Publication Date: September 27, 2024

1. Introduction

The electronic communications sector is one of the cornerstones of today’s digital age. Satellite communication, a crucial component of this sector, provides extensive access capacity by eliminating geographical limitations, playing a critical role especially in regions where terrestrial infrastructure is insufficient or not economically viable. Evaluations of these electronic communication services based on ever-evolving satellite technology, both globally and in Türkiye, have gained particular importance with the recent announcement of the HIT 30 Program in Türkiye.

This article aims to provide basic information about satellite internet communication while also evaluating the pros and cons of what we should pay attention to in this sector.

Fundamentals of Satellite Internet Technology

Satellite internet is a system that enables data communication between ground stations, satellites, and user terminals. This system consists of the following basic components:

1. Ground Stations (Gateway): These are the main centers connected to the internet backbone and communicating with satellites.
2. Satellites: They orbit the Earth, providing signal transmission between ground stations and user terminals.
3. User Terminals: These are the satellite dishes and modems located in homes or businesses that receive and send signals from satellites.

Satellite Orbits and Characteristics

Satellite internet services are provided through satellites positioned in three main orbit types:

1. Geostationary Orbit (GEO) Satellites:
– Height: Approximately 36,000 km
– Characteristics: Appear stationary as they match Earth’s rotation speed
– Advantages: Wide coverage area, global coverage with few satellites
– Disadvantages: High latency (500-700 ms), high power requirement

2. Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) Satellites:
– Height: Between 8,000 – 20,000 km
– Characteristics: Provides a balance between GEO and LEO
– Advantages: Moderate latency, wide coverage area
– Disadvantages: Requires more satellites than GEO, complex orbit tracking

3. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites:
– Height: Between 500 – 2,000 km
– Characteristics: Move rapidly in orbits closest to Earth
– Advantages: Low latency (20-40 ms), high data rate, low power requirement
– Disadvantages: Requires more satellites, complex ground station tracking system

LEO satellites have come to the forefront in recent years due to their low latency and high data rates. These features make LEO satellites ideal for high-speed internet services, Internet of Things (IoT) applications, and 5G connectivity.

The Rise of LEO Satellite Technology

The rapid global expansion of LEO satellite systems is driven by the aim to provide internet access to every region, independent of geographical constraints. This technology offers significant advantages, particularly in the following areas:

1. Access to Rural and Remote Areas: Provides high-speed internet in regions where fiber optic or other terrestrial infrastructure is not economically viable.
2. Disaster and Emergency Communications: Can maintain communication even when terrestrial infrastructure is damaged during natural disasters or other emergencies.
3. Maritime and Aviation: Offers uninterrupted communication capabilities in oceans and airspace.
4. Internet of Things (IoT): Provides low-power, wide-area coverage for sensor networks spread across large areas.
5. Edge Computing: Enables fast data processing at edge locations due to low latency.

The potential of LEO satellite technology has led to the emergence of large-scale projects such as SpaceX’s Starlink, Amazon’s Project Kuiper, OneWeb, and Telesat. These projects aim to create global internet coverage using constellations of thousands of small satellites.

Satellite communication technology is undergoing a major paradigm shift from traditional geostationary service to multi-layered space networks. These networks will provide global coverage, high data rates, and low latency by integrating Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites with terrestrial networks and low-altitude aerial access points (e.g., drones).

LEO satellites are at the center of this new paradigm. Positioned in orbits between 500 and 1500 km, these satellites offer low propagation delay (between 1.7 – 5 ms) and high data rates, becoming a critical component of 5G+ and 6G networks.

2. Global Developments in LEO Satellites

2.1 United States of America (USA)

The USA is one of the leading countries in LEO satellite activities, with both private companies and government agencies investing in this field.

– SpaceX (Starlink Project): SpaceX has one of the most well-known and largest projects in LEO satellites. The Starlink project aims to deploy thousands of LEO satellites to provide global broadband internet service. The company has successfully launched over 5,000 satellites to date and is expanding its service globally.

– Amazon’s Project Kuiper: This initiative aims to create a LEO satellite constellation to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband internet service worldwide, especially in rural and remote areas. The project plans to deploy over 3,200 satellites and has received necessary approvals from the FCC. Amazon plans to invest more than $10 billion in this project and aims to integrate its cloud computing experience into Kuiper’s services. The first commercial services are targeted to begin in 2026.

– Federal Communications Commission (FCC): The FCC has adopted a supportive policy towards LEO satellites. It has granted licenses to companies like Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper to establish LEO satellite networks and provide services. This has contributed to the rapid development of LEO satellites in the USA.

However, there have been occasional disagreements between Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper. The two companies have experienced various disputes, particularly regarding the use of satellite orbits and technical details. Amazon has objected to the FCC regarding some of Starlink’s satellite arrangements and orbital plans. These disagreements indicate the intensifying competition in the LEO satellite market and the determination of both companies to be leaders in broadband services.

