenue streams

Operational Efficiency: Satellite operators can adopt 5G TN Operation systems, reducing Opex and Capex while enhancing customer experience

Diverse Use Cases: 5G NTN supports use-cases ranging from Direct-to-Device and IoT to Mobility, Cellular Backhaul and Private Networks

Future-Proof: 5G NTN standards are forward-looking, allowing for easy integration of future technologies and standards

3GPP standard compliant and multi-vendor interoperability

3GPP standards compliance is becoming a foundational requirement for the long-term success of 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN). As satellite and terrestrial networks converge into a common 5G ecosystem, standards-based implementations are essential to ensure that NTN solutions integrate cleanly with commercial chipsets, user equipment, access networks, core networks, and operational frameworks. 3GPP defines NTN as part of the 5G system and supports both transparent and regenerative payload models, creating a common architectural framework for future deployments. In practice, this standards alignment reduces technology lock-in, lowers integration risk, and enables operators to evolve from early proprietary deployments toward scalable, mainstream 5G-based satellite services.

Multi-vendor interoperability is critical because future NTN networks will not be built as closed, single-supplier systems. Transparent architecture, which was specified in 3GPP Release 17 and Release 18, depends on effective coordination among space segment, gateway infrastructure, gNB functions, terminals, and network management platforms delivered by different vendors. Regenerative architecture, which was added in Release 19, increases the importance of interoperability even more by introducing on board gNB processing, inter-satellite connectivity, and tighter interaction with standard 5G mobility.

Multi-orbit 5G NTN platform

For next generation 5G NTN platforms, it is paramount to seamlessly operate across multiple satellite orbits (LEO, MEO and GEO). Each orbit offers distinct advantages in terms of latency, coverage, and capacity. LEO provides very low latency and high throughput, MEO balances latency, coverage, and constellation size, and GEO offers persistent, broad coverage with a single satellite.

A multi-orbit capable platform enables dynamic service provisioning, allowing operators to select the optimal orbit based on specific application requirements, user location, and service level agreements. This flexibility enhances network resilience, optimizes resource utilization, and facilitates the delivery of a wider range of services.

The 3GPP standards body is currently defining 5G NTN in multi-orbit networks to maximize interoperability. The goal is to break down the barriers between different satellite architectures, turning isolated satellite constellations into a unified, intelligent extension of the global cellular grid. Instead of forcing a device to hard-lock onto one proprietary satellite network, the platform serves as an open, standard-compliant brain that abstracts the complexity of space.

5G NTN Multi-Orbit Ubiquitous Network

The diagram shows a multi-orbit network including a GEO and NGSO satellites with the 5G NTN UE connecting to both. The gateway is either a 5G NTN gNB (transparent architecture) or a high-speed feeder link (regenerative architecture). In both cases the gateway connects to the 5G core in the data center.

Cloud-native 5G NTN platform

A cloud-native satcom ground platform is a critical enabler for 5G NTN. The virtual satcom platform can integrate seamlessly with telecom networks using the 5G NTN standard. The software-driven ground system offers much more agility for evolution with the 5G NTN standard.

The integration of cloud technology into satellite network operations offers numerous compelling benefits:

Scalability and Elasticity: This helps manage fluctuating traffic and launch new services without major upfront infrastructure costs.

Agility and Faster Time to Market: This agility enables operators to respond quickly to shifting market demands and introduce innovative offerings, helping them gain a competitive advantage.

High Availability and Redundancy: This enhances the reliability and availability of satellite network services, ensuring business continuity even in the face of unforeseen events.

Innovation and New Service Enablement: Cutting-edge technologies, such as AI, machine learning, and big data analytics can be leveraged to develop new services, optimize network performance, and gain valuable insights into customer behavior.

Cloud-native 5G NTN digital platform

The diagram illustrates the cloud-native 5G NTN digital platform which efficiently operates on standard off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware. The virtualized all-software digital platform runs on a Private, Public or Hybrid Cloud. The diagram shows three main software workloads on the cloud. The three main parts are: 1. 5G NTN gNB CNFs connected via a Digital Interface (e.g., DIFI, eCPRI) to the antenna system. 2. cloud-native NMS application 3. 5G Core CNFs.

Multi-waveform architecture preserving DVB past investments

Satellite operators need to be empowered to evolve strategically, along with technology maturity, preserving their current DVB-S2X investments and maintaining business operations.

