Latest news with #NTN
Techday NZ
21-05-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
Sat.One unveils resilient managed LEO satellite service for ANZ
has launched Resilient, a managed multi-constellation Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite service for critical infrastructure, enterprise, and remote operations in Australia and New Zealand. The company's latest offering is designed to address the challenges posed by the adoption of LEO satellite networks, which have become increasingly important for organisations seeking to extend communications beyond terrestrial reach. As enterprises turn to Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) connectivity, the support for high-availability and consistent performance across multiple satellite constellations is becoming more complex. Resilient is powered by ARGO, a software-defined edge platform developed specifically for LEO satellite operations. According to ARGO enables the service to anticipate and adapt to link degradation in real time, a capability not found in traditional SD-WAN solutions. The company states that this approach delivers service level agreements (SLAs) with 99.9% availability, with plans to move towards 99.99%. Dan Fairbairn, Chief Executive Officer of said, "LEO connectivity is redefining what's possible for enterprise communications. But unlocking its full potential requires more than just access, it demands resilience. That's why we designed and built Resilient from the ground up, powered by ARGO, to meet the highest expectations for performance, availability, and reach." The managed service targets enterprise and government customers and aims to provide reliable connectivity in remote and hybrid environments. It integrates with existing customer networks, offering features such as intelligent link management, always-on multi-constellation coverage, and standardised network handoff mechanisms. At the core of Resilient is ARGO, which describes as a platform capable of anticipating service degradation from factors such as weather, radio frequency interference, or satellite movement. Unlike SD-WAN products, which typically react after link quality drops, ARGO employs advanced machine learning to identify and address potential issues before they affect service quality. Fairbairn explained, " tested multiple SD-WAN products and found none met the performance thresholds needed for enterprise-grade LEO. Unlike SD-WAN, ARGO proactively mitigates link degradation before it impacts the user. No SD-WAN can achieve this." By using predictive analytics and real-time corrective actions, ARGO aims to maintain packet loss below 0.1% and deliver consistent user experiences for latency-sensitive applications, including VoIP, telemetry, real-time video, and remote system control. The platform is designed to integrate seamlessly into SD-WAN deployments and supports standard network protocols and industry-specific service classes, such as those provided by OneWeb. reports that Resilient is already in use across government, emergency services, and resource sectors, supporting projects that require high availability and operational certainty. The solution is positioned to address increasing regulatory and operational demands in critical infrastructure sectors. " Resilient gives enterprise customers the certainty and performance they need," Fairbairn said. "With enterprise LEO connectivity that's managed, monitored, and mission-ready, there's no substitute. As expectations rise and policy tightens around critical infrastructure, organisations need connectivity they can trust." The new service is available exclusively through network of telecommunications channel and managed service provider partners. It is designed for integration into partner offerings to deliver additional resilience for customers operating in remote areas or in need of alternative network paths in case of terrestrial outages. described its approach as focused on enabling customers and partners to achieve reliable communication links, regardless of location or environmental conditions. continues to work with technology partners and user terminal manufacturers, including Intellian, Kymeta, and Hughes, to further expand the reach and performance of its services for enterprises and communities throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Donald Trump's plan to make Tiktok American may fail, thanks to this 'Chinese video call'
TikTok Chinese scientists have reportedly achieved a global first by successfully conducting a direct 5G satellite-to-smartphone broadband video call. According to a report in South China Morning Post (SCMP), the world's first direct 5G satellite-to-smartphone broadband video call by scientists in China. The milestone can reportedly challenge U.S. restrictions on apps like TikTok. The test, performed earlier this month using a technology demonstration satellite, highlights the potential for streaming video content directly to standard smartphones via satellite, bypassing traditional cell towers. However, experts caution that significant regulatory, technical, and practical hurdles remain. China's rival to Elon Musk's SpaceX at hand The demonstration, led by China Satellite Network Group (China SatNet), utilized the 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) standard, enabling a smartphone to connect to a satellite without specialized hardware. Liang Baojun, head of China SatNet, announced the achievement at the Xiongan BeiDou Ecosystem Cooperation Conference. 