Gartner Research

Ka Technology Compels Enterprises to Revisit Satellite Communications

Published: 28 February 2014

ID: G00260622

Analyst(s): Bill Menezes , Jay E. Pultz

Summary

Ka band satellite service using VSATs can offer 10-plus times greater data throughput at a lower cost than older-generation Ku band VSATs. Because Ka VSAT is now widely available, IT network managers should consider it the superior access solution for remote-location applications that require multimegabit speeds.

Table Of Contents
  • Impacts

Analysis

Impacts and Recommendations

  • Ka band VSAT services provide data throughput rates that are 10-plus times higher at a lower effective cost per bit than legacy Ku band systems, substantially expanding satcom's ability to serve as a terrestrial broadband alternative for the enterprise
  • Ka band is more susceptible to "rain fade" signal attenuation than Ku, but there are multiple technologies to mitigate this

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