Incorporating Commercial Space Technology into Mobile Services: Developing Innovative Business Models

Abstract

This chapter will describe how space technologies can be incorporated into terrestrial 3G /4G mobile telecommunication infrastructure to provide convergent innovative applications and services. The utilization of space applications for non-military use has the potential to generate significant economic, social and environmental benefits on a global scale. The satellite infrastructure will become a key enabling factor in a growing range of mobile products such as: voice services, broadband Internet services, navigation, and observation systems. The chapter presents a framework derived from the literature to aid the development of viable business models expected from the amalgamation of mobile telecommunication and space infrastructure. The chapter also identifies the various actors involved in the delivery of these services which include: technology actors, service providers, network operators, consumers, and regulators.