What Happened
Outdated Financial Systems Hinder Satellite And Mobile Partnerships
The satellite industry is expanding rapidly, with companies like AST SpaceMobile and SpaceX launching new satellites and services. However, the industry’s most expensive problem isn’t in orbit, but rather in its outdated financial systems. Most mobile network operators still process payments through a system that dates back to 1991, which is incompatible with the billing models used by satellite operators. This has limited the growth of satellite and mobile partnerships, with many mobile network operators hesitant to invest in upgrading their infrastructure. According to SpaceNews, the industry needs to adopt new frameworks, such as the GSMA’s Billing and Charging Evolution, to enable the scaling of commercial arrangements and reach its full potential.