The outlook for applications using satellite connectivity for transport have never been richer. Since 2018, more than 6,300 satellites have launched (see chart), including a range of satellite constellations geared for both commercial and general internet access and communications purposes.
Given the expansion of satellite networks, particularly in the LEO segment, some market watchers project global satellite connectivity revenues to double from $11.1 billion in 2021 to more than $22 billion by 2031.
Most recently, new virtualized satellite services have entered the market, using the power of hyperscale clouds to support everything from satellite-based IoT networks to satellite-as-a-service platforms.
To make these grand projections and complex services real, however, it will take more than successful satellite and cloud product launches. Once the infrastructure is in place, it must become part of the global network and shaped into services that providers can deliver and monetize.
To make space segments work seamlessly with terrestrial networks, clouds, devices, and applications and meet on-demand performance requirements, automated provisioning, activation, and orchestration – from a single platform – becomes necessary.
Here are five capabilities satellite providers should take advantage of with a no-code automation platform that lets them bring complete solutions to market and feature satellite’s unique advantages:
1) Zero-touch IoT automation: Connecting IoT devices is a primary use case for satellite connectivity because it is more ubiquitous than cellular coverage and the cost of satellite-based access is declining. The struggle for deploying IoT can often be the need to send a trained tech or engineer to a remote location to provision, configure and activate devices. A provisioning, activation, and orchestration automation platform enables self-serve activations so that the provider does not need to send a tech to activate a customer.
2) Rapid service creation and optimization: In a solution-driven market, creating and delivering the products people want is the primary challenge. Orchestration of the terrestrial network and device provisioning/service activation also needs to be seamless, providing the capability to orchestrate space segments with terrestrial clouds, application platforms, networks, and other resources, and to make them deliverable with zero-touch provisioning and activation. A no-code automation platform gives the satellite provider a canvas on which to craft solution offers.
3) Closed-loop service management: Automated orchestration brings together what used to be distinct fulfillment and assurance functions into one closed-loop capability. By integrating with assurance, network management, and trouble ticketing platforms, an automated orchestration platform enables more rapid service restoration with a clear view of how a complete service is composed and how it may be re-instantiated to overcome a known degradation or fault. As a result, a satellite provider can more effectively manage the end-to-end services.
4) Adaptive networking: Customers’ needs are evolving and becoming more specialized to their applications. Concepts like custom-network configuration are moving toward on-demand network slicing because customers expect more control and personalization over the technology components they consume. Provisioning, activation, and orchestration automation provide the keys to intent-based networking, where network segments can adapt on the fly to the needs of the application or end-to-end service. Orchestration enables the seamless coordination of terrestrial networks required to bring these new personalized capabilities to market.
5) Single console control: The automated orchestration platform needs to bring with it some extra assets that make it suited specifically for satellite network operators. From a single console, the service provider needs to be able to lifecycle manage voice, data, streaming, location and other services. The console should provide a total view of compute, storage, and networking resources and their relationships to terrestrial and space connectivity networks.
The “any service over any network to any device” concept takes on new meaning when part of the network is flying at 17,500 miles per hour 1000 miles up. But in the modern service environment, satellite connectivity will play an increasingly crucial role in delivering everything from sophisticated business applications to global economic participation.
Intraway’s Symphonica is the one provisioning, activation, and orchestration automation platform that pulls all of the pieces together to deliver this next wave of satellite-based services and innovations. It is an all-in-one solution that streamlines and simplifies complex processes, enabling organizations to offer cutting-edge services to their customers.
Its advanced capabilities and robust features empower organizations to provide exceptional service and stay ahead of the competition in a rapidly evolving market.
With Symphonica, service providers can easily manage every aspect of their operations, from initial service setup to ongoing maintenance and upgrades. In addition, the platform provides a unified view of the entire system, allowing teams to monitor and control service delivery in real-time.
For a closer look at how we do it, schedule your live demo today.