This is a continuation of EkaLore’s series on satellite-based telecom service providers. Find the whole series at www.ekalore.com/alien-invaders
T-Mobile as a global carrier (with Deutsche Telecom) and SpaceX as a frequent launch partner are joining with the long-term goal of seamless global roaming for existing cellular devices. By seeking a connection method that bypasses the need for ground-based carrier services, T-Mobile has the potential to raise margins, speed coverage increase, and leap ahead of the competition, especially in hard-to-reach rural areas.
T-Mobile is attempting an Alien Invasion in its own marketplace.
The scant technical details provided by Elon Musk at the joint announcement highlight:
1) Starlink Gen 2 satellites will serve as a base host retaining the Ka/Ku/Improved KU spectrum links and the laser-based links
2) Starlink Gen 2 satellites will be extended with 5-6 meter (25-36 square meter) antennas to serve mid-band spectrum (PCS) already held nationwide by T-Mobile
3) T-Mobile will enable services throughout the USA, territorial waters, “most” of Alaska and Hawaii, and additional ocean areas
4) The antenna and related space-based technologies have been tested “in the lab”
5) The goal is to enable communications with unmodified cellular devices on mid-band (PCS) spectrum (1850-1999MHz)
6) Enabled bandwidth will be limited in specific cellular service hexes (and larger hexes than terrestrial towers) to 2-4 megabits/second limiting bandwidth to individual devices and apps
7) The intention is to distinguish types of app traffic to prioritize and enable access for specific features (called out iMessage and RCS apps as examples). Bandwidth is best for asynchronous apps only.
8) Bandwidth capacity (depending on traffic management) is likely suitable for only 1-2K simultaneous voice conversations (assumed 1-2Kbits/sec/call) in a large service cell.
9) The Starlink Gen 2 satellite design is too big for a Falcon 9 launcher and targeted for the StarShip launcher. An interim design (“mini Starlink Gen 2”) is possible if StarShip is delayed.
10) The Starlink Gen 2/Cellular will communicate as a cell-service access point from space
On the business side T-mobile highlights:
A) Likely to “just add” direct-to-satellite service as a roaming network under terms similar to T-mobile’s global roaming. Full plans will probably see the service simply added. Low-cost plans will see add-on options cheaper than existing satellite comms.
B) T-Mobile is publicly inviting other carriers to enter into reciprocal roaming agreements to include the satellite based services (and use of other spectrum)
C) T-Mobile will likely explore using StarLink as a backhaul option for T-mobile cell nodes/tower connections
D) T-Mobile sees the partnership as a way to enhance revenue from already purchased spectrum rights
E) Additional customers can be acquired in unserved areas or low-bandwidth areas
F) First responders and emergency services can be enabled to access the service even during constellation deployment. The service should be able to support limited bandwidth for first responders in remote areas for asynchronous services first with more complex services to follow.
The entry of the T-Mobile/SpaceX partnership is a stiff competitor. Business cases based on high initial costs (in the billions) and then recurring revenue will be challenged by the presence of colossal carriers with very deep asset and marketing pockets. The prospect of ‘free reciprocal roaming’ with the exchange at the IRC level will create a difficult financial climate for startup/low-cost focused entrants.
This is a continuation of EkaLore’s series on satellite-based telecom service providers. Find the whole series at www.ekalore.com/alien-invaders
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