Multi-Waveform Architecture

The diagram shows a multi-waveform network architecture that integrates the existing DVB-S2X infrastructure investments with next generation 5G NTN to enable ubiquitous connectivity. The existing DVB-S2X VSATs and Gateways continue to operate as before with the DVB-S2X MF-TDMA eSCPC waveform, while the newly introduced 5G NTN VSATs and gNBs work in parallel using the NR-NTN waveform.

Both platforms integrate with the 5G Core in the Data Center.

Furthermore, there is a DVB-5G SDR (software defined radio) modem option to allow a DVB VSAT to be software upgradable to 5G NTN.

Satcom-grade capabilities over standard 5G NTN are required

Standard 5G NTN provides a strong foundation for extending 5G services over non-terrestrial networks, but by itself it does not fully address the operational, networking, and service-delivery requirements of carrier-grade satellite systems. To support real-world deployments – especially over GEO and other high-latency satellite links – operators need satcom-grade capabilities that go beyond baseline 3GPP NTN functions. These capabilities enable the network to deliver not only radio access, but also the transport, service assurance, resiliency, and lifecycle management features expected in commercial satellite and telecom environments.

At the service layer, satcom-grade enhancements are critical for supporting a broader and more practical range of customer and operator use cases. Functions such as L2 and L3 services allow the NTN solution to integrate cleanly into enterprise, mobility, government, and service-provider networks. In parallel, traffic optimization over GEO links is essential to improve efficiency and user experience in the presence of long round-trip delays and constrained satellite bandwidth. Without these capabilities, a standard 5G NTN implementation may provide connectivity, but not the full-service framework needed to operate as a competitive, revenue-generating satellite communications platform.

Equally important are satcom-grade features that improve security, resilience, and operational control. Hardened security mechanisms help protect critical infrastructure and customer traffic in demanding deployment scenarios, while gateway diversity ensures service continuity and higher availability across geographically distributed infrastructure. In addition, the terminal manager is a key software component within the user terminal, enabling simplified and automated terminal lifecycle operations, management, and control. Together, these capabilities transform a standards-based 5G NTN system into a robust satellite-grade solution.

Multi-waveform platform management with Open APIs

A network management system (NMS) with open APIs is a key requirement for both existing and next generation platforms. The cloud-native NMS application serves as the central nervous system of the network, providing real-time monitoring, configuration, and optimization capabilities. It is wise to invest in a robust NMS designed to handle the intricacies of both current DVB-S2X and next gen 5G NTN platforms.

Multi-waveform platform management

In the diagram, a unified NMS that seamlessly integrates with Northbound OSS and Orchestration systems and Southbound interfaces towards the network, reduces the operational overhead for network administrators. This unified approach enhances overall efficiency, allowing operators to manage and monitor their entire hybrid network ecosystem from a single interface.

E2E Solution Integration with Satcom, 5G & Cloud Expertise

Even when a 5G NTN solution is assembled from standards-based building blocks, successful delivery depends on far more than selecting compliant components. Non-terrestrial networks introduce unique system-level challenges across radio access, satellite transport, timing, mobility, orchestration, and service continuity that are not fully resolved by standards compliance alone. A system integrator with deep Satcom, 5G, and cloud expertise is therefore essential to translate standards into a deployable, high-performing end-to-end solution. Such expertise ensures that each domain is not treated in isolation but engineered as part of a coherent architecture that meets operational, performance, and commercial objectives.

By understanding how to align Satcom infrastructure, 5G network functions, and cloud-native operational models, the integrator can build a solution that is not only technically sound, but also easier to deploy, scale, troubleshoot, and evolve. This is especially important in 5G NTN, where real-world performance depends on end-to-end system behaviour rather than on the capabilities of any single component. In this context, domain depth across Satcom, 5G, and cloud is not just a technical advantage – it is a key success factor for delivering a robust, carrier-grade, and future-ready solution.

Conclusion

5G NTN is a key enabler of truly ubiquitous connectivity, unifying satellite and terrestrial networks within a standardized 5G ecosystem. By combining multi-orbit flexibility, cloud-native architectures, and satcom-grade enhancements, operators can deliver scalable, resilient, and commercially viable services – unlocking new growth opportunities and extending connectivity anywhere on Earth.

