The integration of satellite technologies into the broader digital ecosystem, the capabilities of satellite communications under emerging market conditions, its interaction with other technologies, and the strategic outlook on satellite systems from the perspective of mobile network operators were the core subjects discussed across three panel discussions at WSBW 2026. As a result, a comprehensive picture emerges, detailing the current standing of satellite technologies within the broader ecosystem and the outlook for their further integration.

Global Connectivity

Today, satellite communications are undergoing a profound transformation, characterised by growth and deeper integration with terrestrial services, which in turn unlocks new opportunities for industry players. However, taking advantage of these opportunities requires cooperation across all parts of the ecosystem. Global connectivity is not created by any single network or technology. Instead, it depends on a wide range of interactions between satellite and ground-equipment manufacturers, satellite and ground-segment operators, service providers, and industry players responsible for integration and orchestration.

Radiofrequency Spectrum

Radio spectrum remains a vital strategic asset for any operator, but it can also become an obstacle for integration.

The satellite industry requires substantial investment, with long payback periods. Protecting such investment requires secure access to spectrum and neutral regulation.

Growing demand for secure satellite services from government and security agencies is increasing the importance of the X band. The X band is used by secure military and government networks designed to operate reliably in adverse weather conditions. Therefore, satellite operators intend to push for the protection of this frequency band at the upcoming 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference. Satellite manufacturers believe that flexible payloads could make it easier to respond to regulatory decisions, as even a completed satellite can be reconfigured to meet new requirements.

Another proposal was to create a single global system linking all satellites into one network. While technically interesting, this appears unlikely on political and market grounds. Even if this approach did not eliminate regulatory conflicts, it could at least minimise them. Neither satellite, nor mobile operators favour spectrum sharing. There is a high risk of interference, and real-time coordination is required. A clear consensus has also emerged on spectrum for D2D systems, an issue that has been under discussion for three years. D2D operators can use IMT spectrum, but doing so would create coverage gaps along national borders. This would be a particular problem in Europe, where the MSS band is the most suitable option. Only the MSS band can provide a reliable service.

The European Union is currently considering allocating spectrum in the 2 GHz band to European government and commercial users. Industry media are discussing a scenario where a consortium consisting of Orange, Telefonica and Deutsche Telekom would compete for this spectrum. However, representatives of these companies did not provide a direct answer to the question of how this would take place.

All participants in the discussions agreed, however, that technological advances are making it possible to use spectrum more efficiently.

Sovereignty

Demand for sovereign networks is among the most widely discussed issues. But, as aptly noted by one of the conference, everyone wants sovereignty, yet it is not within everyone’s reach. You cannot set your own rules in a network that does not belong to you.

The concept of shared sovereignty is gaining popularity in Europe today. A similar model may also prove suitable for many countries in other parts of the world.

Technology providers are working to make this possible. Airbus has announced technology for managing multiple sources of encrypted traffic within a multi-layer, non-segmented network comprising terrestrial, non-terrestrial, GEO and non-GEO systems. Astranis is developing operational sovereignty: control over data, management of satellite payloads and dynamic beam allocation.

Overall, operators and manufacturers aim to develop a system in which a subsystem with any required degree of sovereignty and restricted access could operate within a global infrastructure.

Scaling Satellite Operators' Businesses

The core argument that emerged during the discussion is that scaling is not merely about increasing capacity; it involves entering new markets, serving new customers and building sustainable business models. The contradiction lies in the fact that expansion into new markets takes place in developing countries, which has a negative impact on the cost of services.

For Space Norway, the Arctic has become one such new market, along with related verticals — Earth observation and geological exploration. For Eutelsat, scalability means growing its business and building a complete ecosystem: the space segment, the ground segment and terminals. Moreover, such a model could ensure geopolitical stability. MEASAT also believes that specialized satellite technology must become a mass-market digital platform, with services that are accessible and resilient. Kacific views scalability as a solution to the end customer’s problem.

Standardisation was identified as an important factor in scaling satellite services. Satellite operators consider 5G NTN less than ideal for satellite communications because it was developed primarily for terrestrial operators. But a suboptimal standard like this is still better than having no standard at all.

