Revolutionizing connectivity: Connecting the World from the Skies 2024 Global Forum concludes
A global meeting to shape the future of non-terrestrial networks (NTN) and connectivity
RIYADH , Saudi Arabia , Nov. 30, 2024 / — The second Connecting the World from the Skies Global Forum successfully concluded on November 26, 2024, bringing together a global community of 82 speakers and attendees, including 16 CEOs and 9 regulators.
Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST), in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), organized the second edition of the forum in Riyadh, themed “Shaping the Future of Converged Connectivity,” which delved into the next frontier of connectivity and explored the full potential of non-terrestrial networks (NTN).
“Saudi Arabia is committed to uniting global efforts to connect the unconnected and bridge the digital divide, all in the service of humanity,” said HE Dr. Mohammed Altamimi , Governor of the CST. “By fostering collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers and innovators, we are accelerating the development and deployment of NTN technologies to benefit societies around the world.”
The keynote panel discussion, titled “A Global Vision for the Future of NTN Connectivity,” delved into NTN’s pivotal role in establishing seamless global connectivity. Eminent leaders and experts shared visionary insights on shaping integrated communication networks that transcend geographical boundaries.
Carlos Baigorri , President of Anatel, highlighted the importance of global collaboration to ensure equitable regulation and inclusive participation in discussions on space as a shared global asset. Aarti Holla-Maini , Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, highlighted three key factors to consider when evaluating NTN technologies: bandwidth, cost and quality of service. She emphasized that higher bandwidth is crucial for applications that demand stable and reliable service, which is particularly critical for mission-critical use cases.
The forum witnessed the first-of-its-kind Direct-to-Device (D2D) trial in the Middle East and North Africa region, which involves connecting smart devices compatible with 3GPP Release 17 standards to a satellite, enabling data transmission and reception in unconnected areas. This experiment aimed to connect unconnected areas, develop NTN technologies, attract global investments and stimulate local investments in this field.
The forum also hosted the second edition of the International Research Competition (Non-Terrestrial Networks for 6G Competition) and awarded three winners. The competition, organized in collaboration with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), attracted more than 170 researchers and academics from 30 countries. The competition aims to promote innovative solutions and support scientific research in the field of non-terrestrial networks. The three best proposals were recognized at the forum for honoring their contributions to the advancement of 6G technology.
Key topics discussed at the forum included seamless direct connectivity to devices; aligning global visions for non-terrestrial networks for WRC-27 and beyond; unlocking the potential of D2D connectivity; global connectivity across LEO networks; delivering sustainability in and from space; and unveiling the future of the space economy.
