Connectivity, the driving force of innovation, today and tomorrow

Connectivity isn’t just a utility—it’s the lifeblood of global innovation. Powering industries, transforming communication, and redefining how we live and work, it fuels the future. As technology accelerates, next-generation and non-terrestrial networks are revolutionizing real-time connectivity, meeting the surging demand for seamless, always-on communication.

The foundation of modern innovation

Modern technology thrives on an invisible force that keeps the world connected. From high-speed broadband and fiber optics to satellite networks and 5G, seamless data transfer has become the backbone of industry innovation. Whether powering artificial intelligence, cloud computing, or automation, none of these advancements can exist without a robust, scalable, and reliable connectivity infrastructure.

Driving real-time data transfer and industry innovation

Data is the backbone of business and technological advancements, transforming industries and reshaping decision-making at every level. The ability to process and analyze vast amounts of real-time data is revolutionizing supply chains, enhancing healthcare, and powering Industry 4.0 applications. From autonomous vehicles to secure financial transactions, the demand for instant, intelligent data exchange is unlocking new possibilities, streamlining operations, and fueling unprecedented efficiency.

The role of connectivity in smart cities and IoT

The rise of smart cities and the proliferation of IoT (Internet of Things) devices are further testament to the indispensable nature of connectivity. Smart grids, intelligent transportation systems, connected healthcare solutions, and automated infrastructure rely on seamless communication between devices, powered by strong and resilient networks. As urban centres continue to expand, investments in next-generation connectivity solutions will be crucial in ensuring sustainability, security, and efficiency in city management.

Looking ahead, the evolution of connectivity

The future of connectivity is already unfolding, driven by advancements in 6G, satellite internet, and edge computing. These innovations are not just on the horizon—they are actively transforming the digital landscape, accelerating progress, and unlocking unprecedented possibilities at an unprecedented pace.

6G networks, promising ultra-high speeds, near-instantaneous latency, and AI-driven network automation, it is believed the 6G will unlock new frontiers in immersive experiences, extended reality (XR), and quantum communication.

Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), with the rise of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations are bridging the digital divide, bringing high-speed internet to underserved and remote regions. As satellite and terrestrial networks converge, the promise of global, uninterrupted connectivity becoming a reality.

Edge computing and AI integration to reduce reliance on centralized cloud infrastructure, edge computing enables data processing closer to the source, enhancing speed, security, and efficiency in IoT and industrial applications.

Investing in the future

The rapid evolution of connectivity requires ongoing investment in infrastructure to meet future demands. Governments, enterprises, and technology providers must collaborate to build resilient, scalable, and secure networks that can support the increasing complexity of digital ecosystems. As emerging technologies continue to redefine the way we interact with the world, robust connectivity will be the key enabler in unlocking limitless potential across industries.

Connectivity is no longer just an enabler—it is the backbone of modern innovation. From smart cities and IoT to AI-driven automation and the next wave of industrial advancements, the ability to transmit data seamlessly and securely will determine the future of global progress. As we move through 2025 and beyond, the companies and nations that prioritize connectivity will be the ones leading the charge in technological innovation and economic growth. The future is now—how we invest in connectivity today will define the possibilities of tomorrow.

Commercis Plc Appoints New Board Member

Commercis Plc, the parent company of Talia, DataGrid Network and Quika, and a leading provider of connectivity and technology solutions today announced the appointment of Renato Goodfellow as a Board Member.

Renato brings over 40 years of experience in the telecommunication and connectivity industry harnessed at BT. Having spent most of his career in his chosen field, he is a true expert and has amassed a considerable amount of knowledge and experience that is unparalleled; gained in a number of industry sectors including satellite operator ownership, energy & mining, maritime, government, defence, telecoms, and more.

Until recently, he has held the position of the Head of Network Services Satellite role at BT Global Services. Prior to that, he held a wide range of positions and has been involved in some of the most prestigious projects across the globe from network planning, TV, product management, strategy, partnerships management and acquisitions.