Celeste: Europe Prepares the Next Evolution of Satellite Navigation

Andrés Juez, Division Head, LEOPNT, GMV

Satellite navigation has become a critical infrastructure underpinning digital economies and a wide range of essential services. Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) provide Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) capabilities that are indispensable for civil, commercial, and industrial applications, ranging from transportation management and telecommunications to power grids, financial services, and emergency operations. Europe’s strong dependence on these services is reflected in European Commission estimates, indicating that GNSS technologies indirectly support around 7% of the European economy, and that a week-long disruption could result in an impact equivalent to 1% of GDP.

For decades, the U.S. GPS system was the world’s leading reference in this field, but over time other systems have consolidated a global ecosystem that includes Europe’s Galileo, Russia’s GLONASS, and China’s BeiDou, alongside regional initiatives such as India’s IRNSS and Japan’s QZSS.

All these systems share one common characteristic: they operate from Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), around 20,000 kilometers in altitude. In recent years, however, a new technological approach has gained momentum: complementing these infrastructures with satellites operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), between 450 and 1,200 kilometers above Earth.

Historically, this option was ruled out because of the large number of satellites required to provide coverage equivalent to systems such as Galileo or GPS — roughly ten times more than an MEO constellation. However, the technological and operational landscape has changed. The primary advantage of LEO satellites lies in their proximity to Earth, enabling stronger signals and potentially greater resilience against interference and disruptions.

Logo of the Celeste program, developed by the European Space Agency (ESA)
(Courtesy of ESA)

This is the context in which Celeste In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) emerges, the strategic program led by the European Space Agency (ESA) to demonstrate the benefits of incorporating an additional Low Earth Orbit navigation layer to complement Galileo and EGNOS.

The Celeste IOD phase is being carried out in parallel by two European consortia and will comprise a total of eleven operational satellites. As one of the program’s prime contractors, GMV is responsible for the end-to-end mission, including system definition and design, space segment, ground segment, user segment and operations.

The GMV consortium constellation consists of six satellites, starting with Celeste IOD-1, a 12U CubeSat jointly developed by GMV and Alén Space, followed by four larger satellites currently being developed by OHB. A second enhanced 12U CubeSat, Celeste IOD-11, is also under development by GMV and Alén Space.

Image of GMV teams working at Rocket Lab facilities during final preparations for the Celeste IOD-1 satellite (Photo courtesy of ESA)

The mission will demonstrate advanced capabilities such as autonomous and precise orbit determination and time synchronization without relying on ground infrastructure, as well as the transmission of stronger radionavigation signals in the L, S, C and UHF bands from Low Earth Orbit. The Celeste IOD satellites will operate at altitudes between 500 and 560 kilometers and will evaluate how a complementary LEO layer can enhance the performance of existing GNSS systems.

Image of the IOD-1 satellite, developed by GMV and Alén Space under the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Celeste In-Orbit Demonstrator (IOD) program (photo courtesy of GMV)

First Step Toward European Multi-Orbit Navigation

In the months leading up to launch, the Celeste IOD-1, underwent a demanding process of integration, validation, and environmental testing. The tests, conducted at GMV facilities, verified that the satellite was fully prepared for launch, initial LEOP operations, and future in-orbit experimentation activities.

One of the program’s most significant milestones took place in December 2025, when GMV successfully completed the Flight Readiness Key Point (FRKP), a critical review intended to ensure that the satellite was ready for flight. During this phase, an ESA delegation inspected the satellite’s final configuration in GMV’s clean room and verified the readiness of the mission control center from which the system will be operated once in orbit.

In addition to validating the operational infrastructure, the review confirmed that the satellite’s navigation performance met the mission’s defined objectives.

And on March 28, Celeste IOD achieved one of its first major milestones with the successful launch of the IOD-1 and IOD-2 demonstrator satellites from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in Māhia, New Zealand. Liftoff took place at 10:14 CET, and the satellites separated from the launcher approximately one hour later, marking the beginning of their initial in-orbit operations phase.

Celeste IOD-1, developed by GMV and Alén Space under the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Celeste In-Orbit Demonstrator (IOD) program, was successfully launched on March 28 from Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 in Māhia, New Zealand. (Photo courtesy of Rocket Lab)

The LEOP and commissioning phase for the IOD-1 satellite was carried out by a joint GMV and Alén Space team from the mission control center located in Tres Cantos.

And on April 8, just days after launch, the program achieved another major milestone: the Celeste IOD-1 satellite successfully transmitted its navigation signal for the first time.

Signal reception, confirmed by ESA teams at ESTEC as well as by GMV’s monitoring station in Lisbon, represented a key validation milestone for the mission and confirmed the successful commissioning of the satellite in orbit.

