Satellite & Space Missions

Biography

Biography: David Hartshorn

Abstract

Advances in satellite communications technology are now enabling service providers to provide fixed and mobile applications throughout global enterprise and consumer markets at an unprecedented level. In addition to millions of fixed VSATs, market demand is raising for "Satcom on the Move" and "Satcom on the Pause" systems that are bringing broadband to planes, trains, ships and other mobile platforms. Meanwhile, new variables are being added to an increasingly complex equation: Internet of Things, Big Data, High Throughput, and non-geostationary mega-constellations of small satellites to name a few. As satellite technology pushes the performance envelope, major challenges are being presented to government decision makers: Licensing, landing rights and other regulatory considerations are being revisited to ensure that the right balance is struck between market access and interference prevention. Spectrum pressure is rising from within the satellite industry as well as from external sources. For example, interests vying for satellite spectrum include the wireless sector, which is seeking access to satellite bands for delivery of WiMAX, LTE and 5G. Governments weighed in on regulatory and spectrum questions during last year's ITU World Radio communications Conference and, while key decisions were made, regulatory and spectrum matters are very much a work in progress. This presentation will provide an overview of today's trends from the perspective of the Global VSAT Forum, an international association of the satellite communications industry, which comprises the manufacturers, operators and service providers that are applying these innovations worldwide.