Telco 5G and Non-Terrestrial Networks: An architecture trade analysis to select solutions to support socio-technical needs in Sub-Saharan Countries

Abstract

Sub-Saharan Africa(SSA) has a unique cellular mobile subscriber base of over 490 million, accounting for a mobile penetration of 43%. Despite the growth in mobile telephony over the past few decades, more than 180 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa live without internet access. For those living in areas with internet connectivity, at least 59% of people cannot afford access to the internet and remain unconnected. The Global System for Mobile Communications(GSMA) estimates that mobile internet in Sub-Saharan Africa will increase by over 160 million by 2030, with fifth-generation (5G) coverage accounting for 17%. At the same time as 5G technology picks up, satellite operators are deploying megaconstellations to provide ubiquitous broadband communications services. The access to the sub 2GHz spectrum to support satellite direct-to-device will likely lead to new business models for Mobile Operators in Sub-Saharan Africa. The African space industry is anticipated to grow to about USD 23 Billion by 2026, with an expected launch of an additional 105 satellites. Fifteen African countries have collectively launched 59 satellites. This thesis applies a systems engineering approach to evaluate a selection of concepts for a 5G-Non-Terrestrial Network (5G-NTN) to address coverage of the currently unconnected people across Sub-Saharan Africa. The architecture tradespace exploration framework evaluates feasible 5G-NTN architectures using cost and multi-attribute utility. The analysis suggests a constellation of at least 45 satellites in Low Earth Orbit to provide integrated access and backhaul for 5G networks. Implementing such an architecture would require collaboration between mobile network operators and space agencies in Sub-Saharan Africa to create a shared satellite constellation infrastructure to address coverage and Space sovereignty needs.