GMV team involved in the development of the ESA Celeste program’s IOD-1 satellite (Photo courtesy of GMV)

Celeste is New Space

The highlights of the Celeste program include not only its technological ambition, but also the speed at which it is being developed. The project officially kicked off in March 2024 and just two years later, on 28 March 2026, the mission’s first satellites were successfully launched.

In a satellite navigation mission, these timeframes are extraordinarily fast, even for a demonstration mission. Celeste clearly reflects a new way of developing space missions under the New Space paradigm: more agile iterations, highly integrated teams, and great adaptability.

This pace has also posed a major challenge for all the teams involved. For GMV, leading a mission of this nature within such tight timelines has meant facing a very high level of technical and operational demand. But the effort is paying off.

The GMV team celebrates that the Celeste IOD-1 satellite, developed by GMV and Alén Space under the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Celeste In-Orbit Demonstrator (IOD) program, successfully transmitted its navigation signal for the first time (Photo courtesy of ESA)

Europe Prepares the Next Generation of Satellite Navigation

Celeste IOD represents far more than a technological demonstrator. The program anticipates a potential evolution of European navigation systems toward multi-orbit architectures capable of combining the advantages of both MEO and LEO constellations.

The incorporation of low Earth orbit satellites could improve service robustness against interference, provide stronger signals, and expand positioning and timing capabilities for critical applications.

Celeste was further expanded at ESA’s Council at Ministerial Level of 2025 (CM25), towards the implementation of the next phase: the Celeste In-Orbit Preparatory phase.

Celeste also contributes to one of the three core pillars of ESA’s new European Resilience from Space (ERS) initiative, endorsed at CM25. ERS addresses critical security and resilience needs for Member States while laying the groundwork for future European strategic space capabilities.

At a time when dependence on PNT services continues to grow and European technological sovereignty has become a strategic priority, initiatives such as Celeste demonstrate how Europe is working to strengthen its space capabilities and prepare the next generation of satellite navigation services.

Satellite Direct-to-Device in Asia-Pacific: From Pilots to Scale

Sumaiya Najarali, Manager, Novaspace

A Market in Motion

Twelve months ago, satellite Direct-to-Device (D2D) was a technology of compelling promise and limited proof. Today, it is a commercial reality, live in multiple Asia-Pacific markets, accelerating across the region’s MNO landscape, and positioned to redefine the economics of mobile coverage for billions of people who have historically existed at the edge of terrestrial networks or without access altogether.

The numbers tell a compelling story for the region. Starlink’s D2D activity alone had driven Asia-Pacific past 3.5 million subscribers by December 2025, with current Starlink MNO partnerships covering an addressable market of over 420 million subscribers, a figure that underscores just how central APAC has become to the global D2D story.

Exhibit 1: Starlink’s rising presence in D2D services

Source: Novaspace, 2026

This article highlights the state of play across the APAC region, examining commercial launches, MNO partnership dynamics, the evolving spectrum and regulatory environment, and what the competitive landscape means for operators thinking about their next move.

APAC in the Lead: Commercial Launches Gather Pace

Japan: Among the World’s Most Advanced D2D Markets

Japan has emerged as the global reference point for D2D commercialization. KDDI launched the country’s first Direct-to-Cell service, au Starlink Direct, in April 2025, extending coverage to the 40% of Japan’s land area unreachable by its terrestrial network. Uptake was rapid, surpassing one million users by July 2025, and in August KDDI became the first carrier globally to offer satellite-powered data services directly to standard smartphones. SoftBank and NTT Docomo have since committed to Starlink-based D2D, while Rakuten Mobile is taking a different path, partnering with AST SpaceMobile for a Q4 2026 launch, having already demonstrated a satellite video call in Japan in April 2025. Japan is among the first few markets where the two leading D2D constellations are competing for partnerships simultaneously, making it a closely watched market for operators across the region.

Australia, New Zealand and Usage Benchmarks

Optus and Telstra are both committed to Starlink-based D2D, with the partnerships designed to extend coverage across the 60% of Australia’s landmass currently unserved by terrestrial networks. New Zealand’s One NZ was ahead of Australia commercially, making it one of the earliest live D2D markets globally. Okla’s April 2026 analysis of live D2D markets offers some early performance benchmarks worth noting: Australia accounts for 18.1% of all global D2D connections, second only to the US, a telling result for a country of its subscriber size, and a direct reflection of its coverage geography. New Zealand posted the highest D2D user penetration of any market tracked at 1.41% of cellular users, while Japan’s 0.11% reflects the recency of its launch and the relatively limited time Japanese users spend in uncovered terrain.

