The document discusses the importance of connectivity technologies for digital services, highlighting the challenges of access for over a third of the global population. It explores emerging last mile technologies, particularly non-terrestrial networks (NTN) such as satellite communication and high altitude platform systems (HAPS), which can provide broadband access in underserved areas. The integration of these NTN technologies with existing terrestrial networks is anticipated to significantly improve connectivity for both consumer and industrial applications.

1. Connectivity technologies – spinal
cord of digital services
As the world moves towards digital services, the quality (and ubiquity) of network
access has major implications for service adoption in social and business scenarios.
In the world of broadband connectivity, the domains of GPON and Metro Ethernet in
FTTx or LTE and 5G in the case of wireless are relatively well known. However, they
are present only in urban centres where population density and affordability allow the
business case to justify the capital and operational expenditure. Over a third of the
world’s population live in areas with little to no access to connectivity, let alone
highquality broadband. Network coverage here represents a significant growth
opportunity for telecom operators and enterprises. This topic covers some emerging
last mile technologies which represent the potential to do just that.
Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)
NTN has become an umbrella term for any network that involves non-terrestrial
flying objects. The NTN family includes satellite communication networks, high
altitude platform systems (HAPS), and air-to-ground networks. 3GPP Release 17
has incorporated specifications for NTN to be integrated into terrestrial networks to
support both consumer and industrial use cases. The figure below illustrates the
various scenarios necessitating the integration of NTN technologies with terrestrial
ones. Two of these technologies are described briefly.
Direct to Device (D2D) / Satellite-to-Phone
This approach promises to supply satellite connections to millions of smartphone
customers through their existing phones – meaning, no new device is necessary.
Besides consumer needs, agricultural, industrial and scientific applications can also
benefit from this kind of coverage. This is a service delivered via Low-Earth Orbit

2. (LEO), but requires the use of terrestrial spectrum, involving partnerships with
existing operators or applying for a new spectrum licence. The alternative approach
is to use only satellite spectrum (e.g. Globalstar, Iridium), which requires new
devices. In both cases, the technology is in its infancy and the real value to users vs.
cost will determine which or both will become prominent.
High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) / HIBS (HAPS as IMT Base Stations)
ITU Radio Regulations (RR) define HAPS as “radio stations located on an object at
an altitude of 20-50 kilometres and at a specified, nominal, fixed point relative to the
Earth.” HAPS is not a new concept, but it has become more viable due to
technological advances in solar panel efficiency, battery energy density, lightweight
composite materials, autonomous avionics, and antennas. HAPS can support
various applications including mobile broadband in rural areas, Internet of Things
(IoT), public safety, autonomous factory, and disaster relief. There are three
variations of HAPS, all of which are Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) – aeroplanes,
airships and balloons. Google Loon, which shut down in 2021, is an example of the
last category, offering LTE Services. Specific frequency bands were approved by the
World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRC) - 47/48 GHz, 38-39 GHz, 31-31.3
GHz, 27/31 GHz, 6 GHz, 2 GHz.
In conclusion, the role of NTN technologies is going to increase substantially in terms
of 5G networks and digital services, especially in regions where a combination of
factors limits the use of terrestrial networks.
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