Looking into the present and future of the industry, EB maintains its focus on supporting the next-generation of wireless communication technology and has identified M2M (Machine-to-Machine) and MSS (mobile satellite service) markets as key drivers for the advancement of technologies in the mobile space.
The MSS industry is in the midst of a revolutionary change. New, larger satellites are becoming available to power smaller, more efficient devices. However, outdated satellite-only devices are still being used, in spite of their performance, features, and pricing structure. More importantly, outdated devices lack smartphone features and interoperability as they do not run on terrestrial networks.
Recognizing the change in the MSS landscape, EB has marked its first step into the future of this technology by introducing the world’s first dual-mode (satellite-terrestrial) smartphone — the EB-designed TerreStar GENUS. Officially announced for availability in the government and enterprise markets in October of 2010, the GENUS is a hybrid smartphone that provides an overall more user-friendly MSS experience. The unit allows for texting, email, calling, and other services across 3G terrestrial and IP-based satellite networks.
As research from an AT&T Business Continuity Study revealed that businesses are stressing greater importance on disaster planning and business continuity, the GENUS provides an economic and sensible solution that addresses many of the concerns surrounding these issues. Working with TerreStar and AT&T to bring the GENUS to market, EB has made it possible for users to gain access to the vast capabilities and advantages of a satellite connection, uncovering new levels of mobile efficiency, convenience, and business opportunities.
What does this mean for the MSS market in 2011? Due to the growing importance of data and interoperability, for 2011 EB sees the Long-Term Evolution (LTE) and other all-IP network solutions as the best platforms for providing hybrid MSS services. As these all-IP networks transition from IPv4 to IPv6, a virtually unlimited number of devices with unique addresses will be enabled for MSS use. Coupled with more powerful satellites and chipsets, the future MSS phone allows for a more compact form factor with economized production and scalability capabilities.
With improvements in device form factor that will makeover MSS devices to resemble normal smartphones, we can also look forward to the adoption of open source technologies such as Android OS across special verticals. Consumers will be able to choose from a range of more intelligent and inexpensive devices, and enjoy data-centric applications on their MSS capable phones as they become available through a satellite network.
Jani Lyrintzis of EB is the author of the YIR focus