Mega Constellation Plans Could Get Regulatory Pushback: Panel

Planned satellite mega constellations could face headwinds from regulators around the globe that have increased concerns about such systems, satellite experts said Wednesday during a Global VSAT Forum webinar. OneWeb Government, Regulatory and Engagement Chief Chris McLaughlin said the biggest proposed mega constellations could see regulatory challenges based on their sheer size. "It beggars belief anyone will allow 30,000 satellites," he said. Another limiting factor for mega constellations will be lack of enough rockets to launch all the satellites, he said. Kymeta Product Management Director David Fotheringham said many of the nascent operators pitching big constellations will never come to fruition, but there will still be a huge increase in the number of satellites in orbit. McLaughlin said regulators globally are trying to make more spectrum used by satellite operators available for 5G, making it increasingly important that satellite plays a role in 5G. He said trying to protect the 28 GHz band for satellite use in countries looking to open it to terrestrial mobile has been complicated by the U.K. letting it go for terrestrial use years ago. Fotheringham said satellite operators should make a concerted effort to keep their current spectrum rights. He said satellite communications in the U.S. have already become secondary to 5G in the Ka band. Expect more satellite industry consolidation, speakers said. McLaughlin said increasing interest rates could affect the expansion plans of satellite companies. He said the investment community could increase M&A activity in the satcom universe. He questioned whether the Viasat/Inmarsat deal (see 2111080038) will happen because it could face opposition from the U.K. government loath to lose a satellite operator. A Viasat spokesperson emailed that it, Inmarsat and the U.K. government "have been in discussions as part of the usual process [and] conversations have been constructive and completely cooperative."