However, this synergy is not without its challenges. The need for effective regulation and collaboration between public and private sector players are essential to maximize the potential of these emerging technologies. Likewise, investment in sustainable solutions and the development of a robust infrastructure will be critical to ensure that the expansion of 5G and the satellite communications system is accessible, secure and equitable.
Low orbit satellites
The implementation of 5G promises to transform the way we interact with devices, cities and each other. However, this revolution is not limited to terrestrial technology; Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) satellites play a crucial role in extending this high-speed connectivity to remote regions and hard-to-reach areas.
With a much smaller size (about 200 kg), these satellites are not geostationary, as their orbit is between 400 and 2000 km from the Earth. They also offer significant savings compared to traditional satellites.
They provide global coverage through very dense constellations composed of hundreds or thousands of satellites, each orbiting the Earth every 80-120 minutes, depending on orbital altitude.
Improvements that satellite communications bring to 5G
The main advantages of integrating satellite communications into the 5G ecosystem include:
Global Connectivity
The combination of low-orbit satellites with 5G networks allows bringing high-speed Internet to rural and remote areas where terrestrial infrastructure is limited or non-existent, thus reducing the digital divide and enabling access to online services, education, telemedicine and economic opportunities.
2. Reduced Latency
LEO satellites offer much shorter response times than geostationary satellites, which is essential for applications requiring real-time interactivity. This is particularly important for emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicles, augmented reality or industrial systems.
Increased capacity
The synergy between terrestrial and satellite networks makes it possible to expand the available bandwidth, facilitating the intensive use of data in activities such as streaming, online video games or the simultaneous use of multiple devices.
4. Resilience and Redundancy
In emergency situations or terrestrial network failures, satellites can keep essential communications operational.
5. Real Time Operations
The interconnection of IoT devices and automated systems in various industries, including transportation, healthcare and agriculture, benefits from high speed and low latency. Real-time applications, such as health condition monitoring, agricultural resource management and traffic monitoring, become more effective and accurate.
6. Business Model Innovation
Convergence opens the door to new business models and commercial opportunities. For example, companies from different sectors can offer premium services that integrate satellite connectivity and 5G solutions, enhancing their offerings and enabling deeper product customization according to customer needs.
7. System Interoperability
The integration of satellite communications with 5G fosters interoperability between devices and platforms. This means that devices in diverse geographies – urban or rural – can communicate and operate efficiently within a unified technology ecosystem.
8. Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
Advances in satellite technology are also leading to more energy-efficient satellites. Combined with 5G networks, which are designed to consume less energy in their operation, this convergence has the potential to be a greener solution to the challenge of providing connectivity.
9. Support for Industry 4.0
The combined implementation of 5G and satellite communications supports the growth of Industry 4.0, where automation, data analytics and machine-to-machine connectivity generate operational efficiencies. This is crucial for processes such as predictive maintenance, smart manufacturing and optimized logistics.
Challenges to overcome for satellite communications and 5G
Satellite communications and the implementation of 5G networks face a number of challenges that must be addressed to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability.
One of the main challenges is radio spectrum congestion. As the number of satellites in orbit increases, especially with the rise of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, concerns about congestion of the available spectrum are growing.
This situation generates interference between signals from different satellites, as well as between these and terrestrial networks, which can deteriorate the quality of communications. Efficient spectrum management is therefore essential to ensure reliable and continuous service.
In addition, it is also important to consider the environmental impact associated with both satellites and 5G infrastructure. The deployment of satellite constellations and the construction of communication towers for 5G can have a significant impact on the natural environment.
In this sense, the production, launch and operation of satellites could contribute to pollution, as well as to the accumulation of space debris, which has become a growing concern. Therefore, it is crucial that the industry and operators of these technologies adopt sustainable practices and consider strategies to mitigate their environmental impact.
Another key aspect is cooperation between different stakeholders. The integration of satellite systems with terrestrial 5G networks is a complex task that requires high levels of collaboration between companies, governments and regulators.
In this process, the compatibility of systems, as well as the upgrade of existing infrastructures, are technological challenges that can generate delays and increase costs. In addition, the lack of standardization between different vendors further complicates large-scale implementation, making effective cooperation and the search for common standards essential.
Finally, data privacy and security have become key concerns with the expansion of 5G and satellite communications. The increased speed and connectivity of these networks make it easier to track and collect user information in real time, posing a risk to privacy.
Against this backdrop, companies must ensure that they comply with all data protection regulations and be transparent about the use and safeguarding of information. This is the only way to guarantee consumer confidence and the security of the data handled on these networks.
The work of Grupo Oesía to promote 5G
Grupo Oesía, through its hyperspecialized division in satellite communications, is involved in a series of key projects to achieve a greater integration between satellite communications and the 5G network. One example of this is the innovative, high-bandwidth, on-board satellite communications communications system it has developed for the iSAR Integrated Maritime Rescue Innovation Program.
The solution developed and manufactured by Inster, provides Internet connectivity with high bandwidth and low latency to vessels, through low orbit satellite communication terminals, which facilitates the management of emergency operations at sea.
Another of the projects being carried out by the company has to do with the connectivity of vehicles in motion, such as the PlayRenfe project. The initiative with the railway group seeks to equip around a hundred high-speed trains manufactured by Talgo with an onboard internet and Wi-Fi access system for the PlayRenfe application. This access is obtained from the terrestrial network 5G+LTE, Wi-Fi access in stations and OTM (On The Move) satellite communications as a backup and to provide coverage in areas without coverage of the terrestrial network… Grupo Oesía provides the SOTM communications terminal, which is characterized by its low profile thanks to a high efficiency flat antenna and allows the passage of the train through tunnels and bridges, among other obstacles. This system unifies the different WAN interfaces, monitors the bandwidth available at each moment and prioritizes the data traffic, offering the user a perception of the optimal network quality during the whole journey.
Another highlight is the collaboration with Eutelsat OneWeb to develop and manufacture its portable satellite terminals, thanks to its FoldSat device, designed specifically for low-orbit satellite constellations. Weighing only 11.8 kilograms and with a compact and energy-efficient design, FoldSat is the first foldable and fully rugged user terminal on the market. It is also characterized by being self-puntable, easy to deploy and optimized to operate on the Eutelsat OneWeb Ku-band LEO satellite constellation, facilitating paused communications. Its Wi-Fi access point is capable of providing connectivity within a radius of up to 100 meters.
With its strong commitment to innovation and technological sovereignty, Oesía Group actively contributes to the strengthening of European strategic autonomy in an essential field: secure and reliable communications. In an international context marked by volatility and geopolitical challenges, ensuring robust communication infrastructures has become a priority for Europe’s defense and security. Its work in this field strengthens the continent’s ability to respond effectively and resiliently to critical situations.
In addition, the participation of Grupo Oesía in international projects of high impact, such as 5G COMPAD, Corsair o Trantorreflects its vocation for leadership and collaboration in the development of advanced technological solutions. These initiatives not only boost connectivity in strategic environments, but also consolidate Europe’s role as a benchmark in technological autonomy, contributing to the design of a more secure, interconnected and sovereign future.
Miguel Ángel Díaz, director of Inster-Grupo Oesía