Capacity Europe: NTN Panel Sees Satellite Becoming Essential to Resilient Networks

As the demand for resilient, always-on connectivity grows, satellite is becoming an increasingly important part of the telecommunications landscape. But what will it take to integrate satellite and terrestrial networks effectively, and where does the commercial opportunity lie?

These were among the questions explored during the “Hybrid Networks or High Risk? Why Satellite is Becoming Mission-Critical” panel at Capacity Europe.

The discussion, chaired by Capacity’s Safeer Malik, brought together Kyle Whitehill, Chief Executive Officer of Avanti Communications; Eva Bisgaard, President of the Connectivity Business Unit at Eutelsat S.A.; Jean-Philippe Gillet, President Fixed Vertical at SES; Abdullah Zubailah, GM, Technology & Project Management – Carrier & Wholesale at STC; and Denis Chahabadi, VP Inflight Services & Satellite Innovation Hub at T Wholesale.

Moving Beyond Coverage

A recurring theme was that satellite's future lies not in replacing terrestrial networks, but in complementing them.

Gillet emphasised the importance of integrating satellite seamlessly into mobile network infrastructure, supported by 5G standardisation and multi-orbit capabilities spanning GEO, MEO and LEO.

However, White highlighted the commercial challenges that remain, particularly in rural Africa. In areas with low population density, providing mobile backhaul can be driven more by regulatory obligations than financial returns. Simply introducing LEO connectivity does not necessarily solve the underlying economics or integration challenges.

The conversation demonstrated that achieving hybrid connectivity requires more than technological innovation. Sustainable business models and straightforward network integration are equally important.

D2D Opportunities Go Beyond Smartphones

Direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity was another major topic, with the panellists considering its potential beyond consumer smartphone coverage.

Gillet argued that D2D should encompass applications such as IoT and connected vehicles, while Chahabadi emphasised the importance of an open ecosystem and partnerships that prioritise customer experience.

The panel also explored Starlink's competitive influence. While its success in satellite broadband and maritime connectivity was acknowledged, speakers questioned whether satellite providers could realistically replace established mobile operators with extensive terrestrial infrastructure and customer relationships.

The opportunity, they suggested, is increasingly about combining complementary technologies rather than competing to provide the same services.

Resilience, Security and Sovereignty

Beyond connectivity performance, the discussion highlighted growing concerns around data sovereignty and control of critical infrastructure.

Panellists considered the importance of knowing who controls network operations, where data travels and how sensitive information is protected, particularly for governments and enterprise customers.

These concerns are making resilience about more than simply providing backup connectivity. Customers increasingly need trusted, secure networks with clearly defined service commitments.

A Hybrid Future

The panel's central message was that the distinction between satellite and terrestrial connectivity is becoming less relevant to the end customer.

For operators and wholesale providers, the challenge is to combine different technologies into reliable, integrated services that meet customers' requirements for availability, performance and security.

Rather than replacing fibre and mobile infrastructure, satellite's mission-critical role will be to strengthen it, helping create networks that are more resilient, flexible and capable of delivering continuous connectivity.