A senior executive from global connectivity provider MTN has outlined the telecommunications industry’s strategic response to the emerging low earth orbit satellite market, highlighting key developments expected by 2026. Susan Agemy, Vice President of Customer and Network Solutions at MTN, shared these insights ahead of her scheduled appearance at the IoT Tech Expo Global in London on February 4-5.
The LEO Satellite Opportunity for Telecoms
Agemy explained that telecommunications companies are actively evaluating how to integrate LEO satellite constellations into their service offerings. This technology promises to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity to remote and underserved regions globally, complementing existing terrestrial and geostationary satellite networks. The convergence of satellite and wireless networks is seen as a critical step toward achieving universal broadband coverage.
The rise of mega-constellations from operators like SpaceX’s Starlink, Amazon’s Project Kuiper, and OneWeb is creating new infrastructure possibilities. Telcos are examining partnerships and technical integrations that would allow them to offer seamless connectivity, where a user’s device could automatically switch between cellular, Wi-Fi, and satellite links without interruption.
Challenges to Full Integration
For LEO satellites to reach their full potential within the telecom ecosystem, Agemy indicated several hurdles must be overcome. Standardization of network interfaces and protocols is a primary concern, ensuring equipment from different satellite operators can interoperate with existing terrestrial mobile network cores. Regulatory alignment across different countries regarding spectrum use and landing rights for satellite services is another complex area requiring resolution.
Furthermore, the cost structure for integrating satellite backhaul into mobile networks must become more predictable for widespread adoption. Agemy’s comments suggest the industry is moving from experimental trials to planning for commercial deployment at scale, with 2026 viewed as a pivotal timeframe for these integrated services to become more mainstream.
The Role of Hyperscale Cloud Providers
A significant factor in this evolution is the increasing involvement of hyperscale cloud computing companies, such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. These players are investing heavily in space and ground segment infrastructure, often through partnerships with satellite operators. Their cloud-native approach to network function virtualization could accelerate the deployment of satellite-integrated services by allowing telcos to manage connectivity through software-defined platforms.
This trend points toward a future where connectivity is increasingly delivered as a service from the cloud, with satellites acting as an extension of the cloud’s global infrastructure. For telecom operators, this means navigating a landscape where traditional network boundaries are blurring, and new competitors and partners from the cloud sector are becoming central to connectivity strategies.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Based on current industry trajectories, the period leading to 2026 is expected to see increased finalization of technical standards for satellite-terrestrial integration. Several major telecommunications providers are likely to announce formal commercial partnerships with LEO satellite operators, moving beyond preliminary testing phases. Market analysts anticipate that the first widely available consumer mobile plans featuring integrated LEO satellite connectivity for data and messaging could launch in select regions within this timeframe, setting the stage for broader global rollout in the latter half of the decade.
Source: IoT Tech News
