The expansion of 5G is still underway, but it feels like the expansion volume is being dampened at the start of 2025.

What does satellite technology such as that offered by StarLink mean for mobile operators in Germany and how can the providers of this technology enable stable bandwidths?

One topic that leads us to what the network infrastructure will look like in the future. It can be assumed that AI and edge cloud will bring the network structures closer to the actual user and that satellite technology will be an option for the end customer when it comes to filling gaps in coverage.

In addition to Starlink, Eutelsat has successfully tested the first direct 5G connection between satellite and smartphone, which will hopefully create European competition to StarLink and thus create a powerful product for the further expansion of coverage in the 5G network through competition.

Satellite technology could help connect locations faster and better, thus further reducing the cost pressure during expansion.

One step towards strengthening European satellite operators is the IRIS2 project.

The satellite constellation financed by the EU is to be built by the Spacerise industrial association, which consists of SES, Eutelsat and the Spanish provider Hispasat. With the project, Europe wants to become more independent of US companies.

In addition to Starlink, Amazon is already in the starting blocks with its Kuiper project. IRIS2 is not only intended to provide broadband internet, but also to provide communication for authorities and disaster protection.

It remains to be seen how the network operators in Germany decide to use satellite connections to their locations. The expansion of the entry points into the satellite connection for distributing data in the network will also play an important role in order to operate quickly and efficiently in the network.

The individual network operators have already taken the first steps and it will be interesting to observe how usage has developed until 6G technology is introduced.