"We are delighted to welcome Renato to Commercis Plc," said Alan Afrasiab, Chairman & President of Commercis Plc. "With over four decades of experience in the technology and telecommunications industry, Renato brings with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise in product, joint-ventures, acquisitions, and innovation. We are confident that Renato will provide invaluable insights and guidance to our team as we continue to grow our business and expand our reach into new markets. We are thrilled to have him join our Board and look forward to a productive partnership."

Renato Goodfellow said, "I am honoured to become a member of the Board of Directors at Commercis Plc. I have long admired the company’s commitment to innovation and its focus on customer satisfaction. I look forward to working with the board and management team to help the group of Commercis Plc achieve its long-term goals."

Announcement of the Appointment of Stewart Phillips and Floyd Turner

Talia is pleased to announce two new key appointments to its Global Service Delivery, with Stewart Phillips serving as VP of Global Project Service Delivery Director and Floyd Turner as VP of Global Service Delivery Operations & Customer Assurance.

Talia has always held a reputation for the highest service delivery standards, and these recent appointments further underpin that priority. With an increasing number of international projects being undertaken, the organisation’s structure will continue to support that growth, ensuring projects are delivered to the same exacting values that Talia has always stood for.

With a solid foundation and growing team, Service Delivery is now available to support Talia’s partners, providing an accountable and reliable service with complete transparency to the standard you expect from Talia.

Stewart has been with Talia for over four years. His new role will enable him to manage each project from conception to commercials, design, implementation, and project delivery to go live, after which Floyd’s team undertakes ongoing support and maintenance.

Stewart brings a wealth of technical and commercial experience, which he has honed through his management positions over the past four decades. He is a renowned expert who has served in various industries, including military, energy, and satellite communications.

At Talia, Floyd will lead teams responsible for ongoing service provision and maintenance, service partner management, quality management, and the Network Operations Centre (NOC).

Before joining Talia, Floyd held numerous customer relations and business operations roles. He has over 30 years of experience across various industries and companies, from startups to Fortune 500 companies across diverse markets and complex operational environments, including 15 years in satellite services. Floyd has been part of many innovative technology developments, service deployments, and implementation of customer management solutions.

“It is a pleasure working with Stewart and Floyd. The impact both are making is already visible and recognised by our customers,” said Alan Afrasiab, President & CEO of Talia. “Both bring extensive experience in operations, implementation, integration, and customer relationship, which will be highly valuable across the entire array of services we offer.”

What is Software Defined Satellite Technology?

The satellite industry is one of the modern world's biggest and most important sectors. It has various applications ranging from GPS signalling and telecommunications to cutting-edge orbital telescopes for space research.

For decades, satellite technology has allowed governments, businesses, and individuals to communicate, particularly in areas with poor terrestrial connectivity. Despite their significant benefits, satellite communications have always been limited in reach and performance.

Software Defined Satellite is the latest development in the satellite industry. It is designed to replace traditional hardware components with software. The ability to reconfigure the satellite means that the mission can change over time and be modified to meet changing demands.

This article explains how the introduction of software-defined satellite technology impacts the satellite industry.

Game-Changing Special Features of the Software Defined Satellite

It Has Reuse Capabilities

The main benefit of software-defined satellites is the ability to reuse a single satellite for multiple applications. This enables it to serve multiple users with varying needs.

The new technology entails transitioning from traditional investments in satellite ground-based infrastructure to a flexible and open virtualized network environment.

By shifting customization capabilities to software, generic satellites can be reconfigured when necessary. This is a significant cost-saving approach over maintaining a satellite in a static configuration for many years.

Flexibility

Flexibility is one of the main advantages of software defined satellite units. It gives operators the freedom to change their mission. This was previously one of the most challenging aspects of space exploration.

The mission for the next five to fifteen years was defined once a satellite was launched. Some of its functionality could be changed by developers, but the mission was well-defined. Having an SDS allows operators to change this feature, making these devices adaptable to new emerging missions.

It is Convenient

The traditional satellite required anyone interested in deploying a satellite in space to go through a multi-step process. This includes designing the satellite based on the specific functionality, locating a launch or mission provider, building the necessary hardware, obtaining permits and licences, and so on.

However, the software defined approach enables the deployment of a software code to an existing satellite in a day, and operations can begin instantly.

