Making big waves in satellite communications, optical links, also known as Free-Space Optical (FSO) communication or laser communication, are transforming how satellites transmit data. It operates by transmitting data using concentrated laser beams between satellites or from satellites to ground stations, utilising light waves instead of radio frequencies. Optical links bring several benefits, addressing many of the challenges faced by traditional satellite communication.
Among these are significant technical advantages, starting with its fast data rates, enhanced security, reduced latency, and its smaller, lighter optical terminals. Optical links have many applications, including high-capacity data backhaul within satellite constellations and highly accurate ranging and time synchronisation between satellites in navigation constellations. This incredible precision enables more exact positioning and, consequently, more accurate GPS-like services.
Unblocking the flow
Another crucial benefit is the alleviation of spectrum congestion. The radioelectric spectrum is increasingly crowded due to the proliferation of wireless devices and services, from mobile phones to Wi-Fi networks and various satellite applications. This congestion leads to interference issues and limits the available bandwidth for high-capacity data transmission. By utilising a different set of frequencies, pressure is relieved from the traditional regulated spectrum. The highly directional nature of laser beams also means that different optical links are far less likely to interfere with each other, further enhancing spectral efficiency.
To regulate or not to regulate?
Notably, optical communication leverages light waves that typically operate in the infrared range – outside the 1 Hz to 3 THz radioelectric spectrum, which is the lifeblood of today’s wireless communications and is a heavily regulated resource. In practice, this means that while optical links fall within the international definition of telecommunications, they currently sit outside the regulatory frameworks governing spectrum use at both international and domestic levels.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has conducted studies on optical communications and, so far, concluded that no changes to the Radio Regulations are currently necessary to accommodate these applications. Meanwhile, organisations like the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) are developing standards to ensure seamless interoperability across different optical satellite systems. Standardisation and harmonisation will be essential to ensuring the seamless operation of services using this spectrum. However, at this early stage, emerging technologies typically benefit from a more flexible approach, rather than proactive regulation, which risks stifling innovation. A more observant, light-touch regulatory approach is better suited to this current phase of development.
A symbiotic future
The market for satellite laser communications is projected for robust growth, with significant investments from government agencies and private companies taking place to rapidly deploy low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellations equipped with optical inter-satellite links.
Optical links are not expected to replace the use of the radioelectric spectrum. The future will likely be characterised by a symbiotic relationship, enabling a robust, high-speed, and secure global communication infrastructure. Optical satellite communication is expected to unlock unprecedented levels of data throughput and connectivity, particularly for space communications and inter-satellite communications. Meanwhile, uses and applications based on the radioelectric spectrum will continue to provide reliable communications between Earth and space. The age of “fibre in the sky” is coming fast, promising to illuminate the future of global communication.
Access Partnership supports clients in navigating the complexities of telecommunications regulations and the conditions for providing innovative services through expert analysis and strategic guidance. To find out more about how our dedicated Regulatory Strategy & Market Access experts can help you adapt to evolving requirements, please contact Carolina Daza [email protected] or Juliana Ramirez [email protected].
