In the last few years there has been a surge of new telecom satellite operators, notably in emerging countries that realize the need to count on their own satellite communications infrastructure. GMV has contributed to the deployment of numerous ground segments from scratch, and in the process we have obtained first-hand experience on the commonalities together with many differences found in this kind of projects with respect to more classic scenarios. In this paper we review in detail the lessons learnt using the comparison between the ground segments for two new telecom satellite operators built on top of GMV products for satellite monitoring and control as storyline. These two projects have been selected as even though the two of them are examples of ground segments build from scratch, they are very dissimilar in their conception. Aspects such as whether to subcontract the actual operations, whether to retain the IPS over the ground segment software, whether to deploy subcontracted by satellite manufacturer and/or with the help of a consultant company or whether to use physical or virtualized infrastructure are some among the traits that will be covered. Challenges such as building the actual facilities, defining the CONOPS or establishing appropriate IT and security policies are exacerbated in developing countries; activities such as the training or the support to operations shall be thus strengthened.
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