Service definition in the integrated satellite UMTS environment

The service provision in a future system where satellite is integrated in UMTS (universal mobile telecommunication system) is studied and the basic service constraints introduced by the satellite component are analysed. A review of MSS (mobile satellite services) is presented, focusing on services aspects. It is followed by a description of the UMTS service definition framework. This methodology has to be applied, with the necessary modifications, to services provided by satellites in the S-UMTS (integrated satellite-UMTS) environment, to reach a high degree of integration between UMTS (terrestrial) and S-UMTS and to allow re-usability of terrestrial service concepts and components. An analysis of S-UMTS concerning operating environments, scenarios and satellite influence on service parameters values is developed. Stress is made on the two critical limitations of the system: delay and power constraints. Conclusions are presented on the feasibility of service provision in the integrated environment. A table is included that summarises the results obtained on service requirements and the capability of service provision in S-UMTS.