While NTT Data has been offering satellite services for over a decade, its new integrated GEO-LEO solution, together with established fibre and wireless alternatives, is expected to enhance connectivity for multiple use-cases, says Greg Hatfield, VP of infrastructure solutions at NTT DATA Middle East & Africa. Here, he discusses how this transformative innovation is shaping the future of telecoms across various sectors.
According to research, internet penetration in some parts of Africa is only 24%. When compared to the 98% penetration rate in Northern Europe, the need for accessible and reliable connectivity is clear. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites are rapidly emerging as key players in that regard, revolutionising how we communicate. Through this technology, we’re able to truly bridge the digital divide by providing secure connectivity, even in the most remote places across the globe.
Unlike their larger, geostationary counterparts, LEO satellites travel around Earth at much lower altitudes (typically 1400km or less) and complete an orbit in roughly 1.5 hours. This closer proximity translates to significant advantages such as lower latency resulting in significantly faster communication speeds compared to traditional satellite networks, near-ubiquitous coverage with the capability to reach any location, and improved bandwidth enabling the transmission of large data sets.
These advantages are fundamentally changing various industries, in particular, the retail, banking, mining, and logistics sectors. Secure, high-speed data transmission via LEO networks enables real-time access to financial services, high-resolution imagery, and real-time data for exploration and resource management. Thanks to this, mining operations and tracking of goods in transit will be transformed, streamlining logistics and supply chain operations. As for retail, the technology is shaping new levels of customer engagement and changing the ecommerce game.
The most significant benefit for our clients comes from successfully integrating LEO-based services with existing infrastructure to create advanced customer solutions. By using a full-stack aggregation strategy, we can vertically integrate technology into any part of an organisation’s infrastructure — from their hardware up through to software and applications — enabling tangible business transformation.
Other benefits of NTT DATA’s aggregation strategy include:
- Reduced costs that make the technology more accessible.
- Simplified management with one point of contact to reduce the burden on clients.
- Customised solutions specific to industry best-practice.
It’s important for service providers to use their expertise across the entire IT stack when applying solutions such as LEO. This means taking a holistic approach to creating innovative, tailored solutions that ensures success. Clients must have peace of mind when it comes to embracing new technologies, so they feel like they’re receiving a fit-for-purpose solution that’s navigated country-specific complexities around regulatory obligations and risk, as well as coverage and solution integration.
Our strategy has always been to use the breadth and depth of our expertise as NTT DATA to deliver more than just a different flavour of connectivity. By making connectivity truly global and easy to scale, technology like LEO has the potential to equalise opportunities and drive sustainable economic growth on an unprecedented scale. The benefits of LEO satellites impact every industry that communicates and transmits data.
The future is here, and it’s connected. Now is the time for organisations to redefine their strategies and embrace a whole new world of reimagined capabilities.
