Hasan Iftikhar, Partner at Deloitte Consulting, explains how the convergence of LEO satellites, direct-to-device services, and 5G–NTN integration is accelerating the space economy and unlocking new opportunities for enterprises and consumers.
The global space economy is entering a decisive growth phase, driven by falling launch costs, rapid advances in satellite technology, and the rising demand for ubiquitous, low-latency connectivity. The satellite networks—particularly Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations—are converging with terrestrial 5G and future 6G infrastructures, they are reshaping how connectivity, navigation, and data-driven services are delivered across industries.
Hasan Iftikhar, Partner at Deloitte Consulting, spoke to Tahawultech.com about his perspective on the evolution of satellite performance, the emergence of direct-to-device services, the regulatory and spectrum challenges facing the sector, and the enterprise and consumer opportunities unlocked by seamless non-terrestrial and terrestrial network integration.
Interview excerpts:
What is your point of view on space economy, and how is the satellite connectivity playing a role in that?
Space economy is expanding rapidly, with forecasts that project this to be a $1.5 trillion sector over the next decade. This growth is driven by the direct contribution of reducing costs to enter space including the cost of production and operation. There is as well the large indirect growth factor coming from the overall digital economy growth, which has resulted in many folds increase on reliance in connectivity, coverage and new applications that utilise geospatial digital data and space applications.
What is the future of satellite performance, and what is fuelling its development?
There are 3 earth orbits that are active in satellites coverage and its development as a connectivity network. The most optimal of these orbits is LEO (Low Earth Orbit), and this is where the most satellite into terrestrial networks cases are going to take place. LEO stands out as the lowest latency and hence offers enhanced capability for advancing space applications. The development is driven by reduction in time to launch, and the cost optimisation. The need for innovation is anchored into connectivity via satellites, navigation-oriented use cases and AI and machine learning related demands.
“The future lies in seamless 5G and NTN coverage, 5G backhaul, direct to device and IoT coverage.”
Do you think that direct – to-device services will eventually go beyond messaging and low bandwidth, to support voice and data for the mass market?
The satellite connectivity ecosystem is moving towards better coordination and joint development. In order for high end services to be accessible via D2D, it needs standardisation bodies, regulators, satellites operators, mobile network operators and the device manufacturers to advance as an ecosystem. We recently have seen Apple enhance its D2D capability in newer iOS versions. Data services are already active and improving, with voice, data and video services. That said, the value proposition of D2D is to work in conjunction with terrestrial 5G, hence the mobile operators are today in the need to redefine their D2D and NTN (non-terrestrial network) strategy.
What are the challenges or weak points that need to be touched on in these satellite services, to allow them to reach full potential?
The challenges can be categorised into regulatory, technical, spectrum, and standardisation. On the regulatory front its critical to solve for geographical, jurisdiction and consumer data protection challenges. The technology and spectrum are where the most innovation potential exists, and the cost optimisation of satellite production and launch into LEO, has already produced positive results however spectrum allocations balance across NTN and terrestrial 5G is critical, as spectrum scarcity in the case of LEO needs to be managed. Standardisation updates is an evolving process; we are going to see progress with 3GPP, ETSI and ITU definitions that are critical for D2D adoption and driving scale.
How will satellite-powered services integrate with terrestrial 5G/6G networks, and what new opportunities will this convergence unlock for enterprises and consumers?
Mobile network operators have started reshaping the business model and go to market for NTN. KDDI, T-Mobile, Vodafone are a few examples where in recent months there has been major progress on D2D and 5G integration of business model. The opportunities are across IoT/M2M, broadcast TV, enterprise B2B, global navigation services, mobility related applications and backhauling. Healthcare, agriculture and mobility are the top sectors that will be at the higher end of adoption and demand generation foe satellite powered integrated connectivity use cases.
What role do regulatory frameworks and spectrum policies play in accelerating satellite innovation, and how can the region prepare for the next wave of space-based connectivity?
Effective spectrum management and supporting regulatory policies are essential for enabling the path to satellite systems and services growth. As terrestrial networks provide services to billions of consumers, it’s important that the spectrum is protected with terrestrial licenses obligations and mitigation measures are taken. Regulatory measures around proper definition of power thresholds for instance is another key aspect as the industry moves to spectrum sharing between satellite and terrestrial operators.