'We validated key elements of the integrated space-ground network architecture,' Liang said, though he provided no further details. China SatNet oversees the Guowang megaconstellation, a planned 13,000-satellite network aimed at rivaling SpaceX's Starlink. This breakthrough could enable mobile coverage in remote areas, supporting applications in maritime, aviation, defense, emergency response, and autonomous systems. Unlike traditional networks reliant on ground-based infrastructure, satellite connectivity could deliver universal access, a growing global demand. The development comes amid U.S. efforts to restrict Chinese-owned apps like TikTok. In April 2024, then-President Joe Biden signed a law requiring TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to divest the platform to a non-Chinese entity by January 19, 2025, or face a U.S. ban. President Donald Trump, since returning to office, has twice delayed the deadline, with the latest set for June 19, 2025. A 5G analyst from the International Data Corporation (IDC), speaking anonymously due to the issue's sensitivity, downplayed the immediate impact of satellite-based networks. 'Satellite operators require licenses and face strict regulations, so bypassing oversight isn't feasible,' the analyst said. 'Bandwidth limitations also make streaming large amounts of video traffic impractical.' Geostationary satellites introduce latency issues, with delays starting at 400 milliseconds, while low Earth orbit (LEO) systems like Guowang require extensive satellite deployments to ensure adequate coverage. Possible, but not that easy Until now, satellite-to-smartphone communication has focused on basic functions like text messaging and voice calls. In 2020, U.S.-based Lynk Global sent the world's first satellite-to-phone text message. Other key players in the sector include SpaceX, AST SpaceMobile, Samsung, MediaTek, and Thales Group. In China, efforts to scale satellite communication are intensifying. Alongside China SatNet, the newly formed China Spatiotemporal Information Group (CSTI), established in May 2024, is driving integration of satellite internet, the BeiDou navigation system, and real-time data infrastructure. Comprising China SatNet, China Mobile, and defense contractor Norinco, CSTI aims to develop practical applications for logistics, energy, smart cities, disaster response, and national defense. While China's 5G satellite breakthrough showcases its advancing space capabilities, experts say widespread adoption remains years away, limited by technical and regulatory challenges. For now, the technology underscores the growing global race to redefine connectivity—and its implications for digital sovereignty.
Business Recorder
12-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Eliminating FED alone won't revive Pakistan's real estate, says ABAD chairman
Withdrawal of the Federal Excise Duty (FED) on property transactions will not lead to substantial real estate activities as a reduction in the overall tax burden - currently up to 15% - is also necessary to boost the sector, according to Hassan Bakshi, chairman of the Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan (ABAD). In an exclusive interview to Business Recorder, ABAD chairman welcomed the reports that the government plans to eliminate the FED on property transactions after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved a summary submitted to the federal cabinet. However, he urged the government to reduce what he called tax burden over the sector. 'There are various types of taxes applied during property transfers, totaling up to 15%, with the FED accounting for 3% to 7% of that,' Bakshi explained. 'When transferring a property, filers have to pay 13% to 15% in taxes, whereas non-filers have to pay between 35% to 40%.' Non-filer overseas Pakistanis should be allowed to purchase property at filer tax rates. Earlier in February this year, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb reiterated the government's commitment towards structural reforms, saying it would not support the 'plots and files' business, a speculative practice prevalent in Pakistan's real estate sector, calling it unsustainable. 'ABAD does not support file trading,' Bakshi clarified. Regarding a property package was to be offered by the government, Bakshi stated that no property package could be successful without a reduction in taxes. ABAD chairman also urged the government to ease tax policies for overseas Pakistanis who wish to invest in the country's real estate sector. 'Non-filer overseas Pakistanis should be allowed to purchase property at filer tax rates.' He proposed that once the property was purchased, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) could request their NTN (National Tax Number), and if they failed to provide it, they should be given a 15-day grace period to enter the system — or the system should automatically register them as filers. Commenting on the growing trend of Pakistanis investing in Dubai real estate, he noted that the surge was due to multiple factors, including: Fixed dollar-to-dirham parity Clear property titles where ownership is transparent and secure; A digitised system Rational exchange rates '[Moreover,] a flat 4% transfer tax in Dubai, regardless of whether the investor is a filer or non-filer. 'In the event of legal disputes, court cases are resolved quickly in Dubai and do not drag on for 20 years.' Bakshi stated that 10 million Pakistanis are employed abroad, and if the government facilitates them, it would create 'a positive impact on the real estate sector'. 