SpaceX employed Starlink to assist Ukraine in overcoming communication barriers at war, showcasing the adaptable and resilient communication capabilities of satellites. In response to this development, Mantaray, a company originally founded in the US and operating in Taiwan, has recognized not only promising opportunities in maritime satellite communication but also the shortcomings of the prevailing satellite communication technology time-division multiple access (TDMA). Consequently, Mantaray has devised preamble sense multiple access (PSMA) satellite communication technology as a proactive strategy to aggressively target the Asia-Pacific market.
Global maritime satellite communication market: US$3.2 billion
The global maritime satellite communication market reached a size of approximately US$3.2 billion in 2022 and continues to show high growth potential. Herkea Jea, the general manager of Mantaray, stated that the maritime satellite communication market is closely related to the overall Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) industry, which generates revenue of up to US$8 billion, despite being a niche product and market. The VSAT industry has been thriving since the 1990s, evolving from initially supporting voice and low-speed data transmission to now facilitating broadband data transmission. The advancements in VSAT hardware and software align with its applications, spanning from early-stage networking and the Internet of Things (IoT) to today's cloud computing. With the transition from geosynchronous satellite technology to low Earth orbit(LEO) satellite networks and the impending arrival of the 6G era, Mantaray has chosen to adopt PSMA satellite communication technology instead of the mainstream TDMA to stay ahead in this dynamic market.
What is PSMA, and how can it address industry challenges?
In tracing the evolution of communication, Herkea Jea highlights that as communication evolved from analog to digital and then transitioned into packet-based systems during the 1990s, satellite communication continued to rely on the transmission of binary 0s and 1s, known as a bitstream. However, in wireless transmission, the need for modems persists, and satellite communication, in particular, incurs significant costs. Consequently, there arises a necessity for a single modem to transmit multiple signals and establish connections with various points. This simultaneous transmission of two or more signals or data streams over a single communication line has become the prevailing approach in the satellite communication market, referred to as TDMA.
Nonetheless, Herkea Jea contends that TDMA has become outdated due to technological advancements and changing demands. From an application perspective, the emergence of the IoT roughly a decade ago gradually popularized activities such as uploading images and videos over networks. This trend has begun to create opportunities for PSMA technology, including the requirement for cemand-assigned multiple zccess (DAMA) and adaptive bandwidth on demand (ABOD).
The driving force behind the potential of PSMA lies in the demand for cloud computing. Herkea Jea explains that with the advent of cloud computing, there is no longer a need to store data on a local computer. Accessibility is possible as long as there is an internet connection. However, when considering cloud file usage, let's assume automatic saving every 10 minutes, totaling six times per hour. This is contrary to the simultaneous transmission of multiple signals in TDMA, which requires significant data to be sent back. Consequently, with the growing demand for cloud computing, TDMA can no longer support the new data transmission requirements. This is why sending text messages on an airplane is feasible, but transmitting photos and videos can be problematic, as most satellite communication currently relies on TDMA.
Taiwan as a key focal point for expanding maritime satellite business
In discussions about future markets, Herkea Jea emphasizes a crucial factor in the gradual relocation of operations from the US back to Taiwan. The Asia-Pacific region, particularly Southeast Asia, stands out as the largest market for maritime satellites. Moreover, Taiwan boasts significant manufacturing advantages. After consulting with various industry insiders in Taiwan, it became evident that numerous manufacturing companies are keen on entering the satellite industry, with a focus on base station equipment, amplifiers, and RF components. While the present operational model involves activities in Taiwan and engineering-related tasks in the US, the emphasis will gradually shift back to Taiwan.
Concerning maritime satellite communication operations, the fact that most ships operate in international waters means they are relatively unaffected by telecommunications regulations compared to providers of general communication services via LEO satellite systems. Herkea Jea also highlights that Mantaray collaborates with telecommunications operators in certain regions, although this often results in higher expenses.
Using Mantaray's operations in Indonesia as an illustration, Indonesia, with its vast archipelago of over 13,000 islands, represents one of the world's largest satellite communication markets. In contrast to Taiwan's 0.1% usage rate, Indonesia boasts an impressive 43% satellite communication usage rate. The substantial number of ships in the country positions it as a pivotal hub for maritime satellite communication services. Presently, Mantaray has established partnerships in Indonesia, with the Indonesian state-owned oil company being its largest commercial client.
Article translated by Vyra Wu
