The evolution from 5G to 5G Advanced is a pivotal shift for communication service providers (CSPs). This transition goes beyond an upgrade to connectivity to unlock new revenue streams and operational efficiencies that should be top of mind for modern CSPs.
A key component of this evolution is Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs), which integrate satellite communications directly into the 3GPP architecture. Applied strategically, NTNs empower CSPs to more effectively achieve universal coverage and enhanced performance.
Expanding the service horizon: Non-Terrestrial Networks as a strategic asset
For years, CSPs have been disincentivized to extend high-performance connectivity to remote and underserved areas. The costs associated with deploying and maintaining infrastructure in rural regions, coastal waters, or across rugged terrain, have often outweighed the potential revenue.
This has created a digital divide that limits a CSPs market reach and new service development while also limiting accessibility for select regions and use cases.
NTNs eliminate that divide and open a wealth of new opportunities for CSPs.
By integrating satellite-based connectivity, you can deliver fast, reliable 5G services everywhere, turning an operational challenge into a strategic advantage.
Key strategic benefits of 5G NTN-enabled coverage
- Unlock new markets: Offer reliable, high-speed broadband to rural enterprises, agricultural businesses, and maritime operations, opening previously inaccessible revenue streams and supporting critical industries.
- Ensure service continuity: Provide a resilient backup for terrestrial networks facing natural disasters or infrastructure failure. This enhances network's reliability, a crucial differentiator for enterprise clients who demand uninterrupted service.
These benefits offer both a major differentiator and new revenue streams for CSPs investing in NTN-integrated 5G Advanced networks, but they are not the only opportunity that comes from lifting your networking off the ground.
Powering next-generation enterprise services
Beyond the revenue growth that comes from unlocking new markets with NTN integrations, 5G Advanced provides CSPs the opportunity to develop new high-value enterprise services. NTNs are a foundational enabler for these new business models, providing the scale and reliability required to support the deployment of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and mission-critical applications at scale even where terrestrial coverage does not exist.
IoT and Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity
Massive IoT deployments, such as logistics, mining, agriculture, utilities and environmental monitoring, demand connectivity in locations far beyond the reach of terrestrial cell towers. NTNs solve this by providing a direct link from satellite to device that can mean a world of benefits for different industries:
- Logistics and asset tracking: Monitor high-value assets in real-time, on land, air, or sea. This monitoring enhances security, optimizes supply chains, and creates new data-driven service opportunities.
- Smart agriculture: Enable precision farming with sensors that monitor soil moisture, crop health and livestock location in vast rural areas. This helps optimize yields and reduce operational costs.
The direct-to-device (D2D) model, where smartphones connect directly to satellites, also expands operators’ addressable market. It provides a universal safety net for consumers and a reliable backup for remote workers, creating a compelling value proposition that strengthens customer loyalty.
Private 5G networks
Enterprises in industries like mining, utilities, and public safety are also increasingly deploying private 5G networks for secure, high-performance connectivity. But when these operations extend to remote locations, connectivity can become unreliable.
NTNs offer a robust solution for backhaul, connecting these private networks to the global infrastructure without the need for expensive and vulnerable terrestrial links.
This capability allows you to offer secure, resilient, and rapidly deployable private network solutions to a wider range of enterprise clients.
Network future-proofing for 5G advanced
5G Advanced is still in its early days, and continued evolutions and innovations will help shape what 5G Advanced networks can offer. Integrating non-terrestrial networks into a network strategy helps future-proof infrastructure, reduce weather and terrestrial limitations, and maintain a competitive edge.
The standards defined in 3GPP Releases 17, 18, 19 and beyond are designed to create a unified, hybrid network where terrestrial and non-terrestrial components operate seamlessly. This unified approach enables:
- Dynamic resource allocation: Intelligently manage network traffic across satellite and terrestrial layers. You can optimize performance, manage congestion, and ensure quality of service based on real-time demand and application requirements.
- Simplified operations: Standardization of architecture reduces operational complexity. The management of an entire network is enabled through a unified framework, lowering operational expenditure (OPEX) and accelerating the deployment of new services.
- Foundation for 6G: The architectural principles of hybrid networks and ubiquitous connectivity being established with NTNs in 5G Advanced will be foundational for 6G. Early adopters are positioned for the next generation of wireless technology.
The strategic path forward with Non-Terrestrial Networks
The question for telecom leaders is no longer if NTNs will become part of the network, but how to strategically integrate them to maximize return on investment (ROI).
By viewing NTNs through a strategic lens, you can move beyond the technical complexities and focus on what matters most: driving revenue growth, differentiating your services, and solidifying your position as a market leader in the era of 5G Advanced.
To understand how best to approach NTN integrations in your network, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide: Testing 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks.
