• Saf Malik, senior reporter at Capacity Media (moderator)
• Saher Abudaqar, managing sales director for the Middle East and North Africa at Intelsat
• Mohannad Makki, carrier & wholesale marketing VP at stc
• Joe Apa, VP of sales EMEA at Rivada Space Networks
• Mohamed Bakry, director of solutions engineering at Cisco

Rivada’s Joe Apa opened the discussion by outlining the current market landscape, emphasising that “hybrid is more of an option today and moving forward because of the innovation that we see with satellite communications and satellite networks than ever before.”

He noted the traditional reliance on geostationary VSAT satellites for remote coverage but highlighted the advantages brought by low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, such as low latency, high security, and rapid coverage deployment.

He also emphasised that Rivada’s lack of a gateway infrastructure allows for a true hybrid approach that integrates seamlessly with fibre networks. This, according to Apa, ensures improved latency, increased security, and immediate global coverage.

When asked about Intelsat’s approach to hybrid networking, Abudaqar stated that the days of perceiving satellite as a mere backup solution are over.

“If satellite is being used as an integral part of a hybrid network, the way we’re doing it is by adapting industry standards,” he explained. He pointed to Intelsat’s role in the 3GPP Release 17, which integrated satellite and non-terrestrial network 5G connectivity.

He emphasised the importance of strong partnerships with telecom operators and mobile network operators (MNOs) and warned against segmenting connectivity into industry verticals. According to Abudaqar, this approach limits economic opportunities that could be unlocked by a truly integrated hybrid network.

Bakry provided insights into Cisco’s role in unifying diverse connectivity methods. “The satellite for us is just another transport media,” he stated, explaining that Cisco treats all network transport mediums as IP-based and unifies them accordingly.

He highlighted Cisco’s collaborations with major satellite operators, including SpaceX, and the role of standards organisations like the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) in certifying carrier Ethernet over satellite.

According to Bakry, these certifications play a crucial role in ensuring seamless integration between satellite and terrestrial networks. “With software-defined networking (SDN) and SD-WAN, we can optimise application-specific traffic flows regardless of whether they are carried over fibre, MEO, or LEO satellites.”

Makki provided the perspective of a major telecommunications provider, stc. “I don’t see the satellite as a complement when it comes to hybrid networks. It depends on the use case,” he asserted. He identified three key areas where satellite plays a role: direct-to-device (D2D) offerings, mobility solutions, and fibre access.

He also noted that satellite serves as both a complement and a standalone solution in backhauling and international connectivity, depending on demand and specific customer requirements.

When discussing optimal fibre routes in light of geopolitical and geographical challenges, Makki acknowledged that political instability can create both challenges and opportunities.

“Having an optimal route would mean that you need to build a robust network that caters for your business, the customer business, and is efficient enough to offer the most acceptable latency that the customer would expect,” he explained.

Abudaqar highlighted recent advancements in satellite technology that enhance hybrid networking capabilities. He discussed high-throughput geostationary satellites, software-defined satellites (SDS), and multi-orbit solutions.

“With SDS, we can dynamically allocate resources on the satellites,” he said, explaining that traditional satellite beam sets and power allocations were fixed once a satellite was launched.

Now, with software-defined satellites, operators have greater control over beam configurations and throughput allocation. He also emphasised the importance of multi-orbit solutions incorporating GEO, MEO, and LEO satellites to optimise application performance.

Apa reinforced this point by elaborating on Rivada’s unique approach to LEO satellite networking. “What we are doing at Rivada is different. We do not operate gateways. We do not need gateways on the ground infrastructure,” he stated.

Instead, Rivada connects data in space using laser diodes, creating a “carrier Ethernet network in the sky.” Apa argued that this approach reduces security risks, enhances latency, and allows for a more seamless integration with fibre networks. ”

Over a medium to long distance, it can be faster than fibre,” he asserted, emphasising the advantages of a hybrid satellite-fibre architecture for latency-sensitive applications such as financial trading.

Abudaqar provided examples of how satellite connectivity has been instrumental in responding to major disruptions in the MENA region. He cited recent deployments in Yemen and Libya, where satellite links enabled emergency responders and utility workers to restore services following natural disasters and conflicts.

“Our local partner, Universal Satcom, deployed satellite links in Yemen where terrestrial infrastructure had been severely impacted,” he said, demonstrating the critical role of satellites in ensuring resilience.

The panel also discussed the impact of AI and automation in managing hybrid networks. “AI can be used for advanced traffic management,” Abudaqar stated. He highlighted how AI can predict surges in network traffic, similar to anticipating increased demand during large events like the Glastonbury Festival in the UK.

By integrating AI with SD-WAN, network operators can optimise performance and allocate resources dynamically across terrestrial and satellite networks.

Makki added that AI-driven demand for connectivity is also shaping investment strategies. “There’s a massive investment happening on the terrestrial part, both underground and subsea, to cater to the demand that AI will be generating,” he stated. This underscores the importance of resilient hybrid networks in an AI-driven world.

All panellists agreed that partnerships are crucial for ensuring the success of hybrid networks. “For any technology to be successful, you need two things: an integrated technology stack and an ecosystem around it,” Bakry asserted. He emphasised the need for satellite providers, telecom operators, and ground station providers to work together.

Makki reinforced this point, by stating, “As a customer, all I care about is getting a service that is always continuously offered to me at the right price with the right expectations.” According to him, successful partnerships ensure efficiency, shared risk, and shared returns.

Apa concluded by emphasising the role of partnerships in Rivada’s business model. “We are just a wholesaler. We need the right partners who have tier-one experience, customer relationships, and value-added services to deliver an overall powerful solution,” he explained.

The panel discussion provided a comprehensive overview of the evolving hybrid networking landscape. Advances in satellite technology, AI-driven automation, and standardisation efforts are driving deeper integration between satellite and fibre networks.

While satellite was traditionally seen as a backup, it is now a key component in resilient hybrid architectures. The panel at Capacity Middle East underscored that the future of networking will be shaped by strategic partnerships, innovative technologies, and a commitment to ensuring seamless, reliable connectivity across diverse infrastructures.