Telecom operators and specifically MNOs use different technologies for backhauling their cellular base stations. Whether it is fiber, microwave or satellite; satellite was always considered as the preferred backhaul solution for rural and isolated sites. The reason for this is evident, either it is not feasible or too expensive to use terrestrial backhaul or whenever rapid deployment is required. In addition, the evolution of mobile networks to LTE/5G that includes small cells deployment makes the use of satellite backhaul even more attractive.

It is also worth mentioning that satellite backhaul has become a preferred solution over the last years because of the capacity cost reduction from High-Throughput-Satellites (HTS) now in orbit, Satcom equipment cost reduction and efficiency improvements.