The cellular wireless and satellite industries are finding their interests more closely aligned than ever before. Both are driven by the need to find new customers in rural/remote regions and both are largely embracing the 3GPP standard for 5G. Most importantly, both sides have existing infrastructure that, when integrated, can effectively build out envisioned 5G networks at reduced costs. Add to that the news that Apple and T-Mobile signed two milestone agreements last year to integrate satellite connectivity into their service plans, and suddenly, we start asking ourselves – is this the start of a new era of cooperation for two sub-sectors of the largest telco industry that once operated in silos? Can satellite and cellular industry business models align with the technology? How can satellite companies win business from a telco? During this session, leaders from both industries will answer these questions and engage in a debate over the benefits and challenges of this new working relationship.
Panelists:
Yossi Gal, VP, Regional Sales, Gilat Satellite Network
Brian Jakins, VP & General Manager – Networks, Intelsat
James Alderdice, VP, Asia-Pacific, Lynk Global
With Jeremy Rose, Partner, COMSYS