UBS(US:UBS) Goldman Sachs·2025-06-23 02:09Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the telecom sector or satellite broadband technology Core Insights - Satellite broadband technology has advanced significantly in the last 3-5 years, but it remains uncompetitive against traditional 4G/5G broadband due to cost and speed considerations [2] - The most common business model involves telecom companies partnering with satellite providers to enhance broadband coverage, often leading to premium pricing for consumers [2] - Future developments to watch include the use of mid-band spectrum to improve speed, the evolution of satellite-to-cell technology, and a projected decline in satellite costs by 20-50% [2][4] Technology Overview - Satellite constellations include Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Low Earth Orbit (LEO), with varying altitudes affecting communication methods [3] - Current satellite broadband operates on low-band frequencies (400-800MHz), with potential to transition to mid-band frequencies to enhance latency and speed, potentially reaching up to 400Mbps [3] Cost Structure - Key cost components for satellite broadband include satellite manufacturing (US $250k-500k per LEO satellite), satellite launch costs, ground station expenses, and management/maintenance costs [4] - The manufacturing process is currently labor-intensive, but advancements are expected to reduce costs by 20-50% [4] Market Dynamics - Telecom companies can monetize satellite-to-cell services by bundling them into premium mobile plans, particularly in remote areas where reliability is crucial [6] - The deployment of these services is accelerating, driven by the need for emergency services and the limited availability of launch vehicles [6]