Page 78 - SAMENA Trends - Oct-Nov 2023

SATELLITE UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Starlink Angolan Launch Delayed to 3Q24

The expected launch window for SpaceX’s Starlink
satellite broadband service in Angola has been moved
back from Q4 2023 to Q3 2024, according to a report
by MenosFios, which also notes that Starlink has yet
to gain requisite regulatory approval from the Angolan
Institute of Communications (Instituto Angolano das
Comunicacoes, INACOM). Starlink pre-registration is
open to prospective Angolan users, with the Low Earth
Orbit (LEO) satellite-based internet service expected to
offer connection speeds of up to 220Mbps download
and 25Mbps upload in remote regions and territorial
waters of Angola.

Qualcomm Satellite Deal Crashes to Earth

Qualcomm terminated a satellite-to- satellite messaging and emergency For his part, Iridium CEO Matt Desch
phone partnership with Iridium less than service functionality into Qualcomm’s also remained bullish on the prospects
a year after it being announced to much Snapdragon platforms. Iridium explained of direct-to-device technology, stating
fanfare at CES, with the latter citing a lack the two had successfully developed that while he is “disappointed that this
of uptake for the technology from device and demonstrated the technology, but partnership didn’t bear immediate fruit, we
makers. In a statement, Iridium revealed “notwithstanding this technical success, believe the direction of the industry is clear
the partnership would end on 3 December, smartphone manufacturers have not toward increased satellite connectivity in
with Qualcomm the one to pull the plug. The included the technology in their devices” consumer devices”. “Led by Apple today,
satellite company added once its current citing that as the reason Qualcomm MNOs and device manufacturers still plan,
pact ends, it will be free to directly engage terminated the contract. CCS Insight over time, to provide their customers with
with other chipmakers, smartphone OS senior analyst Luke Pearce noted the expanded coverage and new satellite-
developers and device makers. Qualcomm move should not be seen as a knock for based features, and our global coverage
and Iridium made the arrangement the satellite-to-phone market. “Instead, and regulatory certainty make us well
during a time of increasing hype on it’s a clear acknowledgment that the 3GPP suited to be a key player in this emerging
direct-to-device satellite connectivity, NTN Standards-based route will be the market. User experience will be critical to
with Apple unveiling the functionality preferable way to go for most, with Iridium’s their success, and we’ve proven that we
in September 2022. The companies existing LEO constellation being based can provide a reliable, global capability to
were collaborating on integrating on proprietary tech being its downfall.” mobile users.”

IFT Publishes New Interconnection Rates For 1 January 2024

Mexico’s Federal Telecommunications Institute (Instituto Federal
de Telecomunicaciones, IFT) has published a new set of mobile
termination rates (MTRs) and fixed termination rates (FTRs) that
will take effect on 1 January 2024. As in previous years, America
Movil (AM)-backed Telmex and Telcel have Agente Economico
Preponderante (AEP, or preponderant economic agent) status, and
have their termination rates reduced accordingly. From 1 January
2024 Telcel’s MTR will decrease to MXN0.0139 (USD0.00079) per
minute, from MXN0.0143. The country’s other mobile operators
will see their MTR cut from MXN0.0461 per minute to MXN0.0450.
Meanwhile, Telmex will see its FTR drop to MXN0.0033 per minute,
while Mexico’s other telcos will face a charge of MXN0.0028. The
new termination rates will remain in force until 31 December 2024.

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