'Real estate is an allied industry in which one sector is interconnected with another — if one sector grows, the others automatically gains momentum as well.' He further noted that currently the allied industries are operating at 30% to 50% capacity, and if their share reached 80%, the government could collect an additional Rs2 trillion in tax revenue. While discussing the allied industries, he expressed concern over the recent increase of Rs60 per 50kg bag in cement prices, despite a decline in inflation and interest rates. SBP reduces key interest rate by 100bps, takes it to 11% Bakshi also pointed out that the Pakistan Stock Exchange is associated with about 300,000 people, with a market capitalisation of Rs10 trillion, whereas the real estate sector involves one million individuals and has a market capitalisation of Rs90 trillion. 'First-time investors in real estate should be offered subsidised loans, and the installment of such loans should be equivalent to the rental income of the property being purchased. 'With government-led subsidised loans to home seekers, builders and developers can take care of the housing supply.' In response to another question about the growing trend of portions in Karachi, ABAD chairman said investments in different projects such as Malir Development Authority (MDA), Lyari Development Authority (LDA), and Taiser Town had been stuck for 25 to 30 years. 'The government has failed to hand over properties. As a result, people have been forced to seek alternative housing solutions. This is a failure of the government that couldn't transfer plots to rightful owners within the promised time.' ABAD chairman further noted that under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), multiple sub-programmes are being run such as Benazir Kafalat Programme, Benazir Taleemi Wazaif (Educational Stipends), Benazir Undergraduate Scholarship Programme, and Benazir Nashonuma Programme. 'The government should reallocate a portion of Rs461 billion budget of the Benazir Kafalat Programme to launch a Benazir Housing Subsidy Programme, offering subsidised loans to people. 'If only 10% of the Kafalat Programme's budget is redirected, it will not place any extra financial burden on the government, and a number of people will be able to own a house.' He added that the Benazir Housing Programme could be exclusively for first-time home buyers. Meanwhile, Pakistan Real Estate Investment Forum (PREIF) president Shaban Elahi stated that in the upcoming budget for the financial year 2025-26, incentives should be provided to those investing in real estate, whether they are local investors or overseas Pakistanis. 'Real estate sector is the backbone of any economy, and if the government reduces taxes, investment in real estate will increase, which in turn will lead to higher tax revenues for the government,' Elahi said. The government should implement a friendly real estate investment policy that remains consistent for at least 5 to 10 years Regarding expected abolition of the FED, PREIF president made similar remarks that taxes on the real estate sector should also be reduced along with FED. 'Due to high tax rates in Pakistan, even local investors do not see profitability in real estate. Moreover, when investors do invest, they begin receiving various notices from the FBR, which creates an atmosphere of fear and discouragement,' he maintained. In contrast, he highlighted that in Dubai, local investors made substantial real estate investments over the past five years. Conduct of FBR officers visiting private premises closely monitored by civil agencies: Finance Division 'Overseas investment that previously flowed into Pakistan has significantly declined. The major reasons for this is the excessive taxation on real estate and the constant inquiries from the FBR.' Elahi urged the government to create an investor-friendly environment to boost both local and overseas investments in the real estate sector. 'The government should implement a friendly real estate investment policy that remains consistent for at least 5 to 10 years. This will help restore investor confidence.' He also suggested that Sections 236C and 236K (advance taxes) of the Income Tax Ordinance should be reduced to 1%. Lowering the rates under 236C and 236K would increase the volume of transactions, ultimately benefiting the government, enhancing real estate investment, and creating employment opportunities, he suggested. Real Estate Professional Forum Pakistan's president Abdul Sattar Sheikh proposed the immediate formation of a task force to 'revive the real estate activities', including experts from the ABAD other professionals from the sector. 'Instead of relying on instructions from international financial institutions, the government should take the initiative and fully support the real estate sector.' When asked about the upcoming fiscal year's budget, he expressed optimism, urging the government to act on the proposals presented by the ABAD chairman and other experts. Adeel Ahmed, a real estate professional, stated that slowdown in the real estate sector was not only due to excessive taxation. 'The system itself is not functioning properly,' he said. Ahmed mentioned that there are more than 60 industries connected to real estate, including cement, steel, tiles, sanitary ware, and others. 'If the government simply resumes development work in areas like Taiser Town and Hawke's Bay, which have been stalled for many years, it will restore public confidence and lead to a boost in the real estate business.' He highlighted that while there was much discussion around taxes on real estate, 'no one talks about the widespread bribery that occurs during property transfers'. Ahmed emphasised that abolishing the FED might bring some activity to the real estate sector, but real growth would only occur when corruption and bribery in property transactions were eliminated.