Platform-Independence

Previous satellites relied heavily on specific hardware to perform their functions. This will be a thing of the past with the new SDS, which runs on software. This enables the development of platform-independent, portable applications that can be reused across multiple satellite platforms as long as the models in the family are sufficiently compatible.

Gives Way to Future Possibilities

The most difficult advantage of using a "software-defined" framework for satellite development will be to predict. The benefits of "software-defined satellites" extend well beyond the potential to reconfigure a satellite for multiple clients and missions.

Creating an entirely new domain for independent developers may result in the same explosion of new applications as the creation of modern smartphones or the World Wide Web. When all of the infrastructure for low-cost, low-friction software installation on space-based platforms is in place, breakthroughs will undoubtedly follow.

Low Price

The space industry is one of the world's most capital-intensive sectors. The increasing availability of satellite data has lowered the barriers to entry for small businesses and solo business owners, even home users with the launch of OneWeb and Starlink.

The software-defined satellite uses a model in which multiple satellite missions can share access to a single satellite's resources and charge users on a pay-per-use basis. This could lead to many more people participating in the upstream space segment due to cost reductions.

It is Customer Centred

These satellites enable real-time optimization and change of coverage, power, beams, and bandwidth and deliver capacity when customers need it. This is especially true for mobility, which has variable demands such as time of day, flight routes, hotspots, etc. It optimises payload utilisation because capacity is well-spent where there is no demand.

Operators can also respond to shifts in demand, such as customer demographics and business models. Additionally, operators can attend to fast-changing needs, including moving bandwidth and power around a region to support new traffic.

In most cases, they can be modified in a matter of minutes to respond to changes in customer or network demand. Emerging issues such as signal interference can be easily detected and fixed immediately.

Revenue Opportunities

According to NSR, the growing software defined satellite market represents an $86.9 billion cumulative revenue opportunity from its launch and manufacturing operations by 2030. Adopting innovations such as software-defined platforms enable operators to create new business cases and opportunities for growth.

Unleashes the Full Potential of 5G and 6G

Software defined satellite technology will be critical in the construction and operation of 5G and 6G networks. They provide distinct advantages in terms of resilience, coverage, security, and mobility. They will efficiently make 5G and 6G accessible everywhere to businesses and citizens worldwide.

Software defined satellites will be critical in extending 5G networks to air, sea, and other remote areas that small cell networks cannot reach. Satellites provide seamless coverage of 5G services from cities to aeroplanes, cruise ships, and other automobiles in remote locations for end users.

5G will usher in a new era of communications, connecting more homes and businesses, enabling more powerful applications, increasing throughput and efficiency, and opening up new market opportunities. The technology will bring about the fourth industrial revolution, with 5G and 6G-powered smart homes, smart cities, and smart agriculture transforming how we live and work.

How SDS Will Restructure Satellite Operations

Traditionally, the ground section and satellites were viewed as separate entities, with the satellite acting as a fixed, bent pipe. However, with software-defined payloads, they operate as a single synchronised system. Ground operation will also change by shifting from closed, human-operated hardware to open, versatile, automated software to match the functionalities and flexibility of the satellites.

Converting analogue broadcasting signals to digital packets, virtualizing hardware to software, and automating as many operations as possible are all part of this. The ground can operate much more flexibly thanks to digitised satellite signals and virtualized signal processing, allowing operators to maximise the value of software-defined payloads.

Both space agencies and the space industry are now recognizing the benefits of "software-defined satellite" technologies. The SDS has become a game changer because the latest software development is much more open and available to the global programming community. Satellite mission innovation and operations are becoming more accessible. This will allow more business concepts to be implemented and tested in a real space mission context.

Commercis, ABS, and ST Engineering iDirect join forces to bring major connectivity expansion across four continents

Commercis Communications, a Commercis Plc company, has partnered with satellite operator ABS, and satellite hardware manufacturer ST Engineering, to expand robust connectivity across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The collaboration will enhance services across these regions, enabling Talia to offer flexible services and to speed up time to market with the delivery of essential communications to remote areas. Talia will extend an array of applications to customers that will meet the demands of enterprises, Energy companies and NGOs.

