## 1 Introduction  
The global societal development trends have shown an unprecedented change in the manner mobile and wireless communication systems are have been used in the recent years [1; 2]. It has been predicted by the Mobile and wireless communications Enablers for Twenty-twenty (2020) Information Society (METIS) project, that by 2020, global mobile traffic alone will increase by 33 times that of the 2010 traffic [1]. In addition to the huge number of human mobile devices, the Internet of Things (IoTs) will dominate the endless list of massive wireless devices. In order to transmit the flood of data traffic with a high level of mobility, such mobile devices will require not only more efficient Radio Access Technologies but ones that will be pervasive [1; 3]. Hence, the need for future wireless communication systems to implement the visions of the fifth generation (5G) Radio Access Network (RAN) systems. No doubt, the 5G targets [4; 5; 6] are hugely challenging to fulfil. Hence, several key enabling technologies will be needed in order to meet up with the 5G requirements [7; 8; 9; 10; 11; 12; 13]. However, due to these sets of distinct technologies of the 5G RAN networks [14], the usual Radio Interference Resource Management (RIRM) schemes for 4G RANs such as the spectrum management, resource allocation, packet scheduling, handover control, user offloading, power control, and cell association will not be deemed efficient and effective enough for a 5G RAN [15; 16]. Also, recent studies estimate that approximately 4 billion people still lack access to internet [17]. The economic and technical viabilities of the implementation of terrestrial global coverage remains infeasible not only due to rural and remote areas but also passengers on high-speed trains, speed boats or aircrafts. Hence, the need for the satellite segment to complement the terrestrial network infrastructure in the envisaged 5G communication systems cannot be over emphasized in order to address the limitations of the terrestrial network infrastructure. The satellite components will also be able to support new machine-type communications-based applications and the new 5G system is expected to accommodate diverse RANs to operate together, including satellites [18]. It is also envisaged that the satellite systems can support all the use case scenarios that the terrestrial counterparts will be able to provide [19]. It is indeed well recognized that one of the directions in the evolution of the 5G is towards the concept of Internet of Things (IoT) and it is the concept of smart objects that drives the implementation of this new paradigm [20]. No doubt, the satellite communications systems have the potential to play a crucial role in this 5G framework for different reasons. Firstly, smart objects are often located over a wide geographical area, remote or inaccessible. This scenario of IoT is referred to as the Internet of (Remote) Things (IoRT). In the IoRT scenario, satellite communication systems provide a more cost-effective solution with respect to other terrestrial technologies. Secondly, several IoT and Machine-to-Machine (M2M) applications use group-based communications that allow smart objects to be grouped according to the information they receive, and task performed. In this kind of scenario, the volume of data to be transmitted in the network can be optimized when the same message is to be transmitted to the IoT/M2M devices. By exploiting the broadcast, multicast or geocast transmission capabilities of satellite systems, this kind of application can naturally be supported. Lastly, in critical applications, such as smart grid, utilities etc. where network availability is crucial within reasonable cost, an alternate or redundant connection is required. The satellite system remains a viable solution in this regard, as terrestrial redundant connections are prone to severe disruptions on the ground. In fact, IoT/M2M communication via satellite air interface is a reality and represents a great opportunity for the satellite industry [21].