China: A Parallel Ecosystem

China’s D2D trajectory runs on a different axis, built on domestic satellite infrastructure and government coordination. All three major operators, China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom, are now licensed for satellite-based mobile services, with live text and voice offerings through the BeiDou and Tiantong satellite systems. China Telecom has already extended services regionally into Hong Kong and Laos. Looking ahead, all three operators are aligning with state-backed LEO constellations, Guowang (National Network) and G60 Qianfan (Thousand Sails), targeting an evolution from narrowband messaging to full mobile broadband.

China’s influence extends beyond its borders with Huawei, Xiaomi, Honor, and OPPO, producing a growing share of the world’s satellite-capable devices. China’s role as the primary D2D hardware supplier gives it substantial leverage over the pace of adoption globally. That influence is set to deepen: the growing alignment between Huawei and satellite players raises the prospect that future 6G networks, in which Huawei and ZTE are likely to play a leading infrastructure role globally, could have satellite connectivity more deeply embedded from the outset, a trajectory that would have significant implications for how D2D evolves across the region and beyond.

The Competitive Landscape: Operators Shaping APAC

The D2D operator landscape in APAC can broadly be understood by maturity. Starlink is furthest ahead, with over 650 D2D payloads launched, and commercial services live across multiple APAC markets. Operating over partner MNO spectrum, it currently delivers messaging and basic data, with voice to follow. Longer term, SpaceX has signalled ambitions pointing toward 5G-class broadband capabilities, with the EchoStar spectrum acquisition that could bring Starlink’s service quality closer to terrestrial networks.

AST SpaceMobile is the most significant challenger, with APAC partnerships in Japan and India already in place. With over $1 billion in global revenue commitments secured, AST is targeting broadband-class performance from the outset rather than building incrementally from narrowband.

Beyond Starlink and AST, other operators are building their positions. Lynk Global, now merging with Omnispace and backed by SES, operates a multi-spectrum approach combining legacy MNO spectrum partnerships with Omnispace’s globally coordinated S-band MSS spectrum, giving it flexibility across both regulatory environments. It is currently live in a limited number of markets. Viasat’s joint venture with Space42 is expected to launch in coming years. Meanwhile, Apple’s integration of Globalstar-powered satellite messaging directly into iPhones, available in a few Asian-Pacific markets, serves as a reminder that device manufacturers represent an alternative D2D channel that sits entirely outside the MNO partnership model.

Spectrum and Regulation: The Critical Enabler

Underpinning all of these partnerships, however, is a regulatory question that no operator or satellite provider can resolve alone. Spectrum regulation remains the most complex variable in D2D rollout. The core challenge is that satellites operating in terrestrial MNO spectrum sit outside existing international radio regulations, a gap that the ITU’s World Radiocommunication Conference in 2027 (WRC-27) will eventually address through a harmonized global framework. In the interim, countries are moving at their own pace. The US established its Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS) framework in 2024, and Japan has enabled commercial launches under its existing structure. For APAC regulators, the choice is to move now and capture first-mover advantage or wait for WRC-27 and cede ground to markets that didn’t.

Australia’s ACMA is working through its framework against active commercial commitments from Optus and Telstra. Southeast Asian markets including Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, have yet to establish clear SCS frameworks, despite having some of the region’s largest coverage gaps. India, where Vodafone Idea’s AST SpaceMobile partnership represents the most directly D2D-focused arrangement, is still developing its regulatory framework, making its enormous market potential a near-term story rather than a current commercial reality.

Market Predictions

Forecasted D2D subscriber growth in APAC is projected to grow by over 40% over the next decade and holding broadly, but the composition of that growth is becoming clearer.

Three dynamics stand out for the APAC outlook:

• Japan is likely to generate disproportionate near-term revenue given the relatively high ARPU of its mobile market, the speed of service rollout, and the early progression to data tier services being the first market globally to offer satellite data direct to standard smartphones. The pricing model established by KDDI (~US$11/month as an add-on) provides a benchmark for other markets.
• India’s sheer scale means it may eventually dominate APAC D2D subscriber volumes, but the timeline depends on regulatory clarity and the pace at which handset compatibility expands in a market where lower-end devices remain prevalent.
• China’s trajectory is separate but significant. The acceleration of state-backed LEO constellations (Guowang, Thousand Sails) toward D2D-capable service, combined with broad alignment of constellations, MNOs, device manufacturers, and mobile network manufacturers, means China could deploy a domestic D2D ecosystem at scale within this decade, potentially making it the world’s largest D2D market, even though its systems will remain separate from global commercial D2D platforms.