Demand Drivers

Geopolitics presents both risks, including new conflicts and barriers to business, and opportunities, as it also generates demand for satellite services. Another driver identified is the services provided by LEO constellations: their compactness, high speed and low latency are all generating new demand. However, according to AsiaSat CEO Roger Tong, critical connections remain on geostationary networks. The head of AsiaSat was also rather sceptical about growth in so-called digital consumption. He believes that there is no need for an operator to try to enter the messaging or social media business. On the other hand, if things are left as they are, geostationary operators will be relegated to the role of mere backup providers; therefore, they need to seek out new, unique niches. One example is carrying data from Earth observation satellites. Or data exchange with non-geostationary satellites, which would make it possible to significantly simplify and reduce the cost of the ground segment. In the Asia-Pacific region, however, providing emergency backup connectivity for data centres has itself become a growth area for geostationary operators. Demand for this service continues to grow.

The most underrated element is the ground segment. Players pay less attention to it, while it requires massive financial investment and significantly hinders the industry's development. At the same time, it is highly vulnerable to cyberattacks. According to Sarah Casenove, Head of Portfolio and Performance for Space Digital at Airbus Defence and Space, three of the five largest cyberattacks on satellite networks were carried out through the ground segment.

Telecom Operators' Perspectives

Satellite communications are becoming a strategic component of telecoms operators' businesses. With the emergence of broadband non-geostationary satellite systems, D2D and integrated terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, satellites are no longer merely a secondary option.

Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefónica and Vodafone all reported longstanding partnerships with satellite operators and ongoing work to integrate satellite connectivity, including D2D services. Liberty Global, however, notes that 5G coverage in Western Europe is already good, making D2D a desirable rather than essential feature. The main barrier to introducing D2D is uncertainty over whether customers are willing to pay for it.

D2D Partnership Models

The ideal model is one where a mobile network operator manages customer relationships, pricing and service requirements, while a satellite operator provides the infrastructure and global coverage. The economic benefits are shared between the parties. The key is to grow the overall market rather than divide up the existing one.

Monetising D2D in the consumer market will be difficult in the short term. The focus should therefore be on government and corporate customers. In the business-to-consumer (B2C) market, operators can pursue strategies to reduce customer churn. However, in two years’ time, several D2D operators will be active in the market, creating an oversupply of services in Europe. This will strengthen the mobile operators' negotiating position and enable them to secure more favourable terms. Ultimately, the evolution of the D2D service will lead to a roaming model, where operators will dynamically choose among satellite networks. But that is still a long way off.

Currently, mobile network operators are testing various D2D providers in different regions, working out multiple scenarios and interaction models. Launching too early is inefficient: Apple has been offering free satellite text messaging for four years, primarily for emergency alerts. At the same time, the company is incurring capital expenditure to upgrade the Globalstar constellation without generating revenue from the service. Deutsche Telekom plans to enter the market only when uninterrupted broadband access can be provided, as this is currently seen as the most viable business model.

Conclusions

The discussions among leading satellite industry players highlighted the following key points:

• Satellite communications are becoming a strategic component of global digital infrastructure, rather than a secondary solution.
• Scaling is not just about capacity; it is about new markets, customers and sustainable business models.
• Key drivers include geopolitics, critical infrastructure, new technologies (LEO and D2D) and the digitalisation of society.
• The ground segment is the main bottleneck. Key challenges include terminal costs and installation, interoperability and standardisation.
• Standardisation is essential. 5G NTN, 6G and open standards are the path to interoperability, cost reduction and scalability.
• The radio-frequency spectrum is a strategic and scarce resource. Neutral regulation, protection of the X-band, careful allocation between terrestrial and satellite networks, and real-time coordination are required.
• Only a few can achieve full sovereignty. The concept of shared sovereignty is gaining popularity in Europe. A similar model may prove workable in other regions.
• D2D is a promising yet challenging area. Challenges include monetisation, customers' willingness to pay, spectrum-related issues and competition.
• The convergence of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks is inevitable. Customers need a single service-level agreement (SLA), a consistent user experience and a service that works regardless of the underlying technology. Ideally, an intelligent network should select the best connection in the background.
• Technologies of the future: 6G, inter-satellite laser links, space-based edge computing, optical communications links and lower component costs.