Key Takeaways

• The low earth orbit (LEO) satellite market is rapidly expanding, with potential growth reaching $457 billion by 2035.
• Telcos are increasingly integrating LEO satellite services into their infrastructure to enhance connectivity in remote areas.
• MTN’s new StarEdge Horizon service offers private, secure connectivity over LEO satellites, prioritizing mission-critical data and improving cloud access.

LEO Satellite Market Expansion

The low earth orbit (LEO) satellite market is experiencing significant growth, with projections suggesting it could reach $108 billion by 2035, and even $457 billion in an optimistic scenario, according to Goldman Sachs. Major players like Starlink and Amazon are rapidly expanding their services. Starlink now operates in around 150 markets and plans to launch an additional 7,500 satellites. Similarly, OneWeb and Eutelsat are enhancing their constellations, positioning MTN to deliver tailored network services across nearly 20 industries, from maritime to aviation.

This strategic evolution emphasizes the potential of LEO satellites to integrate into existing telecom infrastructures, thereby expanding coverage in remote regions. Instead of viewing LEO satellites as competitors to traditional telecom companies, they represent an opportunity for these companies to enhance their reach. The focus has shifted to employing LEO satellites as a cost-effective “middle-mile” solution, effectively linking remote fiber hubs with global networks to deliver fiber-like speeds.

Telco Strategies and Collaborations

Telcos are adapting rapidly to these changes. MTN’s partnership with FiberCop, Italy’s leading telecom company, exemplifies this integration. By combining LEO satellite backhaul with FiberCop’s fiber network, MTN has enhanced connectivity in previously underserved areas, a strategy mirrored by over 170 partnerships between satellite and terrestrial networks globally.

According to a recent EY report, LEO satellites present both challenges and opportunities for existing telecom infrastructure players. MTN views the integration of LEO services not as competition but as vital collaboration to create a cohesive network infrastructure that combines terrestrial and satellite technologies.

Introduction of StarEdge Horizon

In October, MTN launched StarEdge Horizon, a layer-2 private network over Starlink. This product allows for secure data movement from remote locations to regional points, keeping sensitive data off the public internet. StarEdge Horizon enhances cybersecurity by providing simplified network integration and prioritizes mission-critical data in congested network conditions. It also supports direct connectivity to major cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), offering static IP addressing for consistent network identity.

Current Trends and Customer Experiences

Current market trends include the emergence of “enterprise-first” satellite services, influenced by the entry of Amazon LEO. This competition drives innovation in areas like cloud integration and automated network management. For enterprise customers, service-level agreements (SLAs) have become essential, and satellite connectivity is no longer experimental but has become a mainstream solution.

Despite these advancements, several challenges remain for achieving the full potential of LEO satellites. These include deeper integration between fiber and satellite networks, the need for modernized regulations and investment incentives, and the drive for capacity innovation aimed at managing orbital sustainability.

Future Outlook for MTN

Looking ahead to 2026, MTN aims to continue innovating across major satellite constellations, expanding its ability to provide hybrid middle-mile solutions. With the plan to offer ultra-high-speed connectivity tailored for rural and isolated communities, MTN will emphasize corporate-grade security and prioritization of mission-critical data.

MTN’s flagship product, StarEdge Horizon, is set to enhance data security significantly while facilitating seamless cloud access. The focus remains on creating integrated systems that leverage the strengths of both satellite and terrestrial networks, ensuring reliability and performance that meets modern business demands.

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