The broader APAC market is expected to lead globally in D2D service revenues over the next decade, driven by the size of its addressable market, the device manufacturing base, and the intensity of MNO partnership activity. The region’s satellite-compatible smartphone manufacturers, overwhelmingly concentrated in China, South Korea, and Japan, are also positioning APAC as the primary supply chain for the hardware layer of global D2D adoption.

The MNO Relationship: Partner or Competitor?

One of the more consequential questions for the D2D sector is how the relationship between satellite operators and MNOs evolves as services mature from emergency SMS to voice and then broadband data.

In the current phase, the dynamic is clearly complementary. Satellite operators are adding coverage where MNOs cannot economically build. The commercial model varies by market, in some cases the satellite layer is bundled into existing plans with the MNO absorbing the cost, in others it carries a modest add-on fee, but in all cases the MNO retains the customer relationship. The benefits extend beyond coverage: reduced churn among subscribers who might otherwise switch to operators with better rural reach, a stronger competitive positioning in markets where being seen to offer the latest technology carries real weight with consumers, and a credible answer to regulatory pressure around universal service obligations. In APAC markets like Japan and South Korea, where subscribers have high expectations of network innovation and operators compete aggressively on technology leadership, the ability to market D2D as a next-generation capability is as commercially valuable as the coverage itself.

For APAC MNOs, the lesson from early markets is to engage early and deeply with D2D partnerships, not simply as a coverage gap solution, but as a component of a longer-term network strategy. The operators who have moved fastest, have done so by treating D2D as a genuine service innovation rather than a regulatory compliance exercise. The commercial momentum they are building will be difficult to replicate by operators who wait.

The Road Ahead

Satellite D2D in Asia-Pacific has moved from a promising concept to a commercial product in the span of a year. Japan is showing what the mature end-state looks like: multiple MNOs offering satellite connectivity, subscriber numbers in the millions, service tiers progressing from SMS to data, and a pricing model that the market is willing to support.

The rest of the region is at different points on that journey. Australia and New Zealand have the commercial framework in place. India has the scale and the partnerships and is working through the regulatory process. Southeast Asia has the need and is beginning to define the regulatory path. China is developing its own D2D ecosystem rapidly, through state-backed infrastructure and domestic constellations that operate outside global commercial D2D platforms.

The satellite infrastructure is ready. The devices are increasingly capable. The regulatory frameworks are converging. The question is no longer whether D2D will be material in Asia-Pacific, it is who will capture the value when it is.

Interview with Nile Suwansiri, CEO, Thaicom

With more than three decades at Thaicom, Patompob (Nile) Suwansiri has played a pivotal role in the company’s transformation from solely a satellite operator to a SpaceTech company. His vision continues to focus on positioning satellites as critical infrastructure for next-generation connectivity while unlocking new growth in space technology to address real-world challenges—bridging connectivity gaps, strengthening climate resilience, enhancing disaster response, and improving agricultural efficiency—through sustained innovation in satellite connectivity and data-driven space services.

How is Thaicom redefining its role in the fast-evolving space and connectivity landscape?

Thaicom is redefining its role from a traditional satellite operator to an integrated SpaceTech company. GEO satellite communications remain our core business, but the market is evolving beyond capacity alone. Customers increasingly need resilient connectivity, multi-orbit solutions, secure services, and data-driven insights. Our strategy is to build on our GEO foundation while expanding into GEO/LEO multi-orbit solutions and space-based geospatial intelligence. This enables us to deliver greater value through both connectivity and analytics, and to support governments, enterprises, and communities across Thailand and the region.

How important is SATCOM to Thaicom’s core business today?

SATCOM remains highly important to Thaicom’s core business. Broadcast and broadband satellite services have long been our “bread and butter” and continue to contribute a significant share of our revenue. At the same time, the role of SATCOM today goes beyond traditional broadcasting or connecting remote and underserved areas. It provides reach, resilience and continuity.

What role does SATCOM play in national security and resilience?

