5G and Satellite Communications

This chapter will focus on 5G and Satellite Communications (SATCOM). The rapid growth of 5G services over the next few years will lead to advances in many complementary services. Terrestrial mobile networks include 5G wireless services as well as fixed mobile convergence, which we studied in Chapter 15. We are now seeing the capabilities of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs), which can extend and augment 5G cellular networks. This is enabled by SATCOM.

The coverage of satellite communications has increased in recent years and the cost has gone down. This allows unique capabilities through the integration of satellite communications with Terrestrial Networks (TNs) such as 5G cellular technology. Some recent developments include announcements by Apple such as the emergency service for iPhone 14, internet service in Ukraine using Starlink systems, as well as major 5G service providers announcing or already providing satellite-based coverage to their subscribers...