Page 63 - SAMENA Trends - June-July 2025

ARTICLE SAMENA TRENDS

The Strategic Value of MSS Spectrum underscores its versatility and commercial Despite the international
(2100 MHz) value, especially in aviation corridors where
The 2100 MHz MSS bands are globally allo- satellite and terrestrial coverage must consensus around the
cated for satellite communication and com- seamlessly integrate. utility of the MSS bands,
plementary ground components (CGC). the GCC region remains
Their propagation characteristics make In this evolving ecosystem, MSS sits at the
them ideal for enabling hybrid architectures heart of a continuum of NTN capabilities fragmented in terms of
that combine the coverage benefits of geo- and co-existence strategies that aim to spectrum licensing, usage
stationary (GEO) and non-geostationary In such cases, MSS serves as a critical
orbit (NGSO) systems with terrestrial aug- tool for digital resilience, emergency rights, and deployment
mentation. These bands are also emerging communications, aeronautical linkages, models. Regulatory
as a backbone for 5G Non-Terrestrial Net- and public service continuity.
works (NTN) integration and Direct-to-De- asymmetries between
vice (D2D) capabilities, key areas of inno- In this context, MSS acts as a licensed, member states have led to
vation that will dominate the next decade. globally coordinated anchor layer within underutilization of valuable
5G-NTN architectures, complementing
The Role of MSS Spectrum in 5G-NTN unlicensed narrowband systems and spectrum assets.
Architectures augmented resilience improving national
The evolution toward 5G-NTN brings coverage, support service innovation, and proactive approach to aligning with global
MSS spectrum to the center of hybrid enable seamless connectivity diversity, best practices and WRC outcomes, while
connectivity strategies. Unlike traditional particularly in scenarios where terrestrial simultaneously creating pathways for local
terrestrial 5G, NTN seeks to extend coverage networks are unavailable or constrained. market stimulation and innovation.
using space-based infrastructure, such as MSS spectrum’s technical flexibility and
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, Medium regulatory certainty make it a key enabler The lack of a regional roadmap also
Earth Orbit (MEO) systems, or High-Altitude for commercially viable and secure NTN inhibits cross-border service deployment,
Platforms (HAPs), and AI-enabled network deployments across the GCC and beyond. roaming capability, and regional-scale
orchestration. MSS spectrum, particularly manufacturing of compatible terminals
in the 2 GHz range, offers a harmonized, Current Fragmentation in the GCC and and systems . Without harmonization, each
ITU-recognized mid-band resource that Associated Risks national spectrum regime acts in isolation,
can support both wide-area reach and high Despite the international consensus around compounding the risk of spectrum
data throughput, essential for NTN use- the utility of the MSS bands, the GCC region inefficiencies, harmful interference,
cases like D2D broadband, autonomous remains fragmented in terms of spectrum and reduced readiness for international
logistics, emergency communication, licensing, usage rights, and deployment coordination during forums like WRC-27.
and maritime and aviation coverage. This models. Regulatory asymmetries between
same spectrum range is also leveraged member states have led to underutilization Learning from Global Precedents
for ATG services, which provide in-flight of valuable spectrum assets. Moreover, Other regions have moved decisively in
passenger connectivity. The ability to a portion of the MSS spectrum is already harmonizing MSS spectrum use. The
reuse MSS spectrum for ATG applications operational in over 40 countries to support European CEPT framework, through ECC
ATG services, delivering in-flight passenger Decision (06)09 and ECC Report 197, has
MSS should also be connectivity. This widespread adoption outlined a practical model for coordinated
integrated into broader underscores the spectrum’s commercial use of the 2 GHz bands. These documents
economic strategies, maturity and highlights the strategic address key issues such as technology
neutrality, interference coordination, and
opportunity the GCC risks forfeiting by
including rural broadband, not advancing a harmonized regional CGC integration, enabling manufacturers
critical communications framework. Operators, manufacturers, ATG to design interoperable systems and
multinational
pursue
to
operators
Solutions providers, and satellite service
infrastructure, and providers often face legal and technical deployment strategies.
digital industrial policy. uncertainty, which in turn discourages long- The United States, through its Federal Com-
Governments can term investment and stifles innovation. munications Commission (FCC), has ex-
incentivize local industry From a policy and regulatory standpoint, plored auction-based MSS licensing mod-
participation and foster several administrations are moving toward els that incentivize commercial deployment
while ensuring public interest obligations.
harmonized frameworks that include
innovation through targeted licensing for essential components such Countries in the Asia-Pacific region, such
regulation and public- as Earth Stations in Motion (ESIMs), as Japan and South Korea, have adopted
MSS frameworks tied to national broad-
MSS below 1 GHz, and space station
private partnerships. registration. These developments signal a band plans and smart city strategies.

63 JUNE-JULY 2025