Satellite connectivity sees growth with new operators in 2024
The latest quarterly NTN tracker from GSMA Intelligence highlights advancements in satellite connectivity during the last quarter of 2024.
The report notes a significant uptick in satellite developments, with eight more operators entering the satellite space. This brings the total number of operators involved to nearly 100, covering approximately 70% of the mobile connections base. The increased satellite capacity available across orbits is aiding operators in predicting the timeline for transitioning partnerships into commercial services. GSMA Intelligence anticipates a surge in commercial service launches from 2025 onwards.
The focus on satellite technology is largely driven by the need to connect individuals in previously uncovered areas and to enhance coverage for ubiquitous roaming. This interest is economically justified as consumers represent 65–70% of the possible revenue base that operators can reach via satellite technology. The progress reflects both a greater number of satellites in orbit and positive feedback from consumers and enterprise clients on the likelihood of adopting satellite services.
Enterprise perception of satellite technology has undergone a dramatic shift, with nearly 45% of surveyed enterprises now viewing satellites as crucial to their digital transformation plans. This is a significant increase from two years ago when only about 20% of enterprises held this view. The automotive sector shows particular optimism regarding the expanding proportion of vehicles featuring built-in connectivity. According to GSMA Intelligence, up to 2–3 billion IoT devices could potentially be serviced using satellite connectivity.
The rising interest in satellite technology among various industries is attributed not only to the promise of complete geographic coverage but also to the more extensive telco-satellite distribution channels now available. Additionally, significant reductions in service costs and increasing evidence from early adopters underscore the potential for positive returns on investment.
GSMA Intelligence offers a range of industry insights, forecasts and research that is used around the world. The company's insights cover every mobile operator, network and MVNO in every country worldwide – from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. Its team of analysts and experts use their deep understanding of markets, technologies and regulatory issues to identify and understand mobile trends, and form captivating analysis on the topics shaping the mobile industry.
