Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Anthem

A high level opening session that sets the scene by hearing from different industry leaders on their global visions for the future of NTNs. How do they see the future development of the sector and what need to be the next steps from both industry and policy stakeholders in order for the exciting potential of NTNs can be realised?

The session will discuss the vital role of WRC-27 in shaping the future shape of NTN and converged connectivity, and at the importance of collaboration and coordination in the preparation and build up to this. How can stakeholders come together to ensure the vast potential of NTN is achieved?

Focussing on the huge potential of hybrid terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks and potential business models and types of collaboration that will help create this exciting new ecosystem. Discussions will also focus on strategies that are emerging from both terrestrial and non-terrestrial operators, and on the technology and policy challenges that need to be overcome.

This session will dissect the exciting possibilities of space, from revolutionary technologies to the creation of new markets and industries. It will delve into the economic influence and growth of non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) – a game-changer for space exploration and global connectivity; and also look more broadly at emerging space technologies in related areas such as reusable launch vehicles and in-space manufacturing. It will explore the new markets that are emerging and look at what needs to be done to take advantage of these.

This session will explore sustainability both in space and from space. It will delve into how space solutions can address environmental and social challenges, ensuring that our ventures beyond Earth are responsible and beneficial for both our planet and society. It will discuss the management of space debris, and explore both governance and technical challenges that need to be overcome in order to deliver on the goal of a single, unified and robust global Space Traffic Management (STM) framework that ensures the continued safety and viability of future missions. What measures can be taken to mitigate the issue of space debris? How can space solutions more broadly help the environment and society?

This session will focus specifically on the key role that innovative start-ups can play in unlocking the transformative potential of non-terrestrial networks (NTNs). The fast-evolving environment offers huge opportunities for innovative start-ups who can harness the unique capabilities of NTNs and revolutionize connectivity across different vertical applications. It will look at the role that Governments and regulators can play in delivering an environment that encourages innovation amongst start-ups and SMES, and at how best to equip these innovative new market entrants with the knowledge and strategies needed to successfully navigate technical and regulatory challenges and to launch and scale ventures.

Building on the final 2 sessions from yesterday, this session will focus specifically on the way in which advancements in NTN technologies are being harnessed to meet the very varied connectivity requirements of businesses and communities all around the world. It will look at the innovative ways in which satellites and aerial platforms are being leveraged to complement existing networks and enable seamless connectivity in sometimes remote and challenging environments. It will explore the transformative potential of NTN, the advancements driving its adoption, and the challenges that still remain as the boundaries of digital communication continue to be expanded.

Exploring the exciting potential of converging non-terrestrial and 5G technologies to unlock a new era of ubiquitous, high-performance connectivity. It will discuss emerging new use cases, including for IoT applications and examine the market that the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial solutions is opening up.

A discussion to address the security concerns surrounding NTNs, including potential vulnerabilities and attack vectors, and what needs to be done to safeguard NTN networks and foster a secure and reliable environment. It will discuss the ways in which innovative solutions and best practices are being used to increase NTN security, and at how satellites and non-terrestrial networks can help to contribute to increasing the security of communications networks more broadly.

A forward looking sessions that focusses on how innovations in space and satellite technologies are set to revolutionise connectivity in and between earth and lunar orbits. From emerging new LEO connectivity technologies, to next generation very high throughput NEO and GEO satellites, and to lunar connectivity and networks designed to provide communication capabilities on the lunar surface, the session will look at the exciting new innovations that are emerging across all types of connectivity from space, and the opportunities that it can provide. It will look at the technical and policy challenges that need to be overcome, and at the potential impact that growth of new connectivity models may have on ground network infrastructures, and how they can fit within the scope of existing Radio Regulations. What needs to be done to now to start preparing for the future of connectivity and to ensure a robust and interference free environment for the next generation of communications in and from outer-space?

A forward looking sessions that focusses on how HAPS and nearspace technologies are evolving, and at the exciting potential that new innovations and technologies are starting to uncover. HAPS have the potential to deliver connectivity, coverage, and performance enhancements that neither satellites nor terrestrial towers can offer. Now, following WRC-23, HAPS operators have access to key spectrum bands that can power its future success, one of the factors that led to The World Economic Forum selecting HAPS as one of its top 10 emerging technologies of 2024. This session will look at the work that is being done to develop reliable unmanned nearspace connectivity systems, and at the emerging markets and use cases that could open up in the future. It will look at the challenges that still need to be overcome, at the expected future shape of this exciting sector, and at the potential role that it could play in delivering the global/ubiquitous connectivity holy grail which is set to be one of the expectations of 6G.