2.2 European Union and United Kingdom

The European Commission is promoting LEO satellite projects to support digitalization and the data economy. The EU aims to provide high-speed and secure internet access to all EU countries through LEO satellites with its “Secure Connectivity Initiative” project.

The UK stands out with the OneWeb project in LEO satellites. When OneWeb was on the brink of bankruptcy in 2020, investments from the UK government and India-based Bharti Enterprises ensured the continuation of its operations. The UK’s investment in OneWeb demonstrates the country’s strategic approach to LEO satellites.

The merger between OneWeb and Eutelsat was completed in 2023. This merger has made OneWeb a stronger player in the global LEO satellite market and supports the company’s goal of expanding broadband services through LEO satellites. The UK’s investment in OneWeb shows the importance the country places on LEO satellite technologies. OneWeb’s goal is to provide high-speed internet access to rural and remote areas.

2.3 Russia

Russia has launched its national project called “Sfera” for LEO satellite systems. This project aims to provide global internet access and collect data from space through LEO satellites. The Russian government has made significant investments in the project and plans to deploy several hundred satellites into orbit by 2024.

2.4 China

To keep pace with the competition in LEO satellites, China has launched a LEO satellite network project called “Guowang“. The Chinese government aims to deploy more than 13,000 satellites into orbit under this project, enabling China to provide global broadband internet access. This move is seen as part of China’s strategy for digital sovereignty and playing a role in global internet infrastructure.

2.5 Canada

Canada-based Telesat is one of the leading companies in LEO satellites. The company aims to provide global satellite broadband internet service with its “Lightspeed” project. Telesat has received significant funding for this project from both the Canadian government and the private sector.

2.6 Japan

Japan is also among the countries taking important steps in LEO satellites. The Japanese government has begun working on the development and use of LEO satellites in cooperation with the country’s space agency JAXA and the private sector. Japan emphasizes the importance of LEO satellites, especially for improving internet access in remote islands and rural areas.

2.7 Analysis and Comparison

– Innovation and Competition: While the USA and Europe are progressing in LEO satellites with private sector leadership, countries like Russia and China stand out with more state-supported projects. This shows that LEO satellites are a global competitive element.

– Digital Transformation and Inclusivity: Many countries recognize that LEO satellites play an important role in digital inclusivity and digitalization. The ability to provide internet access in rural and infrastructure-poor regions makes these satellites a critical part of the future digital economy.

– Regulation and Support: Countries like the USA have adopted a supportive regulatory approach for LEO satellite initiatives. However, in other countries, the development of regulatory frameworks for LEO satellites is still ongoing.

3. Türkiye’s Status Regarding LEO Satellite Services

3.1 Early Stage Studies (2000-2010)

In the early 2000s, Türkiye’s interest in satellite technologies began to increase. Although the focus was mainly on GEO satellites during this period, the potential of LEO satellites also started to be discussed in academic circles.

– 2004: TÜBİTAK Space Technologies Research Institute (TÜBİTAK UZAY) was established. This institution began to lead Türkiye’s space and satellite technology studies.

– 2005: Design studies for the first domestic earth observation satellite, RASAT, began. RASAT was launched into space on August 17, 2011. This project provided important experiences in the design and operation of low orbit satellites.

3.2 Increasing Interest and Initial Steps (2011-2018)

– 2016: The Türksat 6A project was initiated. Although this project was for a GEO satellite, it was important for developing domestic satellite production capabilities.

– 2018: Legal arrangements were made for the establishment of the Turkish Space Agency (TUA). This was an important step showing the increasing importance Türkiye placed on space and satellite technologies.

3.3 Strategic Planning and Visionary Approaches (2019-2021)

During this period, Türkiye’s strategic planning for space and satellite technologies gained momentum, and LEO satellites began to feature more prominently in these plans.

– 2019: The Turkish Space Agency (TUA) was officially established. The establishment of TUA was a critical step in coordinating Türkiye’s space and satellite technology studies and providing strategic direction.

– 2020: Preparation studies for the National Space Program began. This program aimed to determine Türkiye’s goals in the field of space and satellite technologies.

– 2021: The National Space Program was announced. The program included goals for developing domestic and national satellite technologies and showing a more effective presence in space. LEO satellites were defined as one of the important components of this program.

3.4 TELKODER Report and Subsequent Developments (2022-2024)

The Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) has been conducting studies on low orbit satellites for quite a long time. In this context, a workshop with broad participation was organized on January 3, 2022, and subsequently, opinions were sought from stakeholders.

