What's the best way to compare satellite communication systems providers?

It is not easy to design a custom satellite solution from ground zero. Many satellite service providers (including satellite operators) are adopting to a managed-service approach to simplify the initial requirement gathering stage. This is often leveraging on a shared-service platform with contention by offering a min. Committed Information Rate (CIR) with a burstable Maximum Information Rate (MIR) type of plan in Mbps, a common denomination easy to be understood by the industry. Adopting a managed-service approach also helps in achieving the flexibility you need for the service period, as more and more projects (especially maritime and offshore energy) are scaling down their committed term due to fluctuation in demands.

It is important to assess a provider not just on the solution and price, but also their capabilities in supporting any post-sales service-related issues and maintenance. A bad service is often the result of poor support and lack of skillset in providing the necessary troubleshooting to resolve the issue.

You are correct. It is crucial to assess a provider based on their solution, price, and capabilities in supporting post-sales service-related issues and maintenance, meaning that evaluating a provider and its local partner on these criteria is a comprehensive approach to ensure that you make informed decisions, receive adequate support, and minimize the risk of encountering issues or disruptions that can negatively impact your business. It's a proactive strategy to safeguard your investments and achieve your desired outcomes.

The approach you've described for comparing providers after researching them is practical and highly effective in making informed decisions. Based on my opinion, here are some critical points: Structured Comparison, Objective Assessment, Prioritization, Avoiding Bias, Considering trade-offs, and Risk Assessment. Incorporating these practices into your provider evaluation process ensures you're making choices based on a thorough and rational analysis of the available options. It helps minimize the chances of making a decision that may later lead to regrets or unforeseen challenges. Ultimately, this approach enhances your ability to select the provider that best aligns with your organizational goals and needs.

Coverage, Latency, Bandwidth, On-Demand Data Rate. Other criteria must be considered depending on the GEO / MEO / LEO-based architectures.

Generic High-Level Steps Depend upon various factors. Define the Objective [ Service ] Benchmark Between the Satellite Service Providers Audit Network Architecture Resiliency, Redundancy, Risk, Business Continuity Repeat the benchmark test cases at various geography, at least 5 Km apart. Or at various Beams / Bands, etc. If Applicable, Validate Mobility to ensure Handovers, Service Continuity, etc.