Sasken focuses on groundbreaking yet practical solutions, not compromising on passion when it comes to technological advancement. Due to its values, Sasken is an ideal business partner for companies navigating their way through the ever-evolving satellite communication markets.
"Global conflicts and crises have acted as catalysts for changes in the satellite communication industry," says Tero Pernu, Sasken's European CEO. "The world is moving at an incredible pace, making reliable and lightning-fast communication more valuable than ever. There is more data and its possibilities available than ever before, meaning that the landscape of business opportunities for technology players is constantly changing."
The democratization of technology raises interesting questions from the perspective of traditional teleoperators. Will there come a day when a network operator utilizing satellite communication surpasses land-based telecommunication businesses? This possibility should not be seen as a threat but rather as a beacon signalling the opening of new business opportunities – perhaps ones that also require lower initial capital.
"Sasken's role in this changing landscape is crucial. We are deeply committed to driving technological innovations forward, ensuring the reliability of products, and, above all, acting as problem solvers for our customers."
"We are actively helping our customers discover and leverage new opportunities arising from the convergence of land and satellite networks."
Just a decade ago, convergence was a buzzword. Now, the term has made a glorious return in the context of satellite communication, where land and satellite networks intersect at a shared focal point.
"This industry has previously been plagued by slow, risky, and capital-intensive projects. With convergence, fast, reliable, and cost-effective solutions are on the horizon," continues Pernu.
In the intricate world of satellite communication (satcom), Sasken is the architect of next-generation solutions. Sasken's history is filled with innovations in chipset and 3GPP-based stack systems, and now the company has emerged as a pioneer in 3GPP NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) technology. Sasken's development work is expected to pave new paths in the areas of radio traffic and the integration of land and satellite networks.
Sasken is a global product development powerhouse, with a deep passion and a strong grip on product development tailored meticulously to the needs of its customers. Sasken excels in navigating smoothly through the constantly evolving ecosystems of narrowband, broadband, and hybrid solutions.
"In a rapidly changing world, the roles of players are also constantly in flux. Satellite operators and land network operators have their own rules. Sasken's technical solutions and expertise can play the role of a bridge builder."
In the Finnish satellite communication market, the focus is on technological innovation and flexibility. While the market may not be massive, Finland is home to several specialized players and startups that leverage new technologies like NTN for tracking solutions and data analytics. Finland's agile administrative environment allows for the rapid adoption of new technologies. Finland has consistently gained more attention as an innovative hub, seen as an attractive destination for new investors aiming for the pinnacle of satellite technology.
Sasken's strength in the communication market is based on exceptional adaptability. Sasken has expanded its significant expertise into both satellite communication and critical communication services. Serving as the backbone of projects based on the convergence of satellite and land networks, Sasken has deep expertise in developing LTE terminals that operate over satellite connections for various terrestrial and maritime purposes.
"We became pioneers in satellite-based 4G development by entering into a strategic partnership with a leading space technology company," says Subhas Kamble, Sasken's Chief Technology and Solution Architect.
"We are at the forefront when it comes to comprehensive product solutions for satellite and land connections as well as vehicles. We introduced the world's first satellite-over-LTE terminals and are now developing NTN IoT eNB technology, NTN IoT UE reference devices, and antennas required for new communication solutions. These enable operators and system designers to create an NTN IoT ecosystem, which, in turn, is the first step towards a Networks of Networks architecture. These projects revolutionize everything that came before and lay the foundation for future satellite-based 5G networks," Kamble continues.
Among various broadband technologies, VSAT, especially, has traditionally provided high data transfer speeds suitable for GEO satellites. However, with the increasing prevalence of LEO satellites orbiting closer to the Earth's surface, there is a need for alternative technologies. Nowadays, LEO satellites can utilize modified 4G LTE technology, providing transmission and download speeds in the range of 25–50 Mbps. Consequently, 4G has become a viable broadband solution in the operating environments of LEO satellites.
While many of Sasken's customized technology solutions are designed for satellite communication, the company has substantial expertise in mobile networks as well. With its specialized knowledge spanning both streams of communication technology, Sasken can offer comprehensive solutions in every area and act as a valuable collaborator – more than a competitor – for companies aiming to secure a position at the forefront of the satcom world.
Pernu emphasizes that while the company aims to provide cutting-edge technical solutions, the central focus is always on ensuring that technological solutions are user-friendly and secure.
"Whether it's packing immense performance into a tiny device or minimizing satellite phone radiation, ensuring user experience and product safety are at the forefront of our design work."