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QNA
Doha
Space-based Internet has become a reality, as companies and organizations use satellites in space for voice, data and internet communication, but as a private network, said Chairperson of EshailSat (Qatar Satellite Company) Dr. Hessa Al Jeber.
Speaking in a roundtable discussions on the Qatar Economic Forum, Dr Jaber drew attention to the question whether space-based internet would also be a reality for consumers, noting that it is not the case at present, but it could become a reality if special hurdles such as consumer affordability, purchase of receivers, regulatory issues and other operational and technical issues are addressed.
She noted that one of the main challenges is the lack of sufficient cooperation at the moment between satellite communication providers and communication service providers, indicating that satellites used for terrestrial communication were limited and seen as useful only in rural areas or areas with difficult terrain. However, with the exponential growth in the use of data and applications in the wake of the requirements of 5G and the Internet of Things, that has changed. Satellite Internet connections must now be seen as part of a larger integrated communications solution, along with terrestrial infrastructure to improve bandwidth usage and ensure quality of service for the community.
Dr Jaber added that the regulatory hurdle is another area that must be addressed, as spectrum rights and frequency bands are highly regulated, and must be coordinated and approved through the International Telecommunication Union. In addition, each country will require additional approvals for frequency use.
In a related context, Dr Jeber said the frequency spectrum is a limited resource, explaining that there is always a struggle between satellite operators and terrestrial telecom operators to use these spectrums, which can be a major challenge for all parties involved.
She noted that providing, coordinating, negotiating and obtaining spectrum approvals can take several years.
Doha
Space-based Internet has become a reality, as companies and organizations use satellites in space for voice, data and internet communication, but as a private network, said Chairperson of EshailSat (Qatar Satellite Company) Dr. Hessa Al Jeber.
Speaking in a roundtable discussions on the Qatar Economic Forum, Dr Jaber drew attention to the question whether space-based internet would also be a reality for consumers, noting that it is not the case at present, but it could become a reality if special hurdles such as consumer affordability, purchase of receivers, regulatory issues and other operational and technical issues are addressed.
She noted that one of the main challenges is the lack of sufficient cooperation at the moment between satellite communication providers and communication service providers, indicating that satellites used for terrestrial communication were limited and seen as useful only in rural areas or areas with difficult terrain. However, with the exponential growth in the use of data and applications in the wake of the requirements of 5G and the Internet of Things, that has changed. Satellite Internet connections must now be seen as part of a larger integrated communications solution, along with terrestrial infrastructure to improve bandwidth usage and ensure quality of service for the community.
Dr Jaber added that the regulatory hurdle is another area that must be addressed, as spectrum rights and frequency bands are highly regulated, and must be coordinated and approved through the International Telecommunication Union. In addition, each country will require additional approvals for frequency use.
In a related context, Dr Jeber said the frequency spectrum is a limited resource, explaining that there is always a struggle between satellite operators and terrestrial telecom operators to use these spectrums, which can be a major challenge for all parties involved.
She noted that providing, coordinating, negotiating and obtaining spectrum approvals can take several years.
