Mobile operators look to satellite communications to improve 5G monetisation

13 October, 2020

Growing satellite/terrestrial convergence will broaden 5G revenue streams, with ubiquitous connectivity potentially providing a foundational layer for the next ‘killer app’.

As a lack of demand-pulling apps weigh on 5G monetisation strategies, British mobile operator O2 is investing in the UK’s first commercial 5G satellite lab to accelerate new...

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SPAC boom shines path for capital-intensive satellite companies

8 October, 2020

The resurgent special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) market has found its second pure-play space company in Momentus, a US-based startup facilitating ‘last-mile’ deliveries of already launched satellites. With alternatives to traditional M&A set to play an important role in COVID-19 recovery strategies, pioneering satellite ventures appear well-suited to leverage intense activity in this market to hit sizeable capex demands.

However, the growing trend comes amid warnings of a potential bubble as the low interest rate environment...

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Government reliance and lack of exits dampening satellite connectivity recovery outlook

7 October, 2020

Vibrant but uncertain markets and uneven growth from subsector to subsector paint a complex picture for satellite connectivity. 

Although investments and operations have largely resumed after being disrupted earlier this year, the high level of activity on the commercial side is happening in the context of an “enormous amount of outcome uncertainty associated with venture-funded firms”, Carissa Christensen, CEO of research group Bryce Space and Technology, told the virtual Satellite Innovation 2020 conference...

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