About Us 240304

The MSSA is a non-profit industry association that seeks to advance global mobile connectivity for Direct-to-Device (D2D) and IoT services. MSSA will bring significant scale and choice to promote and advance the emerging D2D ecosystem by utilizing over 100 MHz of L-band and S-band spectrum that is already allocated and licensed for mobile satellite services (MSS). This spectrum is well-suited for integration into a broad range of mobile devices, and enabling satellite connectivity into consumer mobile devices is a transformative opportunity for the satellite industry.

MSSA intends to align with 3^rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards – and other applicable standards – to extend terrestrial mobile coverage globally for both Mobile Network Operator (MNO) and Over-the-Top (OTT) internet services.

Founding members Viasat, Terrestar Solutions, Ligado Networks, Omnispace and Yahsat are working alongside one another to recruit other key stakeholders to join this newly formed industry effort. MSSA members support a vision of integrating terrestrial and non-terrestrial network (NTN) services to deliver scalable, sustainable and affordable connectivity to any device, anytime, anywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions About MSSA

Why is there a need for an MSS-focused association?

MSS licensed spectrum provides significant advantages including enabling existing space networks to immediately offer Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) services; an existing global regulatory framework; no interference with terrestrial networks; and more spectrum to advance 5G New Radio (5G-NR) services. MSS spectrum also enables all MNOs to offer space/terrestrial integration in their entire service area without having to sacrifice terrestrial spectrum.

This is a rapidly emerging market, and there is a significant need to:

- - Unite efforts to foster global support for MSS Spectrum Holder solutions.
  - Accelerate market adoption and innovation.
  - Provide a forum to coordinate and drive advocacy for space sustainability and regulatory goals of the MSS operators.
  - Establish a neutral platform for working, code of conduct, and identifying viable technical solutions and processes.
  - Create an open forum for jointly developing and coordinating 3GPP and other standards submissions and responses.
  - Bring the industry together through the development of common technical standards and enhancement of regulatory frameworks

What are the key goals of the MSSA?

MSSA is focused on achieving the following fundamental goals:

- - Unlocking interoperable architectures and standards for use in multi-orbit satellite systems, ground infrastructure, and end user equipment
  - Enhancing seamless global roaming between terrestrial and multi-orbit satellite networks through the development of recommended specifications
  - Achieving scale through improved coordination and cooperation mechanisms among MSS operators to maximize the utility of over 100 MHz of already available and licensed global MSS spectrum in nations desiring advanced NTN services
  - Maximizing scarce multi-orbit space and spectrum resources and employing sustainable network design and operation to enable affordable advanced NTN services
  - Advocating for policies, laws and regulations, including those related to rational, efficient, safe and sustainable uses of spectrum and orbits, and where appropriate, objective and quantitative metrics regarding all objects in orbit around Earth
  - Providing a neutral forum for coordination of 3GPP NTN and other international standards activities
  - Supporting the integration of space networks into national telecommunications infrastructure via trusted local partners and within sovereign regulatory and national security frameworks
  - Supporting mechanisms for individual nations to participate in the new space economy via open standards and architectures, and via the space networks supported by MSSA

Why is the formation of MSSA important for mobile customers?

MSSA aims to foster and create an environment where satellite connectivity is an integrated part of available consumer mobile services globally. Through alignment and commitment from non-terrestrial-network (NTN) providers, MSSA will advance Direct-to-Device capabilities and facilitate the evolution of seamless, integrated networks that will offer consumers affordable high-performance cellular-like services to any device, anytime, anywhere in the world.

Who can join the Mobile Satellite Services Association?

The MSSA will drive initiatives to foster D2D ecosystem support for MSS-based 3GPP services and support the objectives of all prospective MSSA members, including:

- - Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and MVNOs
  - L- and S-Band Spectrum Rights Holders
  - Mobile Phone Manufacturers
  - Automotive OEMs
  - Network Infrastructure Providers
  - Satellite Operators
  - Chipset Vendors
  - Application Developers
  - IoT Companies
  - Government Stakeholders
  - Test Equipment Vendors
  - Standardization Bodies

What is the expected outcome during the Association’s first phase?

MSSA embraces the power of satellites to help bridge the digital divide by becoming a truly integrated part of cellular communications. Initially, MSSA will create an open forum for collaborative development of technical specifications and best practices for terrestrial/satellite interoperability. On behalf of the MSS ecosystem, MSSA will also support important 5G-New Radio (NR)-NTN and NB-NTN initiatives including augmentation of current L- and S-band capabilities.

The Association embraces collaboration in developing space-based services in a sustainable and responsible manner through marketing initiatives, market awareness, advocacy, regulatory efforts, and standards coordination.

What is the process to join the Association?

Contact a Membership specialist at help@mss-association.org or visit our Join page for Membership levels, pricing, benefits and more.

How do I get more information?

Please email us at help@mss-association.org.