Forbes
12-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How NTNs Are Powering Seamless Communications
Iri Trashanski, Chief Strategy Officer at Ceva, is shaping the future of the Smart Edge with extensive experience across tech sectors. getty In today's hyperconnected world, seamless connectivity is no longer a luxury—it's an expectation. Yet despite the transformative impact of cellular and IoT technologies, much of the Earth's surface remains outside the reach of ground-based infrastructure. This gap underscores the urgent need for new solutions that can provide truly global coverage. Nonterrestrial networks (NTNs), particularly those leveraging low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, represent a paradigm shift in global communications, extending connectivity to remote and underserved regions. Major players such as SpaceX's Starlink, Amazon's Kuiper and OneWeb are investing heavily in satellite-based solutions to expand network access. Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions and national data security concerns are fueling an added sense of urgency to the evolution of satellite investment, deployment and ownership. Delivering high-bandwidth, low-latency satellite communication presents formidable challenges, including spectrum efficiency, security, power consumption and seamless integration with terrestrial networks. Addressing these challenges is essential for NTNs to support next-generation applications and ensure global digital sovereignty. The rapid deployment of LEO satellite constellations by private and government entities marks the beginning of a new phase in satellite communications. Unlike traditional geostationary satellites, which suffer from high latency and limited throughput, LEO satellites operate at lower altitudes—reducing signal travel time and improving data rates. These enhancements make NTNs a powerful tool for applications such as global IoT connectivity, disaster response, maritime and aeronautical communications and remote sensing. Allied Market Research forecasts the NTN market will reach $93.6 billion by 2032 with a CAGR of 40.6%. Expect NTN-enabled LEO networks to support applications ranging from real-time environmental monitoring to direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity for smartphones and wearables. One of the critical advancements enabling NTNs is the development of 5G regenerative payloads—satellite-based base stations that process signals in orbit instead of simply routing them to a ground station. These payloads allow for greater network efficiency, lower latency and better spectrum utilization. For NTNs to become truly viable, user terminals—whether smartphones, IoT devices or enterprise communication systems—must be adapted to support 5G NTN. Enhancements in 3GPP releases 17, 18 and 19 introduced critical upgrades, including satellite-based timing synchronization, power efficiency optimizations and signal adaptation techniques to maintain reliable communication even in high-mobility environments. Furthermore, the adoption of millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum (FR2), which offers higher bandwidth and throughput, can significantly enhance satellite communications. However, these frequencies also require advanced processing capabilities to manage increased data rates and mitigate interference effectively. This reinforces an even greater need for optimized power efficiency and signal processing. As NTNs scale globally, security becomes a central concern for operators and governments alike. Satellite communications are inherently vulnerable to cyber threats, including eavesdropping, signal jamming and data interception. Future NTN deployments must incorporate advanced encryption protocols, AI-powered anomaly detection and quantum-resistant security measures to ensure safe and resilient communications. Additionally, power efficiency remains a fundamental constraint, particularly for space-based systems with limited energy resources. Advances in semiconductor design, energy-efficient signal processing and intelligent power management solutions will be necessary to maximize the lifespan and efficiency of satellites, user terminals and ground stations. Processing-intensive tasks such as adaptive beamforming, real-time Doppler compensation and AI-driven interference mitigation must be optimized to balance performance with power consumption. Satellite communications are undergoing a major shift as the industry moves away from proprietary technologies toward standardized 3GPP 5G NTN frameworks to enable greater interoperability, scalability and efficiency across space and terrestrial networks. By adopting 3GPP 5G standards, NTN operators can create a unified ecosystem that allows satellite and ground-based networks to function seamlessly together. Standardization enhances service quality, expands global reach and ensures users in remote areas receive the same level of connectivity as those in urban centers. Beyond interoperability, 3GPP 5G NTN introduces technical adaptations that improve satellite network performance. Given the long signal travel times and variable signal strengths inherent in NTN communication, 3GPP introduces enhancements such as advanced error correction, dynamic link adaptation and network slicing to ensure reliable and efficient satellite communications. The future of satellite communication is intertwined with smart edge advancements and the evolution of 5G and 6G, which together enable more intelligent, adaptive networks that optimize connectivity in real time. In parallel, AI integration is transforming satellite constellations into distributed data centers—leveraging the low latency of LEO satellites to process data closer to users, reduce reliance on distant cloud infrastructure and offload compute demands from power-constrained edge devices. As satellite constellations expand