Mobile Satellite Service

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) is a radiocommunication service providing voice and data connectivity to mobile terminals (e.g., handheld devices, vehicles, ships, aircraft) via satellites, typically operating in L-band or S-band, enabling communication in remote or underserved areas.

BACKGROUND

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based hyperbolic navigation system owned by the United States Space Force and operated by Mission Delta 31. It is one of the global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) that provide geolocation and time information to a GPS receiver anywhere on or near the Earth where signal quality permits. It does not require the user to transmit any data, and operates independently of any telephone or Internet reception, though these technologies can enhance the usefulness of the GPS positioning information. It provides critical positioning capabilities to military, civil, and commercial users around the world. Although the United States government created, controls, and maintains GPS, it is freely accessible to anyone with a GPS receiver.

SYNONYMS & ALIASES

• MSS
• mobile satcom
• satellite mobile communication
• satellite phone service

USAGE NOTE

MSS is vital for emergency communications and connectivity in areas without terrestrial infrastructure.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to Mobile Satellite Service.

• Iridium Communications

  Operates a constellation of 66 cross-linked low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites providing global voice and data communications to mobile devices, including phones, pagers, and integrated transceivers.

• Inmarsat

  A leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, offering voice and high-speed data for users on land, at sea, and in the air.

• Globalstar

  Provides mobile satellite voice and data services, including satellite phones, data modems, and satellite-based asset tracking and messaging products for a global customer base.

• Thuraya Telecommunications Company

  An international mobile satellite services operator providing voice, data, and value-added services over its geostationary satellite network, primarily across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.

• AST SpaceMobile

  Developing a space-based cellular broadband network designed to be accessible by standard, unmodified mobile phones, aiming to provide global connectivity directly from satellites.

• Omnispace

  Building a global hybrid network that combines 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) and satellite solutions to deliver universal connectivity directly to mobile devices and IoT solutions.

• Viasat

  Provides high-speed, secure satellite broadband and networking systems, including mobile satellite services for aviation, maritime, and government applications.

• SpaceX (Starlink)

  Developing and deploying the Starlink satellite constellation, which offers internet connectivity, with plans and initial deployments for mobile applications like Starlink Maritime, Aviation, RV, and 'Direct to Cell' services.

• Eutelsat (OneWeb)

  Through its merger with OneWeb, Eutelsat is developing a global constellation of LEO satellites to deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband connectivity, including solutions for mobile backhaul and various mobility markets.