The new ABS-2 C-band satellite link will be operated through a dedicated antenna at Commercis's Teleport in Germany and will offer high reliability, redundancy, and interconnectivity through our MPLS network across the world.

“The collaboration with Commercis Communications and ST Engineering shows our commitment to meet the growing demand of connectivity across these key markets. Our vast global beam coverage will support Talia’s broadband services across four continents,” said Paolo Pusterla, MD of EMEA, ABS. “ABS satellites’ footprints in C and Ku bands are wide and allow long-distance connections which is ideal for large networks and international liaisons. With advanced solutions on the ground such as ST Engineering’s iDirect, bandwidth is optimised and cost-effective for prime and backup services. Notably, ABS service offerings are perfectly suited to Virtual Network Operators and global providers such as Talia.”

Broadband connectivity and access to technology can propel the social and economic development of nations and provide huge benefits. Currently, however, approximately 35 per cent of underdeveloped countries are connected to the Internet, compared to around 80 per cent in advanced economies. Talia is focused on providing service to these underserved markets with affordable connectivity. Through collaborative partnerships like this one where leading enterprise combine their strengths to deliver world-class services, greater changes can be made towards a better future.

Commercis adds Ka-band spot beam covering the Levant Region

Talia a Commercis Plc brand, a leading communications solutions provider serving the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Americas, today announced its further collaboration with Arabsat, acquiring an additional Ka-band spot beam with coverage across the Levant region.

The new agreement adds an additional Ka-band spot beam on Arabsat 5C at 20°E to Talia's existing beams in Iraq and Afghanistan and shows the increasing demand for High-Throughput Satellite (HTS) services across the region.

The latest coverage also takes advantage of Talia's interconnectivity at Jordan Media City, allowing further onward connectivity to Talia's global MPLS fibre network and onward to Frankfurt, London, Dubai and Washington.

Further, the Levant spot Ka-band beam provides interconnectivity within the footprint bypassing the hub and allowing point-to-point or point-to-multipoint connections enabling lower transmission costs and smaller antennas.

Talia, who was this year shortlisted for the WTA Independent Teleport Operator of the Year continue to strengthen their varied communication solutions. Alan Afrasiab, President and CEO of Talia stated, "with all the uncertainty in the world at the moment, we have seen sustained and increasing demand for our service to help provide support and resilience to existing networks or extend the reach of a more dispersed workforce. By partnering with a leading operator such as Arabsat, we can deliver our commitment to our clients in the region".

“We are delighted to extend our partnership with Talia as a leading teleport, satellite and terrestrial network operator with extensive experience of the Middle East and Africa markets”, says Khalid Balkheyour, President and CEO, Arabsat. “The demand for connectivity in this region has seen a continuous growth and this agreement will further cement our partner's confidence in Arabsat to provide high-quality and reliable services to unconnected communities across the MENA market”, continues Balkheyour.

Click here to view the latest satellite coverage.

Commercis Enables Retail Businesses Across Cameroon to Grow

In today’s connected world, retail outlets and microbusinesses cannot afford to be offline. A fast and reliable broadband connection is essential for their continued success. Not only can the internet help retailers to keep in touch with suppliers and customers, but it can also provide them with necessary business tools like payments, marketing and security.

At low cost, and at scale, applications and services powered by the internet have accelerated economic growth and created jobs worldwide. However, in sub-Saharan Africa, geographical location is still a significant obstacle to achieving universal digital access. Retailers based in rural areas struggle to access efficient and cost-effective networks.

Although progress is slow, governments are gradually adopting policies, and affordability is improving. One of the latest reports from the Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI)* shows Cameroon as one of the few countries that have helped individual users and businesses boost internet access affordability with new national broadband plans.

Although the lack of infrastructure and funding is slowing the country’s internet penetration creating a major obstacle for many entrepreneurs and retailers, Talia together with KNP, a leading Cameroon telecommunication and IT provider, is hoping to change that.

KNP provides both residential and commercial customers access to fixed and mobile networks, together with television, connecting people to others across the world.