In response to BTK’s request for opinions, TELKODER (Turkish Competitive Telco Operators Association) prepared a report titled “Answers to BTK Questions on Electronic Communication Service Provision via Low Earth Orbit Satellites (LEO)” and submitted it to the Institution on January 21, 2022. The report highlighted several key points:

• – The COVID-19 pandemic process has shown us all how important broadband internet access is from both social and economic perspectives (education, communication, shopping, health systems, etc.).
• Developments in low orbit satellites (LEO/MEO), with projects like SpaceX’s Starlink, OneWeb, Amazon’s Kuiper, Telesat, have enabled access to high speeds of 100 Mbps with latency times of 30 ms.
• In the last few years, many LEO/MEO satellite operators have been in discussions with satellite operators to invest in our country and start services by establishing infrastructures in accordance with legal processes or to operate their systems through business partnerships they will establish in Türkiye.
• The need for other possible regulatory requirements (authorization conditions, authorization fees, authorization procedure and duration, competition, national security and public order, network and facility security, etc.) and their justifications should be urgently revealed for the provision of these services in our country.
• In the regulations to be made; it is necessary to ensure the operation of more than one LEO system, to share the existing limited orbital spectrum in a harmonious manner, and to reduce the risk of collision or orbital debris formation in space by encouraging LEO system operators to act responsibly.
• With the new regulations made by the British authority OFCOM; during the application process, it is necessary to evaluate competition to prevent interference in frequency use and to prevent satellite companies that will come to the market later from experiencing obstacles, and authorization applications should be transparent.

Although the process continued after the TELKODER report, despite the time that has passed, it has not been possible to finalize a regulation on this issue:

• In 2023, at a workshop held under this title again, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Ömer Fatih Sayan emphasized that LEO satellites are becoming increasingly important in broadband internet service worldwide and that Türkiye needs to act in harmony with national and international regulations on this issue.
• In 2024, Baykar Technology leader Selçuk Bayraktar announced that they would launch a low orbit satellite constellation to create a global positioning system.
• Indeed, in 2024, the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) had to admit in a letter about the fate of this issue that the regulations regarding LEO satellite services are still incomplete and that it is not possible to start service provision without completing the regulations.

3.5 HIT 30 Program and Türkiye’s LEO Satellite Strategy (2024)

Although the regulatory process remained in this state, the HIT 30 Program launched by the Ministry of Industry and Technology in the summer of 2024 was announced as an important support program aimed at increasing Türkiye’s innovation potential in the space and communication sector. Under the communication and space title, which is one of the eight sectors listed within the scope of this program, the following were listed:

– Low Earth Orbit Satellite Systems
– New Generation Communication Infrastructures
– Smart Communication Devices

The HIT 30 Program, which shows that the state has adopted a strategic approach for the development of LEO satellite technologies and increasing investments in this field, also reflects the lessons learned from other countries’ experiences to a certain extent.

This program, if implemented transparently and correctly, will contribute to accelerating Türkiye’s LEO satellite projects and increasing innovation. Additionally, it is expected that with the incentives and support provided by HIT 30, the private sector will play a more active role in this field and investments will increase.

4. Importance of LEO Satellite Technology for Türkiye and Potential Effects

4.1 Disaster and Emergency Communications

The February 6, 2023 earthquake clearly revealed how fragile Türkiye’s existing electronic communication infrastructure is. The extensive damage to communication infrastructure in disaster areas once again highlighted the importance of emergency communication.

LEO satellite services can provide an uninterrupted communication solution in case of terrestrial infrastructure failure during a disaster. This situation has been a concrete example demonstrating the vital importance of LEO technology.

Especially for earthquake victims living in container cities, the urgent activation of LEO satellite services is of vital importance in terms of providing internet access and keeping critical infrastructure operational.

4.2 Internet Access in Rural and Remote Areas

According to the Turkish Statistical Institute’s 2023 data, the internet usage rate in Türkiye has reached 92.7%. However, a large part of this rate is concentrated in urban areas, and there is still a significant digital divide in rural areas.

LEO satellite technology has the potential to close this digital divide by providing high-speed internet in rural and remote areas where fiber optic or other terrestrial infrastructure is not economically viable.

This technology has the potential to support rural development and improve remote education and tele-health services.

4.3 National Security and Independent Communication Infrastructure

Türkiye has a goal of developing an independent global positioning system. This is seen as part of Türkiye’s strategy to strengthen its independence in space technologies and protect its national sovereignty.

LEO satellite technology can play an important role in strengthening critical communication infrastructure and enhancing national security.

4.4 Innovation and Competition

The adoption of LEO satellite technology can create new opportunities and encourage innovation in Türkiye’s electronic communications sector, which has been closed to new developments and contracting for a long time.

This technology has the potential to increase Türkiye’s competitiveness in the international market.