SATCOM plays a vital role in national security and resilience by providing an independent layer of connectivity when terrestrial networks are unavailable or disrupted by natural disasters, conflict or other crises. It helps maintain command and control, emergency response, public safety communications, and essential services. In Thailand, Thaicom has supported secure connectivity for government agencies, defense users, emergency responders, and critical infrastructure operators during time of need, including recent severe flooding in southern Thailand. SATCOM is therefore part of Thailand’s resilient digital infrastructure and national security architecture. We are extending this role by delivering secure, resilient, space-enabled services for Thailand an d across the region.

Disaster recovery support using Thaicom satellite terminals in flood-affected areas of Songkhla province, Southern Thailand (Photos courtesy of Thaicom)

How is Thaicom positioning itself amid the rise of global LEO satellite operators?

Thaicom positions itself as a trusted local partner and service integrator in the markets that we serve. Our role is to integrate global space infrastructure with local market expertise such as market access, regulatory compliance, landing rights, distribution networks, enterprise relationships and trusted engagement with governments. Our partnership with Amazon Leo in Thailand reflects this model. We enable the delivery of fast, reliable broadband connectivity from Amazon Leo to downstream distributors, expanding connectivity to customers, communities, and businesses beyond the reach of existing networks.

Patompob (Nile) Suwansiri, Chief Executive Officer, Thaicom (left), and Clint Patterson, Head of Consumer Business, Amazon Leo (right), showcase the Amazon Leo Pro, part of its lineup of compact, high-performance antennas, during a visit to Amazon Leo headquarters in Redmond, Washington. (Photos courtesy of Thaicom)

How has Thaicom approached its journey into the LEO satellite market?

Thaicom has approached the LEO satellite market in a partnership-led and capital-disciplined way. We do not believe regional operators need to replicate the capital-intensive constellation model of global LEO players. Instead, our role is to localize, integrate, and commercialize LEO capability for our markets. In 2023, we launched Thailand’s first LEO satellite constellation gateway in partnership with Globalstar. This marked an important step in enabling LEO IoT satellite services in Thailand and across the region. More recently, we announced our partnership with Amazon Leo, further strengthening our ability to bring low Earth orbit broadband services to the Thai market. Together, these initiatives demonstrate how Thaicom acts as a service integrator and market enabler—translating global constellation capabilities into trusted, secure, and locally compliant services that can be brought to market efficiently and responsibly.

Why is Thaicom venturing into Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT)?

Thaicom is venturing into GEOINT because it is a natural extension of our space technology capabilities and a potential new growth pillar for the company. Across Asia-Pacific, demand for satellite applications is growing rapidly, driven by government digitalization, climate resilience, food security, environmental monitoring, and national security needs. It is about turning Earth observation data into actionable intelligence using AI and machine learning.

What are some of Thaicom’s key GEOINT use cases?

One of our key GEOINT success cases is the satellite and AI-driven platform, incorporation with the Office of the Cane and Sugar Board (OCSB), for detecting sugarcane field burning aiming to reduce air pollution and PM2.5 levels, while supporting the sustainable growth of the agricultural industry. Another is related to carbon credit and forestry management. Certified by the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO) and in partnership with Mae Fah Luang Foundation, CarbonWatch is Thailand’s first carbon credit method for forestry carbon sequestration calculation utilizing satellite remote sensing technology integrated with AI/ML. Providing end-to-end MRV—measurement, reporting, and verification—for forest and plantation projects, CarbonWatch is positioned as core digital infrastructure for the country’s emerging carbon credit ecosystem.

How does CarbonWatch support Thailand’s long-term climate goals?

As Thailand raises its climate ambitions, CarbonWatch will play an important role in future mechanisms such as an emissions trading system (ETS) and a carbon tax under the draft Climate Change Act. By simplifying workflows and enabling transparent monitoring, the platform makes carbon projects accessible to everyone—from community forests to large-scale plantations. Our goal is to help accelerate Thailand’s journey toward net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050.

How does ESG fit into Thaicom’s strategy?

ESG is embedded in everything we do. We are proud to have received the “Highly Commended Sustainability Award” from the Stock Exchange of Thailand for two consecutive years (2024–2025) and an AAA rating—the highest score in the ICT sector—in the SET ESG Ratings. These recognitions show that technology and sustainability can go hand in hand.

What kind of impact do you hope Thaicom will have on the future of connectivity and space technology in the region?

Thaicom is committed to leveraging space technology to make a real difference in people’s lives. For us, it’s not only about making connectivity more accessible and reliable, but also about using space-based data in practical ways to address environmental and societal challenges. Because the future is not just about transmitting signals, it’s also about delivering intelligence from space.