and NTN technology matures, truly global, high-speed, low-latency internet access is becoming a reality and a key enabler to future edge AI use cases. This shift will drive economic growth, enhance emergency response and advance digital inclusion—cementing NTNs as a fundamental pillar of modern communication infrastructure. Satellite communications are at the forefront of the next era of global connectivity. By extending network access beyond terrestrial infrastructure, NTNs have the potential to revolutionize industries, bridge the digital divide and enhance emergency response capabilities. However, achieving this vision requires overcoming key technical, regulatory and environmental challenges through continued innovation and collaboration. With advancements in processing technology, the adoption of 3GPP 5G NTN standards and the integration of AI-powered solutions, NTNs are rapidly becoming a necessity. As investment and development accelerate, the dream of seamless, global connectivity is no longer a distant aspiration; it is happening now. The future of communications extends beyond Earth's boundaries, creating new opportunities for people, industries and societies worldwide. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
Business Wire
28-04-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Skylo Partners With Syniverse to Implement SMS Over Satellite for Verizon
TAMPA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Syniverse, the world's most connected company, and Skylo Technologies, the pioneer in non-terrestrial network (NTN) communications, have collaborated to enable a simplified pathway for mobile network operators (MNOs) to introduce two-way, SMS messaging over satellite. In the breakthrough effort to launch native direct-to-device messaging for Verizon, Skylo has extended the Syniverse Evolved Mobility solution as a method for seamless integration, allowing mobile network operators like Verizon to integrate SMS over NTN with no changes in architecture, solutions, or hardware for the first time. This collaboration demonstrates that MNOs can provide their customers with the peace of mind of SMS messaging over satellite while using the same infrastructure and technology that is in place today. Skylo first introduced emergency messaging and location sharing to Verizon customers in 2024. SMS over satellite is currently available on select Verizon devices. Skylo utilizes dedicated, licensed Mobile Satellite Service spectrum in existing, globally allocated frequency bands to bring satellite connectivity and texting services to new markets around the world. This allows for continuous and contiguous coverage in rural and remote areas without requiring MNOs to share their valuable spectrum assets. It also avoids possible network interference that can occur when satellite and cellular networks attempt to share the same frequency band. "Whether you're atop a mountain, miles off the coast, or reeling from an earthquake, a satellite network offers peace of mind in a time of need — but only if you can access it," said Andrew Davies, Chief Executive Officer of Syniverse. "Evolved Mobility for Messaging helps mobile network operators overcome interoperability challenges when integrating with Non-Terrestrial Networks like Skylo." Syniverse Evolved Mobility for Messaging and Skylo use the same Diameter Protocol to integrate that MNOs are familiar with from their terrestrial network integrations. This enables safe, reliable, and scalable connectivity. Evolved Mobility for Messaging also mediates signaling to ensure network compatibility — even if home networks don't natively support Diameter-based messaging. Plus, it can be deployed seamlessly in the cloud, so it can be scaled to manage traffic volumes while maintaining consistent service levels. 'Consumers want the peace of mind to send text messages to their friends and family at any time. Skylo enables this newfound connectivity and a sense of freedom when outside of mobile network operators' coverage area. Our collaboration with Syniverse makes it easy for mobile network operators to extend the same technology used for terrestrial SMS to satellite communications. Skylo's standards-based solutions go beyond the air interface to include the entire cellular ecosystem,' said Jerome Baccelli, VP Engineering & Operations at Skylo. About Skylo Skylo Technologies is a global Non-Terrestrial Network service provider based in Mountain View, CA, offering a service that allows smartphones and IoT cellular devices to connect directly over existing satellites. Devices connected over satellite are managed and served by Skylo's commercial NTN vRAN, featuring a 3GPP standards-based cloud-native base station and core. Skylo works with existing satellite operators, network operators, and device makers to provide subscribers an anywhere, anytime connectivity solution between terrestrial and satellite networks. Skylo's focus is on enabling connected services for people outdoors and connected workflows for machines at work across critical industries such as agriculture, maritime, logistics, mining, and others, in addition to mass-market consumer devices. For more information, visit About Syniverse Syniverse is the world's most connected company. We seamlessly connect the world's networks, devices, and people so the world can unlock the full power of communications. Our secure, global technology powers the world's leading carriers, top Forbes Global 2000 companies, and billions of people, devices, and transactions every day. Our engagement platform delivers better, smarter experiences that strengthen relationships between businesses, customers, and employees. For over 30 years, we have accelerated important advances in communications technology. Today we are an essential driver of the world's adoption of intelligent connectivity, from 5G and CPaaS to IoT and beyond. Find out more at
