In efforts to monetize 5G, carriers and their hyperscaler partners have often pushed edge computing. Edge computing has the potential to drive innovative and vertically focused applications for industries such as entertainment, healthcare, transportation, and retail.
The idea was to extend cloud resources closer to the point where devices create and consume data, supporting cutting-edge applications that require low latency and consume large amounts of bandwidth. Although some innovative edge computing applications have emerged in areas such as gaming and self-driving cars, edge computing has not been the savior that financial engine providers expected.
As carriers struggle to deliver 5G results, hyperscalers are finding a foothold in new ways to gain an advantage. For example, hyperscalers provide a platform for carriers as customers begin to modernize their core networks. But they are also eyeing his 5G as a connectivity engine for low earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology. LEO satellites are deployed close to the Earth, typically between 500 and 2,000 kilometers above the surface.
Hyperscalar efforts target LEO satellites
Leading hyperscalers are using 5G to enable LEO satellite connectivity. Here we introduce some of the initiatives from AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure.
AWS
AWS decided to build and launch its own satellites. The hyperscaler plans to invest $10 billion through Project Kuiper to develop and deploy a network of LEO satellites. These satellites help provide mobile and cloud connectivity to remote and underserved areas.
Amazon launched the first prototype of its planned 3,236 satellites in October 2023. But the Federal Communications Commission has imposed a strict schedule, requiring Amazon to launch at least 1,618 satellites by 2026.
google cloud
SpaceX’s Starlink uses a network of LEO satellites that connect to ground stations operating within Google data centers. Google Cloud has a similar relationship with Leaf Space, an Italian-based ground station network operator, with Google Cloud hosting Leaf Space’s ground stations within its facilities. Leaf Space’s LEO satellites monitor a variety of applications in weather conditions and critical infrastructure tracking.
microsoft azure
SpaceX also has a relationship with Microsoft and will use Azure Orbital Cloud Access to send prioritized network traffic through Starlink’s network and Azure Edge devices. This extends cloud services to isolated locations or places where internet or mobile communications have been cut off due to natural or man-made disasters.
Hyperscalers use 5G to scale connectivity
In some ways, carriers’ previous edge computing efforts paralleled their experiences with the cloud, particularly IaaS. In the late ’80s, carriers like AT&T and Verizon wanted to go beyond the connectivity business and offer high-margin services.
They made a big move into on-demand compute and storage services that could potentially compete with AWS, but were unable to capitalize on that investment. Due to the lackluster results of their efforts, many carriers have opted to retreat from IaaS and continue to focus on secure cloud connectivity.
While carriers were unable to find compelling edge computing use cases, hyperscalers chose to leverage their capabilities to promote satellite network technology. In addition to the LEO satellite, it was also decided to construct an extraterrestrial data center.
Non-terrestrial networks rely on the following for connectivity:
- A device in medium Earth orbit.
- Geostationary orbit.
- high altitude platform.
- Drone.
As investment in space exploration increases, the need for powerful processing power and connectivity to resources on Earth on space stations and other vehicles continues to grow.
Amy Larsen DeCarlo has covered the IT industry for more than 30 years as a journalist, editor, and analyst. As a Principal Analyst at GlobalData, she is responsible for managed security and cloud services.
