AST SpaceMobile wants to provide the planet’s smartphone owners with satellite-delivered 5G connectivity. The Texas-based company already has a massive prototype satellite in orbit, launched in September 2022, and claims that its technology is the world’s “first and only” global cellular broadband network and with 3,100 patents in place. But it has hit problems with […]

Developing a comprehensive roadmap for new commercially available spectrum is necessary to ensure the successful deployment of future mobile networks, according to a report, The Evolution of 5G Spectrum, from trade body 5G Americas, which  provides insights into the future of mobile networks, emphasising the critical role of licensed spectrum for the successful rollout of […]

At the end of last year 64 per cent of the world’s population, 5.4 billion people, had access to the Internet according to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). That number has grown to 67 per cent this in 2023. But the ITU also says there are huge regional disparities in addition to the obvious differences […]

There was a time when satellite dish owners in certain countries would be forced to disguise their dishes because of local bans and prohibitions. Owners in Saudi Arabia used to cover their large C-band dishes with parasols so that observing helicopters could not ‘see’ the equipment. Indeed, some owners in nearby Qatar, where a dish […]

Terran Orbital is building an initial 300 satellite (288 craft plus 12 spares) mega-constellation for Rivada Space. However, Rivada is on an extremely tight launch schedule in order to comply with International Telecommunications Union (ITU) obligations. Terran has outlined its delivery plans for the next few years as far as the first batch of satellites […]

Rivada Space Networks, fresh with the positive news from the ITU’s Radio Regulations Board that its planned launches for two 300 satellite constellations can go ahead, has announced a partnership with IEC Telecom for land and maritime connectivity. Rivada is seeking business for its ‘OuterNet’ satellite scheme and supplying large quantities of data to government […]

The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has approved Iran’s request to place a satellite at 43.5 degrees East. The history behind this Iranian craft goes back to 2016 and deadline after deadline missed. The concept was moving forward in 2017 when Iran signed an agreement with SES and where SES would place a temporary satellite at […]

Rivada Space Networks has confirmed its plans to launch two satellite mega-constellations. The news emerged after the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) approved a request to permit a delay in the launch obligations for the two low Earth orbiting constellations. The ITU’s Radio Regulations Board has waived the requirement that Rivada put 10 per cent of […]

Indonesia is at risk of running out of time to bring into use its stop-gap craft (GS-1) for the important Nusantara-3/Satria-1 satellite. It is asking the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) for more time. If granted, it will be the fourth such extension of time allowed by the ITU. The small GS-1 satellite was launched on […]

Rivada Networks wants to build and launch 600 satellites in a mega-constellation. However, the business is on a tight timetable as far as its launch schedule is concerned and badly needs the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to relax its rules. The first batch of satellites, numbering 300, are already on order. Rivada had hoped that […]