Interview with Chris McLain, Founder and CEO, AscendArc

Chris McLain, founder and CEO of AscendArc, started AscendArc to reinvent the economics for geostationary satellites. Chris spent most of his career designing Geostationary communications satellites for Boeing, Lockheed and Panasonic, learning to extract as many sellable Mbps from expensive traditional satellites. Chris then joined SpaceX as a Principal RF engineer at SpaceX on Starshield and Starlink and saw how satellites could be built 100X less expensive than traditional satellites. Chris founded AscendArc to bring mass manufacturing to Geostationary satellites, to build satellites that are both low-cost and high capacity.

Why is now the right time for change in the Geostationary (GEO) satellite manufacturing industry?

Over the years working on various GEO and LEO satellite communication systems, I’ve always been about achieving technology cost reduction and making connectivity accessible to the entire world’s population. The challenge now is that traditional GEO satellites are not keeping pace with modern connectivity and throughput demands, failing to deliver the flexibility, scalability, and profit that customers need. Essentially the concept of a 15 year business model of buying a traditional expensive GEO satellite is no longer viable. I founded AscendArc to introduce a completely different GEO satellite design – one that has a much lower cost to build and launch, but with the industry’s highest throughput. Most importantly, it will achieve our most important metric – having the least expensive cost per Mbps rivalling and even besting anything that a LEO constellation can deliver.

The timing is perfect to introduce this change because manufacturing, technology and market demand are all now aligned to make affordable global connectivity a reality. AscendArc has the ability to produce satellites in greater volume than ever before, just like you see in the consumer electronics industry, rather than the slower traditional GEO manufacturing model of just a few per annum.

Why are we seeing a shift change in the type of customer that buys a GEO Satellite?

Due to the high cost of ownership, GEO satellites in the past were mainly purchased by governments and large traditional satellite operators, serving end users in the traditional verticals like defence, aero, maritime, oil & gas, ISP’s etc. Due to changes in manufacturing processes like 3D printing, simplified design, vertical integration and manufacturing in volume, we can now significantly lower the cost of a GEO satellite purchase. This gives AscendArc a direct sales line into those traditional end user verticals of aero, oil & gas etc. Therefore we are now seeing access to a greater range of customers who need both high performance and control.

Interestingly, due to current geo-politics, there is also a substantial increase in purchases from smaller countries that have never previously owned a GEO satellite. These new customers choose us because we deliver the capabilities of the largest traditional satellites at a fraction of the cost, with faster deployment and most importantly, full sovereignty over their communications. In short, we give them what they have always wanted: power, flexibility, and affordability that traditional providers can’t match.

AscendArc Team members in front of an AscendArc Satellite in development (photo courtesy of AscendArc)

How does the new AscendArc GEO satellite solution compare to existing LEO solutions?

We believe that our low-cost and high-bandwidth/throughput GEO satellite will offer superior cost-efficiency, even compared to a LEO network. Traditional Geostationary satellites have historically been exceptionally large (often 5,000 kg+) and very expensive to design and develop, while LEO constellations require many billions of dollars of investment and those constellations spend most of their time unused over oceans. We believe that AscendArc achieves the perfect balance by providing continuous coverage over a defined region. We are confident our AscendArc innovative design approach to GEO satellite manufacturing has the potential not only to revolutionize commercial GEO satellite communication by providing even lower cost satellites for the commercial market, but also to provide crucial solutions for countries wanting full control of their satellites for national security.

We understand that it is now possible to lease rather than buy a GEO satellite which in the past wasn’t a business option. How did this new commercial model arise?

We started getting requirements from customers that wanted an Opex business model rather than a Capex model so it was clear to us that we needed to be able to offer a leasing option for the lifetime of the satellite to our customer base. This is where SLI (Space Leasing International) an asset finance specialist with a long history of success in high value asset leasing came along, with the credibility and financial strength needed to complete commercial deals of this scale. SLI has signed heads of agreement for the purchase of two AscendArc satellites with a combined value of over $200 million. This deal is part of a wider partnership that enables AscendArc to offer its GEO satellites on leasing terms instead of requiring an outright purchase. Through the SLI finance platform, our satellite customers can now access the latest technology as operating expenditure rather than capital expenditure. The partnership supports AscendArc’s mission to lower the barrier to entry for securing a geostationary orbit satellite, which is an imperative step-change in the GEO manufacturing industry.