Challenges

Internet fees in Cameroon are still too expensive
Fibre is often costly to deploy to remote areas
Building and operating the necessary infrastructure is too costly
Stores located in remote areas are unable to connect to cloud services, meaning retail outlets struggle to develop their businesses and foster relationships with customers

Requirements

Providing new affordable broadband plans to retailers based in remote areas with a limited budget for setup fees and MRC
Connecting a chain of retail outlets to a remote service cloud located outside of the country
Providing connectivity solutions to retailers to improve customer experience, manage stock levels, answer customer queries, send email receipts directly from the shop floor, enhance digital marketing and customer reach
Increasing security with the installations of CCTV in each store
Providing larger broadband capacity at faster speeds using smaller satellite dishes

Talia’s solution

The partnership between Talia and KNP is helping connect the unserved market of Cameroon with high-speed internet by satellite at costs equivalent to terrestrial services.

Through the Quika platform, a low-cost Ka-band internet service powered by Talia, a chain of retail outlets is now able to improve their business and provide better customer service. A large proportion of their operations can now take place online, from working via cloud-based software to transmitting data between different stores and carrying out online transactions.

Quika satellite services are location independent; therefore, high bandwidth can be delivered directly to subscribers no matter where they are. The service does not require substantial infrastructure investment with the terminal price being less than $500. Customers are in control of how much they spent on a month to month basis and have the option to purchase additional data when they need more.

The Quika Ka-band terminals comprise an antenna, transceiver and modem. The single cable connection between the antenna and terminal means that self-installation is simplified for a more user-friendly utilisation.

In response to the technical challenges and the lack of infrastructure that the country is currently facing, Quika provides fast, affordable connectivity via an online portal to retailers and SME’s across Cameroon which is not yet connected to the internet.

Accomplishments

“Given the growing demand by government agencies, small businesses and NGO’s for high-performance connectivity at affordable costs, Talia is helping us provide a sustainable high-speed data usage solution to remote African communities”, says Achille Tchekounang, General Direct of KNP.

“Ka-band connectivity is a no-brainer for many parts of Africa as it complements the sparsely distributed terrestrial networks in the hinterlands while leveraging the submarine cables along the African coastline”, says Ayes Amewudah, VP Sales of Talia.

“In addition, Ka-band offers higher throughput speeds than any other bands at lower costs, using a much smaller dish. This enables us to offer higher-speed packages, allowing retailers and other small businesses to benefit from a stable broadband supply at the speed they choose at a very affordable price.”

As a result, several retail outlets across Cameroon are now connected to the internet through Quika. By saving money on internet access, retailers can improve their businesses by investing in more advanced retail software, staff training and improve store security.

Launched in 2018, Quika’s unique business model makes high-speed, low-latency broadband affordable and sustainable for remote African communities. Its mission is to close the gap between connected and unconnected areas, to resolve a significant cause of economic and social inequality. By doing so, Talia’s platform aims to empower individuals through the educational, economic and social benefits that online connectivity brings.

“The combination of technical experience, human relationship and exceptional customer support make Talia a valuable partner for KNP in Africa, and plans are underway to expand Ka-band services to additional stores in Cameroon and Congo”, says Achille.

Commercis subsidiary Talia, Finalists for WTA Independent Teleport Award

We are delighted to announce that Talia has been selected as a finalist for the 2020 World Teleport Association’s (WTA) Teleport Awards for Excellence.

The 2020 Teleport Awards will be presented on the 10th March at a luncheon ceremony for invited guests at the Satellite 2020 conference taking place in Washington, DC from 8th to 11th March.

Talia has been shortlisted for its significant contribution to providing value-added services to the broadcasting, enterprise, carrier and governments sectors through its innovative commercial communications hub located in Raising, Germany.

The state-of-the-art facility was the first teleport to receive Full Certification from the WTA in 2016. The renewal of the WTA’s Tier 3 certificate in 2019 demonstrates Talia’s high level of competence and the quality of services provided through the teleport.

The teleport is Talia’s primary earth station connecting satellites across the Middle East, Europe and Africa with their advanced terrestrial MPLS network, providing our clients with access to a wide array of frequencies including C, KA and KU bands.

We are honoured to be nominated for the prestigious award of Independent Teleport of the Year, and we would like to thank the association and members and non-members who participated in the nomination process.