Eutelsat OneWeb solves the MNO Paradox

For years, terrestrial carriers have used satellite network communications as their last practical solution for filling coverage gaps, isolated cell sites or cells on wheels. Satellite technology, being independent of terrestrial networks, has traditionally struggled to integrate seamlessly into the infrastructures of Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). But with Eutelsat OneWeb's evolved satellite network, the game is changing.

The reason is simple: satellite services didn’t look or behave like terrestrial nodes in an MNO’s network. Add to that historically different Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and it’s easy to see why satellite communications were never a conventional transmission solution.

However, the landscape is evolving—drastically.

The Evolving Landscape: Eutelsat OneWeb Leads the Change

Today, Eutelsat OneWeb is on the verge of achieving what many thought was impossible: creating a satellite node that behaves just like any other terrestrial node in an MNO’s network. This breakthrough is driven by advances in technology that address the primary concerns that once held Satcom back.

• Routed Mode: One of the biggest obstacles to satellite networks has been their lack of flexibility in routing traffic as efficiently as terrestrial networks. Eutelsat OneWeb has introduced Routed Mode, a critical feature that brings satellite services closer to functioning like traditional terrestrial nodes. By enabling dynamic routing, traffic can now be handled with greater efficiency, making satellite services a much more practical solution for coverage gaps.
• Dual MTN and Variable MTU Sizes: In addition to Routed Mode, Eutelsat OneWeb’s network offers Dual MTN (Multi-Technology Node) and variable Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) sizes.

These features allow the network to handle different traffic types more flexibly and adjust to the varying needs of MNOs. With these capabilities, Eutelsat OneWeb is just a tiny step away from achieving a satellite node that’s nearly indistinguishable from a terrestrial one. This brings us closer than ever to the holy grail of communications: a fully integrated network where satellite nodes function just like any other node in an MNO’s infrastructure.

The Competitive Landscape: Starlink vs. Eutelsat OneWeb

Eutelsat OneWeb isn’t the only player in this space. Starlink, another major name in satellite communications, is also used by some carriers. However, there’s a key difference between Starlink and Eutelsat OneWeb, and it lies in the difference in cellular backhaul (CBH).

Starlink currently lacks Routed Mode, which limits its flexibility in handling network traffic. Moreover, Starlink doesn’t offer high enough MTUs to support CBH efficiently. These shortcomings make Starlink less suitable for filling coverage gaps in a way that MNOs need.

In contrast, Eutelsat OneWeb’s Routed Mode and support for high MTUs give it a significant edge, particularly in applications like CBH. While Starlink has garnered attention for its consumer internet services, Eutelsat OneWeb is uniquely positioned to provide the kind of integrated service that MNOs require to truly close their coverage gaps.

A Future Where Connectivity and Simplicity Meet

The satellite communications landscape has changed, and Eutelsat OneWeb is leading that change. With Routed Mode, Dual MTN, and variable MTUs, we are closer than ever to a future where satellite nodes look and behave just like terrestrial nodes in an MNO’s network. This opens the door for terrestrial carriers to finally consider satellite solutions as a viable option for filling coverage gaps.

While there are challenges to overcome, Eutelsat OneWeb is poised to redefine how telcos view satellite networks, helping to pave the way for a more integrated, seamless, and connected future.