4.5 Potential Negative Effects and Solution Proposals

While LEO satellite technology offers opportunities, some potential negative effects should also be considered:

1. Space Debris Problem: The increase in the number of satellites in LEO orbit can exacerbate the space debris problem.
2. Impact on Astronomical Observations: A large number of LEO satellites can interfere with astronomical observations from the ground.
3. Cybersecurity Risks: LEO satellite networks can create new cyber attack vectors. To manage these risks, Türkiye should develop strong cybersecurity protocols and comply with international cybersecurity standards.
4. Economic Inequality: The high cost of LEO satellite internet services can deepen the digital divide. To address this issue, Türkiye should carefully plan pricing policies and increase accessibility through public-private sector collaborations.
5. Impact on Local Telecom Industry: The entry of strong global LEO satellite operators into the market can negatively affect local telecom companies. To balance this effect, Türkiye should develop policies to support the domestic telecom industry and establish strategic partnerships with international operators.

The HIT 30 Program offers an opportunity to address these potential negative effects. Within the scope of the program, Türkiye’s capacity to cope with these challenges can be increased by supporting domestic technology development efforts.

5. Obstacles to LEO Satellite Services in Türkiye and Solution Proposals

5.1 Lack of Regulation

The need for regulation emphasized by Deputy Minister Sayan shows that Türkiye has not yet established a clear policy on LEO satellites despite the long period that has passed.

The inadequacy of the current regulatory framework is hindering the development of LEO satellite services in Türkiye.

Solution: It is necessary to establish a regulatory framework that is compatible with international standards, flexible, and supports innovation and competition.

5.2 Türksat’s Role and Monopoly Position in the Sector

Although Türksat plays an active role especially in GEO satellite services, it has not been able to take a sufficiently active role in the integration of LEO satellite technologies and innovation.

Türksat’s bureaucratic structure and being under state control stands out as a factor hindering innovation and flexibility in the sector.

Solution: Encouraging private sector participation and making Türksat’s structure more flexible and open to innovation is necessary.

5.3 Balance Between Security Concerns and Innovation

In Türkiye’s electronic communications sector, especially since the post-2013 period, security concerns have generally been prioritized, and this situation leads to delays in the implementation of regulations for innovative technologies such as LEO satellites.

Solution: As in the EU and US examples, a balance should be established between security and innovation. Public-private sector cooperation models should be developed to address security concerns while encouraging innovation.

5.4 Investment and Financing Needs

The high cost of LEO satellite technologies can be an obstacle for developing countries like Türkiye.

Solution: Financing sources should be diversified by developing public-private sector cooperation models, and international collaborations and investments should be encouraged.

6. Conclusion and Recommendations

LEO satellite technology is of strategic importance for Türkiye’s electronic communications sector. To effectively adopt and implement this technology, the following steps are recommended:

1. Modernization of Regulations: Establishment of a regulatory framework that is suitable for new technologies like LEO satellites, flexible, and supports innovation and competition.

2. Strengthening Public-Private Sector Cooperation: Creation of mechanisms to encourage private sector investment in LEO satellite technologies.

3. Ensuring International Standards and Integration: Türkiye should act in harmony with international organizations (such as ITU) and standards.

4. Increasing R&D and Innovation Investments: Increasing investments to develop domestic capacity in LEO satellite technologies, using tools like the HIT 30 Program.

5. Concrete Steps to Bridge the Digital Divide: Establishing incentive mechanisms for the dissemination of LEO satellite internet services in rural and remote areas.

6. Ensuring Balance Between Security and Innovation: Adopting an approach that considers national security concerns while encouraging innovation.

Furthermore, Türkiye should take into account the lessons learned from other countries’ experiences to make the best use of LEO satellite technology’s potential. The HIT 30 Program offers an opportunity to implement many of these lessons. However, for the program’s success, the following additional steps should be taken:

– International Collaborations: Türkiye should develop LEO satellite projects with regional and global partners.

– Disaster Management Integration: LEO satellite technology should be integrated into Türkiye’s disaster management strategies. A LEO satellite-based disaster management system could be developed through joint efforts of AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency) and TÜBİTAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye).

– Sustainability: Sustainable LEO satellite policies should be developed to address potential negative effects such as space debris and light pollution.

– Economic Accessibility: Pricing policies and support mechanisms should be established to make LEO satellite internet services accessible to the wider population.

– Domestic Industry Support: Additional incentives and support should be provided within the scope of the HIT 30 Program to strengthen the domestic telecom and space technologies industry.

The implementation of these steps and the effective application of the HIT 30 Program will contribute to Türkiye maximizing the benefits from LEO satellite technology, accelerating the digital transformation process that seems to have fallen off the agenda for quite some time, and becoming a global player in the electronic communications sector capable of exporting services.

 

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