New satellite communication operators are now going to offer satellite and cellular services.  These services will operate in a dual-mode form, and will include 4G satellite technologies.  Additionally, they are supported by dual-mode smartphones.  Many people will want to get their hands on such forefront technology, and as a result, huge numbers of these smartphones are being shipped in North America in the coming year. 

Unfortunately though, according to ABI Research's Kevin Burden, there appears to be a ‘hidden agenda related to using the spectrum for 4G mobile services over the long term'.  Satellite operators are permitted to offer simultaneous satellite and cellular services, and the spectrum is enough to offer 4G services in regions where the spectrum is sparse.  However, satellite services have to continue to be provided as permitted by the ATC Order, and many handset vendors fear a ‘satellite taxation'.  As a result of this fear they are installing satellite connectivity capabilities in their LTE handsets. 

Mobile operators believe that satellite companies plan to forge relationships with AT&T services.  These relationships will result in short-roaming partnerships.  As a result of this, when LTE services are deployed, the satellite companies may be acquired by major companies in the business as a result of their clever positioning.  This move is believed by Burden to be ‘unorthodox but clever'. 

New research is currently offering insight into Mobile Satellite Services and the opportunities for its ecosystem participants.