SPONSORED | The digital divide could be widened if satellite broadband is dismissed in favour of 5G networks, writes Charles Boffard.
15 June 2022 - 16:59Satellite systems using the 28 GHz band can help reduce 'digital deserts' by bringing broadband internet connectivity to unserved and underserved communities. Picture: Supplied/Global Speciality
The technical details are relatively simple: the most widely useful and applicable satellite services are provided using the Ka band, known more widely as the “28 GHz band”.Reducing “digital deserts” by bringing broadband internet connectivity to unserved and underserved communities. Powering economic development through new connectivity services for expanding market segments, such as land, air and maritime transport routes.
Terrestrial telecom companies would need thousands or millions of new towers, making 5G networks using the 28 GHz band unrealistic The reality is that terrestrial telecom providers can easily be accommodated in the 26 GHz band as it offers 3.25 gigahertz to accommodate them. There are also mid- and low bands becoming available for 5G.
Most of Africa, the entire European Union, Latin American nations, Australia, China, and UAE have now protected the 28 GHz band for satellite services. The US has recently moved to focus on low- and mid-bands for 5G because of the better propagation characteristics in those bands.