Non-terrestrial networks - the next frontier of connectivity

Sessions in rooms

Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) are no longer at the edge of telecom strategy — they are becoming a core layer of the digital infrastructure of the future. NTNs are rapidly moving from experimental satellite connectivity into an integrated part of future telecom architectures. With low-earth orbit constellations, hybrid terrestrial–space networks and AI-driven autonomy, CSPs are redefining how coverage, resilience and national connectivity capabilities are delivered.

Chair: David Villegas, Interoperability for Satcom-Telco, Gauvi

14:15 - 14:30
Case Study: Latest results from the Open SATCOM TM Forum Catalyst collaboration

• Why the market for satcom services expected to be worth around $74 billion by 2031, the Catalyst solution is targeted at an industry ecosystem that includes operators, distribution partners and OSS/BSS vendors
• Why non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) are critical for remote and rural coverage, disaster recovery and resilience and national sovereignty and critical services
• Demonstrating multi-orbit interoperability, showing how telcos and customers could interact with satellite connectivity providers in a more seamless way for satcom services
• How TM Forum’s APIs and other standards can be reused and adapted for satellite communications
• Latest progress and taking the TM Forum Catalyst project live with Airbus

Gareth Kentish, Global VP Sales, alvatross
Amina Boubendir, Head of Research and Standardization, Airbus

14:30 – 14:40
Case study: Satellite and NTNs – from innovation to integration

• Setting the scene: where satellite communications sit within the broader telecom ecosystem today, and how the role of non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) is evolving
• Key market drivers shaping adoption, including coverage gaps, resilience requirements, regulatory pressures and new commercial models
• Framing the next step: what needs to happen to move from pilots and Catalysts to commercial, scalable hybrid networks

Jayesh Hargovan, Senior Manager: Enterprise Architecture, Vodacom Group

14:40 - 14:50
The convergence of telco and satellite connectivity 

• How stc group is pioneering satellite-terrestrial integration across Saudi Arabia and the MENA region 
• How NTN enhances service reach, generating new demand rather than replacing terrestrial connectivity 
• Adopting a phased, partnership-led NTN strategy aligned with regulatory readiness, ecosystem maturity and clear commercial value realization 

Abdullah Alfaifi, GM, Group Technology Strategy and Business Architecture, stc

14:50 - 15:15
Panel: Designing the hybrid network of the future

• Will hybrid networks define future architectures and how should CSPs rethink network architecture for hybrid terrestrial–space environments?
• What role will autonomy and AI play in managing complexity and resilience?
• Which services will drive growth first: consumer coverage, enterprise IoT, or critical infrastructure?
• What skills and organizational changes are required to support NTNs?
• How CSPs can engage now through partnerships, trials and Catalyst collaborations?

Moderator: David Villegas, Interoperability for Satcom-Telco, Gauvi
Panelists:
Abdullah Alfaifi, GM, Group Technology Strategy and Business Architecture, stc
Jayesh Hargovan, Senior Manager: Enterprise Architecture, Vodacom Group
Joann O'Brien, VP, Composable IT and Ecosystems, TM Forum
João Miguel Antunes, Senior Manager, Celfocus

All timings are provisional and may be subject to change.