Smartphone supply from the air: Deutsche Telekom is not waiting for Starlink

Deutsche Telekom Charts a Course for Un-Served Areas

Deutsche Telekom has unveiled its strategy for bridging the mobile phone coverage gap in underserved regions. The company’s approach, presented at a recent media workshop, signals a departure from relying solely on satellite-based solutions like Starlink.

Bridging the Connectivity Gap

Satellite-based connectivity, while promising, faces meaningful hurdles, especially in densely populated regions like Europe. While services like Starlink and AST SpaceMobile are making strides in providing global coverage, they present unique challenges due to differing radio regulations and frequency allocations across countries.

Frequency Challenges in Europe

One major obstacle lies in the disparate frequencies used by mobile network operators across Europe. Unlike the United States, where frequency allocation is more standardized, European nations utilize different frequencies, leading to “dead zones” or signal dropouts when crossing borders. This complexity extends to satellite-based connectivity, as terrestrial frequencies must be harmonized for efficient data transfer.

“The dropout becomes much longer for radio supply from the orbit as the luminous zones of the satellites are not allowed to overlap, but even have to adhere to around 50 kilometers of safety distance,” explained a Deutsche Telekom representative. “In other words, the Starlink satellites leave an approximately 50 kilometer-wide border strip.”

Choice Solutions on the Horizon

Acknowledging these limitations, Deutsche Telekom is exploring alternative solutions for expanding coverage in rural and remote areas. One such approach involves utilizing High Altitude Platforms (HAPs), which operate in the stratosphere and offer a more localized and cost-effective alternative to satellite constellations.

Deutsche Telekom plans to unveil further details about its HAP strategy on February 21, 2025. The company’s focus on innovation and diversification in connectivity solutions promises to bring mobile access to more people across Europe.

While Starlink and similar services hold great potential, the path to global connectivity is complex and multifaceted. Deutsche Telekom’s commitment to exploring diverse solutions underscores the ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide and ensure that everyone has access to the benefits of a connected world.

What are the specific challenges posed by Europe’s fragmented frequency usage for ensuring consistent mobile connectivity across the continent?

Exclusive Interview: Exploring Connectivity Gaps with drones & Diversifying Strategies – Deutsche Telekom CTO, dr. Claudia Becker

Un-Serving the Un-served: Innovation in Mobile Connectivity

In an exclusive interview, we caught up with Dr. Claudia Becker, Chief Technology Officer at Deutsche Telekom, to discuss the company’s vision for bridging the mobile connectivity gap in underserved regions across Europe. Dr. becker shared insights on the challenges of satellite-based solutions and how Deutsche Telekom is charting a course towards a more diverse,connected future.

Challenges in European connectivity

Archyde (A): Dr. Becker, can you elaborate on the unique challenges Deutsche Telekom faces in ensuring consistent mobile connectivity across Europe?

Dr.Claudia Becker (CB): Absolutely. unlike the United States,Europe has a patchwork of different frequencies used by mobile network operators. This fragmentation leads to “dead zones” at borders and poses a notable challenge for both terrestrial and satellite-based connectivity.

Satellite Connectivity: Promising but Not Panacea

A: satellite-based solutions like Starlink have garnered much attention. How does Deutsche Telekom see these services fitting into the broader connectivity landscape?

CB: Services like starlink indeed hold great potential,but they’re not without their challenges. While they can reach remote areas, they struggle in densely populated regions were radio regulations differ. Furthermore, the ‘safety distance’ requirement between satellite luminous zones can create coverage gaps.

“The dropout becomes much longer for radio supply from the orbit as the luminous zones of the satellites are not allowed to overlap, but even have to adhere to around 50 kilometers of safety distance,” explained a Deutsche telekom representative. “In other words, the Starlink satellites leave an approximately 50 kilometer-wide border strip.”

A New High for Connectivity: High Altitude Platforms (HAPs)

A: deutsche Telekom is exploring High altitude Platforms (HAPs) as an option. Could you tell us more about this innovative approach?

CB: Indeed, HAPs operate in the stratosphere, offering a more localized and cost-effective solution than satellite constellations. They can provide persistent coverage over specific areas, thereby addressing the challenges posed by europes frequency complexity and ensuring reliable connectivity in rural and remote regions.

A: On February 21, 2025, Deutsche Telekom will unveil more details about its HAP strategy. What can we expect from that announcement?

CB: We’re excited to share more about our HAP plans. On that day, we will discuss how we aim to leverage this technology to expand coverage in underserved areas, details on our roadmap, and how it aligns with our broader commitment to bridging the digital divide.

bridging the divide: A Multi-Faceted Approach

A: Final thoughts, Dr. Becker? How does Deutsche Telekom plan to ensure everyone has access to the benefits of a connected world?

CB: We understand that the path to global connectivity is complex and multifaceted. At Deutsche Telekom, we’re committed to exploring diverse solutions like HAPs, investing in fiber optic networks, and working with policymakers to harmonize frequencies. Our ultimate goal is to make connectivity accessible to all, empowering individuals and communities across Europe.

We invite our readers to share their thoughts on this critical topic in the comments below. How do you envision the future of connectivity in Europe,and what role should innovative technologies like HAPs play in shaping it?