This Plum paper considers the importance of the 28 GHz band (27.5-29.5 GHz) for satellite use in Asia Pacific. Next-generation high throughput satellite (HTS) systems are capable of delivering gigabit connectivity and the 28 GHz band is a key enabler to achieving this. For emerging Asian markets satellite deployments in the Ka-band can contribute to significant economic benefits through:

• Broadband connectivity for unserved areas and communities,
• Improvements in broadband service quality for underserved locations,
• Wider choice of broadband and pricing options,
• New applications and connectivity services for expanding market segments, such as land, aeronautical and maritime transport routes, through earth stations in motion (ESIM).

The provision of high-speed broadband connectivity via satellite to unserved regions in the Asia Pacific region can contribute up to US$121.5 billion in GDP growth per annum by 2030. The study also estimates the economic impacts for major Asia markets – India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Viet Nam. For policymakers and regulators, it is important to carefully assess the requirements of satellite and IMT in deciding on the future allocation of the 28 GHz band. This will need to consider the level of broadband infrastructure, the needs of those in unserved and underserved regions, emerging satellite fixed and mobile applications in other industry sectors such as aeronautical and maritime, and the associated economic value and trade-offs involved.