As global demand for agile, high-performance connectivity grows, terrestrial telecom providers face increasing pressure to evolve. High-performance connectivity is needed not just within the fibre footprint of telcos, but beyond that footprint as well. Government facilities in remote areas and aviation and maritime connectivity requirements are just a few examples where telco footprints aren’t sufficient.
Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) deliver high performance in non-fibre geographies and provide resilience via route diversity. They also improve security posture by avoiding data compromise along unfriendly terrestrial routes. Therefore, it is becoming increasingly critical to integrate NTNs with terrestrial networks to create hybrid infrastructure to serve enterprises.
Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) limits without NTNs
The broad enterprise transition to cloud computing has led telecom service providers to offer their customers NaaS cloud-based products. NaaS allows businesses to easily scale network resources based on their requirements, without extensive upfront investments. Telecom providers can offer additional managed services to their NaaS customers, with the ability to automate virtualized functions of the telco network using application programming interfaces (APIs).
As enterprise IT architectures evolve, compute and storage functions are moving to the edge – closer to where data is created and consumed. Large-scale edge computing places compute and storage resources near where data is generated, such as by various devices. Gartner predicts that by the end of 2025, 75% of enterprise-generated data will be created outside of centralized data centers.
However, not all enterprise locations have access to reliable broadband connectivity, nor is it feasible to meet enterprise expectations at the edge with terrestrial networks in remote areas where fibre penetration isn’t economically viable.
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks represent strategic growth potential
Enabled by industry-aligned Layer 2 standards from MEF, fully integrated space-based Carrier Ethernet networks empower telecom service providers to deliver capabilities such as NaaS anywhere, enter untapped markets, and meet enterprise expectations at the edge.
LEO networks such as Telesat Lightspeed are purpose-built to extend the reach of terrestrial services with fibre-like performance, global coverage, and ultra-low latency. Through MEF-compliant service orchestration APIs, service providers can offer consistent, SLA-backed services across integrated network domains, eliminating the complexity typically associated with hybrid infrastructure delivery. For example, they can set up connectivity to a customer’s branch location in minutes rather than days, with the same user experience whether the location is connected by satellite or fibre. And they can deliver the dynamic, edge-enabled services today’s businesses demand.
Advantages of automating network orchestration across terrestrial and non-terrestrial telecom networks
When telecom networks interoperate effortlessly with LEO satellite networks, telecom service providers can benefit from a level of automation never before possible. Network automation allows telecom service providers to manage vast, complex terrestrial or satellite networks without extensive human intervention. Automation streamlines and accelerates operations, freeing staff to focus on high-value tasks rather than manual network configuration and reconfiguration tasks. Additionally, legacy systems, such as copper, can be integrated into more agile frameworks.
Automated, programmable networks can support dynamic use cases across multiple industry verticals:
Enterprise: During events such as fibre cuts or large-scale gatherings, bandwidth and connectivity can be reallocated in real time without manual reconfiguration.
Aviation: Aircraft require variable bandwidth throughout their flight. Automation allows bandwidth to be provisioned and adjusted “on the fly” – a capability traditional systems cannot support efficiently.
Energy: Offshore energy platforms experience varying demand depending on the energy exploration cycle. Automated networks can dynamically respond to meet this fluctuating demand.
Case in point: Orange and Telesat
The new partnership between Telesat and Orange is a compelling proof point of the NTN market opportunity. By integrating Telesat Lightspeed into their product portfolio, Orange can seamlessly expand the reach of their connectivity solutions, define and manage their services to each customer, and automate capacity distribution based on real-time network demands.
Building next-generation NaaS together
The integration of MEF-standardized LEO satellite systems with telecom service provider networks marks a turning point for global connectivity. It opens a pathway to increased agility, expanded geographic reach, and superior customer experiences. With Telesat Lightspeed, telecom service providers are enhancing their networks and redefining what’s possible in enterprise communications.
